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.
- Alliance for a Healthier Generation
- Blue Zones Project
- Grimes Farm Maps and Trails
- Linn Creek Greenbelt Recreational Trail Map
- Iowa Healthiest State Initiative
- Iowa Valley Bicycle Club
- "Lean Works" – worksite wellness from CDC
- Marshalltown Blue Zone Face Book Page
- Marshalltown Bike Map
- Marshalltown Community Y
- Marshalltown Park and Recreation Dept.
- Marshall County Market
- Marshall County Parks
- Marshall County Conservation Board
- USDA Nutrition Information and Resources
- America on the Move
By Christine Jacobson R.D., L.D.
When at the grocery store, people can become overwhelmed with choices. In some grocery stores, the bread isle alone feels like the length of a football field. For those looking for nutritional standouts, the simple task of buying bread can suddenly become complicated and even stressful.
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.
By Terry Briggs, M.D.
Wolfing down a candy bar takes a mere minute or two; walking off those calories would take most people about 40 minutes. To lose a single pound, you need to burn approximately 3,500 calories.
Go Exotic!
Wandering around the produce sections of grocery stores in Marshalltown is getting to be an exciting and educational experience. We are blessed in this community with at least three Hispanic/Latino owned and operated grocery stores and two Asian food stores. Their influence has encouraged greater variety in our fresh food options. Not long ago it was impossible to find lemon grass, cactus, and acai berries in town. Now even our mainstream groceries have ever-increasing varieties of fruits and vegetables new to Iowans. Take for instance the beautiful dragon fruit pictured below (rich in antioxidants, provides some B-vitamins plus Vitamin C, and a couple of grams of protein.) It has a slightly sweet yet mild flavor and is a, low calorie fruit - what fun! Just about every health organization that exists recommends we get at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Try going exotic to make your dining more interesting and to assure great variety - one of the best approaches to disease prevention we know.
TOT TOWN TIME AGAIN! 11/1/12 - 4/5/13, 9:30 - 11:30 am - Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at the Marshalltown's Veteran's Memorial Colliseum (20 W. State Street, 641-754-5715) morning climbers, riding toys, balls and running room will be available FREE to children ages 2-5. No advance registration is required. When Marshalltown schools are cancelled or delayed by two hours Tot Town will be closed. This is a great resource for families of preschoolers or for child care providers.
TEMPLE BUILDERS' EXERCISE ENCORE CLASS - FREE TO ALL! New session begins Tuesday, Oct. 2, at First United Methodist Church (202 W. Main Street in Marshalltown) from 8:15 - 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall. Janet Collison will be leading the two times per week exercise and stretching class appropriate for all levels of fitness every Tuesday and Thursday morning through November 20, 2012. Janet says, "Please bring your 'yoga-style' mat, wear loose clothing and prepare to have fun! We will take it easy... I don't like to be sore the next day and I'm guessing you don't like it either... So we will break in easy and see where this goes." Contact First United Methodist Church if you have questions: 641-752-3668.
HEALTHY FARMS, HEALTHY PEOPLE STATE MEETING, 11/16/12 (8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.) Iowa Valley Continuing Education Conference Center, 3702 S. Center, St., Marshalltown, IA. Learn about the complexities and interconnectedness of our food systems and their impact on our health as Iowans, farms and communities. Registration is open to representatives from health care and public health, wellness coaches, federal, state or local officials, local food producers, grocers, and anyone who loves food! This is the first offering of what will be an annual event sponsored by the Healthy Farms, Healthy People Coalition. Go to the following site to learn more about this conference and to register to attend. http://www.iowapha.org/Resources/Documents/HFHP%20Conference%20Brochure%2010.22.12.pdf
"SCHOOLS OUT FUN DAYS!" Full Day Dates: Oct. 19, Nov. 21 and Nov. 23 at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA. An excellent low cost opportunity for kids to have a safe and fun alternative to day care when school is not in session. Kids have a great time swimming, playing, games and getting creative with crafts. On occasion the participants will go on field trips to the park. Watch for more information that will be sent home in school folders with the students. Space is limited to the first 50 kids. Parents wishing to register for the days need to do so prior to the Wednesday before attending the camp to avoid a $5 late fee. The Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA is Block Grant accepted. For more information click on the following link: http://www.ymca-ywca.org/documents/FitKidsandschoolsoutdescription.pdf
