Lighten Up Iowa is a team based program designed to help Iowans make positive changes during the course of four months. Team members are provided physical activity ideas and tips on healthy eating and proper nutrition. Teams track activity minutes or weight and report progress monthly. Registration is available for Lighten Up Iowa teams online at www.lightenupiowa.org or by calling 1-888-282-0822.
"Lighten Up Iowa will speed up metabolism, build strength, increase range of motion and energy, burn body fat and improve your ability to live life to its fullest," said Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Mary Mincer Hansen, R.N., Ph.D. "Lighten Up Iowa puts us on track to becoming fit for life which also reduces the impact of obesity on our state."
Currently, more than 60 percent of Iowans are overweight or obese and obesity related problems cost Iowans $783 million annually. Only 46 percent of Iowa adults get enough physical activity and only 20 percent enough fruits and vegetables.
"Numerous health studies continue to support the importance of good nutrition and physical activity," said State Medical Director Dr. Patty Quinlisk. "Not only will weight loss reduce risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea and some cancers, but research suggests regular exercise can also cut the possibility of developing degenerative eye disease by 70 percent. Lighten Up Iowa provides the help Iowans need to take control of their health by eating right and exercising."
Lighten Up Iowa is a partnership of IDPH, Iowa Games, Iowa Sports Foundation and Iowa State University Extension.
Sponsors of Lighten Up Iowa include Alliant Energy, Blue Bunny, City of Ames, Coke, EMC Insurance Company, Ford, Hy-Vee, Iowa Association of REALTORS, Iowa Health Care Systems, Iowa State University, Maytag, Mediacom, Pella, Regency Homes, Richard O. Jacobson Foundation, Subway, Trilix Marketing Group, US Bank and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
By IOWA department of public health
Posted December 26th, 2006 by harminka
