Healthiest State Initiative June 24, 2011

“ My number one goal for public health in Iowa is making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. Addressing public health in Iowa also means addressing the economic well-being of our state. ” Governor Terry Branstad at the Iowa Board of Health Meeting -The Des Moines Register

“ Obesity, and with it, diabetes, are the only major health problems getting worse in this country, and they are getting worse rapidly. ” Dr. Thomas R. Frieden Director, CDC

Our Opportunity If Iowa could maintain 2009 obesity rates, the state could save as much as $1.6 billion by F as in Fat, 2010, Trust for America’s Health and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Addressing comprehensive lifestyle changes could allow the State to redirect as much as $16 billion over the next five years to economic development. Wellness App, World Economic Forum Website; wellness.weforum.org

The Good News 70% of the factors influencing our health are within an individual’s control to improve. –Health Behaviors 50% –Environment 20% –Access to Care 10% –Genetics 20% Source: The Urban Institute

BLUE ZONES Healthiest State Initiative Component: Blue Zone Communities

Move Naturally –Just move: walk, garden, take the stairs Right Outlook –Purpose Now: know why you wake up in the morning –Down Shift: find a strategy to shed stress Source: Blue Zones ® Healthiest State Initiative Components: Blue Zones

Eat Wisely –80% Rule: stop eating when you are 80% full –Plant Slant: eat more beans, nuts and soy 5: drink 1-2 glasses of wine, preferably with friends Connect –Belong: attend faith-based services –Loved Ones First: put your family first –Right Tribe: surround yourself with the right friends that support healthy behavior Source: Blue Zones® Healthiest State Initiative Components: Blue Zones

Healthiest State Initiative Component: Muscatine Blue Zone Project

Steering committee established. Statement of Interest submitted. Application to be submitted by January 4, Grassroots – volunteer effort Healthiest State Initiative Component: Muscatine Blue Zone Project

Muscatine Blue Zone Project Initiatives Employer Wellness – Best Practices Faith Initiatives & Sense of Purpose Gardening & Community Gardens Grocery Store & Cooking Classes Medical Initiatives Moai Teams Neighborhood Gatherings Restaurant Initiatives School Policy Walkability, Bikeability, & Trails Walking School Bus Volunteering & Sense of Purpose

Call to Action Today 1.Sign the Healthiest State Initiative - Blue Zone Community Commitment Sign-up to be a volunteer/ co-chair an initiative. For more information contact: Mary or