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New Health Center Targets Eatonville's Sky-High Diabetes Rate


May 28, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando - A new health center in Eatonville will open Saturday, taking aim at diabetes. Twenty-four percent of Eatonville residents suffer from the disease, nearly three times the national average.

[Photo: Steve Mount is an Eatonville resident who has suffered from diabetes for three years. By Ernest Duffoo.]

Healthy Eatonville Place aims to supplement physician care. It'll help patients manage their diabetes through education in nutrition and fitness.

Steve Mount is Mayor Bruce Mount's brother. He's suffered from diabetes for three years.

"Just the building being here is not going to be enough. We're going to have to get the citizens in here to pep each other up. 'Come on in and join us and see what's going on.' But for me it's going to do me good because I'm going to come and make sure I get myself checked out."

Healthy Eatonville Place is a million-dollar collaboration of Healthy Central Florida, Florida Hospital, the Winter Park Health Foundation and other donors. The center includes two examination rooms and a classroom. 

Julie Clyatt, a nurse, says cooking classes will include a mobile kitchen.

"And it does have a cooktop. They have a microwave and a little sink and electricity. And so they can demonstrate how to prepare the meal, and people can then taste it and get the recipe and then go home and recreate it." 

A University of Central Florida survey revealed the prevalence of diabetes in Eatonville. Organizers also hope the center will help determine why it's so common here. 

Health reporting on 90.7 is supported in part by the Winter Park Health Foundation.

 

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