health promotion
Community Health Promotion

Chronic diseases – such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes – are the leading causes of death and disability in Leon County.  Although they 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 most chronic diseases.

Goal

The goal of the Community Health Promotion Program is to increase opportunities in Leon County for individuals and families to be physically active, practice healthy eating, and avoid tobacco use.  Research indicates that establishing health-related policies and environmental changes impacts many individuals by providing a foundation for making or maintaining healthy life choices.  Program staff works with grassroots community partnerships to create new norms and opportunities in schools, worksites, and the general community so that healthy eating, active living, and smoke-free lifestyles are the easy and natural choices.

Below are just a few examples of the kinds of technical assistance that is available from the Leon County Health Department.

 For worksites:

• Conduct worksite walkability audits and establishing walking clubs

• Implement point-of-decision interventions to increase stair usage

• Identify and promote healthy options in cafeterias and vending machines

• Establish breastfeeding rooms

• Promote tobacco cessation education

• Implement AHA Heart Ready program (AEDs)

 For schools:

• Conduct School Health Index assessments and develop plans of action around nutrition and physical activity

• Organize parent groups to create safe routes to school and "walking school buses"

• Identify and promote healthy options in cafeterias and in vending machines

• Establish school community gardens

• Promote healthy fund-raising efforts

• Promote tobacco prevention education

• Develop worksite wellness programs for teachers and staff

 For communities:

• Conduct walkability and/or bikeability audits and increase safe and accessible sidewalks and bike lanes

• Increase fitness trails and signage

• Establish community gardens, farmers’ markets or farm stand programs

• Establish policies to promote clean outdoor air

For more information about these and other community health promotion ideas, contact Connie Betterley, Community Health Promotion Coordinator, at the Leon County Health Department at 850-487-3146, ext 153.

Health Promotion

Tobacco

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