Matters Healthy Goals / Local Trails / Local Health

Winter in Florida is a great time to get outdoors. The cooler weather makes exploring Lake County’s vast nature trails on foot quite delightful. Not only will walking relax and rejuvenate your mind, but it also will help improve your joints and burn calories. Here is a list of venues you will certainly want to explore.

PEAR Park: This 314-acre park features various hiking and nature trails with exercise stations along the way. It is also home to an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers, as well as basketball courts, a butterfly garden, and a large dog park.

4800 University Ave.

Leesburg, FL 34748

352.253.4950

Flat Island Preserve: Hike at this 2,300-acre conservation area located in the Okahumpka Marsh and enjoy old ancient oak trees and unique birding opportunities. Flat Island Preserve features two wooded islands, as well as a 440-foot boardwalk leading to a canoe launch.

2301 Owens Road

Leesburg, FL 34748

352.343.3777

Lake Louisa State Park: Hikers can enjoy more than 20 miles of hiking trails through thick Florida vegetation. Plenty of opportunities are available for wildlife viewing. This is also a popular area for birding.

7305 U.S. 27

Clermont, FL 34714

352.394.3969

Alexander Springs: The park’s nearly mile-long Timucuan Trail takes hikers through diverse habitats. Park visitors can also rent canoes and paddle in the crystal-clear spring.

49525 County Road 445

Altoona, FL 32702

352.669.3522

“Dr. Esarey is very warm, caring and highly skilled. He explains in detail the techniques he uses in treating my foot. He welcomes me to ask any questions or address any concerns I may have. I’m never rushed, and he treats me as if I’m the only patient in the office. Not only is Dr. Esarey outstanding, his team of nurses and front office staff are very responsive and friendly. I don’t believe there’s another practice within 200 miles that offers the level of service they offer to patients.”

-David White

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, and it is a great time to make lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk of cancer. Each year, 7.6 million people die from cancer worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Consider following these important tips.

• Do not use tobacco.

• Eat a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and other foods derived from plant sources.

• Maintain a healthy weight and remain physically active. At a minimum, include 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine.

• Protect yourself from the sun, because skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. Also, do not forget the sunscreen and avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.

• Receive regular screenings. If cancer is detected early, treatments are more likely to be successful.

Source: mycynergyhealth.com healthful-foods/healthy-tailgating-snacks/

• The American Cancer Society projected that more than 1.66 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2013.

• Approximately 580,350 Americans were projected to die of cancer in 2013. That translates to 1,600 people each day.

• Cancer is the second-most common cause of death among Americans, accounting for nearly one of every four deaths.

Source: American Cancer Society