Blue Zones Project Results: Spencer, IA

After launching Blue Zones Project, Spencer, Iowa saw

  • 11% improvement in fruit and vegetable consumption.
  • Workers’ healthcare claims reduced by 20%.
  • Metabolic syndrome risk factors fell from 43% to 13% at the Spencer Hospital.
  • From 2010-2015, according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, Iowa outpaced the nation in overall well-being, improving twice the rate of the national average.
  • More than 50% of community believes Blue Zones Project helped create a positive impact.
  • 84 Iowa communities submitted interest, an elite 15 were chosen.
  • 520,000 lives impacted by environmental changes designed to help people move naturally, eat wisely, develop the right outlook, and connect with others.
  • 520,000 lives impacted by environmental changes designed to help people move naturally, eat wisely, develop the right outlook, and connect with others.
  • 430,000+ actions taken by individuals to improve well-being for themselves, their families, and friends.
  • 610 worksites, schools, grocery stores, and restaurants achieved Blue Zones Project designation.
  • 180,245 total feet of bike lanes, trails, and sidewalks built to encourage people to move naturally.
  • 142 Walking School Bus routes created to encourage students to move naturally.
  • All 15 communities passed new Complete Streets policies to enable safe access for all users.
  • In 2014, more than 25% of elementary students in Spencer, Iowa moved naturally to and from school.
  • 60% of Spencer, Iowa’s public schools are Blue Zone Schools and 67% of its grocery stores are Blue Zones Grocery Stores.

Media Valuation

  • Media mentions at $6,970,397 advertising equivalency
  • 3.6B total reach
  • 99% positive or neutral coverage
  • 4,222 mentions

 

 

“In an age when poor health seems so intractable, you’ve taken this community from a place of resignation to a place of hope.”
Dr. Vivek Murthy

U.S. Surgeon General after his orientation to the Blue Zones Project in the Beach Cities, California

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