Des Moines University walkers enjoyed perfect autumn weather for this year’s “Walk at the Whistle,” a 1K coordinated state-wide by the Healthiest State Initiative. The goal of the walk is to inspire Iowans to improve their health and happiness and make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. This year, walks were held in all 99 of Iowa’s counties.
DMU partnered with our neighbors at Wesley Acres for three walk times, and engaged a total of 105 participants in round-trip walks from campus to 42nd Street, along Grand Avenue.
“As a health sciences university, it’s especially important that DMU ‘walks the talks’ and supports this public health initiative,” says Joy Schiller, M.S., CHES, DMU Director of Wellness.
In 2014, Iowa ranked as the 16th healthiest state* in the nation. Our ranking has moved higher since the Initiative was announced five years ago, but we have still have work to do to claim the #1 spot.
*To measure our progress, the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index® is used. Read more.
Inspired to keep walking? The Des Moines University Wellness Center has online maps that provide the distance, approximate walking time and endurance level for several walking and running routes around campus.