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!<div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Interactive Homework!</div> This interactive assignment is like a text-based videogame: there are links for you to click on throughout the assignment, leading you to new pages with the assignment's information. You will notice a medium-blue sidebar on the left side of the screen. By clicking the white arrow at the top, you can toggle in and out of the sidebar, revealing the assignment's title, author, and certain pages that you can return to. This page is titled "Instructions", and has its own button in case you ever need to read through this page again. Within the assignment, you will find numerous links. Many will be at the end of a page, leading you on to the next part of the assignment. They will be a lighter color than the surrounding text. Some <<linkappend "links">> show you new stuff!<</linkappend>> Other links take you to [[A New Page]]. Make sure to click them all! Now, if you're ready, let's learn about [[Blue Zones]].

And links will take you <<back>>.

<img src = "https://www.brightonhealthandwellbeingcentre.co.uk/_img/image_slider/bluezones.png" style="max-width:100%"> !!<div style="text-align: center;">Blue Zones</div> Blue Zones are areas in which a high percentage of people live longer than the average human. These hotspots are home to many <<linkappend "centenarians">>, or people who live to be one hundred<</linkappend>>. These people not only live for long amounts of time, but have a high quality of life. They can still participate in activities they enjoy, such as walking, gardening, and cooking. For most, old age is an inhibitor when it comes to activities. Blue Zones are challenging the idea that a person's quality of life must decrease as they get older. Perhaps, through further research, we can find a way for all of humanity to enjoy fulfulling lives to the very end. There are five Blue Zones: *Okinawa, Japan *Sardinia, Italy *Icaria, Greece *Loma Linda, California *Nicoya, Costa Rica !!!Today, we will be focusing on [[Okinawa]].

<img src="https://www.hisgo.com/us/destination-japan/up_img/top/fs_1547079253_0.jpg"> !<div style = "text-align: center;"> Okinawa, Japan </div> Okinawa is a prefecture at the south tip of Japan on the Ryukyu Islands. Prefectures are like states or provinces, and the Okinawa prefecture spans over 150 small islands. The prefecture houses about 1.5 million people. The island of Okinawa itself has 1,384,762 people, and Okinawa city is home to roughly 139,279 people. The prefecture's flag is pictured to the left, with its location to the right. <img src = "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Flag_of_Okinawa_Prefecture.svg/640px-Flag_of_Okinawa_Prefecture.svg.png" style="max-width: 50%; height: 347px;"><img src = "https://i.ndtvimg.com/i/2015-10/okinawa_650x400_51444719705.png" style = "max-width: 50%;"> Okinawa has the longest-living women in the world. The people of Okinawa are known for their tight-knit groups called <<linkappend "moai">>, a group of people that stick together throughout life to give each other any necessary financial or emotional support<</linkappend>>. This word literally means "meeting for a common purpose". Okinawans also have a strong sense of <<linkappend "ikigai">>, or "reason for being", that gives people a purpose and feelings of satisfaction or meaning<</linkappend>>. They are active walkers and gardeners. They have little furniture, sitting on tatami mats on the floor. Getting on and off the floor several times a day boosts lower body strength and balance, which protect against falls. <img src ="https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/640x640/https://blogs-images.forbes.com/chrismyers/files/2018/02/ikigai-1.jpg?width=960" style="max-width: 50%;"><img src ="https://www.bluezones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/303664_BlueZonesDailyDiet_02_Okinawa_101618.png" style="max-width: 50%;"> The people of Okinawa have primarily plant-based diets. 90% of their diet is plant-based, with less than 1% being meat, and less than 1% being dairy. Sweet-potatoes make up a large portion of their intake. They also eat foods with a high soy content, and rice is their main grain. This diet of whole plant foods is high in antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. If I were to live in Okinawa, I would be an avid reader and walker. I would also continue writing fiction (my hobby/career of choice) to keep myself busy and create a sense of purpose for myself. As long as I could keep myself occupied with creation -- crafting, weaving, and making music -- I would never truly grow old. !!!Despite not being a Blue Zone, [[Wenatchee, Washington]], has its own champions of health.

<img src = "https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57f56cb7d1758ed0dea942f4/1484337394533-C8G88928HE0U1RCPTKYC/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJ-JJEmTXvuZr52hxCtaDvIUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8N_N4V1vUb5AoIIIbLZhVYwL8IeDg6_3B-BRuF4nNrNcQkVuAT7tdErd0wQFEGFSnJ2nN9FsmhusaWOLucyZvSi8bjxBlyD8aLCQLCtBfQsBo8VATROG-P8UGHiioKAV7Q/Wenatchee-Banner.jpg?format=2500w"> Though Wenatchee isnt' a Blue Zone, there has been talk of making it one. To achieve a Blue Zone, Wenatchee needs companies that actively support the wellness of its citizens. Wenatchee Natural Foods, the Wenatchee Public Library, and the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust are champions of wellbeing in the Wenatchee community. <<actions "Wenatchee Natural Foods" "Wenatchee Public Library" "Chelan-Douglas Land Trust">> Companies aren't enough. People have to take steps towards their own [[Personal Health]]

<img src = "https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/5cb132ab01232c796c37cd8c/1562186634340-6U9LEJ0CBXGRCNUW6MQ0/wnf%2Blogo%2Bgrey.jpg?content-type=image%2Fjpeg"> Wenatchee Natural Foods provides the community with a place to obtain healthy foods and natural remedies for ailments. They carry supplements made from natural ingredients, like Saint John’s Wort, that help treat people for their various problems. Natural remedies can be just as effective as over-the-counter medicines, and to some people, feel like the healthier option. The store has its own fresh produce, and even serves food like smoothies and salads. Their options are fresh, and mostly plant-based, with options for protein. They cater to dietary needs, with vegan and vegetarian foods. <<back>>

<img src = "https://koho101.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/WenatcheeLibraryArtistRendering.jpg"> The Wenatchee Public Library is a wonderful resource for keeping the mind sharp. Reading is known to help build vocabulary and writing skills in children, and keeps adults engaged. The only way to keep the brain sharp is to use it, and reading can be a simple step towards mental wellness. The library contains a vast selection of books for children and adults alike. They host reading challenges and activities, promoting intellect within the community. <<back>>

<img src = "https://www.cdlandtrust.org/sites/default/files/styles/page_banner/public/default_images/whoweare-banner.jpg?itok=TUphSXWu"> The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is dedicated to keeping hiking trails open to the public, promoting exercise. They support the upkeep of places like the Saddlerock trails, the Peshastin Pinnacles, and the Apple Capital Loop Trail. These trails are open to the public, and provide a wonderful way for people to get outdoors. Wenatchee is blessed with natural beauty that the Land Trust ensures we can enjoy. The parks engage people with their surroundings and provide a wonderful place for people to exercise by walking, hiking, and biking while enjoying the views. <<back>>

One thing I can do this year to make myself healthier is to take more "me time". Much of my energy is put towards school and expectations, and not enough is invested in my own wellbeing. This causes fatigue and a general disenchantment with current life. Taking some time to breathe and do the little things that I find joy in will help me feel more grounded and positive. Taking care of my internal needs -- the things that make me happy -- will help to prevent burnout. It will also give me a general sense of contentedness, which may help with mental health and fatigue. You have now reached the end! You can restart by clicking either the Instructions page or the Blue Zones page in the sidebar!

By : Sarah Tibbits

[[Instructions]] [[Blue Zones]]

<img src = "https://www.brightonhealthandwellbeingcentre.co.uk/_img/image_slider/bluezones.png" style="max-width:100%">

Welcome to Interactive Homework!

This interactive assignment is like a text-based videogame: there are links for you to click on throughout the assignment, leading you to new pages with the assignment's information.

You will notice a medium-blue sidebar on the left side of the screen. By clicking the white arrow at the top, you can toggle in and out of the sidebar, revealing the assignment's title, author, and certain pages that you can return to. This page is titled "Instructions", and has its own button in case you ever need to read through this page again.

Within the assignment, you will find numerous links. Many will be at the end of a page, leading you on to the next part of the assignment. They will be a lighter color than the surrounding text. Some links Other links take you to A New Page. Make sure to click them all!

Now, if you're ready, let's learn about Blue Zones.