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Eatonville Mayor, Health Organizations Unite Against Diabetes


March 19, 2013 | WMFE- Eatonville city leaders are working to control what health professionals say is an alarming rate of diabetes in the community. A new study reveals one in four Eatonville residents suffer from the disease.

[Image: Healthy Central Florida logo]

A survey of more than 900 residents in three cities was conducted by the Healthy Central Florida coalition. It found the rate of diabetes among Eatonville residents is more than double the national average, and three times as high as nearby Winter Park and Maitland.

Eatonville Mayor Bruce Mount says the city wants to develop a wellness center where residents can get resources to combat diabetes- including advice about diet and exercise.

“Just imagine if you had a hub you can go to and you know you’re not isolated dealing with diabetes," said Mount. 

"I think that’s a great thing.”

Mount has been praised by fellow mayors for leading twice weekly “walk and talk” sessions  with residents.

Efforts to fund the wellness center are being led by the Winter Park Health Foundation and Florida Hospital, which launched Healthy Central Florida - a coalition that also includes other health agencies, local governments and schools- last year.

 

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