16980 Kercheval Ave • McCourt Building • Grosse Pointe, MI 48230 • 313.882.6900 • Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Jody McVeigh
Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, obesity and arthritis affect the overall quality of life, not to mention the work and family life, of nearly 50 percent of Americans. These “diseases of lifestyle” can be prevented or reversed through the promotion of healthy lifestyles — a national health priority and top priority at Beaumont Health.As such, Beaumont Health and Healthy Grosse Pointe & Harper Woods are launching The Blue Zones Challenge, a hybrid book club that incorporates virtual and in-person meetings to explore health and well-being using the book, “The Blue Zones Challenge,” by Dan Buettner.
“I really love the idea of the book club right now as we are emerging from the pandemic and reconnecting to others,” said Suzy Berschback, a Healthy Communities manager with Beaumont Health. “Our hope is to share these established strategies and foster dialogue and support for those on their health journey.”
Group sessions will take place in person and via Zoom, and are led by Brooke Elizabeth, a member of Safe Routes to Health AmeriCorps at the Michigan Fitness Foundation, serving with Beaumont Healthy Communities.
Each meeting will cover a topic in the book and includes discussion mixed with tips and resources.
Topics range from downshifting and moving naturally to discussions about plant-based diets and wine.
“In four months, participants will create SMART goals (an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) that are in line with the reading,” Berschback said, noting participants need not attend every session. “There will be nine opportunities — four in person and five virtual meet-ups — to discuss components of the reading, personal challenges and encouragements to keep reaching for a better, healthier, less stressed lifestyle.
“This book club is tailored to allow each participant to start just as they are, come when they can and explore a healthier lifestyle,” she added.
Sessions take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. select Sundays, April 3 to July 31. In-person sessions meet at Detroit Abloom, 248 Manistique, Detroit.
A Facebook page also will be used throughout the program as a platform to further discuss topics, share ideas, interact and provide resources to participants.
Ages 21 and older are welcome to attend.
There is no cost for the meetings or to join the group; however, participants will need to either borrow or purchase the book, “The Blue Zones Challenge.”
“Our mission is to equip participants with tools and resources to build a healthier lifestyle that will assist in improving their places and spaces that they spend the most of their time,” Berschback said. “It may even help spur community health improvements.”
For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/ahealthieryoubluezoneschallenge or email Brooke Elizabeth at [email protected].
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