All Iowa communities can take the first step to becoming Blue Zones Communities! Ten communities that demonstrate the greatest passion, interest and ability to bring their community together will receive assistance from national experts to develop and implement a blueprint for making permanent environment, policy and social network changes that transition people into healthier behaviors. These communities will become demonstration sites and share their learnings with other communities in Iowa who are employing Blue Zones principles. Businesses will also take the lead by transforming their worksites, followed by government, schools and non-profit organizations. The communities will be selected in February 2012.
The progress of the communities will be measured using the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index®, the first-ever daily assessment of U.S. residents’ health and well-being. Data from the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index reveals there is significant opportunity in Iowa for improvement, particularly among healthy behaviors and work environments. The Blue Zones Project will help employers and communities achieve greater well-being, which should lead to lower healthcare costs, higher productivity and increased economic viability. Be on the lookout for more posts on Iowa as the initiative progresses!
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