Karen Baltz Gibbs, Physical Therapist, Personal Trainer, Garage Training & Rehab Gym
I like to find inspiration
in many places, one being on Netflix… I found it in a new series called “Life to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones”. Have you heard of the Blue Zones? Researchers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain in Italy made a map of Italy and placed blue dots in areas of people living to be 100. One of the highest concentrations was in Sardinia, Italy. Since this discovery, Dan Buettner, with National Geographic, has identified multiple places just like Sardinia, Italy. In each zone, they noted 5 areas that aided in living long lives. What surprised me was finding a community in the United States at Loma Linda, California. They all shared some key concepts. These were: Move Naturally, Purpose, Downshift, 80% rule, Plant-Based, Wine at 5, Right Tribe, Loved ones First, and Belong. Each concept made up these healthy communities.
I joined a group this week
I realized how little I knew about my community! I joined the local Sustainable Solutions group. I listened to women of wisdom speak about areas of the community that mattered to them around sustainability. One area we spoke about was community gardens. This has been an area of interest for me. I found a deeper meaning in gardening during the pandemic. Yes, I got into some baking like many people, but I sought meaning and peace in gardening. What I received was even greater. I found it satisfying to feed my family fresh fruits and vegetables and occasionally have enough to share with others. I wanted to do more and be able to grow enough to donate to the food pantry. I did not reach that goal. One of the women in the group told me about St. Michael’s Episcopal Church’s community garden. I called the church and asked questions about the community garden and when I could take part in it. Now I am looking forward to planting in my plot and being able to donate for the first time in 12 years!
Live Inspired,
Karen Baltz Gibbs, PT, DPT, CSCS, CMP, LMT
Phone: 971-719-3162
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