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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 2020 County Health Rankings show that 29% of Henry County adults age 20 and over report no leisure-time physical activity.

Smoking leads to disease and disability and harms nearly every organ system of the body. It is the leading cause of preventable death. The 2020 County Health Rankings show that 17% of Henry County adults are current smokers.

Tips For Being Active At Home
Where To Be Active in Henry County
Help to Live Tobacco-Free

According to Healthy People 2020, regular physical activity can improve the health and quality of life of Americans of all ages, regardless of the presence of a chronic disease or disability.

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?

  • Healthy Hometown Plan

    Learn more about the HHCC Healthy Hometown Master Plan

  • Free Community Events

    We put on free community events that focus on families walking and playing games together.  Find out more about our community events here.

  • 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. Learn more about 5-2-1-0.

  • 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 helped raise funds for the pickleball court construction at the Mt. Pleasant Middle School. Learn where you can be active in Henry County here.

  • Annual Healthiest State Walk and LHI Fall Fitness Day

    We partner with Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative and Live Healthy Iowa to help promote their events and challenges including promoting the annual Healthiest State Walk and LHI Fall Fitness Day at area schools.

  • Quitline Iowa

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