DES MOINES – The Healthiest State Initiative's sixth annual state-wide walk, presented by Delta Dental of Iowa, is now open for registration. Schools, work sites, communities, colleges and universities from all over Iowa can go online at www.iowahealthieststate.com to register and join in on the fun!
This year’s state-wide walk lands on Wednesday, Oct. 5, and the Healthiest State Initiative is asking Iowans to #StepItUp to 30 minutes of walking from the 1K walk that was done previously, reflecting the U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action. The goal of this year’s walk is to have walks organized and registered in all 99 counties of Iowa.
“Six years ago we launched the annual walk with the theme ‘Start Somewhere’ encouraging Iowans to walk a 1K,” said Jami Haberl, executive director of the Healthiest State Initiative. “This year we are asking Iowans to ‘Step It Up’ and take the 1K to 30 minutes. Just 30 minutes of walking a day can improve one’s overall physical, social and emotional well-being.”
Those who sign up on behalf of their school, business or community can access walk resources, such as tool kits for spreading the word throughout their organization.
To activate social media engagement, the Healthiest State has created “Why I Walk” pledge forms and various social media contests where a school and a community are able to win a $1,000 prize, and individuals will be entered in a drawing to win gift cards.
“Delta Dental of Iowa is proud to be the presenting sponsor for the Healthiest State Walk for three years,” said Jeff Russell, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Iowa. “As a health and wellness company, we see the impact of prevention and taking charge of your health every day. Whether it’s getting a preventive dental exam, vision exam, or simply walking 30 minutes a day – we support Iowans taking steps to take charge of their health. Working together, I have no doubt that Iowa can become the healthiest state in the nation.”
For more walk information and to register a walk, visit www.iowahealthieststate.com.