(Black PR Wire) An enhanced focus on chronic disease prevention is vital to achieving optimum health and a high quality of life for everyone. Chronic illnesses are defined as conditions that last a year or more and require ongoing medical attention and/or limit activities of daily living, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Four out of five Miami-Dade County residents are at risk for these chronic diseases [Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and Cancer]. Key factors contributing to these health conditions are when people are overweight, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and take on little to no physical activity.

“Preventing chronic disease and helping everyone to enjoy maximum health and functionality over their life span is critical and very important to us,” says Dr. Lillian Rivera, Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County. “We are committed to helping reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases and increase access to clinical and community linkages. This includes making it easier to find affordable fresh fruits and vegetables in nearby neighborhoods. In addition, we are working to make it safer to walk, ride a bike, and get active in our communities.”

Dr. Rivera and her team recognized the need for the community to join forces and together, have established the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade. The Consortium is comprised of over 161 organizations, all united by the common belief that through collaboration and prevention-focused initiatives, Miami-Dade County residents can live longer, happier and healthier lives. The Consortium provides an array of educational information and outreach services, and offers simple health tips, such as:

• To prevent heart disease, control your weight and exercise.
• To prevent diabetes, eat a healthy diet and limit the consumption of processed foods.
• To prevent strokes, monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

And much more.

Make Healthy Happen Miami is an initiative of the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade and the Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH). PICH focus areas include tobacco and smoke-free environments, environments with healthy foods or beverages, physical activity opportunities, and prevention of chronic diseases through clinical and community linkages. The campaign includes the use of marketing and media strategies throughout the Miami-Dade local community. Make Healthy Happen Miami is a message from the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, and is made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For more information on Make Healthy Happen Miami, visit www.HealthyMiamiDade.org

# # #