New research concludes that socioeconomic disparities continue to contribute to lower life expectancy in Ypsi, particularly for residents of color.

By Lee Van Roth, July 28, 2026

Washtenaw Optimal Wellness is proud to partner with local businesses and community organizations to bring you ‘Walk With Friends’, a community event and an opportunity to meet other like-minded folks and get some exercise and Vitamin D.

We will meet at Ypsi Marketing and Print Company, 105 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, EVERY SATURDAY from May 31st through September 27th. We will meet at 8:30 am and walk Riverside Park as a group.

Please be sure to sign in at Ypsi Marketing and Print to get snacks, water, a free t-shirt, and free tokens to the Ypsi Farmers Marketplace.

NEWS: Childhood Obesity Dropped 68% in Beach Cities Blue Zones Project While National Numbers Rise

In 2007, 1 in 5 Redondo Beach elementary school students were obese, higher than both Los Angeles County and national numbers.  Redondo Beach Unified School District started initiatives to tackle the childhood obesity crisis and looked for innovations to help. In 2010, the Beach Cities Health District was selected as a Blue Zones Project^® demonstration site, resulting in community-wide efforts to make the healthy choice the easy choice through semi-permanent and permanent changes to the environment. Over the course of 12 years and with the help of BCHD, LiveWell Kids, Blue Zones Project, local organizations, and community participation, the obesity rate in the school district has continued to drop steadily. A recent case study declared that obesity has plunged to just 6.4% in Redondo Beach elementary schools in 2019—a 68% drop since 2007, while the national average has risen from 16% to 18% over the same period.

Click to read more from the official press release: https://www.bluezones.com/2020/07/news-childhood-obesity-dropped-68-in-beach-cities-blue-zones-project-while-national-numbers-rise/

In a recent press release, Barry Community Foundation announced:

The Barry Community Foundation and other local leaders have joined forces with Blue Zones to begin a countywide well-being transformation in Barry County, Michigan through the Blue Zones Activate program. Blue Zones uses scientifically proven lessons of longevity, health, and happiness to boost the well-being of entire communities. Barry County is proud to be the first community in Michigan to partner with this innovative approach to increase community health and wellness.

Read the full press release here: https://www.prweb.com/releases/blue_zones_and_barry_community_foundation_launch_groundbreaking_countywide_transformation/prweb16600972.htm

By optimizing the places where people spend most of their time, Blue Zones Activate helps communities with policy initiatives to create environments where healthy choices are easier and accessible to everyone. As a result, people can live longer and better, and communities can lower healthcare costs, improve productivity, and boost their city’s national recognition as a great place to live, work, and play.

For more information on Blue Zones Activate or to learn how to get involved, visit bluezones.com/activate-barry-county.