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Flagler Health Department commemorates National Nutrition Month

This year's theme is 'Fuel for the Future'

By Brent Woronoff
| 6:33 a.m. March 22, 2023

Women, Infants and Children Program specialists Daisy Flores, Maritza Vargas, Mirlande Cantave, Danielle Dragon, Michelle Morrell (program director), Mary Kauffman, Karen Riley and Ashley Price

Palm Coast Observer
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The Florida Department of Health-Flagler is celebrating National Nutrition Month.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics created the annual campaign 50 years ago, in March, 1973, to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

This year's theme is "Fuel for the Future."

Recognizing the importance of exercise and a good diet is especially important Flagler County where 13.6% of the population has diabetes — nearly 2% above the state average — and 64.4% of the population are overweight or obese, according to the Health Department statistics.

Flagler Health Department Diabetes Team members Alana Shawah and Melody Pierre-Jean.

Flagler Broadcasting’s March 18 “Flagler Health Matters” podcast conducted a panel discussion led by department Public Information Officer Jaffy Lee with dietary specialists in the Women, Infants and Children Program and the Diabetes Education Center.

Flagler’s WIC program served 2,300 clients last year.

The women who work at WIC spoke about what gives them the most joy in serving their clients.

“Providing comfort and support for moms and helping moms feel heard,” Danielle Dragon said.

“Teaching skills by educating and supporting families to reach their goals and watching them thrive and find success in their own way,” Mary Kauffman said.