Here's your chance to be active; HHCC plans three events

Want to become more active and help Iowa become the healthiest state in the nation? If you do, Healthy Henry County Commuities (HHCC) has a deal for you, or make that three deals.

HHCC is offering area residents three opportunities to become more active and help Iowa become the healthiest state in the nation. ?These opportunities are free and open to anyone with no age limit or commitment required. We hope that all of our community members will be able to participate in at least one event,? explains Kelly Carr, Healthy Communities coordinator.

? Event 1 ? The activities start with the Start Somewhere walk on Oct. 7 from noon-1p.m. This 1K walk is the kick-off of Iowa?s goal of becoming the healthiest state in the nation. The premise is simple; we all have to start somewhere. One kilometer is only .62 miles and takes roughly 12 minutes so it?s achievable no matter where you are that day. The community walk site in Mt. Pleasant will be at Saunders Park. Walkers should sign in at the shelter house and the walk will loop around the Henry County Health Center. Water will be provided courtesy of Hy-Vee.

If you can?t make it to Saunders Park, you can take your own stroll. Walk at least 7.5 blocks and help support Iowa in becoming the healthiest state in the nation. If your employer approves, plan a walk around where you work and post that walk online. State organizers are hoping to break the world record for the largest simultaneous 1k walk ever. Be sure to add your walk or register as a walker online at www.iowahealthieststate.com and click ?Take the Pledge? to make your participation count!

? Event 2 ? Bring the whole family to HHCC?s Pumpkin Patch Event on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 4-6 p.m. and explore part of Mt. Pleasant?s recreational trail. This year?s trail site is the south edge of the campground at Old Threshers. Enjoy games, face painting, fun health and fitness booths, Halloween safety activities, Charlie Brown and friends, spooky tent and other fall activities. Enter off Walnut Street at Gate 13 of the campground. For more information call Carr at 385-6523.

? Event 3 ? Last, we are kicking off a new wellness challenge on Oct. 17. The NFL program (Nutrition. Fitness. Lifestyle) is an eight-week challenge designed to help you adopt healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Each week you can work your way down the field by eating whole grains, being physically active and getting adequate sleep. Anyone who earns enough yards for a touchdown will be entered into a prize drawing at the end! Take advantage of free lunch and learn more about each topic along the way. Sign up on or before Oct. 17 by e-mailing Carr at carrk@hchc.org

Take advantage of these three fun opportunities to make positive lifestyle changes while helping us become one of the healthiest communities in the healthiest state! For more information visit www.HealthyHenryCounty.org or www.facebook.com/HealthyHenryCounty.