Greene County residents are invited to join Iowa’s 5th “Healthiest State Walk” at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 7. The theme this year is “Walk at the Whistle” with the walk being held in conjunction with recommended fire drills for schools and businesses as part of National Fire and Prevention Week.
Local walkers are asked to meet in the Hy-Vee parking lot shortly before noon. The walk will go up to and around the square, ending at the Greene County Community Center. Vicky Lautner, Jefferson park and recreation director, said “In previous years we’ve had about 125 walkers end up at the rec center and we’d like to increase that number this year.”
Businesses are also encouraged to have employees walk from the workplace to the community center or arrange similar length walks in the vicinity of their business. The goal is to walk one kilometer (approximately 7.5 blocks) together as a community.
For those making it to the Greene County Community Center, a grilled lunch will be available for a minimal charge. Hy-Vee will grill and is donating hamburgers and water. Fareway is donating hamburger buns and chips. Greene County Medical Center is providing a healthy bag of fresh vegetables.
All those planning to join the walk are encouraged to sign up at www.iowahealthieststate.com by clicking “Join a group,” searching under the 50129 zip code and clicking on “Greene County” walk.
The Healthiest State Walk started in 2011 when Gov Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov Kim Reynolds announced their plan to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation within five years as measured by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. In 2014, Iowa was ranked at number 16.
The Healthiest State Initiative is a privately-led public effort that engages Iowans and their communities throughout the state. It involves 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.
