Why are we focusing on healthy living?
For people who are inactive, even small increases in physical activity are associated with health benefits. The 2023 County Health Rankings show that 24% of Henry County adults age 20 and over report no leisure-time physical activity. 37% 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 2023 County Health Rankings show that 18% of Henry County adults are current smokers.
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.
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.
Quitline Iowa
We promote the free tobacco cessation resources at Quitline Iowa and help Henry County housing complexes and businesses become nicotine-free.