COMM 430 Class Partners with Blue Zones Project to Promote Fitness and Healthy Eating on Campus

UND Communications class partners with Blue Zones project to promote healthy living on campus

In a unique collaboration, a UND communications class led by Emily Gibbens-Buteau teamed up with the Blue Zones Project to bring awareness of healthy living concepts to students on campus. The event, titled “Live by 9 with Blue Zones,” took place at the Memorial Union and featured vendors, free food samples from Crisp & Green, activities, crafts, and giveaways.

The partnership between the COMM 430 class and the Blue Zones Project aimed to introduce UND students to the Power 9 principles of healthy living, inspired by the original Blue Zones communities around the world. These principles include moving naturally, having a sense of purpose, de-stressing daily, and eating a plant-rich diet, among others.

Whitney Miller, the marketing and engagement lead for the Grand Forks chapter of the Blue Zones Project, highlighted the simplicity of incorporating these principles into daily life. By focusing on areas of people, place, and policy, the Power 9 principles can be easily adapted to improve overall well-being.

The event not only aligned with the UND LEADS Strategic Plan’s emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement but also sought to address the lack of awareness about the Blue Zones Project among UND students. By bringing awareness to campus and promoting wellness practices, the COMM 430 class hopes to instill healthy habits in students that align with the mission of the Blue Zones Project.

Overall, the event served as a successful collaboration between academia and community initiatives to promote a culture of health and well-being on the UND campus.