Tampa Bay Metro Magazine

the last word

A Healthy Voice

Heather Van Nest, Anchor 10 Connects | By Ronda M. Parag

The seed to Heather Van Nest’s broadcasting career was planted early. Thanks to her second grade teacher, Mrs. Buesgens, Van Nest developed a love of writing. “She encouraged me to write short stories – she even made hard cover books for them,” remembers Van Nest. “She made me believe I was a natural writer. I’m sure she did that with all her students, but I soaked it up.” Van Nest also wanted to have a career that made a positive difference, so consumer advocacy journalism made sense. “It’s rewarding to write stories that can solve problems or influence laws,” said Van Nest.

Arriving in the Bay area seven years ago in October from Jacksonville TV station WJXT, Van Nest recently celebrated another anniversary – her 10-year wedding anniversary to Dr. Mike Kessler, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. To celebrate, they took a trip to the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu in Peru. “The trip was a good mix of hiking during the day, riding a train through the Andes and sleeping in a real hotel bed at night,” said Van Nest. “Every view was naturally breathtaking – literally the altitude can take a toll on your lungs.”

Living a healthy lifestyle is key for Heather and Mike and she recently launched a new Web site - heathersnaturalhealth.com. After a health scare of autoimmune issues and diagnosis of early stage melanoma, Van Nest changed her ways of eating junk food and never sleeping. “The site is about finding natural ways to take charge of your health every day,” said Van Nest. “I search for the latest nutrition studies, show how to buy safer products and share what really works to keep you healthy and in shape.”

Metro: What is your most revealing discovery on Heather’s Natural Health?

Van Nest: The chemicals in cosmetics made me realize the burden is on shoppers to understand what’s in their products. Never assume the FDA requires extensive testing on products. Some U.S. companies will remove toxic chemicals that are banned in Europe, but keep those chemicals in the U.S. where the chemical laws are not as tough.

M: Where do you shop for healthy food?

V: A cost effective and nutritious choice is to join a local organic community farm. I’m a member of Sweetwater Organic Community Farm. The cost breaks down to about $20 a pick for more than 20 different bundles of locally grown, organic vegetables and herbs.

M: You support many charities — any favorites?

V: I try to use my position to give back and raise awareness about a variety of issues including breast cancer/mammography voucher programs, melanoma, Children’s Cancer Center, Alpha House and USF scholarships. It is the least I can do.

M: Tell me about the Breast Cancer 3-Day.

V: It’s my 5th year and I’ll be walking all 60 miles. The first year was a family affair with my mom, aunt and cousin, in honor of my two aunts that are survivors. I continue to walk with “Reg” (her co-anchor at 10 Connects) and Mark Chamlee by my side. Mark walks in honor of his wife Lisa who passed away before they could do the walk together. People who have been touched by cancer have a different perspective on life. Everyone understands the gift of each day. It energizes me for the year.

M: What do you do for fun?

V: I love to hike, travel, boat and cook.

M: What’s on your iPod?

V: Everything from U2, Dave Matthews, to funkier stuff from my friend DJ Allison.

M: Favorite spots to dine in the Bay area?

V: Home—anything Mike makes to eat. Restaurant BT in Hyde Park Village is another.

M: Describe an ideal date night?

V: Laughing and watching the sunset on a boat near Longboat Key.

M: Any favorite holiday traditions?

V: Mom has always given us matching pajamas on Christmas Eve. It’s pretty funny to see my husband in the same pj’s as my dad.

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