For eight weeks, between March 28 and May 22, a group of seven KKV staff, Uyanga Batzogs & Erdenechimeg Begzsuren from Accounting; Toni Agustin, Margarette Pagsisihan & Mary Jane Antonio from Medical; and Brandy Shima & Kiara Arakawa-Taum from Pharmacy, worked together on an online global staff “wellness challenge” hosted locally by the Hawaii Primary Care Association. KKV’s Global Adventurers competed against six health centers with a total of 15 teams and over 120 participants. Our team had a lot of fun, felt healthier, and placed 5th overall!

The Challenge for each team was to earn the highest number of “Wellable” Points while virtually visiting Blue Zones® regions around the globe that are known to have the healthiest, longest-living populations. Blue Zone communities shown to possess common lifestyle characteristics such as Routine, Natural Movement; High Quality Nutrition; Meaningful Relationships With Family & Friends; and a Strong Sense Of Purpose In Life.

Global Adventurers went on hikes together, texted and called each other regularly to offer encouragement and share photos. The medical staff came to work early to do exercises together. Points were added for physical activity, eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, drinking 8 glasses of water per day, learning about health and wellness, meditation, not consuming sugary beverages, sleeping a minimum of 7 hours a night, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and volunteering. The team also participated in monthly webinars.