Pioneering Healthier Communities

Our Mission: Influence and empower all families in Marshall County Iowa to choose healthier lifestyle.

The reason: overweight and under-activity have been identified as two of the county's most pressing health issues.

The consequences: there are elevated rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. And more of it is being observed in children.


Eat Smart

By Christine Jacobson R.D., L.D.

Unrefined sugars come primarily from fruits and vegetables. Unrefined starches come from all whole plant foods - grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Unrefined starches have not had nutrients and fibers removed with processing and therefore provide many health benefits.

  

Move More

By Angie Paxson, Health and Wellness Director, Community Y of Marshalltown

  • Strength training preserves muscle mass during weight loss. According to a University of Michigan research study, at least 25% to 30% of weight lost by dieting alone is not fat but lean tissue, muscle, bone and water. However, strength training helps dieters preserve muscle mass while still losing weight.
Live Well

By Terry Briggs, M.D.

 

Spring has sprung. The grass is turning green, birds are returning from their winter homes and early spring flowers are in bloom. March Madness is or will soon be over. It is time to put down the T.V. controller, put away the salsa and chips and reconnect with the great outdoors.

Local Parks an Incredible Resource! 

Did you know that Marshalltown has 22 City Parks? http://www.ci.marshalltown.ia.us/static/departments/parks/city_parks.php and Marshall County have 24 County Parks http://www.mycountyparks.com/county/Marshall.aspx  Most of these great green spaces provide terrific opportunities for walking, hiking, picnicking, playing ball sports, and many have water features for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, etc.  Our larger parks offer a whole host of other attractions as well.  Enjoying the outdoors in these parks is FREE!  Take advantage of nature in your own neighborhood. Most of these parks are within a short walk or bike ride from our front doors.  May 19, 2012 is the 2nd Annual Kids to Parks Day.   "Upcoming Events" below describes plans for this celebration of our natural spaces in Marshall County.  But, any day is a great day to enjoy any one of these super resources. 

 

 

Two Farmers Market locations begin this month!

Cartwright Pavilion Farmers Market - located in Marshalltown, Iowa at 2nd Avenue & State Street Marshalltown, IA 50158. Assortment of vegetables, fruits, crafts, local specialties and organic food. Hours are mid-May - October Wednesday, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Takes WIC, SFMNP, SNAP.  

Main St. Farmer's Market - located in Marshalltown in front of the Courthouse every Thursday, May 31 - Oct 11, from 4:30pm - 7pm, there will be fresh produce, baked goods, food vendors, some entertainment and free children's activities for the Main Street Farmer's Market.

 

 

 

Yoga In the Park (Mega 10 Park) every Thursday evening 6:45 - 7:30 pm during May and June!  You can take your own mat or there will be plenty available to borrow.  Dress in comfortable clothes to enjoy some stillness, strengthening and solidarity.   Mega 10 Park is across from the softball diamonds Kwik Star on 3rd/6th St.  This is a free class.  Any questions, contact, Sarah Whitehead at 515-210-6093.

 

 

 

 

. 

 

National Kids to Parks Day Celebration - Saturday, May 19, 2012, 10 am - 1 pm, Riverview Park in Marshalltown.  Special FREE events planned for kids and families including games, face painting and balloons, introduction to disc golf, tennis instruction, soccer skills and basketball contests, Bike Rodeo, Scout-led activities.  The first 500 kids to visit this celebration get a free Frisbee.  Other prizes planned include a chance to win Adventureland tickets and Community Y youth membership.  Sponsers for the event are MMSC, HyVee, Energy 106.7, Marshalltown Park and Rec.  They also encourage us to pack a lunch, and bike or walk the trails/parkways throughout the county and enjoy a day at the parks!    

 

 

 

 

Marshmallo Ride and Trail Dedication, Saturday, May 19, 2012:  RIDE begins at 9:30 am at the Marshalltown Community Y Cultural Center. Register at marshalltownbikeclub.com.   Registration fee includes support wagon, snacks, and end meal.  Proceeds go to Marshall County Trails.  TRAIL DEDICATION ceremony begins at 10:00 am at the Grimes Farm Shelter House.  Marshmallo riders and area walkers and runners are invited to celebrate the opening of the new Discover Trail segment.