Childhood Obesity Prevention
The Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades Counties work together to provide healthy programs at West Glades School.
Grades K-3 participate in the Fresh 2 U monthly fruit and vegetable tasting program and the classroom based Mileage Club to increase physical activity.
Fourth grade classes have a monthly Fresh 2 U cooking Class with healthy lessons. In addition, the 4th graders have a Mileage Club 2 mornings a week before school. These programs encourage youth at an early age to make good decisions to eat more fruits and veggies and be more active.
Local Public Health Partnership
In 2011, many members of the local public health system came together to complete the CDC’s local assessment of our counties.
We set plans to continue the work focusing on child and adult obesity, diabetes screening, blood pressure screening and mammography screenings to help lower the percentage of people reporting fair or poor health and to decrease preventable hospital stays.
The partnership is working together to apply for small grants to expand healthy messages in Hendry and Glades counties.
Diabetes Prevention
The Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades counties, in partnership with Hendry Regional Medical Center, offers the Diabetes Prevention Program at no cost to participants that provides information and tools to help reduce risk of developing diabetes.
The accountability of a group setting and the guidance and support of the life coach will support and encourage you to reduce your risk. Sessions are offered in LaBelle, Clewiston, and Moore Haven. Special groups may be accommodated as well.
To qualify for this program, you must be:
- At least 18 years old
- Overweight (BMI of 25 or greater)
- At high risk for developing type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes by a health care provider
If you have been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you do not qualify for this program, however Hendry Regional Medical Center offers a diabetes self-Management program at no cost. Call 863-983-1123 for additional information.