The final week of Iowa’s Healthiest State Month continues with an emphasis on cutting out sugary drinks.

This week represents the “0” in the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count initiative, cutting sugary drinks to zero. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, frequently consuming sugary drinks can lead to obesity, type-two diabetes, heart disease, and other health concerns. Making the switch to water can help manage body weight, reduce caloric intake, and increase hydration. 

Dallas County Public Health Public Information Officer Ann Cochran says her favorite part of Iowa’s Healthiest State Month is that it focuses on a new healthy habit each week, “One of the things that we encourage people (to do) is concentrate on one of those numbers per week for several weeks. Think of some strategies and do that to really hone in on that one for two or three weeks and just say, ‘You know what? I’m really going to (do) this fruit and vegetable thing.” Depending on what your biggest challenge is, you may want to spend several weeks on those.” 

The 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count initiative also promotes one or more hours of physical activity daily, eating five or more fruits or vegetables and limiting screen time to two or fewer hours each day. Participants are also encouraged to share their activities on social media with #HealthyChoicesCount.