Lace up your walking shoes, Iowa

Iowans from all corners of our state will be walking together Oct. 3.

In Leon, the Terrace Park Travelers will walk a loop around their assisted living facility. Students at Sacred Heart School in Spencer will walk to the park together.

Carroll County Public Health employees will gather for a walk over their lunch break.

No matter your age or physical ability, the Healthiest State Initiative invites you to join the Healthiest State Annual Walk, now in its eighth year.

Since 2011, hundreds of thousands of Iowans have walked on the first Wednesday of October, and we've seen a growing trend toward making Iowa communities more walkable. Communities are adopting Complete Streets policies, hiring staff dedicated to incorporating walkability into transportation plans, and launching walking school buses so kids can walk or bike safely to school.

This annual event is a great reminder for Iowans to incorporate physical activity, like walking, into their daily routines. Walking is the easiest, most affordable and accessible form of physical activity, and one of the best ways to stay healthy. It's also a great way to connect with others. Invite a friend or family member on a walk - by walking with them, you get to catch up and refresh your mind, and the physical benefits will add up, too.

Lace up your walking shoes and join us Oct. 3. There may already be a walk planned in your community, or you can register your own walk for a school, workplace, organization or other group. View a map of planned walks or register your own at the IowaHealthiestState.com website.

Let Oct. 3 be a step in the right direction for your health. Invite a friend for an after-dinner walk, take care of weekend errands with your family on foot, invite your co-workers to join you for a walking meeting or organize a neighborhood walking group. Along the way you'll build strong bonds and a stronger body.

' Jami Haberl is executive director of the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. Comments: jami@iowahealthieststate.com