When was the last time you checked your blood sugar, even if you feel perfectly healthy? Many people assume diabetes risk comes with obvious symptoms, but elevated blood sugar levels often develop quietly over time. One simple lab value, called A1C, provides a bigger picture of your blood sugar trends and can help catch concerns early, sometimes years before diabetes develops.

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative announced the opening of nominations and applications for the 2026 Healthiest State Annual Awards, a statewide recognition honoring four individuals who are making a meaningful impact on the physical, social, and mental well‑being of Iowans.

Frequently asked questions regarding the 2026 Healthiest State Annual Awards.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Volunteer Iowa announced the launch of the 11th annual Give Back Iowa Challenge, an eight-week challenge from April 1 - May 31, 2025, aimed at engaging Iowans in employer supported volunteering. Alliant Energy and the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative have returned this year as partners to support the challenge. Iowa employers are encouraged to pre-register by March 31st but can elect to participate at any time during the Challenge.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

During each week of Mental Health Awareness Month in May we want to give Iowans ways to celebrate and start conversations around mental health! Week five’s theme is Keep the Conversation Going Week. Checkout the blog for more information and resources!

During each week of Mental Health Awareness Month in May we want to give Iowans ways to celebrate and start conversations around mental health! Week five’s theme is Mural and Art Engagement Week. Checkout the blog for more information and resources!

During each week of Mental Health Awareness Month in May we want to give Iowans ways to celebrate and start conversations around mental health! Week three’s theme is Wear Green week. Checkout the blog for more information and resources!

During each week of Mental Health Awareness Month in May we want to give Iowans ways to celebrate and start conversations around mental health! Week two’s theme is Stop and Smell the Flowers week. Checkout the blog for more information and resources!