Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Chelsea Young
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the 2021 County Health Rankings for Kentucky, 41% of Owen County adults reported no or limited physical activity. This percentage of physical inactivity brought the idea to promote physical activity through offering a health challenge in the summer of 2022. The 2022 Owen County Summer Steps Challenge, county-wide, was offered through the collaboration of the Owen County Cooperative Extension Service and the Three Rivers District Health Department. This five w
Author: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Rural Americans face numerous health disparities compared with their urban counterparts. More than 46 million Americans, or 15 percent of the U.S. population, live in rural areas as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Rural Americans are more likely to die from heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke than their urban counterparts.According to Healthy People 2020, access to healthcare is important for: overall physical, social, and mental health s
Author: Amanda Hardy
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Family Magazine reports that 76% of middle school age youth are babysitting either family members or other’s children. According to a new American Red Cross poll, parents say that good babysitters are hard to find, and they want to entrust their children to babysitters trained in first aid, CPR and childcare skills. Childcare training provides life skills in parenting. Babysitting is often a youth’s first gainful employment experience. The Henderson County Cooperative Extension Servi
Author: Rita Stewart
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The first ever Bingocize program in Lincoln County was held in the spring of 2022. Bingocize is an evidence-based health promotion program that combines exercise with the game of bingo. Participants played Bingocize for 20 sessions. In this first program, 18 participants played bingo and exercised. Participants increased muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion; decreased stress; improved their balance; increased their social skills; and reduced their risk of fa
Author: Jill Harris
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Eating is one of the many ways we cope with negative emotions. According to an article in Healthy Psychology, stress eating is “eating in response to acute or chronic stress or in response to negative emotional states,” such as sadness or anger. While stress eating is a normal response to uncomfortable feelings, it only provides temporary relief. Over time, stress eating may cause a cycle of uncomfortable feelings and lead to more stress eating. The Todd County Extension
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging. He created the socially engaging group-based game that combines health education and exercise in the format of BINGO. Dr. Crandall and his research team have tested the program and demonstrated that over 90% of older adults who played two times a week for 10 weeks significantly improved physical, social, and mental health. To help participants lear
Author: Caroline McMahan
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Low levels of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, and poor mental health are all determinants of several chronic diseases. These behaviors are now considered major public health concerns and require effective behavior change interventions. The Fall Back into Fitness program was developed with these issues in mind. The series took place throughout the fall of 2022 at the Fayette County Extension Office. The classes occurred in the early evening for 45 minutes each. There were 8 sessions in to
Author: Whitney Morrow
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The Center for Disease Control lists Kentucky as one of the least active states in the US. This inactivity contributes to health problems including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc. Carter County ranks as one of the highest counties in the state for diabetes related deaths.The Carter County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences offered an online/ by mail walking program designed for all youth and adults to increase physically activity. WALKtober was a self-pac
Author: Jessica Hunley
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In October, I collaborated as the FCS agent with Amanda, the Horticulture Agent for the first program in a holiday series called Pumpkin Bash. The program consisted of an educational lesson, a recipe demonstration and samples, as well as a hands on component, which we presented as a series of festive crafts. The Pumpkin Bash program presented 22 participants with a lesson about growing and harvesting pumpkins from the Horticulture Agent, Amanda. She, also, provided seeds for ev
Author: Diane Mason
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to a 2022 report from the Trust for America’s Health, Kentucky has the second highest rate of adults with obesity in the nation at 40.3 percent (following West Virginia with 40.6 percent) (https://www.tfah.org/report-details/state-of-obesity-2022/). In Boone County, Kentucky it is estimated that 37 percent of the adult population is obese (County Health Rankings at https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/explore-health-rankings/compare-counties?compareCounties=21000%2C21015&year
Author: Martika McCoy
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The Martin County StoryWalk at the Warfield Walking Trail officially opened Oct. 5 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony near the boat dock.The Storywalk, which spans from Warfield Park to the boat dock in town, features display cases with pages of a book spread along the trail. Each page continues a story and asks participants to perform a physical activity like jumping jacks or running in place.The project is part of the University of Kentucky’s High Obesity Program grant. It is primarily made
Author: Jordan Crain
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
With the rise in food costs and the continuation of food shortages, individuals expressed concerns on how they would be affected during Holiday gatherings. Ahead of the Holiday Season, the Barren County Cooperative Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, in collaboration with the Mary Wood Weldon Memorial Public Library Adult Services Manager, worked to offer an informative class on Holiday Budgeting and Menu Planning. During the class, participants were given Take Home Packets that in
Author: Jordan Crain
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In an effort to promote easy changes that have a big impact on the environment, the Barren County Cooperative Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences and the Barren County Program Assistant offered a class on DIY Beeswax Wraps Class. During the class, participants learned how plastic wrap has the potential to be harmful to the environment and that simple changes can go a long way. Plastic wrap is a very common items that is used in many households. An easy and effective alternative to p
Author: Lorie Adams
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
September 28-29, 2022 Pumpkin Days was held at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability. Youth in Preschool, Headstart, Kindergarten and 1st Grades attended from multiple different counties where they rotated through educational stations, played games, took a hayride to the pumpkin patch and were able to select their own pumpkin to take home. Different SNAP approved pumpkin recipes were made by numerous different SNAP-Ed Assistants, Program Assistants and Agents for the kids i
Author: Andrea Slone
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to healthdata.gov the Kentucky COVID-19 vaccine rate is at 58.9% while the national average is at 69.6%. Big Sandy Health Care Co-op did a regional grant to financially aid the Big Sandy Region Extension Offices (Floyd, Pike, Johnson, Martin, and Magoffin) to spread awareness of COVID-19 vaccines and increase regional vaccine rates.The Floyd County Cooperative Extension Office’s agents and staff planned a Community Health and Safety Event with a primary goal of vaccine promotion.
Author: Hazel Jackson
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the American Heart Association, the average American eats a large amount of excess sodium. On average, Americans eat more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day. This is much more than the recommended amount of 2,300 milligrams each day. In an effort to educate participants, the Wilderness Trail Area FCS agents centered this year’s 25th Area Holiday Cooking School around using spices and herbs to create flavorful meals. The use of spices and herbs allows for reduc
Author: Kendyl Redding
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Research shows that mindfulness strategies have positive effects on multiple areas of wellness. Those who practice mindful eating have increased awareness of what they eat and why, have healthier eating habits aligned with MyPlate recommendations, and may see improved diabetes self-management and weight management over time. Implementing mindful eating practices helps individuals remove judgment around eating behaviors and creates a more positive eating experience. The Powell County Family
Author: Laken Campbell
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging. He created the socially engaging group-based game that combines health education and exercise in the format of BINGO. Dr. Crandall and his research team have tested the program and demonstrated that over 90% of older adults who played two times a week for 10 weeks significantly improved physical, social and mental health. Dr. Crandall trained 60 UK FCS extens
Author: Cathy Sparks
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Covid-19 Education for Elementary Schools Magoffin County Extension Service was one of the counties selected by Big Sandy Health Care to receive a grant for $26,000.00, to be used to provide education for parents and children about Covid-19 vaccinations. When we received the grant, we immediately began to create a plan for ways to educate our elementary students and their parents. Our county has three elementary schools, serving th
Author: Ashley Board
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 37% of adults over the age of 65 are inactive. This increases as individuals age with approximately 42% of adults age 75 – 84 and approximately 57% of adults age 85 and older who are inactive. Physical inactivity leads to muscle weakness, as well as loss of flexibility and balance. Research shows that older adults who practice strength building exercises can increase muscle strength. Increased muscle stren
Author: Jane Proctor
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Big Blue HOT Challenge 2023 Annually, Family and Consumer Sciences Agents see an increased interest from clients in health-behavior choices. This year, to reach both current and new clientele with timely and research-based information, the HOT Challenge (Henry vs. Oldham vs. Trimble) presented a county challenge in time for the holidays - Big Blue Goals. The program was designed to allow for participation through either an online platform (Goalify app) that could be operated on a smartphone
Author: Joni Phelps
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Several chronic diseases can be attributed to lack of physical activity, improper eating habits, and poor mental health. These practices are increasingly recognized as serious threats to public health and require efficient programs to alter them. FitBlue is a grassroots initiative in the Bluegrass State aimed at raising people's levels of exercise and health consciousness. When people use the FitBlue app, they gain access to resources that help them adopt a more physically active and c
Author: Tara Duty
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Mercer County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences offered a newsletter based walking program designed for individuals who have not previously been physically active or who have not been physically active in a long time. There were 8 participants and 75% of participants increased the amount of walking that they did on a weekly basis. 100% of participants examined ways to set goals for walking. The Agent adapted this newsletter based program into a weekly walk at the local extension o
Author: Alethea Price
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
BINGOCIZE® is a 10-week healthpromotion program that combinesthe game of bingo with fallprevention exercise. Come playbingo and meet new people whilelearning about techniques toreduce falls. BINGOCIZE® is a 10-week health promotion program that combines the game of bingo with fall prevention exercise. Come play bingo and meet new people while learning about techniques to reduce falls. There are several variations of this program including one that focused on Covid-19 awareness and p
Author: Amanda Hardy
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Seventy-six million American children were born between 1945 and 1964. This generation is known as the “Baby Boomers”. Henderson County’s 65 years and older age group has increased by 11.17% over the last 10 years. Henderson County Extension FCS agent has partnered with Redbank’s senior apartments programming coordinator and director for the last eleven years to promote a program called the “Senior Expo”. This event was created to bring information
Author: Nanette Banks
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Holidays are often an exciting time of the year. However, the holidays can come with lots of stress so the Family and Consumer Sciences agents in the Quicksand Area decided to focus on Savvy Online Shopping and What to do With Your Holiday Leftovers. According to https://www.alliantcreditunion.org/ average holiday spending varies significantly based on household income, however, Americans planned to spend an average of $832.84 (2021). Our overall goal has been to help participants ch
Author: Jacqueline Doucet
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Boyd County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences offered a newsletter-based walking program designed for individuals who have not previously been physically active or who have not been physically active in a long time. There were 23 participants. 100 percent of participants increased the amount of walking that they did on a weekly basis. 95 percent of participants examined ways to set goals for walking. A follow-up evaluation revealed that 80 percent of participants are still engagin
Author: Vicki Boggs
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to 2019 Kentucky by the Numbers for Leslie County, 17.91% of our population is age 65 and over. Bingocize is an evidence-based health promotion program to maintain and improve quality of life, especially for the elderly. The 10-week educational program combines a bingo-like game with exercise to improve and/or maintain mobility, engage a variety of populations, including older adults, in social settings. The long-term outcomes of Bingocize have proven to be that there are more improved
Author: Carla Carter
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to County Health Ranking & Roadmaps, approximately 29% of Franklin County, Kentucky adults over the age of 18 and nationally 27.5% of adults aged 50 or older are physically inactive outside of work. Physical inactivity increases as individuals age with approximately 25.4% of adults aged 50-64 years, 26.9% of adults aged 65-74 years, 35.3% of adults aged 75 and older. Regular physical activity and exercise helps to improve your physical and mental health and may improve the abi
Author: Amanda Dame
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Creating an environment for families to spend time together, move more, and read was the overall goal for the Hopkins County StoryWalk. The Hopkins County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent was a member of the Leadership Hopkins County group who created the first StoryWalk in Hopkins County. StoryWalk is a national program, started by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont. Pages of the chosen book are laminated and placed into a real-estate sign. Each sign is staged around 10
Author: Amanda Dame
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Low levels of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, and poor mental health are all determinants of several chronic diseases. These behaviors are now considered major public health concerns and require effective behaviour change interventions. Fit Blue is a community-based campaign to increase physical activity and health awareness in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Building physical activity into the day does not require special equipment or a certain location. As participants take part in Fit B
Author: Hazel Jackson
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Individual quilters have always viewed quilting as a productive use of their time. As researchers in public health, sociology, and psychology study the positive effects of quilting on those with a passion for quilting, we more fully understand that participants identify that it is important to their wellbeing. “Quilting is challenging, demanded concentration and participants maintained and learned new skills. Participants experience ‘flow’ while quilting. A strong s
Author: Edith Lovett
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
“Cooking with Flavor Oils and Vinegars” Research shows that people who prepare and cook meals at home are more likely to eat the recommended fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains needed in a balanced diet. Building skills and cooking knowledge increases the likelihood that people choose to prepare home cooked meals. To encourage more home prepared meals, the Pulaski County Extension FCS Agent offered t
Author: Lynnette Allen
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Research shows that mindfulness strategies have positive effects on multiple areas of wellness.Those who practice mindful eating have increased awareness of what they eat and why, have healthier eating habits aligned with MyPlate recommendations, and may see improved diabetes self-management and weight management over time. Implementing mindful eating practices helps individuals remove judgment around eating behaviors and creates a more positive eating experience. The Breckinridge County Ex
Author: Megan Gullett
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The Russell County landscape is home to an assortment of terrains. The county is home to farmland, woodlands, streams, rivers, and a large lake. Russell County Extension Office held its annual Progressive Farm Safety Day in conjunction with the Progressive Ag Foundation and hosted approximately 220, 3rd-grade students from the county. The Farm Safety Day was also attended by approximately 40 teachers, and community volunteers to help make the day a success.This year at the safe
Author: Jordan Crain
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The Center for Disease Control reports that physical activity can help with weight control but that there are other great benefits that come with an increase of physical activity. These include: lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and even some cancers. In an effort to encourage physical activity and promote healthy habits, the Barren County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences started a weekly Walking Club. Participants gather on Monday mornings for a w
Author: Katherine Jury
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
There have long been challenges in immunization across the diverse population of Kentuckians, with minorities in Kentucky facing a unique set of barriers to immunization against COVID-19, as do residents of rural communities. As of July 2021, in the state of Kentucky, COVID-19 immunization rate was lower than the national average, at just 43%. Alarmingly, rural counties in Kentucky, such as Carlisle, Hickman, and Graves, all had fewer than 20% of people fully vaccinated; Ballard Coun
Author: Katherine Jury
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
There is a continued need to promote physical activity among Kentucky families. According to the CDC, 29.7% of Kentucky’s adults reported that during the past month, they had not participated in any physical activity, and only 21.4% of Kentucky children and teens were physically active for at least 60 minutes per day on each of the 7 days prior to the survey.Being physically active is an important component of overall health, and contributes significantly to individuals’ physic
Author: Natalie Taul
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Being physically active is an important component to overall health, and contributes significantly to individuals’ physical and mental wellbeing. There is a continued need to promote physical activity among Kentucky families. According to the CDC, 29.7% of Kentucky’s adults reported that during the past month, they had not participated in any physical activity, and only 21.4% of Kentucky children and teens were physically active for at least 60 minutes per day on each of
Author: Christa O'Cull
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to Kids Count 2017, 24.7% of children live in food insecure households. Children need to be taught how to make their food stretch across a time frame and understand the importance nutrition plays in their health. In the spring of 2023 the Lewis County Family and Consumer Science Agent along with the program assistant planned a lesson with the 5 Head start Classes in Lewis County. The book Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey was read to the students and a recipe fo
Author: Shad Baker
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Kentucky ranks in the top five states for obesity with 36% of the population (38% in Letcher County) being obese according to the CDC. The state also ranks in the top seven for physical inactivity with 32% of the population being inactive. Data shows that healthy eating habits and regular physical activity can help achieve and maintain good health and reduce chronic disease throughout life. Coupled with these concerns are an aging population. Letcher County has 20.4% of its population over 65 ye
Author: Nanette Banks
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Kentucky ranks in the top five states for obesity with 36% of the population (38% in Letcher County) being obese according to the CDC. The state also ranks in the top seven for physical inactivity with 32% of the population being inactive. Data shows that healthy eating habits and regular physical activity can help achieve and maintain good health and reduce chronic disease throughout life. Along with these concerns are an aging population, with Letcher County having 20.4% of its population over
Author: Shelley Meyer
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problem Downtown Cynthiana, KY is an up-and-coming rural community with flourishing tourism, plentiful growth of locally owned businesses, improving and enhancing facilities, sidewalks, and increasing walkability. An interest survey was administered through the Family & Consumer Sciences newsletter at the start of 2022 to gage the interest of community members for physical activity opportunities. Survey results indicated a strong need for increased exerc
Author: Rebecca Miller
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the CDC, statistics show that every nine minutes, a young child goes to the Emergency Room because they took medicine that didn’t belong to them and less that one in four caregivers store their medicine safely at home, giving children easy access. To address safety concerns and promote Red Ribbon Week, the Bell County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with a local school district and their Family Resource Directors to implement a program that wou
Author: Sonya Carter
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to www.countyhealthrankings.org, Hart County adults have an obesity rate of 40%. The Hart County Extension Family Consumer Science Agent began promoting a "Walk and Talk" program in a local park to encourage adults and families to become active. The club met weekly through May and June. The program was promoted by reaching out to extension participants, social media posts and simply by talking to people. Various adults participated and enjoyed being physically ac
Author: Cabrina Buckman
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) continues to be a public health epidemic across Kentucky. According to America’s Health Rankings, 13.8% of the adult population in Kentucky have diagnosed diabetes, which is higher than the national average at 10.9%. In addition, 1 in 3 adults have diagnosed or undiagnosed prediabetes, which equals approximately 1.1 million Kentucky adults at greater risk of developing T2D.Fortunately, support programs and education that focus on preparing healthy meals, living an act
Author: Sarah Drysdale
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Spring into Green: Outdoor Living, was hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Science agents at the Graves County Extension Office. Speakers at this year’s event discussed topics related to the outdoors. Topics discussed included ‘Cooking in the Outdoors’ with Champion Foods Volunteer Riff Turner, ‘Perennials and Wood Shrubs for Cut Flower Arrangements’ with Martha White, and ‘Plant Propagation’ with Lindsay Bowles. The goal of this event was to
Author: Lynn Blankenship
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problemYouth in our public schools have reported increased stress and anxiety. Physical activity opportunities provided for many Elementary school aged youth focus on strength and endurance, with less emphasis on balance and flexibility. Extension support staff requested educational sessions at the 2023 Chi Epsilon Sigma annual meeting, to address stress reduction/management. The educational program responseThe Mind Body Connection - Yoga based simple stretching, balance, deep br
Author: Vicki Wynn
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The 'Spring into Green: Outdoor Living' workshop was hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Sciences agents at the Graves County Extension Office. Speakers at the event discussed topics related to the outdoors and included: ‘Cooking in the Outdoors’ with Champion Foods Volunteer Riff Turner, ‘Perennials and Wood Shrubs for Cut Flower Arrangements’ with Martha White, and ‘Plant Propagation’ with Lindsay Bowles. The goal of the event was to educ
Author: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Spring into Green: Outdoor Living, was hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Science agents at the Graves County Extension Office. Speakers at this year’s event discussed topics related to the outdoors. Topics discussed included ‘Cooking in the Outdoors’ with Champion Foods Volunteer Riff Turner, ‘Perennials and Wood Shrubs for Cut Flower Arrangements’ with Martha White, and ‘Plant Propagation’ with Lindsay Bowles. The goal of this event was to
Author: Ashley Board
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Low levels of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, and poor mental health are all determinants of several chronic diseases. These behaviors are now considered major public health concerns and require effective behavior change interventions. FitBlue is a community-based campaign to increase physical activity and health awareness in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As participants use the FitBlue app, they have tools to transition to a more active lifestyle focusing on eating healthier, movi
Author: Linda Burgard
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
To help participants learn and use health information focused on COVID-19 immunization and prevention, the FCS Agent in Whitley County taught Bingocize® to 18 participants twice a week for 6 weeks. Bingocize® is a socially engaging group-based game created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Associate Professor of Exercise Science & Kinesiology and Co-Director of the Center for Applied Science in Health and Aging in the WKU College of Health and Human Services. This evidence based sen
Author: Rebecca Woodall
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
It is well known that walking has many health benefits. It is lesser known the mental health benefits of walking. According to the American Psychological Association, “one in nine cases of depression that could be prevented if all adults did just 150 minutes of physical activity per week, the minimal amount recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention”.To Kick off Mental Health Awareness Month and the start of summer, Crittenden County Family
Author: Kelsee Dewees
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Knox County, Kentucky is in Southeastern Kentucky, with limited access to physical activity and many poor health outcomes. Knox County is ranked among the least healthy counties in Kentucky. According to County Health Rankings and Health Facts, 34% of Knox County residents have access to exercise opportunities and 38% of Knox County residents are physically inactive. This has resulted in 46% of adults becoming obese in Knox County. Obesity has been linked to several other health issues suc
Author: Jill Harris
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Low levels of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, and poor mental health are all determinants of several chronic diseases. These behaviors are now considered major public health concerns and require effective behavior change interventions. FitBlue is a community-based campaign to increase physical activity and health awareness in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As participants use the FitBlue app, they have tools to transition to a more active lifestyle focusing on eating healthier, movi
Author: Natalie Green
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging. He created the socially engaging group-based game that combines health education and exercise in the format of BINGO. Dr. Crandall and his research team have tested the program and demonstrated that over 90% of older adults who played two times a week for 10 weeks significantly improved physical, social and mental health. To help Webster County participants l
Author: Kennedy Hannah
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
BingoCize is a ten-week 20 session Exercise Only program offered to Morning Pointe Assisted Living Center twice a week. There are about 15 participants each week. Throughout the program participants' mobility has improved, steadiness on their feet, and overall improvement in mood. BingoCize offers exercises that promote group games that are socially engaging for seniors. This program allows for low-impact exercises that increase heart rate and stay active without putting too much pressure on
Author: Rebecca Woodall
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In our small community, there is little to do for entertainment. For those who work or can drive to other places, it is a small problem. However, we have several in our community who cannot work because of their developmental disabilities. Once these community members graduate high school, they have limited social interaction, and often, their learning is halted. Working with the high school special education teacher, we identified several adults who had graduated and wou
Author: Christy Stearns
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Clinton County has a 38% physical inactivity rate according to the 2023 County Health Rankings. Adults indicated the need for new programs that encouraged walking and other healthy lifestyle habits. To address this need, the Clinton County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent became certified as a program leader and offered the Walk With Ease Program from the Arthritis Foundation. While walking is the central activity, Walk With Ease is a multi-component program that also includes health
Author: Brooke Hogancamp
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Spring into Green: Outdoor Living, was an area wide seminar hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Science agents at the Graves County Extension Office. Speakers at this year’s event focused on topics related to outdoor living including “Cooking in the Outdoors” with Champion Foods Volunteer Riff Turner, “Perennials and Wood Shrubs for Cut Flower Arrangements” with Martha White, and “Plant Propagation” with Lindsay Bowles. The goal of this event
Author: Amanda Hardy
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent and FCS Assistant offer Bingocize® every other month in Henderson County. The FCS agent has been leading groups in Bingocize® since she was trained as a facilitator in 2021. When asked what participants likes most about the program, they reported that Bingocize® makes moving fun. The agent shared that a caregiver traveled to her office to help a young woman with a physical disability participate. During the 10-week program, the young w
Author: Leah VanMeter
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Grow your Garden, Grow your Mind April 2023 Success StoryLake Cumberland FCS agents According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health in 2021, 23.05% of people in Kentucky report a mental illness of any kind in the past year (defined as having a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, other than a developmental or substance use disorder). 4 in 10 adults in the US have at least one chronic disease, and 6 in 10 have two or more chronic diseases according to the CDC. Some
Author: Katelyn Squires
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health in 2021, 23.05% of people in Kentucky report a mental illness of any kind in the past year (defined as having a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, other than a developmental or substance use disorder). 4 in 10 adults in the US have at least one chronic disease, and 6 in 10 have two or more chronic diseases according to the CDC. Some of the key lifestyle risks for chronic disease are lack of physical activity and poor nut
Author: Joni Phelps
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs are designed to reach audiences across the lifespan. Many individuals in the 20-50 age desire to learn about the topics FCS provides but do not attend traditional programming for a variety of reasons: they are too busy, too embarrassed, too intimidated, etc. To bridge the gap for these individuals, we must pivot and offer res
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health in 2021, 23.05% of people in Kentucky report a mental illness of any kind in the past year (defined as having a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, other than a developmental or substance use disorder). 4 in 10 adults in the US have at least one chronic disease, and 6 in 10 have two or more chronic diseases according to the CDC. Some of the key lifestyle risks for chronic disease are lack of physical activity and poor nut
Author: Amanda Hardy
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
With many individuals with health concerns, many Americans want to learn to cook and eat healthier. Offering cooking classes monthly allows participants to practice and learn how easy cooking in the kitchen can be. Our target audience is adults that have little to no cooking experience or who are trying new ways to cook. We address basic cooking skills and easy recipes that they can adapt at home. Each month we offer two classes one in the daytime and one at night. We focus on Plate i
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Low levels of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, and poor mental health are all determinants of several chronic diseases. These behaviors are now considered major public health concerns and require effective behavior change interventions. FitBlue is a community-based campaign to increase physical activity and health awareness in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As participants use the FitBlue app, they have tools to transition to a more active lifestyle focusing on eating healthier, movi
Author: Christy Stearns
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
2023 Kentucky County Health Rankings data for Clinton County notes that adults reported that their physical health was not good on 5.3 of the previous 30 days and that their mental health was not good on 6.1 days of the same period. The therapeutic benefits of gardening on both physical and mental health are widely noted. According to the National Library of Medicine (October 2022), these benefits include high quality of life, sleep improvement, increased hope, happiness, reduction of symptoms o
Author: Sarah Congleton
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging. He created the socially engaging group-based game that combines health education and exercise in the format of BINGO. Dr. Crandall and his research team have tested the program and demonstrated that over 90% of older adults who played two times a week for 10 weeks significantly improved physical, social and mental health. Dr. Crandall trained 60 UK FCS extension a
Author: Megan Gullett
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health in 2021, 23.05% of people in Kentucky report a mental illness of any kind in the past year (defined as having a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, other than a developmental or substance use disorder). 4 in 10 adults in the US have at least one chronic disease, and 6 in 10 have two or more chronic diseases according to the CDC. Some of the key lifestyle risks for chronic disease are lack of physical activity and poor nut
Author: Asa Conkwright
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Since the pandemic, Grant County has seen an increase in prevalence of negative health factors associated with lack of physical activity such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The FCS agent worked with the organization Fitness for Life Around Grant County (FFLAG) to revamp and older program called "the Biggest Winner" and change it to the "Hometown Health Challenge." The program was a large community wide program.The focus of the program was to hold different cla
Author: Tiffany Bolinger
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Low levels of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, and poor mental health are all determinants of several chronic diseases. These behaviors are now considered major public health concerns and require effective behavior change interventions. FitBlue is a community-based campaign to increase physical activity and health awareness in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As participants use the FitBlue app, they have tools to transition to a more active lifestyle focusing on eating healthier, movi
Author: Jill Harris
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the Kentucky Cancer Consortium, Kentucky ranks at or above the national average for incidence and mortality for lung, colon, breast, and cervical cancer. For each of these, effective prevention and early detection strategies could reduce a large proportion of the cancer mortality rate. One goal for breast cancer is to reduce the proportion of late-stage diagnosis and mortality through screening and early detection by reducing barriers such as screening location and language/cultural
Author: Amy Kostelic
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In recent years, Kentuckians have experienced firsthand how natural disasters can occur any time and often with little warning. Disasters take many forms, and most areas of family life feel their effects. Because there is no “one size fits all” disaster model, planning community outreach can be challenging. To offer agents a structured yet flexible approach to natural disaster education, in 2023 the Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Service developed “In the Face
Author: Christy Eastwood
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Death is unavoidable, yet we keep it at arm’s length. We know it is going to happen, but we don’t want to let it in. The purpose of the Living with Loss series is to help people feel more comfortable talking about and exploring issues related to death. This lesson highlights self-care and managing grief. Talking about self-care and how to manage grief is important because it helps people learn how to adjust and keep on living after a loved one has died. When grief is properly process
Author: Keller
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Spring into Green: Outdoor Living, was hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Science agents at the Graves County Extension Office. Speakers at this year’s event discussed topics related to the outdoors. Topics discussed included ‘Cooking in the Outdoors’ with Champion Foods Volunteer Riff Turner, ‘Perennials and Wood Shrubs for Cut Flower Arrangements’ with Martha White, and ‘Plant Propagation’ with Lindsay Bowles. The goal of this event was to
Author: Rachel Hance
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Youth need opportunities to develop social skills, civic and leadership skills, create strong connections with caring adults, have access to safe places to interact with their peers, and support services to allow them to become more independent adults (Blank, M.J., 2017). The past few years the Logan County Cooperative Extension Service has offered the Lead to Read program at our elementary schools partnering with the school FRYSC and classroom teachers. The program is planned by the
Author: Amy Kostelic
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Team: Courtney Luecking, Leslie Workman, Angela Baldauff, Sarah Congleton, Karli Giles, Amy Kostelic, Mindy McCulley, Katherine Jury Health promotion programs have long focused on education about personal health behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and physical activity. Health behaviors have an important role in health, but they are not the whole story. Social determinants of health, conditions encompassing social and environmental factors like access to quality health care, econo
Author: Andrea Slone
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the American Diabetes Association, 13.6% of Kentucky’s population is diagnosed with diabetes. It is estimated that over 100,000 individuals in Kentucky do have diabetes but are undiagnosed. Annual diabetes costs in Kentucky are $5.2 billion. The Kentucky Public Health organization reported in 2020 that the Big Sandy Region in Kentucky has a prevalence of diabetes of 18.5%. This is the second highest area in the state.In efforts to educate those already diagnosed with diabetes
Author: Maelyn Dotson
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Nearly 50% of adults in the United States do not drink enough water. The human body consists of about 60% water, and if you don’t drink enough water, dehydration can have a variety of effects on the body. Studies show that dehydration can even impair aspects of brain function.Upon observation, youth in Lawrence County don’t drink nearly enough water. Children are often seen carrying around sugary drinks such as soda and juices. Children take behaviors and habits learned in childhood
Author: Amy Kostelic
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Team: Amy Kostelic, Jill Harris (FCS Agent Todd County)Research confirms that a sense of belonging to a group can enhance life quality by creating opportunity for social connection and support (Berg-Weger & Morley, 2020; Fancourt & Steptoe, 2017; Franke, Sims-Gould, Nettlefold, Ottoni, & McKay, 2021; O’Rourke, Collins & Sidani, 2018; Suragarn, Hain, & Pfaff, 2021). The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century. In
Author: Courtney Luecking
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Health promotion programs have long focused on education about personal health behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and physical activity. These health behaviors play an important role in health, but they are not the whole story. Social and environmental factors like access to quality health care, economic stability, relationships and interactions, the health and safety of neighborhoods and built environments, and access to quality education throughout the lifespan account for about 70%
Author: Karli Giles
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Health promotion programs have long focused on education about personal health behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and physical activity. Health behaviors have an important role in health, but they are not the whole story. Social determinants of health, conditions encompassing social and environmental factors like access to quality health care, economic stability, relationships and interactions, the health and safety of neighborhoods and built environments, and access to quality educat
Author: Lynnette Allen
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Health promotion programs have long focused on education about personal health behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and physical activity. Health behaviors have an important role in health, but they are not the whole story. The conditions in the environments where people live, work, learn, and play have an even greater influence on one’s quantity and quality of life. These conditions, known as social determinants of health, include social and environmental factors such as housing,
Author: Leslie Workman
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Health promotion programs have long focused on education about personal health behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and physical activity. Health behaviors have an important role in health, but they are not the whole story. Social determinants of health, conditions encompassing social and environmental factors like access to quality health care, economic stability, relationships and interactions, the health and safety of neighborhoods and built environments, and access to quality educat
Author: Vicki Boggs
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The obesity epidemic threatens the quality and years of life of Kentuckians. Obese individuals are at increased risk for many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers. 2022 Kentucky Nutrition Education Program Annual Report data indicated that 41% of Leslie County's adult population were considered obese. The County Health Rankings and Roadmaps Kentucky report shows that 42% of the county’s population was conside
Author: Joan Bowling
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the Centers for Disease Control, scientific studies prove that exercise can help prevent or manage chronic diseases, improve cognitive functions, decrease falls, and improve one’s mental health. Inactivity increases with age and is estimated that by age 75, about one in three men and one in two women engage in no physical activity. In effort to improve the physical activity of seniors living in an urban apartment complex while also engaging in a more social setting, the
Author: Jane Proctor
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
More individuals from diverse backgrounds are calling Kentucky home. Learning about different cultures and customs is important for area residents as they learn to live with others from around the world.The Trimble County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent partnered with the Northern KY agents (Pendleton, Kenton and Boone County) to offer a 3-part, hybrid cook-along-from-home series (via Zoom and in-person) focused on the countries and cultures of Spain, Italy, and France.On-line (Zoom
Author: Melinda McCulley
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Health promotion programs have long focused on education about personal health behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and physical activity. Health behaviors have an important role in health, but they are not the whole story. Social determinants of health, conditions encompassing social and environmental factors like access to quality health care, economic stability, relationships and interactions, the health and safety of neighborhoods and built environments, and access to quality educat
Author: Ashley Vice
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Nicholas County is a small rural population with limited resources, and an obesity rating of 41% according to a health report from US NEWS. With the obesity rating being nearly 6% more than the National Average, the Nicholas County Extension Agent for FCS/4-H collaborated with the FRYSC director at Nicholas County Elementary to develop an evening event encouraging families to come out and learn about healthy eating habits, food safety, and nutrition in a fun question and answer format.On April 1
Author: Dayna Fentress
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
After noticing that trails and physical activity events seem to slow down after school goes back in session, and then again once fall season hits, the Family and Consumer Sciences program in Hardin County wanted to promote walking past traditional "summer" hours in 2019. That started the WALKtober challenge. The intent was to encourage individuals to continue getting their normal "summer" steps in throughout fall, or more. This event has since grown into it's third annual
Author: Carla Carter
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Type 2 Diabetes has affected our lives in some way or another, especially in the African American community. African Americans adults experience disproportionately rates of obesity (69.6%) related to health disparities such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. African Americans also have two times the rate of having diabetes than Caucasians. According to the County Health Ranking for 2022, Franklin County, Kentucky the population of non-Hispanic African Americans is 10.3%. The Fit
