Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez Urges Healthy Lifestyle, Utilization of National Parks

February 17 , 2022 Updated 10:41 A.M. ET

PANAMA CITY BEACH (FCV) – Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton encouraged Floridians to be active and prioritize hearth health. 

Florida has a great network of hiking and accessible trails that allow for various activities. Florida’s trails are family-friendly and provide space for walking and running, which are beneficial to cardiovascular health. 

One of the top risk factors in severe COVID-19 infection is obesity and poor preexisting lung and heart health.

“Florida’s system of state parks provides more than 10,000 miles of hiking, bicycling, equestrian, and shared-use trails and over 5,000 miles of paddling trails. We encourage Floridians to enjoy our parks, trails, paths, and waterways to engage in physical activity, relieve stress, improve their health, and enjoy Florida’s clean air,” stated Nuñez. 

As February is both American Heart Month and Florida Hiking Trails Month, Floridians are encouraged to establish healthy habits and learn more about physical activity. The State has over 10,000 miles of trails, including the Florida National Scenic Trail which is 1,100 miles long. 

“The Florida Department of Health encourages Floridians to create and maintain healthy habits that can help lead to better health outcomes, especially through our Healthier You initiative,” stated Ladapo. 

Florida Park Service is the first four-time winner of the Gold Medal honoring the nation’s best state park system and is one of the largest in the country. Florida has 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites. Florida also has over 5,000 miles of paddling trails for kayakers and canoeists. 

“Florida State Parks promotes a healthy, outdoor lifestyle that the whole family can enjoy and provides unparalleled opportunities to find your path to fitness,” stated Hamilton.