BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Kern Health Systems is Bakersfield’s first business to earn the Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite.
Blue Zones are designed to implement permanent changes within the community to promote a healthier lifestyle.
The Blue Zone Project is a national organization modeled after world regions with the highest life expectancy.
These regions include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California.
Since getting approved as a Blue Zone Worksite, Kern Health Systems plans to instill many wellness practices, including: healthy vending options, an employee garden, and a metered walking path.
Currently, Kern Health Systems employees can use the fit room, which allows employees to use exercise bikes while handling workplace tasks.
On November 2nd, Kern Health Systems celebrated their Blue Zone accomplishment onsite where Bakersfield mayor Karen Goh further emphasized its importance “This is not about some little diet where you have to eat really boring terrible stuff. This is about improving us all the way around. Body, mind, and spirit” Goh said. “It’s that wonderful challenge where we as a community become committed to living better.”
At the celebration, lunch from Sequoia Sandwich Company was provided, which is Bakersfield’s first restaurant chain approved as a Blue Zone. To learn more about Blue Zones in Bakersfield visit their website here.
