The holidays can feel like a marathon, with cooking, hosting, traveling and maybe even a little shopping spree. It’s tempting to lean on caffeine to push through, but too much can leave your energy and your hormones on a rollercoaster. The good news? You can still enjoy your latte without the crash or jitters.

In April, schools, workplaces, individuals, and healthcare sites were honored for their continued work to improve the health of Iowans at the 2025 Healthiest State Annual Annual Awards presented by Wellabe.

Each winner received a monetary award and, over the past several months, they were able to use their prize funds on projects to continue their efforts to create healthier environments for their students, employees, patients and fellow citizens.

It's time to hear from the 2025 winners to see how they chose to use those funds in their projects across the state!

In light of the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impacts on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative announced today that Double Up Food Bucks remains available to SNAP users in Iowa.

While more Iowans than ever are being diagnosed with cancer, more are surviving it too. With a comprehensive approach and by investing in prevention, early detection, research, and survivor care, we can create a future where cancer is no longer a burden in Iowa.

Fall means a full schedule for many families, with school activities, football and holidays. As the days cool down and heaters turn on, the air dries out, leaving us dehydrated. Being dehydrated can cause our skin to become cracked and dry, and can make us feel sluggish, tired and weighed down. Try some of these hydration tips to feel your best even during the dry months.

The costs of inactivity are staggering  for our individual health, our economy, and our state’s future. Iowans get less physical activity than most other states, and many of us aren’t active outside of work at all. A lack of parks and public spaces only makes matters worse, especially for children who need safe, accessible places to play and move. With one-third of adults in Iowa living with obesity and another third living with overweight, it’s never been more important to prioritize physical activity and renew our focus on health.

Iowa Healthiest State Initiative Receives Grant from Variety - the Children’s Charity

The food we eat fuels our bodies, minds, and communities. Yet for many Iowans, eating well is far from simple. While food insecurity remains a serious challenge, we must also confront nutrition insecurity; the lack of access to foods that support long-term health.

Mental health affects every corner of our state – from rural communities to urban centers, from classrooms to workplaces. Talking about mental health isn’t new, but the conversation has taken off in recent years, especially since COVID-19 turned life upside down. These days, more people than ever understand how critical mental health is for our overall well-being, and we’re starting to see the stigma surrounding mental illness fade somewhat, particularly among young people. But there is plenty of opportunity to address both stigma and access to mental health services. Here’s the reality: mental health struggles are more common here than a lot of people might think.

Whether you’re fueling tiny learners, teens with sports practice, or yourself, balanced nutrition is the key to better focus, energy and mood. Let’s break it down by age group to help your whole crew thrive.

Every month through Monthly Momentum, we’ll share what our team did through our four main programs Make It OK, Double Up Food Bucks, Produce Rx, and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! the month prior to realize that mission!

It’s almost that time! The Healthiest State 15th Annual Walk will take place on Wednesday, October 1st. It can be stressful to plan for a large group, that’s why HSI has put together 8 tips for planning successful walk!

This unique fruit is high in monounsaturated fat which helps keep your cholesterol levels in check and allows the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Just one-third of a medium-sized avocado provides three grams of fiber, a nutrient most Americans fall short on, and more potassium than a banana.

Every month through Monthly Momentum, we’ll share what our team did through our four main programs Make It OK, Double Up Food Bucks, Produce Rx, and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! the month prior to realize that mission!

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative and the IMT Des Moines Marathon are proud to announce a new partnership aimed at promoting health and well-being across the state through a brand-new event debuting this fall.

The inaugural "Healthiest State Initiative 1 Mile Presented by HealthPartners" will take place on Sunday, October 19, as part of the IMT Des Moines Marathon weekend festivities. This untimed, family-friendly walk is designed to be accessible for all ages and abilities and will highlight the shared mission of both organizations to encourage physical activity and build a culture of health throughout Iowa.

With the freedom of summer vacation often comes the temptation of sugary snacks, fast food stops, and more screen time than steps. Luckily, with just a bit of preparation, you and your family can stay nourished, energized, and fully enjoy everything your summer getaway has to offer. Your Hy-Vee dietitian is here to help with a simple four-step guide to making summer travel a breeze.

This May, the community of Muscatine came together to support mental health awareness under the name Make It OK; Muscatine. Using materials from the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s statewide Make It OK Iowa campaign, a dedicated group of 26 committee members spearheaded local efforts to reduce stigma and start conversations around mental health.

Every month through Monthly Momentum, we’ll share what our team did through our four main programs Make It OK, Double Up Food Bucks, Produce Rx, and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! the month prior to realize that mission!

Gluten-free eating isn’t just a fad—it’s a necessity for those with celiac disease. While some people go gluten-free by choice, for others, even a tiny crumb of wheat can trigger serious health issues. May is Celiac Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about this autoimmune condition that affects millions. So, whether you’re living gluten-free, know someone who is, or just wonder why your friend quizzes the waiter about cross-contamination, let’s uncover the wheat-free truth!

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s Double Up Food Bucks program has expanded its partnership with Fareway to offer the program at every Fareway location in Iowa.