Maui Gets National Coverage on The Dr. Oz Show, Airs Today

Dr. Oz at Kumu Farms on Maui. Courtesy image.

Maui is highlighted in the next edition of The Dr. Oz show, which airs today at 3 p.m. HST on KITV, Channel 4. Click here for a sneak peek!

In this latest edition, Dr. Oz visits the “Blue Zone” of Hawaiʻi to explore why people who live here, live longer. He shares three longevity principles that says we should all live by.

In January, the central Maui communities of Kahului and Wailuku were selected as new demonstration sites for the Blue zones Project in Hawaiʻi.  The community-based well-being improvement initiative is a systematic approach that uses scientifically proven lessons of longevity, health and happiness to create vibrant communities and boost the well-being of their residents.

Ashley Takitani Leahey with Dr. Oz. Courtesy image.

Central Maui joined North Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi on Hawaiʻi Island, as well as Koʻolaupoko on the Windward side of Oʻahu, all of which began their Blue Zones Project initiatives in 2015.

In the new episode, Dr. Oz visits Kumu Farms at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapū where 60 acres of farmland are dedicated to the production of fresh, organic, tropical fruits, produce and gourmet products.

In the episode, Dr. Oz notes that the cornerstone of most centenarian diets is beans.  Instead of eating large portions of meat daily, he said, people in Blue Zones typically eat meat just five times a week.  It’s what he calls the “Plant Slant” principle, focusing on a diet that emphasizes fruits and vegetables.

He also says that people in Blue Zones make use of their environments to move naturally.  “It’s virtually impossible to experience Hawaiʻi without walking or biking,” he said.

“Our fiftieth state has rich ancient traditions of spiritual faith, belief in family and community, and a healthy natural diet fostered by the lush environment–all cornerstones of Blue Zones around the world,” said Dr. Oz.

In the episode, Dr. Oz also explores the principle of purpose–why we get up in the morning.  In this segment, he says that identifying the things that inspire you can add up to seven more years of life expectancy.

“My family gives me purpose.  All the people that I’m surrounded with give me purpose,” said Ashley Takitani Leahey who led Central Maui’s Blue Zone application process.  “I wake up in the morning and I build my foundation by doing a quick half and hour of yoga to set the foundation for a great day,” she said.

As a next step, Central Maui is now building leadership teams and committees that are working with schools, grocery stores, restaurants, worksites, faith-based organizations, and policy leaders in tobacco, food, and built environment to make the healthy choice the easy choice in the community.