Iowans need more trails, not fewer

     

This home is located on the
High Trestle Trail
in Ankeny, Iowa.

    Iowa is a state which needs more walking trails, not fewer!

    According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa is one of 19 states with an obesity rate of plus/minus more than 35 percent. That's one-third of the state's population!

    Being overweight or obese increases health risks, the state reports, including: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and several types of cancer.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, study shows that obese children are more likely to grow into overweight adults. This, in turn, makes it more likely they will be bullied, become depressed, or develop diabetes, bone or joint issues.

    I bring this up because lately, two communities in the greater Quad-City area have refused to allow exercise paths be built near residential neighborhoods.

    While this is somewhat understandable, I offer a photo, above, of a high-end house that is located within 25 yards of the popular High Trestle Trail in Ankeny, Iowa. The homeowners have a fence that surrounds their pool, which would help with trail-related concerns.

    At some stage of life, homeowners should place the good of society among their thoughts before they fight against a new trail or path.

    American Trails, an organization formed to promote and care for trails in America, did a study on the impact of new exercise trails. According to the 2014 research, access to trails really does lead to a healthier community. 

    The American Journal of Public Health reports there is a direct correlation between how close folks live to walking and biking infrastructure and the amount of weekly exercise they get. The closer folks live to a trail, the more likely they will use it, the study said. A positive health impact extends out to those to live 2.5 miles from the trail.

    I argue that as we age, it only makes sense to make exercise one of life's top priorities. 

    That's a whole lot easier if there is a place to exercise nearby!

    

    

    



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