“NEWS YOU CAN USE” FROM OUR PARISH NURSE, MALI BOD

I have just read a great book and would like to share some of its wisdom with you. The book is called “The Blue Zone” written by Dan Buettner. The author studied centenarians in Costa Rica, Okinawa, Loma Linda, and Sardinia to try to understand the common threads that enabled them to live so long and well. He distilled all that information into 9 lessons to help “stack the deck” in your favor to live longer and healthier.

The Power Nine covers the following life domains:
1. What to DO to optimize your lifestyle for a longer, healthier life
2. How to THINK
3. How to EAT
4. How to build SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS that support your good habits
Lesson 1: Move Naturally Be Active Without Having To Think About It
Lesson 2: Hara Hachi Bu Painlessly Cut Calories By 20 Percent/ Eat until 80% full
Lesson 3: Plant Slant Avoid Meat and Processed Foods
Lesson 4: Grapes Of Life Drink Red Wine (in moderation)
Lesson 5: Purpose Now Take Time To See The Big Picture
Lesson 6: Down Shift Take Time To Relieve Stress
Lesson 7: Belong Participate In A Spiritual Community
Lesson 8: Loved Ones First Make Family A Priority
Lesson 9: Right Tribe Be Surrounded By Those Who Share

Blue Zone Values
TIPS:
1. Pick the “low hanging fruit” – the easiest first. A new habit could be formed in 5-12 weeks so don’t get discouraged.
2. Don’t try more than 3 lessons at a time and then gradually add more as a pattern of success emerges.
3. Enlist a friend or family member in your program.
4. Reward yourself, don’t focus on slip-ups but on small victories and then celebrate them!

For more information, visit www.bluezone.com or get the book from the library and check out the Wellness Bulletin Board.