- April 18, 2024
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by: Gretchen Smith
Communications Manager & Public Information Officer, Florida Department of Health in Flagler
When it opened its doors several years ago, the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County’s Diabetes Education Center established its mission: to empower Flagler County residents to prevent diabetes and its complications through health promotion, education and community outreach. That mission inspires the health department’s Diabetes Education team every day to help clients lose weight, eat healthy and exercise.
One recent addition to the diabetes program is a Walking Support Group. This program launched in August 2021 to get clients with diabetes moving, talking and interacting with each other.
According to Alana Shawah, a registered dietitian and instructor of the Diabetes Self-Management Program, the walking group meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Central Park in Town Center, starting at 8 a.m. The group welcomes participants from any fitness level to join in as they walk anywhere between one and five laps around Central Park. Each lap represents 1/2 mile.
“Most mornings we have between 7 and 9 people,” said Shawah. “Meeting as a group motivates us to show up and be more accountable by making time to exercise. Plus, we have a long-term goal of participating in the Turkey Trot 5K in November. We’re training together, talking about how we’re trying to lead healthier lives and making new friends at the same time. It’s really a win-win for all of us.”
For more information about the Flagler County Diabetes Education Center or any of its programs, call 386-313-7263.
