The Penn State Cancer Institute released on May 21 its Week 8 newsletter for the Everybody Walk Across PA – Spring 2026 program, offering guidance on maintaining healthy habits and reducing risks of chronic diseases.
The institute’s communication encourages participants to reflect on lifestyle changes made during the eight-week program and provides strategies to help maintain progress. The newsletter states, “Healthy habits make a big difference and can add years to your life. Now is a great time to reflect on the changes you’ve made during this program.”
Suggestions include starting with small changes, setting specific goals, seeking support from friends or family, understanding personal motivations for getting healthier, and celebrating successes while not being discouraged by setbacks. Additional content covers gardening advice such as using soaker hoses or drip irrigation for water efficiency and choosing plants suited to local conditions.
Participants are also invited to upcoming events like cooking classes focused on charcuterie boards, herbs and spices, plant-based meals, mental health first aid sessions, Alzheimer’s awareness webinars, and guided nature walks. The newsletter promotes joining Extension’s Walk-a-Weigh Plus campaign via Facebook—a free initiative involving over 2,500 members across 14 Extension organizations—to encourage daily walking routines.
Updates about the Get Outdoors (GO) Program were announced with activities available in several counties starting June 1. Participants in Healthy Franklin County are asked to complete an online survey by June 5.
Penn State Extension supported community well-being by addressing problems and fostering innovation for individuals and businesses; it delivers science-based education promoting agriculture, food safety, resource management; offers workshops and consultations statewide through local offices and digital tools; collaborates with government agencies; focuses educational programming on agriculture, nutrition and environmental stewardship—according to the official website.
The ongoing efforts highlight Penn State Extension’s commitment to providing resources that support wellness throughout Pennsylvania communities.
