Connect: August 16, 2013

Cowboys, Trigeeks and Trailblazers, Oh My

I've been lucky enough to sit through some incredibly interesting presentations by some very renowned experts in the field of population health lately.   It's been both eye-opening and reassuring at times, but to me, the most intriguing theme that just keeps coming up is the critical impact our environment has in shaping our habits.  The research on the topic makes a pretty convincing argument that many of our choices and behaviors are far more automatic (and perhaps even predictable) than we might initially think.....natural responses to the environment we're in.  If, for example, you live in an environment that has easy access to active-pursuits such as safe walking paths or biking lanes, you're far more likely to move regularly (if you've been in Manhattan lately you've seen LOTS of Blue "citi-bikes" that support this). 

Along the same lines, if you live in a neighborhood that has a bustling farmer's market or other sources of low-processed foods readily accessible, you're more likely to add fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true - researchers have shown that if you live in a place that is fast-food dense (high number of fast-food establishments per square mile) or unsafe to walk or ride your bike, you are far more likely to have chronic disease risks including obesity, diabetes and even pain syndromes.  This is also the case when barriers exist to getting fresh food, such as long distances or unsafe travel to local grocers (imagine not having a grocery store in your hometown).  These areas of the country have been called "food deserts", to give the image of a place that is nutrient-barren, and there are more of them than you might think (Google it).  

The long story short?  The population health science has shown that we are in many ways a product of our environment, whether it be good, bad or ugly......and the less we think about it, the more automatic and predictable our resulting behaviors become.  So how can we put this knowledge to work for us and make the odds of success better?  The simple answer is - either work hard to steadily improve the environment where we live, work and play or search out and find a great environment (and get there any time we possibly can). This might mean developing and fostering friendships with people who do healthy and active things, or spending time in places where healthy food is just part of the normal fare; And, of course it means doing everything we can to make sure our loved ones are right there with us.....  

Over the last few years several members of the Pro-Activity team have been testing this tactic.  We've rallied our families and a few courageous clients to seek out and spend some time in active-healthy environments.  It usually starts in the winter months discussing events that meet the criteria of challenging AND fun, but also must be one where active people come together, even for a short time, in a healthy environment.  In a way, it's become an end of summer tradition......a tip of the cap to the active lifestyle.  It started a few years back with the Rock-n-Roll 1/2 Marathon in Virginia Beach, and expanded into a couple of hiking adventures up Mt. Washington, challenging AND fun.....but this year, we decided to up our game a little bit and picked the Timberman Triathlon in Gilford, New Hampshire; a brand-new challenge for many in the group and known for its "festival like atmosphere", where a few thousand folks of all ages and abilities descend on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee (of "What about Bob" fame) for races of multiple distances, from the "Timberkids" races all the way to the "half-ironman", a 70.3 mile event (1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run - back to back to back). 

For some, the tradition acts as a reason to train hard and stay focused all summer; for others it's a new challenge to conquer; and for yet others, it's a chance to reinforce good habits for their kids by modeling healthy behaviors......and although the 2013 event is now history.......the planning for 2014 has already begun.....and will continue well into the winter......leaving you plenty of time to put yourself "in the loop" for the next adventure. And if you want to get a good feel for what's in store....check out all the Facebook and Twitter posts from the weekend....special thanks to all of the awesome supporters out there!

And last, since we know not everyone could pack up and head north for Timberman, we've decided to have a few local events this year as well.  On Friday 8/30 several members of our team will be helping a future Eagle Scout as he builds a walking trail and on 9/1 we'll be celebrating our 15th year in business with an ol' fashion summer BBQ and Hoedown......whether you're good at blazing new trails (literally) or ready to shine up your spurs, pack the family up and mosey on-down to BaseCamp31 to help us celebrate - we're happy to have you as part of our environment......just RSVP here.  Whether you're still searching for that healthy environment, or already working on the one you're in, the 100 days of summer are dwindling fast.....enjoy what's left!