If your kids or grandkids go to Keaau High School, you might have heard of the “well-being superhero” who works there. ADVERTISING If your kids or grandkids go to Keaau High School, you might have heard of the “well-being superhero”
If your kids or grandkids go to Keaau High School, you might have heard of the “well-being superhero” who works there.
Guy Hauanio lost more than 100 pounds after making small changes to begin eating smarter and healthier. Guy, a security guard at the school, learned about the Blue Zones Project during a presentation at work. After hearing about the staggering health improvement possibilities, he was inspired to incorporate a plant-based diet into his life.
It’s not easy to give up local favorites such as laulau and kalua pig, but Guy was determined. He said, “I tried the plant-based diet for 28 days, and it was hard, but once I got through it, I stuck with it and it got easier. Now I am used to it.”
A common misconception about plant-based diets is that you eat less. You actually eat more — more plant-based and nutritious foods. Not only has Guy lost more than 100 pounds since incorporating the Blue Zones Project into his lifestyle, he is completely off of his diabetes medication. He continues to strive for better health and even joined a Blue Zones Project “Walking Moai” at work.
With firsthand experience in the striking results that can be had with small lifestyle changes, Guy has become a champion for the Blue Zones Project at Keaau High. He speaks to the entire school about the benefits of adopting the Blue Zones lifestyle. “I wish I had changed my diet years ago. I have more energy now, I feel super!”
Guy is rightfully proud of his accomplishment and is determined to stick to the changes he made for the rest of his life.
We would love for you to have your own Blue Zones Project story. There are many opportunities for you and your family to participate in every month. If you are just curious about the Blue Zones Project, or you are ready to jump in with both feet, please join us. There are gardening and cooking demos, “purpose workshops” and volunteer opportunities. All of these activities can help you build deeper connections with your neighbors, increase your well-being and help you live longer.
During gardening demos, you learn to start your own garden. Experienced and master gardeners teach you to grow plants and deal with common garden pests. At cooking demos, you learn that healthy food can look and taste great. And when healthy food looks delicious, the better choice is the easy choice.
When you have “purpose,” you live longer, feel happier and are more productive. Purpose workshops help you to discover or rediscover strengths and talents and encourage you to use them daily. Did you know people with purpose live about seven years longer than those who don’t?
Our curated volunteer activities give you a chance to put your talents and skill to use. Volunteering connects you to your community and allows you to leave a piece of your personal legacy with others. Beyond the emotional benefits, volunteering has medical benefits. An increasing body of research shows that volunteering is related to lower mortality rates, increased functional ability and lower rates of depression.
We have several activities for you to participate in during the coming weeks:
• 9:30-11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28, Gardening and cooking demos at Church of the Holy Cross.
• 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sept. 2, Volunteer service day at Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School ( “plant slant” pot luck to follow).
• 9-10:30 a.m. Sept. 9, Purpose workshop at Mountain View Elementary School, Building D.
• 10 a.m.-noon Sept. 9, Gardening and cooking demos at Mountain View Elementary School.
• 9-10:30 a.m. Sept. 29, Cooking demo at Kamana Senior Center.
Please join us in creating a community where “the healthy choice is the easy choice” and telling your own Blue Zones Project stories. For questions about the Blue Zones Project or to register for any of these events, email jade.iokepa@sharecare.com.
Jade M.W. Iokepa is the community engagement lead for the Blue Zones Project, East Hawaii.
Brought to Hawaii through an innovative sponsorship by HMSA in collaboration with Healthways Inc. and Blue Zones LLC, Blue Zones Project is a well-being improvement initiative designed to enable community members to live longer, happier lives with lower rates of chronic diseases and a higher quality of life. To learn more about Blue Zones Project, visit bluezonesproject.com.
This column was prepared by Community First, a nonprofit organization led by KTA’s Barry Taniguchi and supported by a volunteer board of local community leaders. Community First was established in 2014 to help the community respond to the health care cost crisis and support initiatives that change health care from just treating disease, to caring for health. To learn more about Community First, visit CommunityFirstHawaii.org.
