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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Celebrate the Next Generation During Children's Week
April 08, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2013
Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111
~ Health opportunities key for Florida's children and families ~
TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health (DOH) celebrates Florida's 2013 Children's Week by reminding Florida's families to start healthy habits for children early in life. DOH will participate in Children's Week events at the Capitol, where the Department will host an exhibit titled "Florida DOH Along the Way: 0–18," highlighting how the Department serves children of all ages.
"Healthy children move our communities toward a healthier future," said Dr. John Armstrong, Florida's Surgeon General and Secretary of Health. "Children's Week reminds us to help children develop healthy food and activity habits that last a lifetime."
One example of DOH's efforts on behalf of children is the Department's Healthiest Weight initiative. This statewide public-private partnership provides children, parents, schools, and other stakeholders the tools to address Florida's obesity challenge. Current obesity rates project that 6 out of 10 babies born today will be obese before graduating from high school in 2030. The Healthiest Weight initiative focuses largely on educating young people about the importance of nutrition and physical exercise.
In addition to promoting healthy habits during each growth stage, important steps toward health can be taken during pregnancy and in infancy. The Department's Newborn Screening Panel tests for multiple diseases and conditions and early testing and detection is crucial to ensuring infants have a healthy start. These lifesaving tests are an important beginning to a long, healthy life.
DOH's Division of Children's Medical Services (CMS) has partnered with United Way of Florida and Children's Week for the past seven years. Through various programs serving children with serious and chronic special health care needs, CMS shares the Children's Week vision of giving children a voice and providing them the tools they need to live successful and fulfilled lives.
For a full list of Children's Week Capitol events, visit http://www.childrensweek.org/index.php/2012-12-11-18-58-47/2013-children-s-week. For information about Children's Week observances throughout the state, visit http://www.childrensweek.org/index.php/2012-12-11-18-58-47/events-by-county.
The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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