The State of Florida is Really Impressing Me

I was stationed in the panhandle of Florida when I was in the Air Force back in the 1990’s. The jokes about Florida and the people there have been going on since at least then.

If you haven’t heard about people thinking Florida is full of ‘hicks’, just Google ‘Florida Man’ and add any date. There will be a crazy story for every day of the year.

Here’s one I pulled up for example:

Yet that same state seems to be leading the nation in implementing nutrition and alternative therapies to make their citizens healthier.

In this email I am not trying to delve into the controversy of Florida and the Covid vaccine. That’s ancient history. I’m talking about what they are doing right now.

Joseph Ladapo, the Florida Surgeon General, has kicked off the ‘Florida 50’ challenge. It’s a 7-week program. He’s encouraging citizens of Florida to try to become healthier. Each week consists of a different lifestyle change to make to improve your health:

• Week 1 - Swapping out bad foods with healthier foods like sweets for fruit

• Week 2 - Move and Groove - Start doing light exercise. Ask ‘how can I move my body today?

• Week 3 - Heart Strong - Improve your cardio health through short bouts of movement through the day

• Week 4 - Mind and Rest - Manage stress, prioritize sleep, stay hydrated

• Week 5 - Strength and Balance - Add some resistance and core training

• Week 6 - Connect and Community - Exercise or cook healthy with family and friends

• Week 7 - Sustainable habits - Set goals, see what works for you and maintain it

Am I onboard with all their suggestions? Most of them. Some could use a little tweaking. For instance, I’m not a huge fiber fan which they push in week 1.

Nevertheless it’s a very welcome break from seeing so many pharmaceutical advertisements everywhere.

Joseph Ladapo himself practices what he preaches. He’s an OMAD (one meal a day) guy and regularly exercises.

Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife, is looking into ways to remove glyphosate and other chemicals from the foods that Floridians eat.

She also is identifying problems with candy including high levels of arsenic.

And in one of the most exciting developments, Mrs. DeSantis also reached out to one of my favorite scientists, Dom D’Agostino, to help the Florida government with nutrition and health.

Link to the full video is further below.

Time will tell as to whether the people of Florida adopt this lifestyle. However, it sure seems like a step in the right direction!