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Gov. Reynolds Proclaims October as Healthiest State Month

October 1, 2020

DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 1, 2020) – Gov. Kim Reynolds has declared October as Healthiest State Month in a virtual proclamation signing. Iowans will join together all month to celebrate 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! – a nationally recognized and evidence-based prevention framework to promote healthy habits.

“Helping Iowa’s kids create healthy habits early is an important step in securing a healthy future for our state,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The goal of 5-2-1-0 is to increase physical activity and healthy eating through policy and environmental change. Each week in October will focus on healthy habits promoted by 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count!:

  • October 5-9: 1 or more hour of physical activity
    • October 7 – Healthiest State 10th Annual Walk
  • October 12-16: 5 or more fruits or vegetables
    • October 14 – Iowa Local Food Day
    • October 15 – 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Virtual Summit
  • October 19-23: 2 hours or less of recreational screen time
  • October 26-30: 0 sugary drinks – drink more water!

Celebrating Healthiest State Month is fun and easy! Free celebration toolkits and resources are available at IowaHealthiestState.com/HSImonth for education sites, communities, workplaces, health care clinics and households.

The celebration toolkits contain weekly activity ideas, communication templates and sample social media posts. Additional free resources are available including social media graphics, posters, activity sheets and weekly newsletters for your site.

“Lifestyle changes due to COVID-19 pandemic have led to many Iowans being less physically active and spending more time on screens,” said Jami Haberl, executive director for the Healthiest State Initiative. “Healthiest State Month is a great motivator to re-prioritize healthy habits in your everyday life.”

The Healthiest State Initiative will also be celebrating Healthiest State Month with weekly 5-2-1-0 themed giveaways on their Facebook page. Iowans are encouraged to share their Healthiest State Month celebrations on social media using the hashtag #HealthyChoicesCount.

5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Virtual Summit

The annual 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Summit is going virtual on October 15! The multi-sector event is an opportunity for Iowans to learn more about 5-2-1-0 and strategies to support healthy eating and active living through keynote speakers and breakout sessions. All sessions will be recorded and attendees will also have access to the content following the summit. To learn more and register, visit: IowaHealthiestState.com/Summit.

The 5-2-1-0 Virtual Summit and Healthiest State Month is supported by Fareway Stores, Inc., Grinnell Mutual, ITA Group, Capital City Fruit and The Rasmussen Group.

About the Healthiest State Initiative

The Healthiest State Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization driven by the goal to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. By engaging worksites, communities, schools, retail food, organizations, institutions and individuals, we can inspire Iowans and their communities to improve their health and happiness, and ultimately achieve our goal. For more information, visit iowahealthieststate.com.