In a joint effort for community wellness, Anthem and Mercy joined CoxHealth in bringing National Geographic explorer and author of "The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest" Dan Buettner to Springfield!
Buettner told the Get Connected to a Healthy Community audience that longevity is about 20 percent genetic and about 80 percent lifestyle and environment. In his work with Blue Zones, he and a team of researchers have found that communities can make environmental changes that can support healthy lifestyles.
“In the areas we’ve studied, longevity happened because people live in environments that nudge them toward moving a little bit more, eating a little bit less, staying engaged, and having a sense of purpose,” Buettner says.
In communities that have achieved health improvements, leaders have focused on changes such as: creating walkable spaces; keeping parks clean and vibrant; and making fruit and vegetables available and affordable.
“You optimize the environment by making the active and healthy options the easiest options,” he says.
That message of change was a major driver behind bringing Buettner to Springfield. Brian Williams, vice president, chief business development at CoxHealth, says, “We believe Dan’s visit will help Springfield begin this conversation and set us on the road to the Blue Zones way of life.”
Check out Dan's interview with Paul Adler at KY3.
For more information about how you can get involved visit our website at www.coxhealth.com/getconnected!
