Blue Zones

Lifestyle and health are tied together. Physical, psychological, and social factors are highly related to our overall well-being. An interesting research project has identified several areas of the world where health expectancy exceeds 90 to 100 years at consistent rates. A few of these areas are the mountainous Barbagia region of Sardinia off the coast of Italy, the Japanese Island of Okinawa, and the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica.

Researchers have identified several health variables that are consistent across these areas that might be the cause of their high life expectancies. These variables are-

Close family and social networks that are active and integrated in the community
No smoking
Constant moderate physical activity (such as agriculture work)
Plant-based diet

Overall, these close-knit communities have low-stress lifestyles, healthy diets, and positive social relationships.

ABC News wrote an article about Blue Zones earlier this year. The article can be found here.

This is a video of a CNN segment on Blue Zones-

Grrr

From students to employers -- everyone experiences stress (including bloggers). Stress comes in different forms, whether physical, psychological, or social. Psychological researchers, Holmes and Rahe, produced a list of major stressors. Their list represents the most significant sources of stress in an average person's life. The most stressful event is the death of a spouse/significant other. Other stressors include personal injury, financial struggles, retirement, and moving to a new residence. Physical stressors include noise stress, which some people might experience regularly in certain work conditions or living in dense urban neighborhoods.

While stress is common, we can experience significant health consequences to prolonged stress. Studies have shown that stress weakens our immune system leading us more susceptible to diseases. Stress can also increase our heart rate and blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Chronic stress worsens these conditions. Stress has also been correlated with higher rates of coronary heart disease.

Additionally, stress can motivate individuals to engage in behaviors that are unhealthy. One study showed that individuals are more likely to drink alcoholic beverages and smoke in response to increased stress. Trouble sleeping/lack of sleep is another health consequence of stress.

Our physical and mental well-being is affected by stress. Stressful lifestyles can worsen our health and also lead to unhealthy behaviors. Learning to reduce daily stress is important for our health. Some health professionals consider stress to be America's #1 health problem. The American Institute of Stress lists some ways to help you reduce stress in your life.

Flu Vaccinations

Flu season is approaching. According to the White House, influenza "results in approximately 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations each year." The flu vaccine is developed and administered each year to increase a population's immunity to influenza. According to the CDC, "influenza vaccination is the primary method for preventing influenza and its severe complications."

To make it easier for residents to get vaccinated, Sarasota will have 15 drive thru flu shot clinics with the first one on September 27th at The Tabernacle Community Church. More information can be found here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has important information about the seasonal flu vaccine at their web site.

Computers Are Public Health

Computers -- the beautiful things that connect you to the world -- are related to public health in a variety of ways.

Access to computers and the internet can increase the quality of health information and care people receive. Online health resources can improve “the quality of individual health-related decisions” by making health information more accessible, according to researchers. These resources “may lead to better clinical decisions and efficient use of limited health care resources.” Additionally, online health communities provide more ways for health professionals to communicate with the public. Health forums are becoming increasingly popular as a source of public health information. Online resources can also keep the public up-to-date on health events in their communities.

However, computer use can also affect your health. Studies have shown that computer use has increased among children and teenagers. According to one study, children spend 75.5% of their day inactive (in front of a computer, tv, or homework). In comparison, children only spend 1.4% of their day doing vigorous activity. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and poor social relationships. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started a campaign to get kids active and healthy. Information on the campaign, titled VERB, can be found here.

"Stuff" Is Public Health

Go to the mall, and you'll see plenty of "stuff" that is public health. Annie Leopard, an environmental health expert, produced a clear and interesting documentary on...stuff. Annie shows the environmental health concerns related to the extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and disposal of products in an informative and entertaining web video. From the shoes we wear to the computers we purchase, Annie explores how all products are connected to public health.

Annie's documentary and web site can be found at www.storyofstuff.com

Health In Motion

Sarasota has increased access to health care services through its Health in Motion mobile medical unit. The unit provides health services to underserved areas of Sarasota. You can learn more by visiting the Sarasota County Health Department's Health In Motion web page.

The September schedule for Health in Motion can be found here.

Location, Location, Location

When people think "health" they often think of germs, diseases, and medicine. Sure, I'd be healthier if I stay far away from my roommate when he is sick and wash my hands correctly and frequently. But, health, especially public health, goes much further than focusing on illnesses. Real estate agents know best when they say everything is "location, location, location."

Location influences the health of communities in several ways. An obvious and important factor of community health is access to health care services. Many locations, especially poorer communities, have fewer physicians than affluent communities. Access to basic health services is associated with positive health outcomes. However, access to health services differs across communities. Distance and transportation can make it more difficult for some community members to reach health services. Some cities take access to health services into consideration when developing public transportation routes. Some cities add routes between health facilities and communities with fewer health resources to increase access to health care.

Certain locations contain negative health factors. Dense urban environments can have higher noise stress and pollution. Water quality, crime rate, and the availability of outdoor recreation space differs across communities.

Additionally, geographic location can make some communities more or less vulnerable to natural disasters. Some neighborhoods in New Orleans are located below sea level. When Hurricane Katrina hit, these neighborhoods were most vulnerable to flooding and experienced widespread destruction.

Furthermore, the environment can affect our psychology. Residents in less crowded neighborhoods with clean streets and better landscaping experience less environmental stress than residents living in more crowded and polluted conditions.

Overall, where you live can significantly affect your mental and physical well-being.