Florida Department of Health

Healthy conversations in the Sunshine State through public health resources and info. Follow @FLSurgeonGen for updates.

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

The Florida Department of Health teams in Lee County are sharpening their skills through hands-on special needs shelter training to ensure they're ready to support residents with medical and functional needs during emergencies.

From practicing shelter operations to strengthening teamwork and communication, every exercise helps prepare staff to respond with confidence when Florida communities need them most.

This hurricane season, we're committed to being ready before we're called to respond. 🌀

#HurricaneSeason2026 #FloridaHurricaneSeason #HurricaneShelters #EmergencyResponse #SpecialMedicalNeedsShelter

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

ICYMI: Florida Department of Health Announces Mental Health Guidance for Children

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

Drowning is fast, silent, and preventable. In Florida, it is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1–4.

Protect your family by using multiple layers of protection:
💧Always provide distraction-free supervision.
💧Install barriers such as four-sided fencing.
💧Enroll children in swim lessons.
💧Learn CPR and be prepared for emergencies.

A few simple steps can save a life. Learn more about drowning prevention at https://t.co/MMrcGktnMG.

#WorldDrowningPreventionDay #SafeSwimming #PoolSafety

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

Today, @FLSurgeonGen Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo hosted a Youth Mental Health Roundtable with Florida health care and behavioral health experts to discuss ways to better support children and families.

The discussion focused on guidance of treatment and the importance of comprehensive evaluations, personalized care, and informed decision-making when addressing youth mental health challenges.

View guidance: https://t.co/Bo6lIV7QjF

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk for cognitive decline by adopting healthier lifestyle habits.

This #WorldBrainDay, start improving your brain health with the following changes:
💪 Increase physical activity
🚭 Quit smoking
🚴‍♀️ Wear protective gear
🥬 Eat a healthy diet
💤 Get enough sleep
🧠 Stay mentally engaged

Learn how to lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias at https://t.co/WO5JOUxhFH

#BrainHealth #StayActive #HealthyFlorida

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

How much time did you spend outside today? ♨️

In the summer, you probably spend more time in the sun than you realize. Between everyday activities, running errands, exercising, working, or enjoying time outdoors, those minutes can add up. During UV Safety Month, remember to wear your sunglasses and protect your skin with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing.

Sun protection isn't just for vacations. It's an everyday habit that helps protect your overall health.

#UVSafetyMonth #SkinCancerPrevention #SunProtection #SummerTips

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

Could you recognize the signs of a cancer you've never heard of? 🎗️

Sarcoma is a rare cancer that begins in the body's connective tissues, such as bone, muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves and tendons. Because it's uncommon, it's sometimes referred to as the "forgotten cancer."

Possible signs and symptoms may include:
- A lump or swelling that continues to grow
- Pain that doesn't go away, especially in a bone or around a lump
- Unexplained swelling or limited movement near a joint

Raising awareness can help more people recognize when something isn't right. If you notice persistent or concerning symptoms, don't ignore them—talk with a health care provider. Early evaluation can make a difference.

#SarcomaCancer #SarcomaAwareness #CancerPrevention

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

Join the Florida Department of Health for an evidence-based webinar designed to strengthen how health care providers identify, prevent, and respond to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in clinical practice.

Learn how to improve FASD screening, apply effective interventions, strengthen referrals to available resources, and expand your clinical understanding of FASD.

Continuing education (CE/CME) credit for participation is available.

📆 Friday, July 24
🕘 12–1:30 p.m. ET

Register at https://t.co/j4CY26dK8M

#FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorders #FASDAwareness

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

Florida's summer thunderstorms bring plenty of rain and plenty of mosquitoes!🦟

As warm and wet weather continues, take a few simple steps to help protect yourself and your pets from mosquito bites. Watch our video for easy prevention tips you can use all season long.

#FightTheBite #MosquitoPrevention #DrainandCover #MosquitoBorneDiseases

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

How do modern diets and food production affect children's health?

The Florida Department of Health recently hosted a Grand Rounds presentation featuring Dr. Michelle Perro. The event opened with remarks from @FLSurgeonGen Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo before the discussion explored how ultra-processed diets, genetically modified foods and environmental exposures may influence the pediatric microbiome and the rise of chronic disease.

Watch the full presentation to learn more.

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

July is Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month.

Uterine fibroids are common, noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. While many people have no symptoms, fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, and may make it harder to get or stay pregnant.

If you're experiencing any symptoms, talk with your health care provider. Treatment options are available. To learn more, visit https://t.co/RQZmxSqWjL.

#UterineFibroidAwareness #WomensHealthAwareness #FloridaHealth

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

More sunshine means more opportunities to get moving! Looking for more ways to stay active this summer? Here are a few ideas to help you get started. ☀️

✔️ Take a daily walk
✔️ Go for a bike ride
✔️ Try kayaking or swimming
✔️ Spend time outdoors with family and friends
✔️ Find an activity you enjoy and make it part of your daily routine

#HealthierYou #StayActive #HealthySummer #HealthyFlorida

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

Do you have a hurricane plan? ⛈️

If you or a loved one may need additional medical assistance during an emergency, now is the time to register for a special needs shelter. Pre-registration helps local emergency management and health officials plan ahead and ensure those with the greatest medical needs have access to shelter services during a disaster.

Don't wait until a storm is approaching. Learn more about special needs shelters and register today at https://t.co/IADw6Hts2p.

#SpecialMedicalNeedsShelter #HurricaneShelter #FloridaHurricaneSeason #HurricanePreparedness

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

What's growing in Florida this summer? 🥑🥭

Florida's summer harvest is full of fruits and vegetables that can help you add color, flavor, and nutrients to your plate. Swipe through to discover some of our seasonal favorites.

To learn how to incorporate these summer foods into your meals, visit https://t.co/zRtR1WTPra for recipes and cooking ideas.

#FreshFromFlorida #SummerFoods #HealthyFlorida #FreshProduce #SeasonalRecipes

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

Today, we join the nation in celebrating America's 250th birthday. 🇺🇸

As part of this historic milestone, we're reflecting on Florida's public health legacy and the generations of dedicated professionals whose service has helped our communities grow stronger and healthier.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July! 🎆

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

Healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. Small choices can make a big difference in your overall health.

🥑 Add healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and certain types of fish.

⬇️ Cut back on sodium. Most people ages 14 and older should aim for less than 2,300 mg per day.

⬆️ Boost your fiber intake with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

🍅 Fill your plate with a variety of colorful foods to get important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

Healthy eating patterns can help you live longer and lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other chronic conditions. What's one healthy food you'll add to your plate this week? 🥕

#HealthierYou #HealthyEating #Nutrition #ChronicDiseasePrevention

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

How are childhood vaccines evaluated for safety and effectiveness?

The Florida Department of Health recently hosted a Grand Rounds presentation featuring attorney @AaronSiriSG, introduced by @FLSurgeonGen Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. The discussion explored the systems used to assess vaccine safety and effectiveness and their role in public health decision-making.

Watch the full presentation to learn more.

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

Water safety can help make every swim a safer one! 💦

To help children and families build lifesaving skills, our team in Osceola County partnered with the community to provide engaging water safety education through story times, interactive lessons, and swim instruction.

Children learned how to recognize safe and unsafe water situations, the importance of supervision, and valuable water safety habits. These programs equipped them with knowledge they can carry with them all summer long.

#WaterSafety #SafeSummer #HealthyFlorida #SwimSafe

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

On an 80 degree day, the temperature inside your car can reach 109° F in just 20 minutes. Creating a habit of some simple steps can help avoid unintended injury or death. ☀️

Remember to A-C-T.

🛑 AVOID heatstroke-related injury and death. NEVER leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. Lock your car to ensure children don't have access.

🛑 CREATE reminders. Put something important next to your child (purse, wallet, cellphone) that you'll need when you stop.

🛑 TAKE action. Call 911 if you see a child alone in a car.

#CarHeatstroke #HotCarPrevention #LookBeforeYouLock

[Florida Department of Health @HealthyFla]

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias affect not only individuals, but also families, friends, and communities. 🧠

Florida's Project READY offers resources, education, and training to help individuals living with dementia, their caregivers, and health care professionals access the support and information they need.

This month, take time to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and how we can better support those affected by dementia. To learn more, visit https://t.co/XugpWQVBm0.

#AlzheimersandBrainAwarenessMonth #BrainHealth #HealthyAging #ProjectREADY