By Dustin Summers, West Tennessee Physicians' Alliance Executive Director

There are a million reasons to live in downtown Jackson — street festivals, multiple restaurants, a great coffee shop (where I may or may not be writing this article), and dozens of local businesses, all within a short walk of one another.

Downtown is clean, it’s safe, and it reflects the diversity and variety that makes any small city a great place to live and to work. From my apartment window, I can see City Hall, Regions Bank, the Jackson Sun, the tower for WNWS 101.5 FM, and if I strain the truth just a little bit (in an NBC news anchor sorta way), I can even see downtown’s outdoor amphitheater.

But this is a health care publication, not a brochure for the Chamber of Commerce. Aside from all of these businesses and commercial undertakings, downtown has also become a hub for healthy initiatives, businesses and activities.

During the coming warm months, and lingering cold months as well, 5Ks, 10Ks, runs, jogs and slow walks will wind through the streets on seemingly every Saturday morning. The traffic and crowds will once again return to the Farmers’ Market pavilion where West Tennessee growers will sell local produce, freshly squeezed juices, organic soaps and an assortment of other goods and products from across the region.

The LIFT will remain an impressive and ambitious facility that houses a world-class fitness facility, instructional kitchen and a variety of other resources designed to instill and to maintain an overall healthy approach to life.

Yet the coming year brings even more healthy opportunities to downtown Jackson. Bubba Gandy Seafood and Cajun Market, at the corner of Liberty and College Streets, opened in late January and features freshly harvested seafood from the gulf coast. According to the owner, Chuck Gandy, the red snapper that I bought one afternoon was “swimming around about 24 hours earlier.” Smeared with olive oil and some “Slap Ya’ Mama” seasoning, it made for a great, quick lunch.

Also, coming later this spring, Grubbs Grocery will be opening in the Jackson Walk shopping center. The market will carry local, organic, nutritionally- rich foods and will feature a variety of products that serve as a great addition to Jackson’s food options.

If you get the sense that I’m promoting things that will hopefully keep you out of the doctor’s office, you’d be correct. Health does not simply begin and end in a clinical exam room. It must be a consistent practice that can be carried into everyday life.

Jackson is rich with resources to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. However, if and when you or a family member needs to see a physician, I hope you will look to one of our Alliance members. With more than 100 physicians representing 24 medical specialties, I am confident that you will find the doctor you need.

In the meantime, venture downtown, take a walk and see what unexpected gems you can find.