My View – September 2024

OUR THEME THIS month is “wellness,” a topic I know we value as a community—one that ranks as a top reason most of us choose to live here. For certain, life in a small town has its pluses and minuses. On the positive side, supporting the quest for good mental and physical health is a major contributor to our quality of life.

As Belita Palu-ay poignantly states in belita’s space on page 4, the natural beauty, climate and walkability, coupled with our sense of community, make this a wonderful place to savor life and truly thrive…and it’s rooted in the desire for wellness.

Our local healthcare providers deserve our thanks for enhancing livability and wellness by choosing to practice here. This month, many of our contributors have dedicated their columns to wellness, offering sound advice on how to maximize living your best life.

On the subject of “best life,” I’m sure most of us have heard of “Blue Zones,”—the towns, villages and cities dotted around the world that have famously managed to buck modern health trends with increased longevity and better health through old age, by adhering to generations-old dietary, exercise and lifestyle choices. While Jacksonville has a way to go before reaching the “blue” level, it’s on its way. I consider it a “green zone,” based on town being ringed by trees, trails, farms and vineyards, with a pro-agriculture, lower density vibe. Our geography enables access to healthier food choices, lifestyle options and more places to get outdoors to exercise our minds and bodies. Living within walking distance to the Jacksonville trail system is nothing short of world-class and contributes immensely to my “green” thesis.

For communities to truly succeed, a sense of community and one’s ability to interact and become involved with others plays a critical role in our overall wellness as a society. For anyone interested in making a difference, Jacksonville’s vast volunteer opportunities are abundant and offer avenues to engage with other like-minded humans. Community involvement is a key component to a healthy society—and a hallmark of Jacksonville’s DNA. (Remember, the “V” in Jacksonville is for Volunteer!)

When you consider all these elements, we’re fortunate to live in a Green Zone and a Small Town with Big Atmosphere.