In 2012, Monona County ranked 79th out of 99 counties as far as health outcomes are concerned.  Some alarming statistics include:

• 65% of Monona County's population is overweight
• 27% are obese
• 32% are inactive
• 19% smoke
• 18% drink

The Monona County Community Alliance has endorsed trying to address the obesity epidemic in Monona County.  We have been selected as a Live Health Iowa Outreach County for 2013-14!  

This is great news!  MCCA invites all Monona County children and adults, businesses, schools, church groups, civic groups, etc. to participate in the Live Healthy Iowa 10-week Wellness Challenge that begins January 27, 2014 and ends April 4, 2014. You may register as early as December 16, 2013 by going to www.livehealthyiowa.org.   

Adult 10-week Challenge:  Participants receive a Challenge T-shirt, one-year magazine subscription, chances to win
prizes such as bicycles, shoes, gift cards, a tropical cruise for two and more!  Over the course of 10 weeks, teams of 2-10 people track activity minutes and/or weight loss through the Live Healthy Iowa website.  This simple, affordable, web-based challenge provides Iowans an opportunity to improve their health while engaging in a fun, friendly competition.

• Simple and affordable (only $20 per person)
• Fun, friendly competition
• Teams of 2-10 people
• Track activity minutes and/or weight loss on-line

GET ACTIVE...JOIN THE CHALLENGE!  CHANGE YOUR CHOICES...CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
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MCCA is also proud to be part of the following project to increase physical activity county-wide:

Land and Water Trail Development Project in Monona County

The Monona County Conservation Board and the Monona County Board of Health have partnered with Iowa State University’s College of Landscape Architecture to assess opportunities for Land and Water Trail Development in Monona County.

Iowa State University students, directed by ISU professor, Julia Badenhope, PhD and other ISU faculty are scheduling focus groups with local community groups for the purpose of assessing planning strategies and priorities. To date, focus groups have included Burgess Health Center Physical Therapy, Weight Watchers, county high school athletes and coaches, a county walking group, Franklin Go-Getters 4-H Club, and the county cycling club.

Iowa State University will present their assessment and proposed strategies for improving public health based on the findings and input gathered from county residents in January 2014.  The presentation will display graphic boards, planning and design analysis and physical design concepts and development strategies, as well as reports that explain the problems and proposed solutions for land and water trail development.

Why is this project important?

Whether it’s biking to work or taking the stairs, walking the dog or parking farther away from the store, being physically active offers countless benefits. Research shows that regular exercise makes people leaner, stronger, smarter, and healthier. So why aren’t more people making physical activity a daily habit? A number of reasons keep many people off their feet, but the so-called “built environment”— our man-made world, with its local communities and neighborhoods, streets and buildings, parks and paths—plays a major role.

“Keeping active can help people stay at a healthy weight or lose weight”, says Dr. Tracy Kahl, Family Medicine Clinic. “ It can also lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers, as well as reduce stress and boost mood. Inactive (sedentary) lifestyles do just the opposite.”

For more information, or if you wish to participate in this project, please contact Laura Oliver, Monona County Public Health at .