Beat the Heat, Keep Moving: Staying Active This July
By Dakota Priest, Health Program Specialist July in St. Petersburg is synonymous with sunshine, blue skies, and long summer days. While the Florida heat may encourage us to spend more time indoors, it’s also an opportunity to rethink how and when we stay active. By making a few simple adjustments, you can continue to enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits of movement while staying safe and comfortable throughout the summer months. Regular physical activity remains one of the best investments
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Italian Chopped Salad
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader This Italian chopped salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that combines fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and protein-rich ingredients into one satisfying meal. Crisp iceberg lettuce and radicchio provide hydration and fiber while also delivering antioxidants that support digestion and overall wellness. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of vitamin C and lycopene, which are known for their immune-boosting and heart-protective properties. The combination of mozzarella and provolone offers calcium and protein for bone health while
Cooking Around the World: Sweden!
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader This Swedish berries and cream recipe combines rich dairy ingredients with fresh berries to create a dessert that offers both indulgence and nutritional value. The plain Greek yogurt and sour cream provide calcium and protein, which help support strong bones and muscle health. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber that can support immune health and digestion. The gelatin adds structure to the dessert while also contributing
HEALTHY KIDS: SUMMERTIME!
By Rhenelle Mc Sween-Navarro, Health Program Supervisor Summer is here, which means longer days, more sunshine, and plenty of opportunities for kids to move, play, create, and make memories! It’s the perfect season for families to focus on staying active, building healthy habits, and enjoying all the fun that summer has to offer while staying safe in the Florida heat. From bike rides and playground adventures to neighborhood walks, splash pads, and trying new hobbies, summer is a great time for kids
May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Beyond Awareness, Build Joy and Connection
By Rhenelle Mc Sween-Navarro, Health Program Supervisor May often arrives with a sense of renewal. Longer days, warmer air, and a gentle awakening spirit can serve to remind us to check in with ourselves. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, Healthy St. Pete is choosing to lean into something a little different this year, not just awareness, but action, connection, and moments of joy. Mental health isn’t only about getting through the hard days; it is also about creating more good
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Mango Shaved Ice
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader Mango shaved iced is a refreshing dessert that offers more than just a sweet treat. It also provides several nutritional benefits. Fresh mango is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, which help support immune health and skin vitality. The fruit also contains dietary fiber that can aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. When garnishing with sweetened condensed milk, it can add calcium to the dish, supporting bone health and muscle
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Kimbap
By Garrett Simpson, NASM-CNC, Community Health Leader Kimbap is a colorful, well-balanced Korean dish that brings together flavor, texture, and nutrition in every bite. Made with ingredients like seasoned rice, vegetables, eggs, and protein, such as beef or fish, kimbap provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats for sustained energy. The variety of vegetables adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support digestion, immunity, and overall wellness. Seaweed, known in Korea as gin, is rich in iodine, minerals, and
Growing Stronger with Time: Healthy Aging This April
By Dakota Priest, Health Program Specialist April is a season of renewal. In St. Petersburg, warmer days and active parks encourage residents to spend more time outdoors connecting with neighbors, exploring the community, and focusing on their well-being. It’s also a perfect time to reflect on healthy aging, not simply adding years to life, but adding vitality, independence, and purpose to those years. Healthy aging is built on everyday habits that support physical, mental, and emotional wellness throughout every stage of
Fresh Rec Stop Recipe of the Month: Korean Beef Bulgogi
Savory & Sweet: The Ultimate Korean Beef Bulgogi at Home There are few dishes as satisfying and universally loved as Korean Beef Bulgogi. Translating literally to "fire meat," this classic dish is famous for its thin, tender strips of beef marinated in a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. The secret to restaurant-quality Bulgogi at home? It all comes down to the marinade. By using grated pear, you not only add a subtle, natural sweetness but also harness
March into Movement: Building Momentum This Spring
By Dakota Priest, Health Program Specialist March is a season of momentum in St. Petersburg. The days grow a little longer, the weather stays comfortably warm, and the energy of spring begins to show up everywhere, from busy waterfront paths to neighborhood parks filling with activity. It’s an ideal time to recommit to physical activity and build habits that feel energizing, social, and sustainable. Why March Is a Smart Time to Get Moving March often represents a natural reset. Routines that may have