LIFESTYLES

All-Abilities Paddle event to highlight accessibility options

The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department will highlight its programs’ accessibility options at the All-Abilities Paddle kayaking event.
The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department will highlight its programs’ accessibility options at the All-Abilities Paddle kayaking event on Saturday, July 19, part of its Parks and …

Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Butterfly Gardens

Coreopsis

It can be captivating to watch a butterfly! We find ourselves taking a moment away from the hectic demands of everyday life to enjoy the wonder of these delicate creatures. Planting a butterfly …

Cord blood donations save lives

Every day, mothers donate their umbilical cord blood to help save lives around the world — and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Cord Blood Bank is raising awareness about cord blood donation in …

From law degree to musical Legos: a modern Renaissance man

The Lego Baby Grand Piano

Getting to Know You with Paula, a guest speaker program, will host Robert Richter, Esq., at 6 p.m. July 24 in the Great Room at The Atwater. Residents, family, friends and the general public are …

Movement, healthy habits help us age gracefully

In the search for timeless beauty, most people look outward toward serums, supplements and cosmetic treatments. But the true foundation of aging gracefully starts from within. One of the most …

Sing Out Loud Festival announces the return of two events

Sing Out Loud Festival has announced the return of two staple events this September: The St. Augustine Songwriters Festival taking place Sept. 26-28 and the Sing Out Loud Music Business Panel on …

A ballroom dance party was hosted in partnership with Arthur Murray Dance Studios and the University of North Florida.
Matchmaker, ballroom dancing enhance romance at Cypress Village
Cypress Village Senior Living Community recently played host to a two-day celebration of connection, companionship and community spirit. On Monday, residents and guests welcomed professional …
MOSH’s snapping turtle Tonca will celebrate his 59th birthday on July 19.
MOSH celebrates summer with multiple programs
The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is keeping everyone cool this summer with multiple programs throughout the month of July. Beat the heat outside and soak in all MOSH has to offer …
Kathy’s Creative Gardens & Nursery
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Gardening Trivia
There is so much to learn about gardening! Test your knowledge with these fun trivia questions (answers below): 1. Which U.S. state produces the most oranges? A) California; B) …
Florida State Parks launches photo contest
Florida's award-winning state parks, trails and historic sites offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world — and, this summer, nature lovers and photographers are invited to capture …
Keep your eyes safe in the summer sun
A day in the sun can lift your mood, but it can also take a serious toll on your eyes. While most people remember to apply sunscreen to protect their skin, the eyes are often overlooked. Just like …
Lots to do at area senior centers
Here’s a look at some of the activities, presentations and classes being offered this month at area senior centers. PLAYERS COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER The following programs will be …
From Lemonade to Leadership: Summer’s Young Entrepreneurs
Jacksonville Country Day School (JCDS) transforms into a summer camp during the months of June and July open to children entering Pre-K through 5th grade. During the summer, they host more than 55 …
Red Mandevilla
Kathy's Gardening Guide: Celebrate America!
Independence Day festivities are here! Enhance your celebration with a red, white and blue garden or several colorful planters! There are many options for creating a garden or planter full of …
Broadway Bound theatre camp starts July 7
Musical Theatre Ponte Vedra (MTPV), now in its third year, is offering its Broadway Bound kids summer theatre camp from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 7-10 in the Ponte Vedra High School auditorium. The …
Birth Announcement
On the 25th of June, to Vincent and Melissa DePorre, a son.
Early bird tickets for Whiskey Wine & Wildlife now on sale
Tickets are now available for the popular culinary weekend festival, Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife, which will take place in Vilano Beach on Nov. 7-9. Early bird discount tickets are now available for …
Chancho King brings unique, cultural flavor to Jax
JACKSONVILLE — In Murray Hill, there’s a place where creativity and never-ending evolution are perched on one's taste buds. Where the bold flavors of Ecuadorian-American cuisine coincide with …
Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ set for Aug. 21
The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre has announced its 12th annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ event, set for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at Bowing Oaks (7743 Alphons St. in Jacksonville). General ($50) …
Succulent Planter
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Succulents
Summer is heating up! Succulents are a great choice for the warmest areas of your landscape. Now is a perfect time to create a succulent garden or planter that needs minimal attention. …
LifeSouth offers free A1c testing for donors
LifeSouth Community Blood Centers donors can discover their risk for diabetes through a unique opportunity. Now through Aug. 31, LifeSouth will offer complimentary A1c testing to all blood donors, …
Health

About a third of pregnant women in the US lack sufficient vitamin D to support healthy pregnancies − new research

Vitamin D has long been known to play essential roles in boosting immune health and protecting the nervous system. New research now points to its critical importance in fetal development as well.
The millions of people losing insurance include many who get coverage through the ACA marketplace.
How 17M Americans enrolled in Medicaid and ACA plans could lose their health insurance by 2034
The biggest changes will be to the Medicaid program, which currently covers more than 78 million people. And Congress may cut health care spending further.
Poorly functioning blood vessels lead to the characteristic muscle weakness that so many cancer patients experience.
Muscle weakness in cancer survivors may be caused by treatable weakness in blood vessels – new research
Many cancer survivors struggle with muscle weakness, which can be so profound that they may have difficulties walking up a couple of flights of stairs or going shopping for groceries on their own.
Migraines can be debilitating – and frustrating when triggered by weather you can't control.
How weather changes cause migraines – a neurologist explains the triggers and what you can do to ease the pain
Storm systems, heat waves, bright sunlight, even lightning – for millions of people, weather changes can bring on painful headaches.

Measles reaches highest level in 33 years, now in 39 states

Measles cases have surpassed a recent 2019 record to reach the highest level since 1992, with at least 1,289 cases reported in 39 states. The milestone comes as health officials are increasingly alarmed by vaccine skepticism gaining a voice in the Trump administration under U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy […]

Get to Know CVS Pharmacy: A Community Partner in Health and Everyday Wellness

Your pharmacist can help you feel your best.

(NAPSI)—As Oregon communities adapt to changes in the pharmacy landscape, particularly as Rite Aid begins to close its doors, many are discovering a trusted partner in CVS Pharmacy . With more than …

5 simple ways to save and extend your budget

(BPT) - No matter your budget, you can always benefit by finding ways to save. Perhaps it's only a dollar here and there, but these savings can add up and help you reach financial goals or pay for …
How to inspire your inner chef: Recipes from the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
(BPT) - If you've dreamed of going to the iconic Food & Wine Classic in Aspen — the nation's premiere culinary festival — you can do the next best thing: explore recipes demonstrated …
The scoop on America’s ice cream preferences, according to Instacart
Instacart reports that vanilla remains America's top ice cream flavor, while adventurous choices like pistachio and tropical flavors are on the rise.
Protein goes plant: 5 surprising ways to power your day with plants
(BPT) - You don't have to go vegan to get the benefits of plant-based protein. Here's how to sneak more into your routine — without overhauling your diet.Forget food fads and restrictive rules. …

Easy Painted Sugar Cookies

9 Paint iconic holiday-themed designs onto frosted sugar cookies using Flavor Paints – a delicious mix of extract and food color.

Your queer foodie guide: LGBTQ+ chefs, books, tours and events to know

News Is Out reports on thriving queer food culture, featuring chefs, cookbooks, tours, and events across the U.S. and beyond.

3 basic ingredients, a million possibilities: How small pizzerias succeed with uniqueness in an age of chain restaurants

While economic forces have streamlined many global dishes into uniform, predictable formats, pizza continues to thrive in all its messy and delicious variety.

How to pick the perfect streaming soundbar without breaking the bank

(BPT) - Want to take your home entertainment to the next level? Adding a soundbar can transform your viewing experience with premium audio features.Finding the right soundbar can seem overwhelming …
Pet coverage from around the web

BBQ masters bring grill skills to dog treats in new competition

(BPT) - Summer grilling season is here, and barbecue enthusiasts everywhere are firing up their grills. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your barbecue journey, there's never been …

Tick populations have surged in the Northeast. Here’s how to keep you and your pets safe this summer.

Healthbeat reports tick populations are rising in the Northeast, raising tick-borne disease risks. Here’s how to stay safe.

Dog breeds losing popularity

Stacker pulled data from the AKC to compare dog popularity rankings from 2004 and 2024; the 2024 popularity rankings were released in March 2025.

Breeding responsible pet ownership: Choosing the right dog or cat

(BPT) - Bringing a dog or cat into your life, whether through adoption or purchase, is a significant decision, as each pet and breed is unique and has its own specific needs. There are many factors …

Beggin BBQ Battle: Which Flavor Will Your Dog Choose?

(BPT) - Calling all dog lovers! The ultimate flavor competition is back — Battle of the Beggin' 2025! This year, your furry friend gets to decide which of the two new limited-edition …

How to choose the right dental care products for your pet

(BPT) - If you're a pet parent, you probably worry about your pet's health. You may also know cats and dogs can develop oral health issues that are difficult to treat, leading to expenses and …

How to Improve Your Dog’s Gut Health

(Family Features) When it comes to humans, gut health can be a great indicator of overall health. It makes sense that when you’re feeling bad or extra stressed, you can feel it in your stomach or your bowels – and the same is true for your pet.

Controlling Osteoarthritis Pain: What Your Vet and Dog Want You to Know

(BPT) - "She just loves to go." That's how Patty and Jim M. talk about Taffy, their 9-year-old Golden Retriever. Taffy has been all over the United States with her pet parents, jumping at the chance …