WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 291,000 Iowans voted with their feet in favor of the new Healthiest State Initiative by participating in Start Somewhere Walks held across Iowa on Friday, according to estimates by walk organizers.
"In more than 2,300 group walks and thousands of individual walks, Iowans said 'yes' to starting our journey to becoming the healthiest state in the nation," said Governor Terry Branstad, who in August announced the Healthiest State Initiative, which aims to make Iowa number one in well-being by 2016 as measured by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index®. "It was a remarkable display of energy as Iowans came together to 'start somewhere' in reaching this ambitious goal."
Start Somewhere Walks were held in each of Iowa's 99 counties, including one led by Governor Branstad around the State Capitol complex.
Bold Walk Goal Exceeded
Walk organizers had set a goal of 250,000 Start Somewhere Walk participants to best a walk world record currently claimed by Canada, which had 231,635 walk participants in 2007. Iowans beat that total even though it has less than one-tenth of the population of Canada.
"We knew it was a bold goal to set a target of a quarter-million Iowans participating in Start Somewhere Walks," said Doug Reichardt, co-chair of the Healthiest State Initiative advisory committee. "Of course, it's also a bold goal to become number one in well-being, so we had to - and will have to - think big for the Healthiest State Initiative."
Maintaining the Momentum
As the name suggests, the Start Somewhere Walks are just the beginning, according to Reichardt. He said Iowans will see many new programs and opportunities for getting involved in the Healthiest State Initiative in the coming years.
One of those is the Blue Zones Project', which will bring national experts to 10 Iowa communities over the next five years. These experts will work alongside local leaders to implement a blueprint to change their communities so that their residents may live longer, healthier and more productive lives. Iowans can support their community's effort to be one of the Blue Zones towns at www.bluezonesproject.com. Other programs include a traveling wellness tour, a healthy entree promotion that will sweep across Iowa restaurants, and even new twists at the Iowa State Fair in 2012.
In the meantime, Reichardt encouraged Iowans to get started themselves. "If you haven't already done so, pledge your support of the Healthiest State Initiative at www.iowahealthieststate.com, and go to www.bluezonesproject.com to complete a Blue Zones Personal Pledge to define specific steps you can take to improve your personal health."
Reichardt, an avid cyclist, also said Iowans should consider forming walk groups or cycling groups. "Talk to friends, neighbors or co-workers. Agree on when, where and your pace," he said. "I know you will enjoy the camaraderie and shared health benefits."
The Healthiest State Initiative is a privately led, public effort that will engage Iowans and their communities throughout the state. It will involve individuals, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, not-for-profits and the public sector in a broad-based community-focused effort. For more information, visit www.iowahealthieststate.com.
SOURCE Healthiest State Initiative
