Letter to the Editor: Iowa Healthiest State Initiative: Walk on Waukon

To the Editor:

Seven years ago the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative launched the “start somewhere” walk as an opportunity to engage Iowans to join us in making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. Since 2011, hundreds of thousands of Iowans have walked on the first Wednesday of October and we’ve seen a growing increase in making Iowa communities more walkable. Communities are adopting complete street policies, hiring staff dedicated to incorporating walking, biking and transit in transportation plans and launching walking school buses so kids can walk or bike safely to school.

This year the Healthiest State is reminding Iowans to care for their own health by walking every day by kicking off the Walk more-Connect more campaign in partnership with Walk more-Connect more-NE Iowa.

On October 4 we are challenging Iowans to “get your walk on” so it’s appropriate that we would kick off the challenge with the Corn Days Family Fun Walk/Run in Waukon!

Walking is the easiest, most affordable and accessible form of physical activity and one of the best ways to stay healthy. It’s also one of the best ways to connect with others. There never seems to be enough time to enjoy time with friends and family. By walking with them, you get to catch up and refresh your mind, and the physical benefits add up, too.

I invite you to join me for a daily walk to connect with neighbors, family, friends or co-workers. Invite a friend or family member for an after-dinner walk, take care of weekend errands with your family on foot, invite your co-workers to join you for a walking meeting or invite a neighbor to start a casual walking group. Along the way you’ll build strong bonds and memories.

Northeast Iowa, it’s time to get your walk on and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday, August 19 at the Veterans Memorial Hospital Family Fun Walk/Run!
 
Jami Haberl, MPH, MHA
Executive Director
Iowa Healthiest State Initiative
Des Moines, IA