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The Fit Life: Sports & Wellness Guide

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Volunteers Join Forces to Build Tampa Heights Playground

More than 200 volunteers participated in the March 2 project.

More than 200 volunteers from PNC Bank, a member of The PNC Financial Services Group Inc., the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association, organizers from KaBOOM! and residents of the Tampa Heights community joined forces on Saturday, March 2 to build a new playground at the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association, 2009 N. Lamar St., Tampa. The new playground’s design is based on drawings created by children who participated in a Design Day event in December. Today’s kids spend less time playing outside than any previous generation in part because only one in five children live within walking distance of a park or playground. KaBOOM! has been committed to giving children a place to play since 1996. The new playground will provide more than 200 …

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Tai Chi Classes Offered at Life Enrichment Center

The Center is at 9704 N. Boulevard.

From officials at the Life Enrichment Center: The Life Enrichment Center is registering adults for its Beginning and Intermediate Tai Chi classes. These ongoing Beginning & Intermediate Tai Chi classes meet weekly at the Life Enrichment Center, 9704 N. Boulevard. Beginning Tai Chi meets every Monday from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m.   Intermediate tai chi meets Monday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Cost for the class is $6 for members of the Life Enrichment Center or $8 for non-members. Annual membership starts at $30. Research has shown that Tai Chi improves strength, balance and stamina, helping to prevent falls; increases bone density; reduces blood pressure; helps fibromyalgia symptoms; and improves overall health and wellness. Dr. Marianne Chen …

Monday, March 4, 2013

What's Tampa Bay Saying?

Obamacare Medicaid Expansion: Florida House Panel Says No Thanks

It’s looking like Gov. Rick Scott’s decision to go along this major plank in the Obamacare plan is getting a frigid reception from State lawmakers. What do you think about it Tampa Bay?

Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s recent flip-flop on Obamacare might be a moot point. It looks like the plan to expand the state’s Medicaid coverage to another 1 million or so people is falling flat with other Florida lawmakers. A state House committee recently decided that expanding Medicaid to provide care for the uninsured wasn’t the way to go, according to a report on TBO.com. Committee members, TBO reported, said they were concerned about the quality of care and the costs associated with the proposal. Scott recently said he’d go along with the notion of expanding Medicaid since the federal government would be paying for it for the first three years as part of the Obamacare package, which is more formally known as the Affordable Care Act. The…

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Magnus Thunderson

2:47 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013

one other thing we could spend a little more like most first world countrys and do better then canada   more ›

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Tampa Catholic Inaugurates New Baseball, Softball Field

The field was dedicated in honor of former head baseball coach Peter J. Mulfry.

Tampa Catholic High School students and staff gathered Friday, Feb. 15 to dedicate its new softball/baseball field in honor of former head baseball coach Peter J. Mulfry. Afterward, the schools softball and baseball players tried out the new field, the first lighted baseball/softball field in the school's 50-year history. To read more and view photos of the event, click here. Got an event of your own? Post word of it for free in the Seminole Heights Patch events calendar. ______________ Seminole Heights Patch is an interactive community site, and we want you to get involved. Post a comment at the bottom of any story. Upload your photos to our Pics & Clips gallery. Post an Announcement to share your news, or add an Event to our calendar. …

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

What's Hillsborough Saying?

Bass Pro Shops: Was County Right to Invest $6.25 Million?

The Hillsborough County Commission has agreed to set aside $6.25 million to repay developers for road construction projects that will ultimately serve customers of Bass Pro’s new location. We’d like to get your thoughts on the issue.

Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan says the math is simple. The county pays out up to $6.5 million to help a developer build roads that will benefit not only Bass Pro Shops, but also a number of other businesses. In return, it will get nearly $3 million in combined property and sales taxes collected on the Brandon area parcel each year. The land only generates about $800 a year in property tax revenues now. Based on those figures, the taxpayers will get their money back in only a few years while continuing to see a large increase in property and sales taxes thanks to the development. Commissioner Kevin Beckner opposed using county dollars to help pay for the road project. He said he fears the county is turning into a “…

Joni Colver

3:28 pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2013

I believe it is corporate entitlement. Whatever happened to businesses and developers paying impact fees? I am also strongly opposed to tax-funded sports stadiums. Why are taxpayers paying for bills that rightfully should and easily could be paid by the people who profit the most, the investors/businesses/developers?   more ›

Monday, February 18, 2013

Tips to Get Started Paddleboarding

Want to try paddleboarding? Here are tips to get you started off on the right foot!

Paddleboarding is one of the more popular watersports today. It's fun and a great way to get fit, too. If you're looking to hit the waves on a paddleboard, Prescott Metcalf, a paddleboard instructor with the Suncoast Surf Shop in Treasure Island, offers these tips: Want to give paddleboarding a try? Check out one of these Hillsborough County shops: Solstice Sports 408 North Howard Avenue Tampa, FL 33606 (800) 320-9463, Ext. 701 Urban Kai 305 North Willow Avenue Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 598-1634 Dick's Sporting Goods - Brandon 901 Brandon Town Center Mall Brandon, FL 33511 Dick's Sporting Goods - Tampa 8100 Citrus Park Town Center Tampa, FL 33625 

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Is High School Football Too Risky for Kids?

We want to know what you think, Tampa Bay!

With Super Bowl championships occupying the top three slots in most-watched telecasts in U.S. history, it seems football is as popular as ever. Yet the sport is at the epicenter of a national debate on the long-term effects of concussions and whether tackling is safe for youngsters. President Barack Obama recently threw his two cents in, saying if he had a son he would think twice before letting him get on the gridiron. And Boston University researchers last year released a comprehensive study showing there is a link between permanent brain injury and repeated blows to the head, according to the Boston Globe. Of concern to some is the prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in some older athletes. Often referred to as simply CTE, …

Chuck R

6:50 am on Sunday, February 17, 2013

Your child can start playing tackle football at age 5, but most play flag first. When these very young kids run into each other, it's not much of an impact to be honest. I'm not saying they never give each other a good hit because it happens occasionally. I never thought of it as dangerous, though. One important note; if the helmet is making the hit, the kid is doing it wrong, and the coach will …   more ›

Monday, February 11, 2013

How Much Exercise Do Kids Need?

You may be surprised by the answer!

Want to help your child stay fit or trim down? One of the more popular options, of course, is to join the local YMCA. Patch recently spoke with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA to get some tips on how kids can stay healthy. The association consists of nearly 20 locations throughout the Bay Area. Patch: How much exercise should youngsters get? YMCA: Getting 45 to 60 minutes of activity on as many days as possible, even if it is broken up into 15-minute segments, is an important goal. Patch: At what age is it considered safe for children to begin lifting weights? YMCA: The American Academy of Pediatrics position on strength training supports the implementation of strength and resistance training programs, even for prepubescent children, that…

Steve

6:05 am on Monday, February 11, 2013

Parents should also keep close watch on schools, many of which have cut back physical education to the bone and have eliminated recess--all in the name of increasing test scores and saving money.   more ›

Friday, February 8, 2013

Stroller Strides Gets Moms Rolling With Their Exercise Program

This full-body workout is available across the Tampa Bay area.

Workout clothes and water bottles are standard for any exercise class, of course. But children and strollers, too? Not so much. Except in the case of Stroller Strides. Stroller Strides is a full-body workout program that moms can do with their babies. There are more than 1,200 locations spread across 44 states, including several franchises in the greater Tampa Bay area.  Instructor Jenni Crafton runs the New Tampa Stroller Strides. “It’s fitness for mom, and it’s fun for babies,” Crafton said, just moments before leading a gaggle of moms and babies on an hour-long workout at a local subdivision’s community park. Stroller Strides workouts last an hour and instructors put participants through various cardio, strength and core exercises, all …

Friday, January 4, 2013

Hillsborough County Hosts Junior Magic Basketball Leagues

Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation has joined forces with the Orlando Magic basketball team.

Do you have a little basketball lover? If so, check out Hillsborough County's new partnership with the Orlando Magic to offer basketball experience to county youth. The Junior Magic Basketball Leagues will provide boys and girls ages 7 - 17 a chance to improve their skills while rewarding them with special perks for all their hard work, according to a county press release. The program runs from Feb. 11 - April 12, 2013 and registration will be held from Jan. 14 - 18, 2013, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at county rec centers listed below. The $25 program cost includes a certificate of achievement, free ticket to a Magic home game, live games to improve skills, a reversible Junior Magic jersey, and weekly practices. To register, stop by the rec …

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