South Bay Getting Healthier

South Bay residents are becoming increasingly healthier according to a new study released Wednesday during the Beach Cities Health District board meeting. The new found improvements are being touted as an indication that the Blue Zones Project – a community health initiative launched in 2010 – is gaining momentum in its goal to make the beach cities a healthier and happier place to live, work and play. The study found that beach cities residents have shown an overall well being increase since 2010 and are now smoking less, working out more and eating healthier than they were two years ago. Since the Blue Zones project began in Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beach, organizers said they have been successful in influencing city governments, restaurants, schools and businesses to adopt healthier practices. While many indications of well being are increasing, the beach cities still have a big area to improve upon – stress. About 47 percent of beach cities adults reported carrying significant stress on any given day compared to the national average of 40 percent.