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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 healthy Florida through the
Step Up, Florida! Healthy Communities 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
Communities program is committed to implementing the following changes
within our community:
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Safe and accessible sidewalks, parks, and walking/bike
trails
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Heart-healthy choices in vending machines and
cafeterias
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Policies to promote clean outdoor air
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Work site policies to promote healthy behaviors among
employees to prevent and control chronic diseases
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Conveniently located farmers
markets in communities
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Tobacco prevention and cessation
education in schools and work sites
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School facilities open to the
public after school hours
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Faith-based organizations
providing health education
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Placement of AEDs (Automated
External Defibrillator) in public access areas
Click on the icon for
a printable brochure:
(Adobe Acrobat file, Size: 223Kb)
HEALTHY
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
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Community
Health Network of Indian River County
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Indian
River Memorial Hospital
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Fellsmere
Medical Center
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Indian
River County Hospital District
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Indian
River County Board of County Commissioners
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Pastor's
Association of Indian River County
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Parish
Nurses of Indian River County
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Visiting
Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast
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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.
RELATED LINKS
Please
visit the following Florida Department of Health Internet websites for
more information on other intervention programs:
Diabetes
Control
Obesity Prevention
Physical Activity Promotion
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