Healthy Living

Why are we focusing on healthy living?

For people who are inactive, even small increases in physical activity are associated with health benefits. The 2024 County Health Rankings show that 26% of Henry County adults age 20 and over report no leisure-time physical activity. 39% of adults are considered obese.

Smoking leads to disease and disability and harms nearly every organ system of the body. It is the leading cause of preventable death. The 2024 County Health Rankings show that 18% of Henry County adults are current smokers.

Cancer Prevention Strategies
Where To Be Active in Henry County
Help to Live Tobacco-Free

According to Healthy People 2030, physical activity can help prevent disease, disability, injury, and premature death.

Among adults and older adults, physical activity can lower the risk of:

  • Early death
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Breast and colon cancer
  • Falls
  • Depression

Among children and adolescents, physical activity can:

  • Improve bone health
  • Improve cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness
  • Decrease levels of body fat

  • Reduce symptoms of depression
  • Improve cognitive skills
  • Improve ability to concentrate and pay attention

What are we doing to promote healthy living?

  • Free Community Events

    We put on free community events that focus on families walking and playing games together like our annual Stride Into Summer Family Walk in June.

  • Partnering with our Community

    We are always looking for opportunities to support efforts by all of our communities to build and enhance their trail and park systems. We recently updated our wellness resource guide to focus on free recreational opportunities throughout Henry County. Learn where you can be active in Henry County here.

  • Cancer Prevention

    Our Care for Yourself program can help eligible adults in Iowa receive mammograms, clinical breast/chest exams, Pap tests and HPV screenings at no cost. Call Angie at 319-385-0779 to find out more. Click here to learn more about the risk factors for cancer and screenings that check your body for cancer.

  • Quitline Iowa

    We promote the free tobacco cessation resources at Quitline Iowa and help Henry County housing complexes and businesses become nicotine-free.

  • 5-2-1-0 Funding

    We used 5-2-1-0 funding to purchase indoor sensory paths for all Mt. Pleasant elementary schools to help kids get more activity during the day. We also have outdoor activity stencils that can be painted on a sidewalk or playground. Call Sadie at 319-385-8126 if you are interested in borrowing an outdoor stencil. Learn more about 5-2-1-0.