The County of Erie in collaboration with the Erie County Department of Health, Highmark Health, Corry Memorial Hospital an affiliate of LECOM Health, and UPMC have brought the Blue Zones Project to Corry. Blue Zones Project works with the Corry community to create an even better place to live, learn, work, play and worship. 

The Blue Zone Project promotes living healthy lifestyles to communities all over the world. It uses permanent, evidence-based environmental and policy changes to motivate residents to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles. Blue Zones was founded by the multi-talented Dan Buettner. Dan Buettner is an explorer, educator, author, producer, storyteller and public speaker. Also, he is a New York Times-bestselling author. He co-produced an Emmy Award-winning documentary and holds three Guinness records for endurance cycling. This project was also featured in the National Geographic magazine.

The project also promotes living healthy lifestyles by advertising the Power 9 for a Healthy Life and The Blue Zone Personal Checklist. The Power 9 for a Healthy Life encourages you to follow their nine steps to get yourself healthier, both mentally and physically. The nine steps are: 

1. Move Naturally – Walk, bike and be active outside as often as you can.
2. Purpose – Think about what you love to do and how you help others.
3. Downshift – Stop stress by taking time to relax and have quiet time.
4.  Plant Slant – Eat mostly fruits and veggies. (Beans, too!)
5. 80% Rule – Stop eating before you feel 100% full (About 80% full feels good.)
6. Time With Friends – Spend time with friends every day. Share a healthy snack, have a chat or get outside together.
7.  Right Tribe – Help the people you know make healthy choices. They’ll help you, too!
8.  Belong – Get involved in a group that does good in your community.
9. Family First – Share healthy meals, games, and activities with family.

Similarly to these rules, the Blue Zone Personal Checklist states several things that can make your life less stressful. Things on this checklist include keeping a comfortable pair of walking shoes or a bike in plain sight, adopting a dog and designating a space in your home for quiet time, meditation, or prayer.

If you are interested in participating in The Blue Zone Project, email or visit Mrs. Andrzejczak in room 29 to join the Corry Beavers Blue Crew.