MASON CITY — Lt. Governor Adam Gregg stopped in Mason City this morning to help kick off Healthiest State Month in Iowa. Gregg joined students and staff at Harding Elementary School as they were among more than 900 Healthiest State Annual Walk events taking place today.

Gregg says events like this will help Iowans move forward with the goal of becoming the healthiest state in the nation.   “What that’s going to take is a lot of good choices, and a lot of doing little things right. Today is an opportunity where we’re going to get a little exercise here with the kids here at Harding Elementary, but also encourage them to make healthy choices when they have that opportunity from here on out and for the rest of their lives, and create those healthy habits that will help us become the healthiest state in the nation.”

Gregg says kids need to learn good habits about exercise. “It’s so important to be intentional about getting that exercise. It’s so easy these days to live a sedentary lifestyle with looking at our phones, or being on the computer, or watching TV. Let’s get up, let’s get out, let’s have some fun and enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. It’s great to instill that kind of ethic in the kids early, and I think they’re having fun with it.”

Gregg says it’s not only important for kids to be healthy, adults needs to look at their lifestyle.  They’ve got to take control of their own health and find ways to make the healthy decision when they have that opportunity. We have decisions many times a day, every single day, where we can make a healthy choice or we can make it less healthy choice. Healthiest State Month is all about encouraging Iowans to make that healthy choice when they have an opportunity, but also empowering them with the information that they need to make the healthiest choice for them.”

Gregg presented the school with a proclamation and then participated in walking and other exercises with the students.