Guest Column by Ellen Kehr and Alice Englin

It’s time to start dreaming about a well-being way of life, picturing the best possible version of our community and ourselves. Imagine an Albert Lea where the healthiest choices are the easiest ones to make. A place where it’s easy and affordable to by fresh produce, work sites and employees thrive, restaurants offer healthy menu options and strong social networks and a sense of purpose are part of our daily lives! Somewhere you can bike and walk safely to work, shops, school and parks! Albert Lea, a community built for healthy, active living — where public policies give people a supportive nudge toward eating better and moving naturally.

Working together and taking an environmental approach to well-being improvement at home, work, school, dining and grocery shopping, we can create real change. These small changes over time will have a big impact on the well being of you and our community for many years. With your support, the Blue Zones Project in Albert Lea and the Freeborn County Statewide Health Improvement Program can help make this dream a reality. We have been working hard to do just that.

So what has been happening? Here are a few highlights.

On Sept. 4, the Blue Zones Project had a very active day. Eighty residents, from all sectors of our community, came together to attend various events and workshops.

A walking audit facilitated by Dan Burden, an internationally recognized authority on livable and sustainable communities, started the day off, and it was a beautiful day for a walk! This was Dan’s second visit to Albert Lea and it provided a great opportunity to showcase the projects that have increased walking and biking opportunities in our community since our involvement in the 2009 Blue Zones pilot project.

A built environment workshop followed and provided a venue for community members to discuss future opportunities that can be considered for our community. At Wedgewood Cove, a food policy and systems workshop was facilitated by Matt Russell, the state food policy project coordinator at Drake University. This workshop provided additional community input and laid the groundwork for opportunities and challenges that can be addressed in our overall food environment.

On Sept. 27, The Children’s Center childcare and preschool staffs were trained in the evidence-based curriculum “Let’s Move! Childcare.” This six-hour training was sponsored by Freeborn County SHIP in partnership with Albert Lea Community Education. The curriculum focuses on physical activity and reduced screen time as well as nutrition and breast feeding.

On Sept. 28, Freeborn County SHIP sponsored a healthy options taste test at the Albert Lea City Arena. We partnered with the Albert Lea Hockey Association during the hockey Early Birds sessions. Kids and parents both had the opportunity to try out some possible healthy options that may be offered at the arena concessions stands including chocolate milk, granola bars and dipping carrots.

On Nov. 5, you are invited to the Blue Zones Project in Albert Lea homecoming celebration! The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Albert Lea High School auditorium. Doors open at 5 p.m. The event is free.

This event will highlight the opportunities available to all residents to transform their well being through engagement in the Blue Zones Project. The event will feature Dan Buettner, National Geographic explorer and best-selling author of “The Blue Zones.”

In 2009, Albert Lea played a critical role in demonstrating that the Blue Zones principles can be translated into tangible well-being improvement across the country. Now, Blue Zones Project is looking forward to expanding this important work and is inviting all citizens to take part. Come celebrate Albert Lea, our well being and our future.

 

Ellen Kehr is the organization lead for the Blue Zones Project in Albert Lea. Alice Englin is the SHIP coordinator for Freeborn County.