Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: Health
Vegetables, fruits, dairy, protein, grainIn Carroll County, beginning in June, the First Friday program begins. It is held on the Courthouse lawn from 4:00 to 8:00 with Farmer’s market, live singing, and the Cooperative Extension office setting up different activities. For the September event, 4-H marketed the 5 food groups and healthy living. We set up a garden full of vegetables and had signs for the audience to pick up and place by the vegetable. It was amazing h
Author: Morgan Murphy
Major Program: Health
Promoting healthy eating to youth at a young age can help them create healthy eating habits for a lifetime. One of the identified priorities brought up in our stakeholder interviews was a cleaner, safer, healthier community. In response, Elliott County 4-H offered a Kids Bucks program at our farmers market where we encouraged youth to try new fruits and vegetables and talked about healthy eating habits. We targeted youth ages 5-18 and held the kids bucks program twice weekly from July to August.
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: Health
Historically, attendance at the Winchester-Clark County Famers decreases after school begins every August. In order help bolster farmer’s market attendance as well as introduce children to the local market vendors and increase consumption of fresh, local produce, Clark County FCS and 4-H agents collaborated with the farmer’s market to present Kids Day on August 28, 2021. FCS and 4-H agents provided $5 vouchers to 100 children under 18 to use at the market for fresh produce
Author: Christy Eastwood
Major Program: Health
Consuming fruits and vegetables regularly is an important part of a healthy diet. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2015) recommends that people consume at least 2.5 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits daily, based on a general 2000 kcal diet. However, despite the scientific support for consumers to consume more fruits and vegetables, the average American adult eats well below recommended intakes, and consumption is even lower among low-income populations. Many factors contribute to low
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: Health
Farmers and farmworkers consistently report high levels of stress associated with commodity production and rural living. The culmination of rural living, farm work, and stress is associated with elevated rates of suicide in farming occupations. A mutual partnership was created between the UK Cooperative Extension Service and the UK College of Nursing to develop the BARN Farm Camp and Dinner Theater on mental wellness and suicide prevention in response to farmer stress and suicide. UK Cooperative
Author: Shelley Meyer
Major Program: Health
Eating more fruits and vegetables is a critical behavior for health promotion and disease prevention. Despite the importance of eating more produce, it is also one of the most difficult eating behaviors to change. It has been reported that cooking more meals at home is related increased fruit and vegetable consumption. A social marketing program to promote healthier, home-cooked family meals, Cook Together, Eat Together, was offered virtually by the 4-H and FCS Educator in Pendleton Co
Author: Taylor Miles
Major Program: Health
The Estill County 4-H Program started their Virtual Pumpkin week in the midst of 2020 when programming was limited. Due to the success from last year, we expanded the program and opened it to more youth and created more kits that filled up very quickly. This program allowed youth to stay engaged in our programming and was an opportunity to get the whole family involved in the various lessons provided. We had approximately thirty families sign up for a kit where they received a
Author: Marla Stillwell
Major Program: Health
In an effort to recover lost funding during the year 2020 and part of 2021, the Hardin County 4-H Council planned an implemented their first ever 5K event entitled, Run for the Clover. Partnering with Central KY Race Management, the Run for the Clover 5K was promoted and marketed to members of the community to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle.____ runners registered and ran/walked the 3.1 mile course which was held at the Hardin County Fairgrounds. ____ 4-H youth and volunteers came
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Health
Mercer County is a predominately rural area, and youth are exposed to various conditions in which students are faced with unsafe conditions around the home or outside. Most students are not prepared for what to do in an emergency or avoid an accident—the safety day taught students to be aware of their surroundings and what to do in an emergency. Teaching proper youth safety on the farm or around the home is essential to their development. Therefore, a safety day was held for sixth-grade yo
Author: Michael Rose
Major Program: Health
The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with Progressive Farmer Foundation, Adair County School System, local businesses, community agencies, and local leaders to conduct the 21st Farm and Home Safety Days. Fifty adult and Fifty Teen volunteers contributed to the program’s success. More than 300 1st grade and 5th-grade students attended the interactive safety booths that addressed fire, tractor, ATV, water, sun, first aid, livestock, health, equipment, and gen
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: Health
According to the State of Childhood Obesity: Helping all children grow up healthy, In Kentucky, 23.8% of youth ages 10 to 17 have obesity, giving Kentucky a ranking of 1 among the 50 states and D.C.This is such an alarming statistic as Kentucky’s percentage keeps growing. The CES decided to be creative and find ways to get youth outdoors and moving. The CES decided to invent a 4-H Disc Golf Club for middle and high school students. The CES has recruited two adults that have exper
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Health
Providing opportunities for youth to develop healthy lifestyle habits is a major focus of both Kentucky 4-H and Woodford County Schools. Finding a way to reach students across the county in an engaging and interactive manner can be a challenge. One 4-H Curriculum available to help achieve this goal is the 4-H Yoga for Kids curriculum, which provides kids-oriented yoga lessons and poses in a fun and engaging manner. To address this issue, Woodford County 4-H has partnered with the Woodford County
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: Health
With Spencer County Schools being out of school during the winter break parents and youth had more free time to try new recipes and make healthy choices. This year the Spencer County 4-H/Youth Development and Family Consumer Sciences agents, in conjunction with the Family Resource Center, planned a winter Drive Thru event. The drive thru events: Self-Advocacy & Importance of Play were held together. The Extension Office focused on each family receiving a kit that included t
Author: Kimberly Ragland
Major Program: Health
In the 2015-16 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the national obesity rate for children ages 2-19 was 18.5%. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control reported Kentucky youth in grades 9-12 had a 20% rate of obesity with an additional 16% of youth categorized as overweight. Kentucky is notoriously inactive, ranking 50th in the CDC’s 2017 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System with 34.4% of adults reporting no physical activity or exercise other than their regul
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: Health
Bullying is common issue among youth in schools nationwide and throughout the state of Kentucky. According to the American Psychological Association, bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes injury or discomfort. This can be through physical contact, verbal comments, emotional intimidation or cyberbullying. One out of five students report being bullied at school (National Center for Education Statistics, 2019).When assessing the needs of Clay
Author: Rebecca Stahler
Major Program: Health
4-H programs are grounded in a perspective of human development called positive youth development (PYD). PYD is a framework followed by youth-serving professionals that envisions youths as capable individuals who can explore their world, enhance their life skills, and contribute to society (Eccles & Gootman, 2002; Larson, 2000; Lerner, 2004) through high-quality youth programs (Roth & Brooks-Gunn, 2016) such as 4-H. June 2021 a Boyd County Middle School teacher contacted the
Author: Lisa Jones
Major Program: Health
The beginning of winter break for Whitley County youth meant a day full of baking and crafting. Youth age 8-13 participated in baking recipes from the 4-H at Home: Holiday Cookie Recipes book. Youth worked in groups learning about measurement conversions, recipe substitutions and nutrition facts. They also practiced basic skills of measuring ingredients, egg safety, proper hand-washing, and cooking as a team.This is the first 4-H cooking class that Whitley County has done since COVID and it was
Author: Staci Thrasher
Major Program: Health
Research suggests that high consumption of Energy Drinks can lead to an over consumption of sugar ultimately leading to potential issues with obesity. Through a collaboration between the Fleming County 4-H program and the Simons Middle School JAG program and the Fleming County High School Health & PE Classes students embarked on an adventure to learn how much sugar was in their favorite energy drinks. Simons Middle School 7th grade students learned to convert labels to teaspoons
Author: Brittany Osborne
Major Program: Health
The 4-H Backpack program was established 17 years ago by McCracken County teenagers at a 4-H Issues Conference. Teens were to take an issue that impacted our community and find a way to make a difference. Many of our children in the City and County school systems are fortunate enough to have parents who are able to provide for them. Unfortunately, there are many who do their best to make ends meet and still need additional help. With Covid-19 sweeping the world in unpreced
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: Health
Childhood obesity is still a concern for the state of Kentucky.Before the lesson began, I put up a My Plate Poster and each table had stickers representing each food group. As I would say the group, the child with the sticker for that group would place it in that group on the poster.Childhood obesity is still a concern for the state of Kentucky. With this being said, I felt that it was necessary to reintroduce a My Plate lesson that I had taught before to my classes at Cartmell Eleme
Author: Jennifer Cole
Major Program: Health
Healthy living is one of three 4-H mission mandates and encompasses: physical activity, personal safety, mental health, addiction prevention, and diversity and inclusion. In September 2021, Pulaski County Extension Agents: TJ Adkins, Jennifer Cole and Erica Spurgeon collaborated together to host a 4-H Safety for nearly 630 Pulaski County 8th graders at the Hal Rogers Fire Training Center. The goal of the 4-H Safety Day was to promote and bring awareness to 8th graders in many general
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Health
Healthy living is one of three 4-H mission mandates and encompasses: physical activity, personal safety, mental health, addiction prevention, and diversity and inclusion. In September 2021, Pulaski County Extension Agents: TJ Adkins, Jennifer Cole and Erica Spurgeon collaborated together to host a 4-H Safety for nearly 630 Pulaski County 8th graders at the Hal Rogers Fire Training Center. The goal of the 4-H Safety Day was to promote and bring awareness to 8th graders in many general
Author: Erica Spurgeon
Major Program: Health
Healthy living is one of three 4-H mission mandates and it encompasses: physical activity, personal safety, mental health, addiction prevention, and diversity and inclusion. In September 2021, Pulaski County Extension Agents: TJ Adkins, Jennifer Cole, and Erica Spurgeon collaborated to host a 4-H Safety Day for nearly 630 Pulaski County 8th graders at the Hal Rogers Fire Training Center. The goal of the 4-H Safety Day was to promote and bring awareness to 8th graders in many general areas of saf
Author: Courtney Brock
Major Program: Health
According to the PRC Community Health Report for Lincoln County, 42.1 % of youth ages 6 – 12 are reported as being overweight/obese. The Kentucky Department for Public Health also reports that only 17% of Kentucky students consume the recommended serving of fruits and vegetables daily. In an effort to combat this prevalent issue, the Lincoln County 4-H program was awarded a $1,000 grant from the KY 4-H Foundation to support at-home gardening programs for the entire family. The 4-H Gar
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: Health
The 2021 Kids Count data ranks Kentucky as 37th for overall youth wellbeing in the nation and 35th nationally in youth health. One key component of youth health is physical activity. Young people should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity no less than five days a week. Unfortunately, data shows that only 43.8% of middle schoolers and 37.4% of high schoolers reach that level of activity (KDE, 2020). This decline in physical activity with age continues into adulthood with only 32% of adu
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: Health
Unintentional injury, while declining, remains the leading cause of death among children ages 19 and under. (Source: Safekids.org) To raise awareness and demonstrate techniques children can use to prevent unintentional injury, the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service applied for and received a grant from the Progressive Agriculture Foundation to host a Progressive Agriculture Youth Safety Day. The grant provided access to training, along with educational and planning ma
Author: Sherri Farley
Major Program: Health
The 2021 Kids Count data ranks Kentucky as 37th for overall youth wellbeing in the nation and 35th nationally in youth health. One key component of youth health is physical activity. Young people should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity no less than five days a week. Unfortunately, data shows that only 43.8% of middle schoolers and 37.4% of high schoolers reach that level of activity (KDE, 2020). This decline in physical activity with age continues
Author: Kellsey Agnew
Major Program: Health
The 2021 Kids Count data ranks Kentucky as 37th for overall youth wellbeing in the nation and 35th nationally in youth health. One key component of youth health is physical activity. Young people should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity no less than five days a week. Unfortunately, data shows that only 43.8% of middle schoolers and 37.4% of high schoolers reach that level of activity (KDE, 2020). This decline in physical activity with age continues into adulthood with only 32% of adu
Author: Samantha Saunders
Major Program: Health
Each month, I visit the 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade classrooms for a monthly 4-H club meeting. We begin these meetings with the pledges and discussing current events and activities going on with 4-H in the county. The remainder of the club meetings are spent doing activities and learning about topics that coincide with what they are learning in school. In February, the teachers wanted me to focus on healthy lifestyles. This topic is very important, but had to be adjusted for each grade as to what al
Author: Carissa Miske
Major Program: Health
Every second that makes you feel better is worth spending. Every hour of a child’s day tends to be planned out from school, homework, extracurricular activities, to bedtime. One activity that is left out of most schedules for both children and adults is self-care. The Owsley County 4-H program created the 4-H Spring Self-Care Challenge in hopes of challenging kids not only to practice self-care but create healthy habits that lead to healthy lifestyle changes. The month long challenge encou
Author: Christy Eastwood
Major Program: Health
Students with disabilities who are preparing to graduate from school can benefit from taking life skill courses. Through learning these essential skills, these students can more readily adjust to the circumstances and challenges of adult life. Life skills instruction develops students’ daily living skills. Research has shown that students with disabilities, who exit high school with proficient life skills, have better post-school outcomes than those students who do not (Roessler, Brolin, J
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: Health
During a recent needs assessment activity that was conducted with program councils and County Extension Council members, including community leaders and volunteers; drug abuse among youth and adults was a common topic listed as a major issue in Clay County and across the state of Kentucky.According to the Center for Disease Control, during adolescent years, youth face situations that involve the establishment of smokeless tobacco and smoking. In 2018, 60.2% of people 12 or older reported using t
Author: Ola Donahue
Major Program: Health
Alternative schools are essentially specialized educational environments that place a great deal of emphasis on small classrooms, high teacher-to-student ratios, individualized instruction, noncompetitive performance assessments, and less structured classrooms (Raywid 1983). The purpose of these schools is to provide academic instruction to students expelled or suspended for disruptive behavior or mental or health issues, or who are unable to succeed in the mainstream school environment (Ingerso
Author: Raymond Cox
Major Program: Health
Oer 400 students attended the 18th Annual 4-H Safety Day held April 14 at National Guard Armory. All fifth graders from Harlan County and Harlan Independent Schools attended. Due to the increasing number of ATV and drowning related accidents in Harlan and surrounding counties, it was established a need for safety information presented to students by professionals. Water and boating safety, fire safety, emergency rescue, gun safety, bicycle safety, weather-related safety, ATV safety,
Author: Glenna Bentley
Major Program: Health
The Lewis County Extension Program organized and conducted a Health and Safety Day for 3rd though 6th grade students at Central Elementary. There were 204 participants and 7 presenters. The Lewis County Health Department taught participants how to treat a cut and burn, Primary Plus presenters taught participants how to prevent sunburn and how to protect their skin while in the sun, Doctor Porter and representatives of SOMC taught students how to do the Heimlich, Philip Konopka of the
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Health
U.S. childhood obesity has tripled since 1980, with 9.5% of infants and toddlers and 16.9% of children ages 2 to 19 considered obese (Ogden, Carroll, Curtin, Lamb, & Flegal, 2010). Research shows that early childhood is the ideal time to establish a taste for healthy foods and a desire to try new things in order to encourage life-long, healthy habits. With childhood obesity a growing national issue, the 4-H, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Horticulture Agents conducted a 4-month farm to sc
Author: Sharayha Clingenpeel
Major Program: Health
The migrant population is one of the fastest growing populations in Daviess County. All youth from the migrant population in the Daviess County Public School System, grades k-8th, were invited to participate in the ELL Migrant Program called Camp Curiosity. Over 250 youth signed up and are currently participating in this month-long program at Deer Park Elementary. The Daviess Co. Extension Service served as one of the “Specials” classes for 2 days. Day 1 youth received a MyPlate less
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: Health
The prevalence of obesity in America has been an ongoing and increasing issue. In Kentucky, 30% of adults are obese, while Shelby County has a 30.9% obesity rate. The low-income preschool obesity rates are alarming as well, with 21.3% of children being overweight or obese in Shelby County, and 15.9% of children being overweight and obese in the entire state. According to Kentucky Health News in early 2014, only 23% of Kentuckians consume the recommended 5 or more servings a day of fruits and veg
Author: Chanda Hall
Major Program: Health
The 2021 Kids Count data ranks Kentucky 37th for overall youth well-being in the nation and 35th nationally in youth health. One key component of youth health is physical activity. Young people should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity no less than five days a week. Unfortunately, data shows that only 43.8% of middle schoolers and 37.4% of high schoolers reach that level of activity (KDE, 2020). This decline in physical activity with age continues into adulthood with only 32% of adult
Author: Stephen Conrad
Major Program: Health
Data from the last decade (The Recovery Village) shows rates of middle school substance abuse and addiction in kids as young as 11 or 12 years old have swelled across the United States. In 2015, more than 8% of 8th graders have reported using illicit drugs. To assist in the fight to turn the tide in this area, the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service (program materials, volunteer lunch, and manpower) partnered with Boone County Schools (morning snacks, guest speakers, community volun
Author: Isaac Hilpp
Major Program: Health
The 2021 Kids Count data ranks Kentucky as 37th for overall youth wellbeing in the nation and 35th nationally in youth health. One key component of youth health is physical activity. Young people should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity no less than five days a week. Unfortunately, data shows that only 43.8% of middle schoolers and 37.4% of high schoolers reach that level of activity (KDE, 2020). This decline in physical activity with age continues into adulthood with only 32% of adu
Author: Gary Druin
Major Program: Health
There is a wide-spread problem with the health and well-being of our youth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky has the fifth-highest rate of obesity in the nation. (National Health and Examination Survey). There has been a dramatic increase in obesity in Kentucky, the rates remain high and one in five children are obese. Kentucky has the 14th highest obesity rate for youth ages 10 to 17. The obesity rate for middle and high school students is
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Health
Cooking is a valuable life skill that teaches children about nutrition and food safety, as well as building math, science, literacy and fine motor skills. Twenty youth gathered in the kitchen for a day of learning. Youth explored the pastry world by working in groups to bake tasty treats. Participants learned important kitchen safety, how to avoid spreading germs while cooking, how to use the oven properly and safely when baking, and how to accurately measure liquid and dry in
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Health
In Kentucky, childhood obesity continues to rise and impacts our youth’s overall health and wellness. To help address this concern, the Spencer County Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development, and Agriculture agents, in conjunction with the Spencer County High School Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher’s classes, provided nutritional instruction to each of her classes. The researched-based information from the Nutrition Education Program curriculum “T
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Health
According to the 2021 Annual Supplemental Nutrition Education Program Report for Kentucky, today, 60% of all Americans live with at least one chronic disease. These include heart disease and stroke, cancer, and diabetes. These diseases are all associated with obesity and physical inactivity. In 2020, Kentucky ranked in the top five states in the country for obesity with a rate of 36.6% for adults. The percentage of physically inactive Kentuckians is 32%, ranking i
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Health
According to the 2021 Annual Supplemental Nutrition Education Program Report for Kentucky, today, 60% of all Americans live with at least one chronic disease. These include heart disease and stroke, cancer, and diabetes. These diseases are all associated with obesity and physical inactivity. In 2020, Kentucky ranked in the top five states in the country for obesity with a rate of 36.6% for adults. The percentage of physically inactive Kentuckians is 32%, ranking i
Author: Bernita Cheirs
Major Program: Health
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services reports that 10% of adolescents self-report illicit drug use in the past month. Substance use prevention programming is critical to the prevention, delayed onset, and/or early identification of substance use. The Life Skills Training (LST) program, developed by Botvin and colleagues, is one of the most successful substance use prevention programs available for use. It teaches a variety of personal self-management skills and social s
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: Health
In Kentucky, childhood obesity continues to rise and impacts our youth’s overall health and wellness. To help address this concern, the Spencer County Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development, and Agriculture agents, in conjunction with the Spencer County High School Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher’s classes, provided nutritional instruction to each of her classes. The researched-based information from the Nutrition Education Program curriculum “T
Author: Victoria Riehemann
Major Program: Health
According to the Community Assessment Data for Bullitt County (2019), many members of the community want to see an increase in selecting and preparing healthier food options. On a scale of 1-4, with 1 being least important and 4 being very important, this issue was given a 3.48. To aid with this issue, the Bullitt County 4-H agents partnered with Crossroads Elementary School to lead a group of youth aged 7-12 in an interactive day camp that was focused on healthier eating habits.During this day
Author: Kellsey Agnew
Major Program: Health
According to the USDA, “A healthy eating routine is important at every stage of life and can have positive effects that add up over time. It’s important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy and fortified soy alternatives.” They say “The benefits of healthy eating add up over time, bite by bite. Small changes matter.” Over the course of the summer, Campbell County 4-H has collaborated with Children’s Collaborative
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: Health
The benefits of yoga are many. In addition to the physical fitness aspect, studies of yoga for kids suggest the practice can help reduce stress, improve stress management and coping skills, increase confidence, promote a healthy body image, and improve social skills. Using the Yoga for Kids curriculum from the University of Arkansas, Daviess County 4-H conducted a six week yoga session at a local group girls’ home. The residents of the home have experienced abuse, neglect
Author: Mary Beth Riley
Major Program: Health
Lyon County is a small community with a lot of accessible side walks and bike riding opportunities. Multiple young people ride their bike to school, the grocery, and the park. When speaking with the Family Resource Director at Lyon County Schools we both agreed that bike safety was a major concern for the youth in Lyon County. “Millions of people are incapacitated by injuries with some suffering lifelong disabilities. For youth, injuries can lead to anxiety, inordinate demands on fam
Author: Annette Buckman
Major Program: Health
According to the CDC, school closures accelerated weight gain and obesity among kids. Covid disrupted everyone's lives but adolescents suffered the most. Disruption in school closures increased stress, which led to led to less physical activity and also unhealthy eating habits which causes added stress and a sedentary lifestyle. We are beginning to see the evidence and notice an increase with negative effect of their isolation. Here in the Commonwealth obesity is a big conc
Author: Carol Hinton
Major Program: Health
We are back in the schools for some fantastic programming. We surveyed the schools in the fall months to determine the level of interest to bring the Progressive Ag Foundation Farm and Home Safety event back to the schools. The committee met; they were energetic to get back in the schools.We worked through the schools, the KY FFA Leadership Training Center to host the event indoors. We hosted 200 5th graders across the county along with 75 volunteers, including FFA, Auto
