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

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.

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