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Walk More to Stress Less: Get Moving to Improve Well-Being

Allison
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Walk More to Stress Less: Get Moving to Improve Well-Being

More than 10 years ago, a mere five words frightened desk jockeys everywhere: “sitting is the new smoking.” Still, many people across the U.S. are walking less than they used to. Long days spent sitting can take a toll over time, negatively impacting bodies and minds.

Research from the American Heart Association shows 1 in 4 adults in the United States sits for longer than 8 hours each day, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and premature death.

Feeling stretched by the demands of everyday life is common. However, simply adding just 20 minutes of daily physical activity may reduce the risk of disease and improve mental health, according to research published in “JAMA Internal Medicine.” Additionally, being physically active reaps many benefits down the road. It keeps your mind sharp as you age; studies show higher levels of fitness are linked to better attention, learning, working memory and problem solving. It also slashes risk of depression and boosts an all-around sense of joy.

Research continues to show physical activity, like walking, reduces stress, boosts mood and promotes overall well-being. This year, in honor of National Walking Day – created by the American Heart Association more than 10 years ago to encourage more movement throughout the day and help people live longer, healthier lives, one step at a time – consider these ideas to get your body moving to help lower stress, improve sleep, lift your mood and support both mental and physical health.

Step into the Great Outdoors

Slipping on a pair of comfortable walking shoes and heading outside is a simple way to get more movement in your life. Walking outside has the added benefits of helping reduce stress, improving mood and boosting cardiovascular health. Sunshine also provides a boost of vitamin D and immune support.

Make It Fun

Think of movement as something you give yourself, by moving more your way. When you choose activities you enjoy, it becomes easier to make them part of your day. If you can’t find 20 minutes for a walk outside, even short bursts of movement can help. Walking in place at a brisk pace, walking up and down the stairs in your home, finding a quick dance workout online or even seated exercises and stretch breaks throughout the day can help you feel more refreshed and ready to take on everyday tasks, like cooking and running errands.

Walk with a Furry Friend

Pets can be a great motivator to get moving. Plus, taking your furry friend for a stroll can support heart health, lower stress and boost overall happiness. In fact, a study published in the “Journal of Physical Activity and Health” shows dog owners are 34% more likely to reach their fitness goals and get the recommended amount of physical activity than those who don’t have a dog. Walking with your pet can also lead to more social connection, such as meeting neighbors or other pet owners.

Pound the Pavement with a Pal

Walking solo can be good for introspection, but bringing a friend, family member or coworker can make the time pass more quickly and add connection to your routine. Explore a greenway, waterfront or indoor mall for a fresh way to get some steps. If a loved one isn’t available to join you, make a phone call while you walk or take a meeting or conference call outdoors if your work allows it.

Every step counts. Visit Heart.org/movemore for more tips to get moving.

WORLD AUTISM MONTH April 2026 – Upcoming Dance Designed to Bring Awareness to Autism

Staff Reporter
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WORLD AUTISM MONTH April 2026 – Upcoming Dance Designed to Bring Awareness to Autism

HAINES CITY – Carolyn Jasper feels called to recognize and uplift those who are often overlooked. Three years ago, she hosted the first Golden Gala, an event created to celebrate and support area senior citizens. Now she is preparing for her next effort — the first Autism Acceptance Dance, designed especially for individuals ages 10 and older living with the condition.

“So many of our autistic children and adults never get a chance to be entertained,” Jasper said. “They don’t do much more than stay at home. I thought listening to music and being together would brighten their spirits.”

Autism is a cause close to Jasper’s heart. She has both a nephew and a grandson with the condition, and the idea for the dance has been on her mind for some time.

“This is all new to me, but God has been on me about it for a while,” she said. “I kept saying I was going to do it.”

With April recognized as Autism Awareness Month, Jasper said the timing felt right to bring the event to life.

Although she has been organizing the dance largely on her own, Jasper said she is hoping community members will step forward to volunteer during the event or help sponsor it.

“We aren’t asking for much. Even $20 will help,” she said. “I’ve been praying for people to come and for people to help out.”

She said she hopes to provide a live band for the dance, but a DJ will provide music regardless.

Jasper is also the founder of Rise Up Feed and Seed Food Pantry, a local nonprofit that provides food to hundreds of residents in need each month.

The Autism Acceptance Dance will be held April 24 at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Auditorium. The semi-formal event is free to attend, and parents must accompany participants.

For more information, call 863.557.2514.

Gators Strike First: UF Beats FSU 6–3 in Rivalry Clash

Ethan Jones
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Gators Strike First: UF Beats FSU 6–3 in Rivalry Clash

The game that had been circled on both teams’ calendars finally arrived as the No. 20 Florida State Seminoles traveled to Gainesville to face the No. 23 Florida Gators. Florida State entered the matchup with a 13–2 record and a nine-game winning streak, hoping to continue its momentum and add another win to the streak. Florida, sitting at 14–3, looked to bounce back and regain confidence after a disappointing series loss to High Point University.

pregame

For both programs, this matchup was about more than just another game. Whenever Florida State and Florida meet, regardless of the sport, bragging rights and in-state supremacy are always on the line. Heading into the game, the all-time series between the two rivals was nearly even. The Seminoles held a narrow 135-129-1 advantage overall, including a 72-43-1 record at home in Tallahassee. However, Florida State had struggled historically in Gainesville with a 51-69 road record against the Gators, while the Seminoles were 13-16 in neutral-site meetings.

On the mound for Florida State was junior right-hander John Abraham (1-0, 0.66 ERA), who faced redshirt freshman Schuyler Sanford (1-0, 1.69 ERA) for Florida. Although both pitchers had already made six appearances this season, the game marked their first start of the 2026 campaign.

After a slow start to the game, Florida State struck first in the top of the second inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, junior Cal Fisher delivered a single to right center, bringing home Hunter Carns and Brayden Dowd to give the Seminoles an early 2-0 lead.

Florida responded in the bottom of the third inning. Ethan Surowiec started the rally with a single to left field that brought home Kyle Jones. The Gators’ offense continued to surge, adding four more runs in the inning to take a commanding 5-2 lead.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Seminoles were able to close the gap. Will Bavaro singled to center field, bringing in Eli Putnam to make it a 5-3 ballgame.

The Gators added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning when Brendan Lawson homered to deep right field, extending Florida’s lead to 6-3. The home run proved to be the final blow, as the Gators held on to secure the victory.

By the numbers, Florida State finished the game with six hits, zero errors, and eight runners left on base. Florida also recorded six hits with zero errors, leaving nine runners on base.

The game was effectively won on the mound for Florida. The Gators struck out Florida State 18 times, with 16 of those strikeouts coming in the final five innings from Florida’s relief pitchers.

Florida now leads the three-game series 1-0. The next meeting between the two teams will take place on March 24 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Before the rivals meet again, both teams have busy schedules ahead. Florida State will travel for a series against Wake Forest before returning home for a game against Bethune-Cookman and a series against NC State. Florida will host a series against South Carolina and a game against Stetson before heading on the road for a series against Alabama.

After the game, I and other members of the media went down to the field and asked Florida State head coach Link Jarrett about his thoughts on the matchup. He opened the postgame press conference by saying, “Unfortunate outcome. I really tip my hat to the caliber of arm they ran at us, and I think we punched out 11 of our 13 at-bats, which is difficult. If you are going to have that sort of offensive performance, you’ve got to do something to offset it on the mound.”

When asked about the pitching performance and whether he saw any positives, Jarrett said, “I thought Stokes facing the lefties, he hadn’t looked quite as sharp against the left-handed hitter, so to come in and get the first two lefties and punch those guys out, that was great.”

Later in the press conference, Jarrett was asked what message he would give the team moving forward as they prepare for ACC play. He responded, “Well, they need to be comfortable in this environment. There are a lot of young guys that haven’t been through this that have played, especially on the position side, so take this in. I didn’t think it really fazed them.”

Even though it was just the first game of the season between these two teams, it once again showed the intensity and rivalry that exists whenever Florida State and Florida face off.

Fatal Crash Involving Bicyclist / US 98 N and Pyramid Parkway

Allison
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Fatal Crash Involving Bicyclist / US 98 N and Pyramid Parkway


FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION

LAKELAND, FL (March 12, 2026) – On Thursday, March 12, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist in the area of U.S. Highway 98 North and Pyramid Parkway.

Preliminary information indicates a Ford E-150 van was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 98 in the center lane of travel. At the same time, a bicyclist was traveling southbound in the outside lane. For unknown reasons, the bicyclist changed lanes, crossing into the center lane and into the path of the Ford. The van and bicyclist collided.

The driver of the Ford came to a controlled stop and remained at the scene.

Lakeland Police Department patrol units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department responded and provided emergency medical care at the scene. The bicyclist was transported to Lakeland Regional Health (LRH), where he later succumbed to his injuries despite the efforts of medical professionals. The driver of the Ford was not injured.

Lakeland Police Department Traffic Homicide investigators are continuing to process evidence as part of this open and active investigation. Anyone with additional information regarding the crash is asked to contact investigating Officer Emily Suttle at [email protected].

Cyclist (deceased):

  • Male / Name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
  • Age 67
  • Lakeland, FL

Driver of the Ford:

  • Jorge Reyes Jr
  • Age 33
  • Mulberry, FL

Polk County Parks & Recreation Hosting Free Sensory Play Event for Kids in Lakeland

Allison
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Polk County Parks & Recreation Hosting Free Sensory Play Event for Kids in Lakeland

Families with children ages 5 to 11 are invited to take part in a fun and engaging sensory play event hosted by Polk County Parks & Recreation this weekend.

The free event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on March 14 at the Medulla Resource Center.

Designed especially for elementary school-aged children, the afternoon will feature a variety of sensory-rich activities that encourage kids to explore using all five senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Organizers say the event will also include plenty of active play opportunities to keep children moving and engaged.

The gathering aims to provide a welcoming, family-friendly environment where children can learn, create, and discover while families enjoy time together in the community.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, call (863) 647-4035.

Flyer courtesy of Polk County Parks and Rec

City Announces 2026 Spring Clean-Up Week for Residents

Allison
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City Announces 2026 Spring Clean-Up Week for Residents

The City of Lake Alfred Public Works Department has announced that Spring Clean-Up Week will take place April 13 through April 17, 2026, giving residents an opportunity to dispose of large and unwanted items at no cost.

Flyer source City of Lake Alfred, FL

During the weeklong event, residential customers can place several types of items at the curb for free pickup. Items that will be collected include:

Furniture such as couches, bedding, and other household furniture Construction debris including tile, concrete, carpet, metal, and wood Yard trash, including limbs, clippings, grass, and leaves (must be bagged) Tires, with or without rims

Residents are asked to separate all items by category to help crews collect materials efficiently.

In addition to curbside pickup, household hazardous waste will also be accepted during the clean-up week. Items such as used motor oil, anti-freeze, batteries, paint, and other hazardous household materials can be dropped off at the Public Works facility located at 515 W Haines Blvd.

Officials say the annual clean-up event helps residents clear out unwanted materials while keeping the community clean and safe.

Residents with questions about the program can contact the Public Works Department at 863-298-5458.

In Loving Memory of Willie Ray Creech

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Willie Ray Creech

Willie Ray Creech

June 5th, 1934 – March 7th, 2026

Willie Ray Creech, age 91, was promoted to Heaven on Saturday, March 7, 2026.  Born on June 5, 1934 in Geneva County, AL, he was the son of the late Connie and Fannie Pearl (Willis) Creech.  Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Pauline (Simmons) Creech and two sisters, Earnestine Spivey and Voncile Barnes.  He is survived by his children: Linda Herstine of Lake Hamilton, FL, Bobby Creech of Lake Alfred, FL, and Ray NEAL Creech of Dundee, FL.  He also leaves behind six siblings: Betty Creech, Ruby Simmons, V.J. Creech, Delores Owens, Debbie Owens, and Douglas Creech.  His grandchildren are Linette, Kyleigh, Jeremiah, Joel, and Mariah; his great grandchildren are Kodi, Zane, Ivery, Elyana, Hanna, and Jason. 

Willie retired from Disney where he worked for many years doing Grounds Maintenance.  He loved being outdoors in his yard, and in his eyes, a yard was not clean until the leaves were raked and bagged, and every piece of paper or other foreign object was removed.  He was also a faithful member of Eastside Assembly of God Church in Winter Haven, FL. 

A visitation will be held for Mr. Creech on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, FL. Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery in Haines City, FL after the Celebration of Life Service is concluded. 

Polk County Fire Rescue Helps Save Owl Tangled in Fishing Line

Allison
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0
Polk County Fire Rescue Helps Save Owl Tangled in Fishing Line

Polk County Fire Rescue Helps Save Owl Tangled in Fishing Line

First responders came to the rescue of an owl that was found hanging from a tree after becoming tangled in fishing line earlier this week.

According to Polk County Fire Rescue, crews assisted Fort Meade Fire Department, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with the unusual rescue on Monday, March 9.

Officials said the owl was suspended in the air and appeared to be caught in fishing line wrapped around its wing. Crews from Ladder 15 used their ladder to carefully reach the bird in the tree. Firefighters were able to cut the owl down safely before turning it over to deputies and wildlife officials so they could finish removing the fishing filament from its wing.

The coordinated effort allowed the responders to safely free the owl from the dangerous entanglement.

Polk County Fire Rescue later highlighted the call as an example of the wide range of situations firefighters respond to — from emergencies involving people to helping wildlife in distress.

Photo source PCFR

Mulberry Man Arrested After AI-Generated Child Pornography Found on Phone, PCSO Says

Allison
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0
Mulberry Man Arrested After AI-Generated Child Pornography Found on Phone, PCSO Says

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes detectives arrested 47-year-old Steven Gugel of Mulberry and charged him with 3 counts generating altered sex depiction without consent and 5 counts creating generated child pornography after locating images on his cell phone that he created using real juvenile victims.

The investigation began on March 9, 2026, when a woman reported finding the disturbing images on his phone. She told detectives that she sometimes checks his phone due to the fact that she knows he looks at pornography. When she went into the phone’s folders, she found images of three girls (children) that Gugel has access to; the images appeared to be manipulated by artificial intelligence, placing their faces onto nude adult bodies displayed in lewd manners.

On March 10th, detectives interviewed Gugel and he admitted to using an AI program to alter the images to depict the children as having adult nude women’s bodies. Detectives seized his phone for further forensic analysis.

“This is a disgusting example for those who think putting the faces of children onto already-existing sexually explicit pornography is harmless and not against the law. He is facing 8 felonies and will likely not have access to children once his criminal case is resolved.” —Grady Judd, Sheriff

Gugel was booked into the Polk County Jail and is behind held on no bond.

A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Picky Eating with Confidence

Allison
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0
A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Picky Eating with Confidence

For families with young children, mealtimes can often feel like negotiations or even battles. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Picky eating is one of the most universal challenges families face.

With the right strategies, parents can reduce stress, build healthier habits and help children become more confident, curious eaters. Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School, and registered dietitian Ali Bandier, founder of Senta Health and member of the Expert Council at Little Spoon, share these insights and guidance to help parents navigate picky eating.

Why Young Children are Picky Eaters

Picky eating isn’t just common; it’s an expected part of early childhood development. In fact, it would be more surprising if children didn’t experience a picky eating phase.

Picky eating is a natural expression of independence. As children enter toddlerhood, they discover they can assert control, and food becomes a typical place to do it. They can’t decide whether to go to school or take a bath, but they can decide whether to take a bite of broccoli.

Avoid the Power Struggle

The key for parents: stay calm, consistent and neutral. Pressuring children only makes picky eating worse.

Telling your child they must try one bite, celebrating excessively when they do eat a vegetable or resorting to negotiation (“three more bites then dessert”) can actually reduce their desire to eat. It also creates a dynamic that only reinforces the power struggle.

Instead, recognize the division of responsibility when it comes to eating. Parents decide what food is served, when it’s served and where meals happen. Children decide whether to eat and how much to eat. As a parent, you can’t force your child to eat; recognizing this is critical to reducing the mealtime tug-of-war and creating a calmer, more predictable environment for the entire family.

Exposure, Not Pressure

Young children often need repeated, low-pressure exposure to a new food before trying it. Offering broccoli once likely isn’t enough. It’s important to offer it repeatedly, without commentary, bribing or coaxing.

Trying new foods is more than just ingesting them. Touching and smelling are steps toward tasting and acceptance. Involving children in food preparation – washing vegetables, stirring batter, mixing ingredients – lets them gain familiarity without the pressure of having to eat. Inclusion in this process increases curiosity and that curiosity is often followed by a willingness, or even desire, to try the food.

It’s also important for parents to model desired eating habits. If you want your child to try salmon but you’re eating pizza, they’re unlikely to want to eat the salmon. Daily family mealtimes – often dinner in busy households – where you’re modeling manners and eating the food you want your child to eat is key.

The Importance of Routines

For young children, routines provide structure, predictability and comfort. A consistent meal and snack schedule helps children learn what to expect and can reduce not only their anxiety around mealtimes, but parental anxiety, too.

Notably, there is no right or wrong schedule; every family needs to figure out what works best for their circumstances. What matters is setting a schedule and maintaining consistency. For example, if you provide a snack between breakfast and lunch, do it every day, not just a few days a week. This helps children know what to expect and feel comfortable.

Schedules also help parents resist “secondhand cooking.” When a child refuses the meal offered, parents often scramble to make alternatives, but this teaches the child if they hold out long enough, a preferred food will arrive. Instead, calmly remind your child when the next snack or meal will be:

“OK, you don’t want to have the yogurt and fruit. That’s fine, but I’m not going to make something else. Snack time is in two hours.” This builds trust and reduces anxiety for everyone.

With patience, low-pressure exposure and consistent routines, most picky eaters gradually broaden their palates and mealtimes become more enjoyable for the whole family.

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