(Le Mars) — This time each year, many people set new year’s resolutions for themselves, perhaps to lose weight, get more exercise, or to start eating healthy. Living Healthy Iowa is challenging all Iowans to focus on getting healthy for the new year. Iowa ranks 20th in the nation as the healthiest state, and unfortunately Plymouth County ranks low among the 99 Iowa counties as for being the healthiest county. Todd Lancaster, the executive director of the Le Mars YMCA, and also one of the local coordinators to the Living Healthy Iowa says there is an effort being organized to get Plymouth County residents to start thinking about wellness and being healthy. Lancaster says people are urged to participate in the ten-week wellness challenge.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/January 2013/Lancaster1.mp3{/audio}
Lancaster says diabetes and obesity are on the rise for people across the state and the nation. He says to extend your life expectancy is another reason to look at joining the ten-week wellness challenge.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/January 2013/Lancaster2.mp3{/audio}
Recently, an organizational meeting took place attracting more than 30 community leaders to the program. The wellness challenge begins on January 28, and Lancaster says Plymouth County organizers have a goal of having at least 2500 people participate.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/January 2013/Lancaster3.mp3{/audio}
The YMCA official says it doesn’t take much to get healthy. He says people can take some small simple steps to modify their lifestyle in order to become a healthier person.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/January 2013/Lancaster4.mp3{/audio}
The Le Mars YMCA, Floyd Valley Hospital, and the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Plymouth County are organizing the ten-week wellness challenge. Lancaster urges everyone to form a team, participate, and to encourage your family, friends, and co-workers to join the program. For more information, you can contact the Le Mars YMCA, Floyd Valley Hospital, or the Plymouth County Extension office. Registration is $20 with a five dollar coupon that can be used at area Hy-Vee supermarkets.
