Building a Healthier Galveston

A healthy community begins with instilling good habits in children, particularly around nutrition and exercise. That’s why it is imperative for local businesses to support initiatives like The Young Gardener’s Program through the Farmer’s Market, teaching kids the value of fresh produce and outdoor activity.  

In many Blue Zone cultures, people spend significantly more time outdoors and walk more than the average American. Here in Galveston, we’re fortunate to have natural spaces that encourage a similar lifestyle. The beach, for instance, is ideal for walking, grounding, and reconnecting with nature—a practice that can help alleviate the stress of modern life. Even the simple act of gazing at the Gulf can be a powerful stress reliever.  

A great example of connecting with nature is Bent on Healthy Living’s free beach yoga hosted every Wednesday in May, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to combine movement with mindfulness in a serene setting. If you’ve never experienced yoga on the beach at sunrise, it’s a rejuvenating way to start your day. Beyond yoga, I encourage everyone to get outside and find joy in activities like walking a dog (yours or one from the Galveston Island Humane Society), fishing, or simply sitting along the seawall and soaking in the beauty of the Gulf. In addition to promoting outdoor activity, I also advocate for homeopathic approaches to health. Using essential oils, halotherapy (salt booth), or an infrared sauna to manage allergies, joint pain, or stress can often be effective alternatives to over-the-counter medications.  

Another aspect of Blue Zones is the social and community connectivity. The island offers places to connect with others who share a commitment to health through recreation and wellness centers. Group fitness classes help beginners and seasoned exercisers alike feel part of a supportive community. In addition, community initiatives like the Share Your Holidays Food Drive, doggie yoga fundraisers for the Galveston Island Humane Society, and a free-cycle fitness clothing exchange reflects the island’s dedication to promoting wellness and community.

Sustainability should also be a priority. We can promote sustainability by encouraging each other to carry refillable water bottles, reducing single-use plastics. Future programs like Perpetual, will help reduce single-use plastics by offering a reusable cup system throughout island business. The city’s efforts to keep our beaches clean and educate the public with Washed Ashore sculptures, which highlight the importance of recycling and reducing marine debris, is unmatched.  

The need for better nutrition and exercise is more urgent than ever, given the rising rates of obesity and metabolic disease. Expanding community gardens and offering free classes on preparing healthy meals would be a game-changer for Galveston. Teaching people to make traditional dishes healthier and reconnect with cooking at home could significantly improve overall health.  

Initiatives like The Young Gardener’s Program and Galveston’s Own Farmer’s Market are already making strides by providing fresh, affordable produce to families. These efforts set the stage for a healthier future by making nutritious food more accessible.  

I envision a Galveston where people are walking, biking, swimming, gardening, playing pickleball, and enjoying the outdoors. Achieving this vision starts with us—modeling healthy behaviors for our children and peers. Surrounding ourselves with active, health-conscious individuals inspires us to adopt similar habits. Imagine attending a group fitness class, walking on the beach with friends, and finishing the day with a healthy salad. Small changes like these can lead to a healthier overall lifestyle.  

The team here at Bent on Healthy Living strives to lead by example. Several of our instructors are over 60 and have been teaching fitness classes for decades, demonstrating the benefits of lifelong physical activity. One of our instructors didn’t begin exercising until her late 40s but found that it transformed her life. Today, she teaches Pilates, cycling, and barre, inspiring others to start their own wellness journeys.  

Building a healthier community is a collective effort, and together, we can create a Galveston that thrives on wellness, connection, and sustainable living.