Healthy Living

Why is Healthy Living a priority area?

Inadequate levels of physical activity contributes to obesity, one of the largest causes of preventable chronic disease. Unhealthy eating habits can also lead to obesity, which leads to chronic disease and premature death.

Facts:

Physical activity can improve health.

• People who are physically active live longer and have lower risk of heart disease, strokes, Type 2 diabetes, depression, and certain types of cancer.
• Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that can lead to other health problems including diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
• According to the www.countyhealthrankings.org (2022):
  o 35% of adults in Iowa County are obese
  o 22% of Iowa county residents are inactive
  o 33% of Iowa County residents lack access to exercise opportunities

Goal: Increase community awareness of resources, services, and programs in Iowa County and increase and support safe and healthy events.

Build the Healthy Iowa County website which will include an inventory of existing resources, services, and programs.
Identify partners we wish to explore opportunities with and the wellness topics/habits we wish to infuse.

• Iowa County Food Pantries
• Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services-Food and Nutrition Assistance
• Exploring Longevity with author Dan Buettner: “Blue Zones”