HEALTHY COMMUNITIES, HEALTHY PEOPLE PROGRAM

 

Chronic diseases - such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes - are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. These diseases account for 7 of every 10 deaths and affect the quality of life for over 90 million Americans. Although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also among the most preventable.  Adopting healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, controlling portion sizes, being physically active, and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or control the devastating effects of chronic diseases.   The Florida Department of Health is working towards a healthier Florida through the Healthy Communities, Healthy People Program with the goal of reducing death and disability due to chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Efforts are being made to implement this new program on both a state and local community-wide level within the 67 county health departments. Department of Health program staff will work with state and community partners to create environmental and policy changes for healthy lifestyles.   The Indian River County Health Department's Healthy People, Healthy Communities program is committed to implementing the following changes within our community:   Safe and accessible sidewalks, parks, and walking/bike trails Heart-healthy choices in vending machines and cafeterias Policies to promote clean outdoor air Work site policies to promote healthy behaviors among employees to prevent and control chronic diseases Conveniently located farmers markets in communities Tobacco prevention and cessation education in schools and work sites School facilities open to the public after school hours Faith-based organizations providing health education Placement of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) in public access areas RELATED LINKS AND RESOURCES   Please visit the following Florida Department of Health Internet websites for more information on other intervention programs: HealthyFloridians.com We Can!? Program - Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition brochure (Adobe PDF file size 238.17) Diabetes Control Physical Activity Promotion   HEALTHY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS   Community Health Network of Indian River County Indian River Medical Center Treasure Coast Community Health Indian River County Hospital District Indian River County Board of County Commissioners Pastor's Association of Indian River County Parish Nurses of Indian River County Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast The Mended Hearts, Inc., Chapter 235   PROGRAM STAFF   Please call our Program Coordinator, Tina Zayas, at (772) 794-7400, ext. 2700 for more information or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the program. UPCOMING FREE EVENTS: Free Child and Family Health Education Program   Indian River County Health Department is proud to offer free We Can! child and family health education programs.  These 4 session programs are open to all families in Indian River County.  For more information on this fun and educational program, please read the program flyer in English and Spanish), or learn more about the national We Can! education program. Free Quit Smoking Program Quit Smoking Now classes are being offered at Indian River County Health Department. We offer classes at noon and again at 5:30pm for your convenience.  There are 6 class sessions in the program that are free and pre-registration is required. Call 877-819-2357 to learn more about this great opportunity and take the first step or help someone else take their first step towards a healthier life.  Free Diabetes Education Program Are you looking to learn more about your diabetes?  Free diabetes education programs are being offered at the health department.  These programs consists of 3 classes that will teach you about controlling your diabetes, nutrition, avoiding complications and how to self manage your diabetes.  *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * GET EDUCATED ABOUT GYNECOLOGIC CANCERS   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC), the most recent statistics available show in the U.S. in 2007, 80,976 women were told they had gynecologic cancer, and 27,739 died from a gynecologic cancer (source: U.S. Cancer Statistics).  CDC provides information and educational materials for women and health care providers to raise awareness about the five main gynecologic cancers (cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar). *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * Visit the Every Woman Florida website for women's health education, tools and resources for both women and healthcare providers. *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * Are you trying to quit smoking or know someone who is?   Visit the Everglades Area Health Education Tobacco Program website for quit smoking classes and information.     For more information on the Healthy Communities, Healthy People Program, please call (772)794-7400 extension 2700.

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