HEALTHIEST STATE MONTH TOOLKIT. for the WORKPLACE

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1 HEALTHIEST STATE MONTH TOOLKIT for the WORKPLACE

2 Thank you for participating in Healthiest State Month! Healthiest State Month is a fun, informative way to engage Iowans in the Healthy Choices Count! campaign. This proven, scientific method helps keep all Iowans healthy by focusing on the importance of good habits. What does stand for? Each week in the month of October will be dedicated to each of the four numbers in This toolkit will provide you with the resources to help celebrate Healthy Choices Count! in your workplace. Included in this toolkit: A message to share with employees Information on and its importance Ideas on how to participate in each week handouts for employees Visit the ADDITIONAL RESOURCES section of the Healthiest State Month web page to download and/or print these materials: 4 Bathroom Banter newsletters to display in restrooms posters and social media graphics Here is the week-by-week schedule: October 1-5: 1 hour or more of physical activity o October 3 is the Healthiest State Annual Walk October 8-12: 5 or more fruits or vegetables o October 11 is Iowa Local Food Day October 15-19: 2 hours or less of recreational screen time October 22-26: 0 sugary drinks drink more water! Thanks for celebrating with us! Find more information and resources year-round at Together we can create healthier Iowans!

3 Get ready for Healthiest State Month! STEP 1 Designate a person or an employee wellness committee to organize activities to celebrate each week of Healthiest State Month. STEP 2 Familiarize yourself and your staff with STEP 3 Download and display these posters around your workplace: posters, located in Additional Resources STEP 4 Include this message from a company leader on your employee bulletin board, staff newsletter, intranet, etc.: Date: Dear employees: We are pleased to announce that [INSERT COMPANY NAME] is participating in Healthiest State Month. Each week of October will be dedicated to celebrating the Healthy Choices Count! campaign. This program is helping create healthier environments in schools, child care and out-of-school programs, health care practices, workplaces, and communities the places where Iowans live, learn, work, and play. It is centered around the common message of : 5 or more fruits or vegetables 2 hours or less of recreational screen time 1 hour or more of physical activity 0 sugary drinks drink more water! As a part of Healthiest State Month, we will be planning special events and activities to incorporate behaviors into our work day. Don t hesitate to get involved or ask what we are working on. Learn more about Healthy Choices Count at Sincerely, NAME TITLE

4 What is and why is it important? 5 or more fruits and vegetables High daily intakes of fruits and vegetables among adults are associated with lower rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and possibly, some types of cancers. 2 hours or less of recreational screen time Watching too much television (TV) and use of other screen media is associated with an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity, lower reading scores, and attention problems. 1 or more hours of physical activity each day Regular physical activity is essential for weight maintenance and prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and osteoporosis. 0 sugary drinks drink more water! Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption has increased dramatically since the 1970s. Water provides a low-cost, zero-calorie beverage option and is a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.

5 Participation ideas for your workplace It s as easy as choosing one activity each week! In addition to the posters, print and post the weekly Bathroom Banter newsletters (available for download in Additional Resources) in employee restrooms. Be creative! Your Healthiest State Month celebration and activities should be unique to your workplace and culture. WEEK 1: Take part in the Healthiest State Annual Walk on October 3. Register your workplace: Organize a lunch break walking group or schedule brain breaks during the day with short walks or bursts of activity. Turn your regularly scheduled team meeting into a walking meeting. Find more workplace walkability resources here: WEEK 2: Replace the candy bowl with a fruit bowl for employees to grab a healthy snack. Organize a healthy potluck employees are encouraged to bring their tastiest (but healthy) dishes to share. Complete a vending machine assessment ( to find out how many healthy items you currently have. WEEK 3: Set out puzzles or crosswords in common areas to encourage employees to avoid spending their break time on their cell phones. Organize an employee volunteer activity in the community. Host a Lunch and Learn in the breakroom. WEEK 4: Set up a What s Your Flavor-ite? flavored water taste-testing station with water infused with different fruits, vegetables and herbs. Do your vending machines offer options besides sugar-sweetened beverages? Try adding no-sugar added flavored waters, milk or unsweetened tea. Provide pitchers of cold, fresh water and cups or bottled water for your employees. Show off your activities on social media using the hashtag #HealthyChoicesCount!