During the entire month of November, local organizations and community members are invited to participate in the first-ever Make Your Move for Men’s Health challenge.
Spearheaded locally by Blue Zones Project, Klamath Basin Behavioral Health, Sky Lakes Cancer Treatment Center, and Rudius Quest Coaching, the month-long campaign aims to increase awareness of men’s health in the area of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
“We’re hoping to create a culture shift in Klamath Falls,” says Kendra Santiago, PR and Marketing Manager for Blue Zones Project – Klamath Falls. “Cancer prevention and mental health are important topics, but we also want to see the men in our community empowered to discuss and advocate for their own health.”
Community members – men and women alike – can join the challenge on www.Movember.com by joining the “Make Your Move for Men’s Health – Klamath Falls” challenge. During the month, people are encouraged to grow a mustache, walk or run 60 miles in 30 days, or host an event to increase awareness.
Alongside the community, all-male teams from 173rd Fighter Wing, Klamath Falls City Police, Klamath County Fire District #1, and Oregon Department of Forestry will be competing in a separate Strut Your Stuff challenge, with teams taking on the fitness tests that their staff members are required to complete.
These tests will vary from a 3-mile hike with 45 lb. pack, to a modified Firefighter Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). “We see this as yet another way our community is making a stand for well-being. It should be a lot of fun, with some spirited camaraderie”, says Lieutenant Jack Daniel, with Klamath Falls Police Department.
On December 4, at 5:30 pm, Mia & Pia’s Pizzeria & Brewhouse is hosting a celebration to wrap things up. Those who participated in the community challenge will be eligible for awards and prizes. Terrance Hunter with Sammy’s Parlor will be the local celebrity guest judge and will name winners for the best mustache in several categories.
For more information about the event, visit the Facebook page: Make Your Move for Men’s Health – Klamath Falls. Questions may also be directed to the Blue Zones Project office at BlueZonesProject@HealthyKlamath.org or 541-359-2802.
About Blue Zones Project
Blue Zones Project® is a community-led well-being improvement initiative designed to make healthy choices easier through permanent changes to a city’s environment, policy, and social networks. Established in 2010, the Blue Zones Project is based on research by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Fellow and New York Times best-selling author who identified five cultures of the world—or blue zones —with the highest concentration of people living to 100 years or older. Blue Zones Project incorporates Buettner’s findings and works with cities to implement policies and programs that will move a community toward optimal health and well-being. Currently, 50 communities across North America have joined the Blue Zones Project, impacting more than 3.4 million citizens. The population health solution includes two Health Districts in California; 15 cities in Iowa; Albert Lea, Minnesota; the city of Fort Worth, Texas; Corry, Pennsylvania; Airdrie, Alberta; Brevard, North Carolina; and communities in Southwest Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Blue Zones Project is a partnership between Blue Zones, LLC, and Sharecare, Inc.
For more information, visit bluezonesproject.com.
Klamath Falls is Oregon’s first Blue Zones Project Demonstration Community. To learn more about the Blue Zones Project, contact the Blue Zones Project team in Klamath Falls at BlueZonesProject@healthyklamath.org, or visit www.healthyklamath.org/bluezones.