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Healthy Living

Good health builds strong communities

How Healthy is Henry County?

We definitely have room for improvement! According to the 2026 County Health Rankings:

  • 39% of adults are considered obese
  • 25% of adults reported participating in no physical activity outside of work
  • 12% of adults reported experiencing poor physical health for 14 or more of the last 30 days
  • 10% of people had low incomes and did not live close to a grocery store
  • 13% of people did not have a reliable source of food
  • 17% of adults are current cigarette smokers

According to the Iowa Cancer Registry, each year there are about 130 new cancers diagnosed in Henry County.

How Can You Live Healthier?

Different colored ribbons to symbolize different cancers

Cancer Prevention

Iowa continues to have the 2nd highest and fastest growing rate of new cancers in the U.S. Learn more about cancer risk factors and screening tests to help find cancers early.

task_altLearn More About Cancer Prevention

Prevent Respiratory Viruses

Respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are viruses that cause illnesses in the respiratory system. These illnesses share similar symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies.

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Healthy Eating

Eating healthy has many health benefits including helping achieve and maintain a healthy weight, helping the digestive system function, and lowering risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

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Physical Activity

Physical activity can help prevent disease, disability, injury, and premature death. Want to learn more about parks and recreational opportunities in Henry County? There are a lot of free places to go and be physically active!

task_altLearn More About Where to Be Active in Henry County

Do you want to help families be more active at your business, church, school, or other location? We have 5 outdoor activity stencil sets available for use!

task_altFill out the outdoor stencil request form

Healthy Henry County Communities is a countywide wellness coalition that works on many efforts to increase healthy eating and physical activity among our residents. Some of our members are already working in this area so we help to promote and support their efforts. We plan events like the annual Stride Into Summer Family Walk that brings families to East Lake Park. We collaborated on the list of where to be active in Henry County to emphasize all of the parks, green spaces, playground equipment and other free recreational opportunities. We work together on many different aspects of community wellness.

Healthy Henry County Communities meets the 1st Tuesday of each month from 1-2:30. Contact us if you are interested in learning more and participating!