cThe exposure for Albert Lea is significant. Our city has been featured in many major media outlets, such as “Good Morning America” and USA Today. There are more to come.

To be sure, no one — the city, the participants, the organizers, the sponsors — is doing this citywide makeover sheerly for the publicity. They are doing it for their personal health and for the sake of helping others live longer lives.

The reason the publicity nevertheless is integral is that if Albert Lea is ever to serve as an example to other communities on how to be a healthier place, the leaders in those other places need to hear about Albert Lea. As large and imaginative as this idea might be, AARP and Blue Zones officials hope — perhaps dream — that Albert Lea sparks a national trend.

Worded slightly more accurately, they hope Albert Lea bucks the national opinion that healthy living is difficult. A few simple changes can go a long ways.

We hope communities across America climb on board with Albert Lea.