Oskaloosa Enjoys Healthiest State Walk

The 2018 Healthiest State Walk took place on Wednesday at noon. Several people made laps around the square in Oskaloosa as part of it.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Oskaloosa residents took part in the Healtiest State Walk, which is an initiative that got its start back in 2011, and over those 7 years the past 3 have had participation from all 99 counties.

When the initiative was first put into place, Iowa ranked 19th in 2010. By 2016, it had climbed to 14th in the nation.

When launched, then Iowa Governor Terry Branstad stated, “This Healthiest State Initiative will assist Iowans in learning about and applying proven methods to live longer, happier, and healthier lives. 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.”

Approximately 20 people spent part of their lunch hour sharing conversation while making the healthy choice to walk around the square. Eight times around the inside of the square block made up a mile.

Deb Bruxvoort with the Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development helped to lead the walk on Wednesday. During the walk her shoes began to fall apart, so she may be looking for new shoes after Wednesday.

The walk takes place annually in Iowa, and participants from all 99 Iowa Counties spend 30 minutes walking. The annual walk serves as the kick-off to the Healthiest State Month for October. It’s a way to remind Iowan’s that “Healthy Choices Count!”

Mahaska Health Partnership’s annual walk to support breast cancer services will be held on October 12th 2018 on the square in Oskaloosa.

You can learn more by following this link – http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/events/annual-walk/