Loma Linda Holds Health Conference

LOMA LINDA>> Hundreds of visitors attended the Healthy People in Healthy Communities Conference earlier this month at the Loma Linda University School of Health. The Health center also hosted its First Annual Symposium on Blue Zone Science and Health, with discussion panelist Dan Buettner, founder of the Blue Zones Project and National Geographic Fellow, and other blue zone research specialist teams, who released key relational factors to the longevity of the human life. Visitors were able to learn and examine key notes that explained just how to live longer, based on Blue Zones - particular areas where people live longer in other parts of the world - research findings. These particular areas of study include: the Italian island of Sardinia; Okinawa, Japan; Costa Rica's isolated Nicoya Peninsula; Ikaria, an isolated Greek island; and Loma Linda, California. The research teams, whose districts include: Michel Poulan, PhD, Sardinia blue zone area, AKEA study; Christodoublous Stafanidis, MD, Ikaria blue zone area, IKARIA study; Makoto Suzuki MD, PhD Okinawa blue zone area, Okinawa Centenarian Study; Luis Rosero-Bixby, Nicoya blue zone area, Estudio de Longevidad y Envejecimiento Saludable; and Gary Fraser, Loma Linda, California blue zone area, Adventist Health Study, presented research findings from their respective areas. Based on Buettner and his researchers, several favorable conditions were considered every time. The findings concluded that people must move naturally, every day as a daily routine. In other parts of the country, such as Italy, many of these people rely on gardening as an activity for their sources of food. Quite often, this is more proficient then going to the gym for 30 minutes every day. People must also find some down time, even though life is stressful. By simply taking a nap, or reading a book, the idea of making time for oneself by relaxing is the idea to longevity. Also, to live life with a purpose. "The Okinawans call it 'Ikagi,' while the Nicoyans call it 'plan de vida.' Essentially, know why you wake up every morning — this is worth seven extra years of life expectancy," Buettner said. Another element to longevity is incorporating more plant based foods into balanced diets. Buettner said the idea may seem repetitive but crucial. Portion control is another contributing factor to longevity that correlates with the idea of a healthy diet. "In a few simple words, 'Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper;' and stop eating before you’re too full," Buetter said. Longevity is also based on the idea of loving others first, Buetter said. This will encourage you to stabilize your health and wellness for your loved ones. Faith also plays a favorable factor, as this may add years to life expectancy by believing in a higher power, by maintaining a belief. Lastly, according to Buettner, social behaviors should be moderated and should be defined through your well-being. By surrounding yourself with positive people, the longevity of life could increase as opposed to someone who suffers from depression. "While longevity is heavily dependent upon one’s genetic makeup, the average person can increase his or her life expectancy by 10-12 years by adapting the blue zone lifestyle", states Buettner.