Living Well in the Panhandle

10/20/2026

October 19-25 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week. Estate planning is an often-overlooked aspect of financial wellness. It is not an easy topic to discuss; however, estate planning is one of the kindest things you can do to prepare your family for the inevitable. An estimated 56% of Americans do not have an up-to-date estate plan to protect themselves and their families from sickness, accidents, and untimely deaths.

🔗To learn more about Estate Plans: https://finred.usalearning.gov/Planning/EstatePlanning

10/12/2026

ℹOkaloosa County will open Points of Distribution (POD) at the following locations in north Okaloosa County from 1-3:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. A limited supply of tarps, bottled water and MREs will be available for north Okaloosa County residents who still do not have power.

Baker Park - 1450 Charlie Day Road, Baker
Garden City Park - 6330 Garden City Road, Crestview

10/08/2026

Is your kitchen storm-ready?

Preparing for a hurricane means more than flashlights and batteries. Having food, water, and a safe way to prepare meals should also be part of your family’s emergency plan.

💧 Prepare your household:
✔️ Stock up on water.
✔️ Keep disposable plates and utensils available.
✔️ Have a non-electric can opener.
✔️ Stock antibacterial wipes, pet food, and shelf-stable foods.
✔️ Have adequate fuel if you plan to use a gas grill. Always use grills outdoors and away from doors, windows, and enclosed spaces.

🥫 Build a healthier hurricane food supply:
🍎 Fresh fruits that don’t require refrigeration
🥕 Reduced-sodium canned vegetables
🥣 Whole grains and high-fiber, lower-sugar cereals
🥛 Shelf-stable or powdered milk
🥜 Nuts, seeds and nut butters
🐟 Canned tuna, chicken or salmon
🫘 Beans and shelf-stable tofu

Remember to plan for special dietary needs and stock enough formula and baby food for little ones.

✅ Your emergency kit should sustain your family for up to seven days.

10/08/2026

Keep your food safe during a power outage. Follow CDC recommendations to keep your family safe. Use the following estimates for keeping perishable food safe during an outage.
Refrigerator: if kept closed, approximately 4 hours
Full freezer: if kept closed, approximately 48 hours
Half full freezer: if kept closed, approximately 24 hours and
Dry ice: 2 to 3 days.
If the freezer is not full, fill and freeze water containers to fill the space. This will slow the temperature increase in the event of a power failure.

10/08/2026

An emergency kit should sustain your family for at least seven days. Find more tips for storm preparation here: https://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/

10/07/2026

Take time now to prepare. These steps can help keep your food safe and your family healthy in a weather emergency.

10/05/2026

🌟 Someday isn't a day on the calendar. 🚶 Join us today: https://bit.ly/4yWL61k

Register now for the Let's Walk Florida Challenge and make today the day you start building healthier habits. Every walk, every step, and every effort adds up.

Discover the power of daily movement! Join Let's Walk Florida! a fun 8-week statewide physical activity challenge!

10/02/2026

🚨 If you've been waiting for a sign to get moving, this is it! ✅ Sign up today: https://bit.ly/4yWL61k

Register today for the Let's Walk Florida Challenge and join others across the state who are choosing better health one step at a time. Your journey starts with a single step.

09/30/2026

🚶 More steps. 💪 More energy. 😊 More smiles.

Join the Let's Walk Florida Challenge today!

Sign up:

Discover the power of daily movement! Join Let's Walk Florida! a fun 8-week statewide physical activity challenge!

09/30/2026

📢 Your couch called... it said it's time for a walk. 😄

Join the Let's Walk Florida Challenge and turn everyday movement into a fun, healthy habit.

👟 Take the first step today:

Discover the power of daily movement! Join Let's Walk Florida! a fun 8-week statewide physical activity challenge!