Iowa Start Somewhere Walk Goal: Break World Record
Healthiest State Initiative
Walk is Symbolic Kickoff to Healthiest State Initiative
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – August 31, 2011 – Organizers of the Iowa Start Somewhere Walk have announced a goal of breaking a world record by having 250,000 Iowans participate in simultaneous one-kilometer walks on Friday, October 7, at noon. The current world record is claimed by Canada, which had 231,635 participants in simultaneous one-kilometer walks throughout that country in 2007.
The Start Somewhere Walk is the symbolic kickoff to the Healthiest State Initiative announced by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds in early August. The goal of the Initiative is to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation within five years as measured by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index®. In 2010, Iowa ranked 19th compared to all other states.
Governor Branstad has asked all Iowans to consider participating in the Start Somewhere Walk. “By itself, a one-kilometer walk won’t change the health of our state,” Branstad said. “But it’s an opportunity for all Iowans to come together and take the first step toward our ambitious goal.”
To pledge participation in the Healthiest State Initiative and the Start Somewhere Walk, Iowans can go to www.iowahealthieststate.com. Nearly 100 walks have already been scheduled.
“This Healthiest State Initiative will assist Iowans in learning about and applying proven methods to live longer, happier, and healthier lives,” Lieutenant Governor Reynolds said. “We control more than 70 percent of the factors that influence our health. It is within our power to make a positive difference in our lives.”
Governor Branstad also noted that addressing comprehensive lifestyle changes could allow the State to redirect as much as $16 billion over the next five years to grow the state economy [versus being consumed by health care ($11 billion) and lost productivity ($5 billion)]. The success of this initiative is critical to the economic viability of the State and translates to a healthier Iowa and better quality of life for all its residents.
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.
