Healthy Lifestyles Improve Quality of Life
Tuesday January 22, 2008
Healthy lifestyles means a longer, higher quality of life and lowered health care costs for our community.
United Way of Central Florida is committed to making lasting change in people's lives by working with community groups to develop strong public attitudes and tools for living well.
Good health habits start with our family when we are young. The foundation for eating well, exercising and positive human relations are important for long term health. Thankfully, it is never too late to begin to live healthy. Pro-active health care through United Way programs is helping our community avoid some types of cancer, intervene for basic medical check-ups and access mental treatment for those afflicted.
Some United Way programs are keeping seniors active to maintain mental and physical agility. Nearly 20,000 central Florida citizens took CPR & AED classes through United Way partners in 2007. Survival rates of victims increase two-fold when CPR is used in the first four minutes of trauma - the ambulance response rate in geographically large Polk County is 6 to 15 minutes.
Too often events happen where we need help to recover. Without intervention services through United Way and its' partners, 152 rape victims would have had less chance of setting their lives on course to recovery. Over 350 people were victims of domestic violence and were helped - some required help through a safe house. 200 citizens were helped with assisted living or community day centers due to physical or developmental disabilities.
In all these ways and more, United Way is changing lives and our community in a lasting way.
