Making Iowa the healthiest, or healthier

The Gazette Editorial Board

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Iowa's obesity epidemic is perhaps our worst health problem. It's linked to many chronic diseases. And despite many public warnings and programs, Iowans continue to put on pounds.

Iowa ranks in the top 20 most-obese states; two-thirds of Iowans are overweight or obese. Evidence of the impact is piling up. For example, cases of type 2 diabetes in children, tied to obesity and lack of exercise, have soared in the past decade.

Now comes the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. Led by the governor, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Hy-Vee, the goal is to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation by 2016, as measured by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. In 2010, Iowa ranked 19th.

Convincing enough Iowans to make enough lifestyle changes to become No. 1 could save up to $11 billion in health care costs and $5 billion in lost worker productivity, state officials estimate.

Getting there? Whew, that means getting a lot of people to change their daily choices. So personal. So challenging. Yet, we agree, so important.

So why do the Healthiest State folks think their approach - volunteer-based with private financing - can succeed?

Because, they said, it's Iowa's first comprehensive effort. It's about creating and coordinating awareness in individuals, groups and workplaces. To learn about all the things affecting our health and well-being, and how simple, modest changes can make a big difference. And it's rooted in research and science.

The first step is a statewide Start Somewhere Walk - a symbolic event inviting all Iowans to walk one kilometer at noon Oct. 7.

Next is the Blue Zones Project, financed by Wellmark. Over five years, experts will work with 10 selected communities to apply lessons based in Dan Buettner's acclaimed book and worldwide research that identified factors that lead to longer, happier and more productive lives.

Pie in the sky? Well, consider neighboring Albert Lea, Minn. - the first Blue Zones prototype community. Completed in 2009, the project there documented a 21 percent drop in employee absenteeism at committed companies, a 49 percent decrease in health care costs among city employees, two-thirds of local restaurants offering healthier food choices, and 27 percent of residents and 100 percent of schools pledging to lifestyle changes.

The Blue Zones Project is about making fitness infectious. Nudge, don't force, people and communities to change over time. Make it easier to make better choices.

It makes much sense. But will Iowans embrace it? That's the key.

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On the Net

n iowahealthieststate.com

n www.bluezonesproject.com