Summer 2022

101 We l l ness Blue Zones Project Monterey County Cul t ivates a Back-to-Bas ics Approach to Heal th B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S W hen Victor Rey volunteered to lead a weekly walking group through Blue Zones Project Monterey County, the Salinas resi- dent expected to see physical benefits. However, his family’s walking “moai”—an Okinawan term for groups that meet for a common purpose—also introduced new friends and sparked wider lifestyle changes. “It definitely helped us connect with like-minded folks, virtually during the pandemic and now again in person,” says Rey, a greenhouse opera- tions manager at Iron Ox in Gilroy and the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS) board president. “Our kids’ elementary school was also one of the first Blue Zones-approved schools.They’ve got a community garden, a parent walking group, healthy eating workshops and other activities.We’ve been trying to instill those lessons at home, and it’s great to not do that in a vacuum.” Inspired by Dan Buettner’s 2008 book about five global locations where people live long, healthy lives, the Blue Zones Project encourages healthier lifestyles and communities. From walking moais to beach clean- ups to cooking classes to tobacco prevention programs, the community- led well-being initiative offers free and simple ways to get active, eat wise- ly, strengthen friendships and tap into one’s true purpose. “Blue Zones makes healthy choices easier,” says Rey. “You sign up for one walk or one park cleanup, and after that, it’s up to you. You're not committing to a drastic life overhaul, unless that’s what you want.” 114 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 2