Peak Health: Creating a Blue Zone at Tahoe

 Peak Health: Creating a Blue Zone at Tahoe

By Cal Orey, M.A.

The midday sun bathed the deck in a honeyed warmth—a Tahoe Spring golden gift. A laid-back local sat among the budding aspens, as a nameless bird landed nearby. The resident moved to the stretch of tai chi chair yoga. As the person sipped cool water, the mountain air was clear. Then, reality hit: The individual was happy at home chillaxing and living in a more or less "Blue Zone" region of health and slow, deliberate living.

The concept of “Blue Zones,” noted by National Geographic Dan Buettner, pinpoints places where people show longevity and vitality, with a good healthspan. Blue Zone regions are Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, Ikaria, Greece. Nicoya, Costa Rica, and Loma Linda, California. While not all chill places have a Blue Zone title, the environment offers an opportunity to copy the lifestyle. Here’s how to transform your life into a Blue Zone at Lake Tahoe.

1. Plant-Based Nutrition:  In Blue Zones, diets are plant-based, focusing on whole grains, and seasonal vegetables. Try sourcing local, organic produce and enjoying more nutrient-dense smaller meals, while eating less processed foods.

2. Go for More Movement: Centenarians live in environments that encourage constant, low-intensity movement. At Lake Tahoe, this means daily walking, gardening, or water activities. The goal is to make movement an unavoidable part of your daily routine.

3. Find Your Purpose: The concept of having a reason for being is key in Blue Zones. Engaging in seeking your passion is associated with lower stress levels and higher brain wellness in later life.

4. Natural Stress Reduction: Blue Zone regions have daily rituals to shed stress, such as afternoon napping, or happy hour. The serene environment of countless regions is perfect for "forest bathing" or mindfulness practices under pine trees or visiting the lake. Reconnecting with the alpine environment is vital for well-being and finding your comfort zone.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. The new, revised 2nd ed. of a popular Healing Powers book, 2026 is ready for pre-order, and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, 3rd ed. is in production.   She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com

Honey & Tea Author Goes Home for Easter B&N Signing

 By Cal Orey

Today is Easter Sunday. It's a new month--a time for renewal. It's quiet at Lake Tahoe. Yes, it's still off season and bliss. Snow covered ground is showing dirt and cloud cover promises spring rain and trees will soon blossom. So why in the world would I take a business-vacay to Monterey?  

Because I love Big Little Lies and second season won't air until 2019.  Because I'm booked at Gilroy's Barnes and Noble for a book discussion/signing. And most of all because I have a history with the California Coast.

After all, it's a breathtaking place chock-full of Mother Nature at her finest that I've gone with the favorite men in my life. Yep, romantic images come to mind. Eating dinner at an ex's home with a living room view of the Pacific Ocean. Another love and I drove to Monterey and enjoyed that 17 mile drive and sunning on the beaches. And the last one, the love of my life and the one who got away, well...Cannery Row strolls, munching on fish and chips and smelling the ocean air reminds me of  West Coast heaven. 

This time around the trip is for me. It will be a time to revisit the past. Living in Santa Cruz Mountains and visiting the coast was a frequent past-time. Going to the Garlic Festival, viewing fields of lettuce and artichokes, and enjoying coffeehouses (especially for the tea and honey with bagels) up and down California coastline brings back fond days and nights. Not to forget when I was a kid I swam and surfed in sea that I'm going to revisit.

Flashback to my freewheeling days living in San Jose, 30 miles from the coast.  One Easter break, I hitchhiked south to Big Sur, a place to go and fall in love with the great outdoors. Without a penny in my pocket and no hotel for me, I slept on the beach in a sleeping bag with my dog surrounded by no name strangers from places around the country. Under the stars and circled around the bonfire we'd share road tales trying to one up each other. Adventures like me being stranded in Colorado and told by a highway patrolman to walk out of the state because hitchhiking was prohibited  to the night I slept with one eye open, arms wrapped around my black Lab on a private property in the Mojave Desert (fearing snakes) got interest. I didn't drink alcohol that night on the beach, but I did savor tea--and was bullied for my clean lifestyle.  In the morning without a hangover and feeling rejuvenated, I left paradise and traveled north to return to real life--college with the goal of becoming an author...


Coming Home
Decades later, this time around, I'll be at the Barnes and Noble bookstore in Gilroy and dishing on my two latest books--The Healing Powers of Tea and The Healing Powers of Honey.  After it will be time to reconnect with Monterey and Pacific Grove (places John Steinbeck lived life and shared with his readers), bond with an otter, experience the sound of waves instead of looking at the Lake--and I'll watch the sun set over the sea and rise--instead of the majestic Sierra. So, who says you can't go back home? This Healing Powers series author is doing just that. 

Author Event, Author Signing, Author Discussion (Health & Fitness) 
Saturday April 21, 2018 2:00 PM 

      

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The Healing Powers of Honey

By Cal Orey
Publish Date: 02/27/2018
See All Formats & Editions

The Healing Powers of Tea

By Cal Orey
Publish Date: 12/26/2017
See All Formats & Editions

Gilroy 

Gilroy Crossing
6825 Camino Arroyo
Gilroy, CA 95020
408-846-5777

Store Hours:

Sun-Thu 9-9

Fri&Sat 9-10

Soulmates with Paws: Pacific Book Review--Notable Book

Title: Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails

Author: Cal Orey
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-6655-7857-8
Pages: 238
Genre: Non-Fiction / Fiction / Pets
Reviewed by: Beth Adams

Read Book Review

One thing is absolutely clear; that is Cal Orey is a pet lover extraordinaire. She sums up the theme of her book in her final sentence, “Soulmates with Paws is a tribute to the four-leggers in my life, past and present, and throughout the nation and around the globe. It’s the human-companion animal bond that is universal and one that connects us as whole unity on the planet.”

As a renown award-winning author, Cal Orey’s reputation of tackling subjects with an abundance of facts and insights proceeds this book in many ways.  It was my pleasure to enjoy the vast details of her personal accounts, the array of scientific facts, and surprising spiritual aspects of dog and cat relationships within a diverse style of original writing, published article reprints, blogpost excerpts, and a forward by Stanley Coren, Ph.D., author of The Intelligence of Dogs and How to Speak Dog.

As for spiritual relationships, she writes, “After a cat dies, they have a telepathic reunion with their owner, according to telepathic animal communicator Raphaela Pope of Berkeley, Calif. That means cat owners may have direct communication beyond what’s normal with their cats.” Here, I thought it was only me that experienced this when my cat died.

Pet owners who understand their furry-friends all have seen remarkable situations of the animal’s awareness alerting their owner to some impending threat; whether it be a fire, an earthquake, or even the malintent of other people posing danger.  The ability for dogs and cats to “find their way home” after being lost or when traveling tends to hint of high-sensory awareness of sight and smell and beyond, to some perception of the Earth’s magnetic fields, as was discovered in bees and birds, plus other mammals, where their brain cells contain magnetized iron particles which cells act like built-in compasses.

Although peppered with extraordinary facts about dogs and cats, Cal Orey’s main thrust is in her storytelling.  There are many stories of people and pets, doing amazing things. These stories make up the icing on the factual content of the book.  Written in a friendly “fireside” fashion, readers will love each of the many tales throughout this book where she tells of her exploits, her pet loves and losses, and get to know her as a person with a heart, seeking ways to unselfishly help others.  A section about homeless people caring for pets points out an interesting observation by Richard Avanzino, president of the San Francisco SPCA. “Because homeless people have this unique bond and special relationship, in many cases, the animals are better cared for than they take care of themselves. And that’s because the animal has stood by their side when society and the world and human beings have discarded them.”

The book contains a dozen quizzes for readers, each enabling them to determine aspects of their own personality, such as being a dog-person or a cat-person, and which breed of dog best suits their personality.  Each chapter has appropriate quotes from famous people.  And talking about famous people, a chapter is dedicated to many stories of actors, celebrities and authors with their pets.  For example, Doris Day started an animal rescue charity and of course, John Steinbeck’s many books referencing his animal companions.

As a whole, Soulmates with paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails is a book that should be promoted on all fronts, especially in mental and physical well-being practices, as powerfully illustrated through personal experiences and relatable concepts. It is without doubt one of those texts that beg to be read time and again, to dig up the nuances you may have missed during the first reading. 

5 Stars--ARC NetGalley of NEW, Updated & Revised The Healing Powers of Honey

 Review of advance copy received from NetGalley on Goodreads

"AN EYE-OPENING BOOK"

March 29, 2026

The Healing Powers of Honey: Revised and Updated by Cal Orey is an eye-opening book that highlights the amazing benefits of honey. Not only does it provide a brief history, but it also showcases specific ways honey can support and improve health, backed by real-life examples of individuals who have experienced positive results. While the FDA does not confirm many naturopathic claims, I personally tend to trust natural remedies over pharmaceutical products. The book is careful not to make exaggerated claims—honey is not a cure for cancer—but it does demonstrate how, in certain circumstances, it can have a meaningful, positive impact on health.

The potential benefits feel endless, and I, for one, will be adding honey to my diet more mindfully. As a bonus, the book includes some mouthwatering recipes that I’m excited to try.

I’m truly delighted to have had the opportunity to read this book. Thank you to Cal Orey, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC. NETGALLEY 2026

SPRING FEVER--TEA & HONEY TO THE RESCUE!

 Spring Fever

By Cal Orey

Spring has sprung. But the question is, is the flu and cold season over? No! Temperatures are in the thirties in the mornings, rain and cloudy skies are back at Tahoe. Often when April arrives the transition of cold and warmer temperatures can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Read on—discover how home cures with tea(s)—a superfood--from your kitchen may be just what the doctor would order to help beat colds, allergies thanks to pollen and other allergens, miserable seasonal affective disorder and winter weight gain, and even a second wave of the flu.

1.      1.    Colds: During late winter months, cold season can linger like an unwanted house guest. But, if you are under stress, a cold can pay you a visit year-round, especially if you’re traveling. If your immune system is under attack, a cold can be prevented or the severity lessened with tea.

What Tea Rx to Use: Drink one 8-ounce cup of black tea (hot or iced) with or without 1 teaspoon honey two to three times per day while symptoms last.

Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Tea researchers believe it’s the compound antigen (a molecule capable of inducing an immune response) in black tea that bolsters the body’s immune system and may help guard against colds. Known for being rich with antioxidants, tea also contains tannins which may help to stave off viruses like a cold.

2.         Coughs: Coping with a cold can be annoying but coughing (either from a cold or allergies) can be pesky and make your throat and chest ache.

What Tea Rx to Use: Opt to brew one 12-ounce cup of black or white tea. For an extra throat soother, add 1 teaspoon of local honey is especially good for allergies!). Repeat as necessary.

Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific:  Tackling a cough takes a bit of sleuth work to discover why you are coughing. If allergens are the issue, for instance, it’s time to get an air purifier, vacuum and dust more, and add tea with local honey to your diet repertoire.

3.        Flu: Catching the flu, just when you thought flu season was over, which can come on suddenly, drags you down and into bed. Viruses come in all forms and can give you anything from a 24-hour bug to a stubborn virus that’ll hang on for weeks.

What Tea Rx to Use: Take 2 cups of tea (black, green, or white) and 1 cup of your favorite vitamin C-enhanced herbal tea– such as hibiscus.

Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: It’s no surprise that tea is chock-full of antioxidants—the good guys that can keep your immune system healthy and stave off germs you could encounter. By drinking tea and a vitamin-rich tisane teamed with a nutrient-dense diet, you’ll be keeping your immune system strong.

4.        Seasonal Affective Disorder:  Feeling down and sluggish with SAD? Seasonal depression is another monster to face in the colder months. I have tackled the symptoms with an arsenal of remedies—and tea is on the list come late fall through early spring.

What Tea Rx to Use: Brew 1 cup of green tea. Steep for 3 minutes. Repeat 2 times per day.

Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Green tea has 45 milligrams of caffeine (which can give you a physical and mental burst of energy). But also, green tea contains L-theanine—a compound that enhances brain chemicals including serotonin and that can give you a calming sense of well-being.

5.        Sore Throat: A sore throat is a telltale sign that a cold or allergies are looming, so rather than run to the pharmacy for medication every time, why not take an alternative route and turn to tea first?

What Tea Rx to Use:  Dried oolong leaves combined with rose hips or hibiscus can be a perfect pairing. Put 1 teaspoon of tea leaves and 1 teaspoon of the herbal tea of your choice in 1 cup of hot water. Steep for a few minutes, then strain. Add honey to taste.

Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Oolong tea may reduce swelling and inflammation, due to flavonoids. Also,local  honey boasts anti-inflammatory benefits and contains pollen to help balance allergies.

Ginger Lemon Honey Tea

Ginger and lemon go together like salt and pepper—two of nature’s finest superfoods with an immunity booster and detoxifying that can keep you healthy this spring and all year-long. Plus, drinking this potion can help fill you up not out to help drop unwanted pounds for spring!

2 cups water

10 thin slices ginger root, fresh

1 lemon sliced

3 tablespoons honey

1/3 cup lemon juice

Bring water, ginger root, and lemon slices to a boil for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove from heat, steep 10 minutes, strain. Stir in honey and lemon juice. You can also add apple peel, a piece of onion, and one or two tablespoons of chamomile.

(Courtesy: Gemma Sanita Sciabica)

Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Tea 2018. All right reserved. Reprinted with permission from Kensingtonwww.kensingtonbooks.com