Healthiest State Walk Continues
The Oskaloosa Hy-Vee provided snacks and water for walkers inside of Penn Central Mall on October 2, 2019.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – It began as part of the “Healthiest State” initiative set out by then Iowa Governor Terry Branstad.
“The intent of the Healthiest State Walk is to encourage Iowans to take their own steps that will help us improve our state’s well-being rank,” Branstad said back in 2012. “The Healthiest State Initiative this year will continue to champion existing well-being programs with special emphasis on encouraging local walk groups, workplace well-being, consumption of fruits and vegetables, and smoking cessation. Progress in these areas will translate to a healthier Iowa and better quality of life for all its residents.”
The walk that started in 2011 continues into 2019, and was held at workplaces around Oskaloosa, and inside of Penn Central Mall.
Oskaloosa Hy-Vee Dietician Taylor Grgurich was inside Penn Central Mall, helping to promote health and wellness activities. “It’s always important to get moving at least 30 to 45 minutes per day as part of the dietary guidelines.”
“It’s a great opportunity to reach different people in the community, especially those that are working. It’s a great time, especially on their lunch breaks,” said Grgurich of the public walk.
Naomi Cochran, the Events Coordinator for Penn Central Mall, said the Healthiest State Walk is something they love to partner with Hy-Vee on.
Taylor does a really good job of offering a lot of nice educational events related to nutrition, such as the upcoming sushi rolling class on Thursday.
“This is just kind of a cool opportunity for us to get involved with a statewide initiative,” added Cochran. “We have a lot of people who walk throughout the mall on a regular basis.”
Another advantage of hosting the walk in the mall is the map that helps walkers judge how far they have walked.
“Walking is fun,” said Grgurich as a new batch of walkers goes by the sign-up table.
You can learn more by visiting the Healthiest State Annual Walk website – http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/events/annual-walk/
