On August 10th, Governor Terry Branstad announced the “Healthiest State” initiative.  According to the Governor’s website, ” “This Healthiest State Initiative will assist Iowans in learning about and applying proven methods to live longer, happier, and healthier lives,” Branstad said.  “We control more than 70 percent of the factors that influence our health.  It is within our power to make a positive difference in our lives.” ”

The goal of the initiative is to be the #1 Healthiest State by 2016 (5 years) in the Gallup-Healthways Well Being Index.  Iowa is currently ranked #19.

Brandstad envisions this initiative to be community and business-led, with the support of government.

According to the Governor’s website, one of the centerpiece’s of this initiative is the Blue Zones Project.  Over the next five years, 10 Iowa communities will be transformed to Blue Zone Communities, supported financially by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. To learn more about Blue Zone Communities, click here.

To learn more about the Healthiest State initiative, click here.