Cedar Rapids is one of 58 Iowa communities invited to apply for the Blue Zones Project, which requires that we demonstrate we have communitywide support to transform our community into a place where the healthy choice is the easiest choice.
Help make Cedar Rapids a healthier community by pledging your support for the City's application to the Blue Zones Project. Be sure to include "Cedar Rapids" and one of the local zip codes between 52401 and 52411 when you register.
There is no cost to pledge your support for this initiative - just your promise to make healthy choices.
What is a Blue Zone?
Blue Zones are places in the world where people live healthy, happy lives well into their nineties or even 100s. Dubbed “Blue Zones” by National Geographic researcher Dan Buettner, these longevity hotspots share nine lifestyle habits, known as the Power 9, responsible for their remarkable results.
Why should Cedar Rapids become a Blue Zone Community?
Mayor Corbett wants to help the citizens of Cedar Rapids live happier, healthier, longer lives. Health studies show that Cedar Rapids needs help:
- According to the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 58.9 percent of Cedar Rapids residents are either overweight (33.5 percent) or obese (25.4 percent). In Linn County, 56.4 percent of residents are either overweight (31.8 percent) or obese (24.6 percent).
- Iowa ranks 19 for overall well-being in the 2010 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. While Cedar Rapids ranked seventh for well-being among 188 cities, we ranked 107 for healthy behaviors like diet, physical activity, and tobacco use.
- Iowa ranks 17 in the 2011 America’s Health Rankings, which is two spots lower than 2010. According to the United Health Foundation, there are 675,000 obese adults in Iowa, 204,000 more individuals than 10 years ago.
Why Pledge Your Support for Cedar Rapids?
Ten communities that demonstrate the greatest passion, interest and ability to bring their community together will receive direct support from the Blue Zones Project Team and national experts in transforming into a Blue Zone Community.
How do I get Involved in the Cedar Rapids Blue Zone Project?
- Pledge online! This is the single most important thing we can do to get our community chosen as a Blue Zone. By pledging you’re saying, “I support this initiative.” There’s no other obligation. Ask your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers to pledge too!
- Become a Cedar Rapids Initiative Ambassador: We’re looking for community members who are passionate about happy, healthy living to help us raise public awareness and increase our online pledges. Participants will receive a Blue Zone t-shirt, yard sign, doorknob hangers to distribute, etc.
- “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BlueZoneCedarRapids
- Learn more at the official Blue Zone Cedar Rapids website: www.GetActiveCR.com.
What is the Blue Zones Project?
The Blue Zones Project is a community-by-community movement to improve the well-being of Iowans. The project focuses on permanent environmental and policy changes that will make the healthy choice the easy choice in each community. This project supports Governor Terry Branstad’s Healthiest State Initiative which aims to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation in five years.