A Healthier Foundation for the Future of Iowa
Iowa has seen concerning trends regarding the health of our citizens in the first half of the 2020’s. According to the United Health Foundation’s recently released America’s Health Rankings, our state ranks 16th out of 50. However, this ranking hides some alarming statistics about the well-being of Iowans.
Out of all 50 states, Iowa sits at 41st for obesity, 46th for excessive drinking, and 43rd for exercise. We remain in the bottom half of the country for fruit and vegetable consumption, placing 31st. These numbers paint a clear picture of the challenges facing our state, affecting not just our physical and mental health but also increasing our rates of chronic disease like cancer.
Obesity, in particular, poses a serious public health challenge. Approximately one-third of Iowa adults (36.4%) are classified as having obesity, while another third (34.3%) are overweight. This isn’t just a health issue – it’s an economic one. Obesity contributes to reduced labor force participation, higher early mortality, and growing healthcare costs. Communities throughout our state are feeling the pressure of having an unhealthy population.
All these numbers paint a clearer picture of why cancer rates are so high in Iowa as well. Poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive drinking are well-known risk factors for cancer. Additionally, environmental carcinogens, like asbestos and pesticides, further threaten the health of our citizens, as highlighted in the Iowa Cancer Plan by the Iowa Cancer Consortium.
Finally, we have work to do regarding mental health, as we are 43rd in the nation for mental health providers. Even more alarming, frequent mental distress has risen by 71%, and suicide rates have increased by 26% over the last decade. These numbers reflect the growing mental health struggles faced by Iowans of all ages.
It’s time to stop accepting these numbers as our reality. If we want to create a healthier Iowa, we need to address the root causes of poor health. It’s not just about access to medical care; it’s about the everyday conditions in which Iowans live, work, and play. Health starts in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces, and it’s shaped by the policies that influence those places.
While the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, a small nonprofit, cannot singlehandedly reduce cancer or obesity rates, we can raise awareness and promote simple, actionable steps that can have a profound impact. Everyone has a role to play in creating a healthier Iowa, from increasing access to fruits and vegetables to providing more opportunities for physical activity.
As individuals, we can start by making small changes. Prioritizing fruits and vegetables, drinking more water instead of sugary drinks, and swapping screens for physical activity - whether it’s a walk around your neighborhood or playing basketball in the park – can lead to lasting improvements in our health.
Community and school leaders can also play a key role by adopting 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count!, which encourages healthier habits in our youth. Schools can incorporate more physical activity into lessons and increase access to more fruits and vegetables. Punishing kids by taking away recess or physical activity needs to stop. Instead, let’s reward movement and well-being to set future generations up for success.
These changes won’t happen overnight. They require access as well as practice, dedication and a shift in mindset. We don’t all need to be like Caitlin Clark and Cooper DeJean, but we can adopt the same focus and discipline they show on the court and field. Building healthier habits, like following 5-2-1-0, will help us live our healthiest lives.
Ultimately, the foundation of health is prevention. By addressing the root causes of poor health and making small, consistent changes, we can create a brighter, healthier future for Iowa—one where individuals thrive, businesses prosper, and communities flourish. But we need to act now. The future of Iowa’s health depends on it.
Jami Haberl is the Executive Director of the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to ensuring every Iowan can live their healthiest life. She is a transformational leader with over two decades of experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating public health programs and creating strategic partnerships across government, private, and nonprofit sectors.