Celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day with Healthy St. Pete
By Meagan Young, CPRP, CTRS, Health Program Supervisor Each year on the second Saturday in June, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) invites families across the country to come together and celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day. This is a national initiative promoting the role of parks and recreation in keeping communities active, engaged, and well. Family Health & Fitness Day is a reminder of the countless ways parks and recreation spaces contribute to our physical and mental health. It’s the
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Stewed Black Beans
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader Stewed black beans are a comforting, flavorful dish that’s rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium. These powerhouse legumes support heart health, aid digestion, and help stabilize blood sugar levels, making them a smart choice for any meal. Slow cooked with garlic, onion, cumin, and citrus, this recipe is both nourishing and delicious. Enjoy it as a main dish, a side, or tucked into your favorite grain bowl
Join our new LGBTQIA+ Support Group
By Rhenelle McSween-Navarro, Community Health Specialist Healthy St. Pete is thrilled to announce a new LGBTQIA+ Support Group starting on May 8 and continuing the 2nd Thursday of every month! This initiative, in collaboration with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the USF St. Pete Pride Alliance, offers a safe, welcoming, and supportive space where individuals can share their stories and connect with others in the community. Taking place from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the West Community Library Gibbs
Spring into Fitness: Move More This April in St. Pete
By Dakota Priest, Community Health Leader As April unfolds in St. Petersburg, it's the perfect time to embrace a more active lifestyle. The days are longer, the weather is ideal, and there are countless opportunities to get outside and move. Plus, April is recognized as Move More Month and Stress Awareness Month, both of which emphasize the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining overall health and wellness. Why Move More This April? Physical activity isn’t just about fitness; it’s about feeling your
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe: Jicama Salad
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader Jicama salad is a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish that supports overall health with its vibrant ingredients. Jicama provides gut-friendly fiber and prebiotics, promoting digestion while helping regulate blood sugar levels. Bell peppers contribute to powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and carotenoids, which boost immune function and protect against chronic diseases. Hydrating cucumbers, rich in vitamin K and magnesium, support bone health and reduce inflammation. By combining these ingredients, you create a nutritional powerhouse of a
Building Physical Literacy: 4-Week Basketball Learning Series for Your Child
By Raisa Riddhi, Community Health Leader Physical literacy is the ability, confidence, motivation, and understanding to engage in physical activities throughout one's life. It is an important building block that supports children in being active and can be developed in kids and teens by establishing an early foundation, ensuring they get enough physical activity each day, and teaching fundamental movement skills, such as balance, running, jumping, and throwing. Physical literacy includes a range of skills, such as motor skills, movement knowledge, physical fitness, and
March is National Nutrition Month
By Summer Hargreaves, RD, LD/N, CLC. Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County March is National Nutrition Month, and this year's theme, "Food Connects Us," underscores the essential role that food plays in building community bonds and promoting health. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) plays a vital role in enhancing community health by providing essential nutritional support and education to low-income families. By providing access to nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and health care referrals, WIC helps
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader Mediterranean chicken skewers are the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. The Greek yogurt tenderizes the chicken while providing protein, probiotics, and calcium for gut and bone health. The chicken provides high quality protein, iron, and zinc to support muscle function and immunity. The blend of cumin and Chile flakes adds antioxidants to aid in digestion as well as heart health. The lemon juice will brighten the flavor as well as provide vitamin C.
Unleash Your Inner Athlete: How Cardio Kickboxing Boosts Cardio and Coordination for All Ages
By: Dakota Priest, AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Community Health Leader Cardio kickboxing isn’t just a high-energy workout; it’s a dynamic fitness regimen that delivers significant benefits for individuals of all ages. At its core, cardio kickboxing is an excellent way to boost cardiovascular health. The high-intensity intervals of punching, kicking, and footwork get your heart rate up, leading to improved stamina and endurance. For older adults, maintaining cardiovascular health is crucial, and cardio kickboxing offers a fun and engaging way to
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe: Sweet Potato Crumble
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader With their filling nature and versatility, sweet potatoes are a delicious, health-boosting addition to any diet. Sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients like vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, supporting eye health, digestion, and heart health. Their low glycemic index and complex carbohydrates help regulate blood sugar and provide sustained energy. Antioxidants, including beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, strengthen the immune system, improve skin, and protect against inflammation. This casserole is a great way to