Northwest Iowa — In many locations across northwest Iowa, northwest Iowans are being encouraged to walk this Wednesday — for health. Organizers say the idea is to start with one day, and keep walking.
Since 2011, hundreds of thousands of Iowans have taken part in the Healthiest State Annual Walk, presented by Delta Dental of Iowa. This October, Iowans will again participate in this event with the goal of having at least one organized walk in all 99 counties. And there is at least one walk in all of our counties — O’Brien, Sioux, Osceola, and Lyon counties. And some counties have several planned.
The event’s slogan “Walk More. Connect More.” encourages participants to walk with others, like classmates, teachers, coworkers, and community members.
In Sheldon, there’s a walk starting at Northwest Iowa Community College. Morgan Granstra is on the wellness committee at NCC and she tells us about it.
She gives us the details of the walk at NCC.
She recommends wearing good walking shoes. She says it’s not just for faculty, staff and students — community members and anyone is welcome to join them. Granstra says they’re trying to promote wellness online as well.
Event organizers say the idea is to present walking as an easy, affordable form of exercise that can easily be done anywhere at any time, every day.
Other walks in the area include three in Rock Rapids — one at the courthouse, one on First Avenue, and one at the Depot Museum; one at the Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley; one at Baum Harmon Mercy Hospital and Clinics in Primghar; several at schools and downtown in Sioux Center; one at Boyden Elementary; one in Alton; and one in Hull.
Find more information at iowahealthieststate.com/events/annual-walk
The event also serves as a kick-off to Healthiest State Month, happening throughout October, encouraging Iowans to “Live 5-2-1-0” and reminding them that “Healthy Choices Count!” To learn more about the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count at www.iowahealthieststate.com/5210.
The Healthiest State is encouraging Iowans to participate on social media with the hashtags #GetYourWalkOn2018 during the Annual Walk and #WalkMoreConnectMore year-round. Additionally, enter contests on Facebook (facebook.com/HealthiestIowa) for individuals, communities, and schools. There are great prizes, including an opportunity for one community to win $1,000.
