Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds are calling on Cass County residents and all Iowans to join in a one-kilometer Healthiest State Walk on Wednesday, October 3rd, as one part of an effort to become the healthiest state in the nation. More than 291,000 Iowans from each of Iowa’s 99 counties participated in the Healthiest State Initiative’s “Start Somewhere” walk in 2011. This year, many organized Healthiest State Walks will be held at noon on October 3rd, but walks are encouraged throughout the day.

A kilometer is about 7.5 city blocks, a 12-minute stroll for the average walker. Walkers can sign up for the event and find or create a local, organized walk at www.iowahealthieststate.com. In addition to walking, Branstad and Reynolds are encouraging Iowans to add one more wellness activity to their day on October 3rd.  The Governor and Lt. Gov. last year announced the plan to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation within five years as measured by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index(r). In 2011, Iowa ranked 16th compared to all other states, moving up from the 19th position in 2010.

The Healthiest State Initiative is a privately led, public effort that engages Iowans and their communities throughout the state. It involves individuals, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, not-for-profits and the public sector in a broad-based community-focused effort.