In 2008, Governor Chet Culver appointed 12 Iowans to serve on the Iowa Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition. The Council was mandated by 2008 Iowa Health Reform legislation signed into law in May 2008.
On that occasion Governor Culver stated: “I am proud to appoint these 12 Iowans to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition. As Governor, improving the health and well-being of Iowans young and old, is one of my top priorities, and these individuals will help us do just that. I look forward to working with the Council and with Iowans around the state as together we make Iowa one of the healthiest states in the nation.”
The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition is a key component of Governor Culver and Lt. Governor Judge’s Wellness Initiative. During the 2008 Legislative session, the Governor signed several pieces of legislation to improve the health of Iowans, including the Smoke-Free Air Act, Healthy Kids Act, which will set nutritional and physical activity standards in Iowa’s schools. Since its creation the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition has been developing a strategy for the implementation of the statewide initiative to increase physical activity, promote quality daily physical education, improve physical fitness, improve nutrition, and promote healthy behaviors.
The Council operates with staff support from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and in turn is charged with assisting in the promotion of the Comprehensive Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan developed by the Iowans Fit for Life partnership, a program within the Health Promotion Unit at IDPH.
The following Iowans have been appointed to three year terms:
- Beverly Ahern – Grundy Center
- Dr. Brett Altman – Newton
- Dr. Casey Clor – West Des Moines
- Dr. Diane Bartholomew – Lamoni
- Jim Hallihan – Ames
- Dr. Jennifer Hill – Pleasant Hill
- Curtis Linhart – Urbandale
- Jenny Norgaard – Ankeny
- Dr. Gregory Peterson – Des Moines
- Jennifer Peterson – Windsor Heights
- Brian Tate – Johnston
- John Walling – Des Moines
Vision: Iowa will be the healthiest state in the nation.
Mission: Promote a healthier lifestyle through regular activity, proper nutrition and the development of healthy communities for all Iowans.
On these pages you will find information on the Governor’s Youth Challenge, the Iowa’s Health Excellence Awards Banquet, Iowans Fit for Life statewide comprehensive plan for nutrition and physical activity, various efforts of the current subcommittees, and links to other useful resources.
FUTURE FEATURES
Please return to this site for a selection of exercises designed to develop core strength and serve as a resource for the schools seeking to fulfill USDA HealthierUS School Challenge criteria, a worksite wellness toolkit, sample nutrition lessons offered as part of the Governor’s Challenge, and more.