Walk when the whistle blows

Creston Fire Chief Todd Jackson is one of many people who plans to participate in the “Walk at the Whistle,” an event coinciding with Fire Prevention Week.

“It’s a part of the Healthiest State initiative,” Jackson said. “The state fire marshal wanted involved with this because it falls in Fire Prevention Week, and thought we could merge resources and look at healthier living choices.”

In Creston, there are three scheduled walks Wednesday: one at Greater Regional Medical Center, one at Fareway and one at Southern Prairie YMCA. The walks start at the noon whistle, and walkers can follow paths already set up.

“Healthy activity and healthier eating can greatly increase one’s well-being when paired together,” said Lynn Irr, Southern Prairie YMCA wellness coordinator. “In 2014, Iowa ranked as the 16th healthiest state in the nation. Our ranking has moved higher since the initiative was announced, but we still have work to do to claim the No. 1 spot.”

For those participating in the Fareway walk, meet in the parking lot. The path goes down Adams Street to the Creston News Advertiser, then one block north and back to Fareway.

For those participating in the Greater Regional walk, meet at the gazebo behind the hospital and walk down the walking trail until you reach the bridge, then walk back.

For those participating in the YMCA walk, meet in the parking lot. The path goes north on the walking trail toward Green Valley Park and then return, totaling one kilometer.

Creston firefighters will also have a fire truck at YMCA, where they will sound the sirens at noon to coincide with the noon whistle. There will also be a healthy potluck following the walk at the YMCA, where walkers can bring a food item. Hy-Vee and Fareway are providing a healthy recipe for the potluck.

“We are encouraging local grocery stores to submit a healthy recipe to kick off our potluck that day because what we’re finding is putting together exercise and healthy eating, they go hand in hand,” Irr said. “At least there is something to get the community together to promote health.”