Tampa Bay teen rallies community for nutrition and heart health, earning national honor

Summary: Heart disease isn't just something that affects older people. In fact, it is the number one killer in the United States. By the time they turn 18, many teens already have health risks like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or Type 2 diabetes.

Leonardo Oliveira, a teenager from Tampa Bay, knows how important this is. His dad is a heart doctor, which taught Leonardo that small, healthy choices every day can change your whole life. Leonardo decided to help his community by starting a campaign to bring healthy, nutrient-rich foods to areas that don't have good grocery stores, known as food deserts.

Because of his hard work over a nine-week competition, the American Heart Association named him the 2026 National Teen of Impact. Leonardo wants other teens to know that building healthy habits now will help them stay well through college and into their adult careers.

For more details, see rssapp-newsroom-heart-org at newsroom.heart.org/news/tampa-bay-teen-rallies-community-for-nutrition-and-heart-health-earning-national-honor (opens in new tab)