Gov. Kim Reynolds has again declared October as Healthiest State Month. Throughout the month, there will be various activities and healthy goals that Iowans are invited to participate in.
The first big event was last Wednesday when “Team up for 10,” the Healthiest State 10th Annual Walk, was held. The walk started in October 2011, when Gov. Terry Branstad invited all Iowans to take part in a "Start Somewhere Walk." The event was a call to action for Iowans to improve their health. Ten years later, the walk is still going strong.
Locally, walkers could be seen out and about last Wednesday. The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows school kids took to the track and enjoyed strolling in the beautiful weather. “Helping Iowa’s kids create healthy habits early is an important step in securing a healthy future for our state,” said Gov. Reynolds. CGD Elementary Principal Tricia Rosendahl said the walk went well and the kids loved getting out and about. “It was a gorgeous day to be outside and moving!” she said.
Later that day, a community walk drew several people. Sue Toftey of First Citizens Bank is an avid walker and thought it would be fun to organize a local walk sponsored by the bank. She said, “The bank really tries to give back to the community, and with COVID, that has been harder this year. A walk was one way we could still do this.”
Groups are always invited to register their walk on the Iowa Healthiest State website. Toftey registered the walk and invited people to start at the bank. They even provided healthy snacks, water and had some great door prizes. Toftey said the walk drew around 20 people plus several bank employees who also hit the track. In the days after the Wednesday walk, the Healthiest State initiative reported that planned walks took place in all 99 Iowa counties!
Throughout the rest of the month, the Healthiest State Initiative will continue. Each week in October will focus on healthy habits:
–October 5-9: 1 or more hour of physical activity
–October 12-16: 5 or more fruits or vegetables
-October 14 – Iowa Local Food Day
-October 15 – 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Virtual Summit
–October 19-23: 2 hours or less of recreational screen time
–October 26-30: 0 sugary drinks – drink more water!
“Lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to many Iowans being less physically active and spending more time on screens,” said Jami Haberl, executive director for the Healthiest State Initiative. “Healthiest State Month is a great motivator to re-prioritize healthy habits in your everyday life.”
