Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Jacqueline Doucet
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: Chelsea Young
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Stress is something that affects all of us at some point in our lives and if left unchecked can contribute to many health complications including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity to name a few. According to the American Psychiatric Association, the number of Americans that rated their mental health as fair to poor increased from 31% to 37% at the end of 2022 and stated “More than one in four (26%) reported they anticipated experiencing more stress at the start of 2
Author: Kenna Knight
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
"Research has shown that middle school students who engage in regular physical activity and maintain a balanced diet not only experience improved physical health but also demonstrate enhanced cognitive function, better academic performance, and reduced stress and anxiety levels, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of a healthy lifestyle during this crucial developmental stage."To help foster this development the Pendleton County Family and Consumer Science Agent partner with the mid
Author: Sarah Congleton
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Food insecurity and poverty are both problematic throughout the America. In Kentucky specifically, 14.7% are living in poverty and 22.1% are living in poverty according to the U.S Census data from 2020. Montgomery County, KY is no different. There are families living in poverty and unsure where their next meal comes from. They often seek help from churches, food pantries, and other organizations available throughout the county. In response to this problem, the Cooperative Extension Service Famil
Author: Jody Paver
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
When you think of the county fair, you think of funnel cakes, cotton candy, and lots of unhealthy foods. The Lincoln County Cooperative Extension Service sought to change the perspective of Fair goers this year as they created an Educational Outreach in the Lincoln County Floral Hall, changing recipes and Agent Program Talks each night.The Lincoln County Cooperative Extension has had a minor role in the Floral Hall for years however this year with the start of a New FCS Agent, the Lincoln
Author: Jill Harris
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The Kentucky Kids County Data book says that “A healthy pregnancy provides infants a strong start in life, yet barriers like lack of health insurance, not hearing about available programs, ongoing discrimination, and social and economic factors keep some families from connecting to these supports.” To help address this need, the Todd County Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Science Agent collaborated with representatives from community agencies to sponsor our 27
Author: Tyler Miller
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
I was approached by our Farm Bureau women’s committee about partnering with each other to put on a meeting about farm stress. I thought it was a wonderful idea, so we began to piece together the puzzle. It took several tries to get a qualified speaker, but boy did we get a good one. We held the meeting at the Lincoln County Extension office and served a nice meal. There were almost 40 people in attendance and there was a farm field day happening the same evening in the county. Once the ste
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problemRegular physical activity and good mental health are essential for preventing chronic diseases. These serious public health concerns require effective interventions to encourage positive behavior change. Walking Kentucky is a community campaign designed to increase physical activity and promote health awareness in Kentucky. You don't need any special equipment or location to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Participants are given the tools to lead a more acti
Author: Heather Toombs
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Regular physical activity and good mental health are essential for preventing chronic diseases. These are serious public health concerns that require effective interventions to encourage positive behavior change. Walking Kentucky is a community campaign designed to increase physical activity and promote health awareness in Kentucky. You don't need any special equipment or location to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. By joining Walking Kentucky, participants are given th
Author: Ruth Chowning
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Regular physical activity and good mental health are essential for preventing chronic diseases. These are serious public health concerns that require effective interventions to encourage positive behavior change. Walking Kentucky is a community campaign designed to increase physical activity and promote health awareness in Kentucky. You don't need any special equipment or location to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. By joining Walking Kentucky, participants are given th
Author: Kelsey Sebastian
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports, Kentucky youth rank among the 10 highest for obesity in the U.S.. According to the U.S. Census, approximately 19% of Kentucky’s total population is living in poverty. Approximately 27% percent of children and youth under the age of 18 live in poverty. 44.6% of adolescents reported consuming fruit less than one time daily and 42.7% of adolescents reported consuming vegetables less than one time daily. Only 22.5% of adolescent
Author: Lynn Blankenship
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problem: Adults with different abilities who live in community living settings with their adult helpers, have historically struggled to find educational opportunities that are accessible for their demographic. These individuals need ongoing life skills education, to meet daily living goals as delineated their Individual Education Plans.The educational program response:Metcalfe County FCS Extension and Nutrition Education program began providing nutrition education and FCS related life s
Author: Linda Burgard
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the Health Rankings analysis of CDC, 30.5% of Kentuckians and 37.2% of Kentucky’s seniors aged 65 and older have no physical activity or exercise other than their regular job. Physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and cancer mortality, diabetes, and premature death. Approximately 10% of deaths among adults ages 40-69 and 7.8% of deaths among adults ages 70 and older can be attributed to physical inact
Author: Jane Proctor
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Walking Kentucky Regular physical activity and good mental health are essential for preventing chronic diseases. These are serious public health concerns that require effective interventions to encourage positive behavior change. The Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble Family and Consumer Sciences Agents collaborated to implement a four-hundred-and-seventeen-mile Walking Kentucky Challenge as an innovative strategy to encourage movement among Louisville area
Author: Edith Lovett
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Grow your Garden, Grow your Mind October 2023 Success StoryAccording to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health in 2021, 23.05% of people in Kentucky reported as having a mental illness of some kind in the past year (defined as having a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, other than a developmental or substance use disorder). Four in 10 adults in the US were report
Author: Angie York
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: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the American Camp Association, “The camp experience is recognized by child development professionals as valuable in helping children mature socially, emotionally, intellectually, morally, and physically. Camp participants learn to problem-solve, make social adjustments to new and different people, learn responsibility, and gain new skills to increase their self-esteem." Summer day camp has so many benefits such as keeping youth unplugged, out of trouble, in a safe l
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Physical inactivity is a significant challenge among adults over the age of 65. Kentucky’s population is no exception to this problem. In fact, Kentucky ranks 43 out of 50 for physical activity, according to americashealthrankings.org. This is troubling because we know that lack of exercise puts individuals at higher risk for chronic diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease and certain types of cancer. It is also known that lack of exercise can increase the risk of falls in older
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Regular physical activity and good mental health are essential for preventing chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are serious public health concerns, especially in Kentucky, that require effective interventions to encourage positive behavior change. Walking Kentucky is a community campaign designed to increase physical activity and promote health awareness in Kentucky. Special equipment is not needed, nor is a special location, to incorporate physical activity into a daily routine. By joinin
Author: Katelyn Squires
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Providing rural youth knowledge and strategies to be safe in their homes and communities is a foundation skill for being a responsible adult. Youth are at increased risk of experiencing certain types of harm. Rural youth are more likely to die in car accidents, farm accidents, and suicides than urban youth. They are also more likely to experience violence like bullying. Rural youth may have fewer resources to cope with harm. Rural communities often have fewer mental health providers,
Author: Kenna Knight
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 57 FCS Agents on Nove
Author: Krista Perry
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Walking KentuckyPhysical activity and good mental health are essential for preventing chronic diseases. These are serious public health concerns that require effective interventions to encourage positive behavior change. Walking Kentucky is a community campaign designed to increase physical activity and promote health awareness in Kentucky. You don't need any special equipment or location to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. By joining Walking Kentuck
Author: Cabrina Buckman
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The National Safety Council reports that over 5 million accidents occur in the United States each year, with 43% of those resulting in injuries. Many emergency calls would be made smoother if the injured or ill person was in possession of an Emergency Health Information Card. In an effort to promote and encourage general health and medical self advocacy through the means of Emergency Health Information Cards, the Washington County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, alongside the L
Author: Jordan Crain
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In an effort to help Teens learn basic cooking and basic kitchen skills, the Barren County Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences and the Barren County Program Assistant collaborated with one Glasgow High School class to offer Teen Cuisine. The Teen Cuisine curriculum consists of six topics/lessons. Throughout the six weeks, students learned about food safety, including proper cooking time and temperature, cross contamination, handwashing and others. Additionally, knife skills and other basic co
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the 2022 DataUSA, 37.9% of McLean County is obese. One way to combat obesity is through exercise. The Family and Consumer Science Agent introduced Bingocize to McLean County in 2022 with 8 participants. Because of the popularity of the program, when the FCS Agent offered the program again in September of 2023, participation increased to 24 participants! Bingocize covers several different topics with their movement and lessons: COVID education, Nutrition, Fall Preven
Author: Deborah Messenger
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Obesity is associated with an increased risk for a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. In Kentucky and the United States, the percentage of adults who are obese continues to rise. Excess weight also contributes to the development of arthritis, a chronic disease that is one of the leading causes of disability among adults.There were several requests from the community for the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent to hold a health and wellness prog
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
"Through our 'Fitness for Produce Challenge,' we ignited a health revolution in our community, rallying 49 participants to complete a remarkable total of 134 physical activities. These dedicated individuals engaged in ten diverse physical activities and embarked on five inspiring group-led hikes, fostering camaraderie and well-being.As a result, we distributed $670 worth of tokens, providing participants the opportunity to make healthier food choices at our local farmers market. Not
Author: Rebecca Miller
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Obesity and being overweight is a major issue the people in Bell County struggle with daily. Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyles are the leading cause for this growing problem. To help address this issue, “Fall” Into Walking, was started by the Cooperative Extension Service. Emphasis is on becoming more active by finding activities to help get people moving and off the couch. Twenty-One participants walked, jogged, danced or biked their way to a more active
Author: Rachel Hance
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Logan County has a rich agricultural tradition. Grain production and other crops are viable in our county. With many kids living and working on the farm, we are dedicated to promoting safe operation and respect of farm equipment that is in large supply. In 2023, we focused on ATV, tractor, animal, electrical, water, fire, mower, firearm, and chemical safety. Local community members including utility companies, school personnel, and first responders are involved in planning and implementing
Author: Maelyn Dotson
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In Lawrence County, the program "Teen Cuisine" led 27 teens on a six-week culinary journey, partnering with the LCHS food & nutrition class. The program was a team effort which included 4-HYD CEA, Maelyn Dotson, NEP assistants Ruth Ann Kirk and Danielle Fairchild, along with program assistant Pete Bentley. . Nestled in the Appalachian region, Lawrence County faced nutrition challenges, with high rates of obesity and diabetes. Throughout the program, teens delved int
Author: Jody Paver
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The Lincoln County Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences collaborated with KEHA leaders to offer the Healthy Homemakers series to a total of 35 participants.100 percent of participants identified the effects of stress on the body. 100 percent of participants examined the different causes of stress in their lives and how to manage them. A follow-up evaluation revealed that 93 percent of participants have worked to decrease stress in their lives.
Author: Lora Davidson
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
During the holiday season, we acknowledge the significance of cooking, nutrition, and food storage in this time of year. In London, KY, the Wilderness Trail Area organized a Holiday Cooking School. The event focused on educating participants in Food Safety & Preservation, featuring instruction from the UK Food Safety and Preservation specialist, Annhall Norris and Stuarto's Olive Oil company conducted food demonstrations which worked alongside the UK Curriculum "Savor the Flavor.&qu
Author: Alethea Price
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Family and Consumer Sciences Extension encourages families to make proactive choices to improve individual health and well-being, whether choosing a low fat, nutritious diet, increasing health literacy for chronic disease prevention, or participating in regular physical activity. Recipe Club is a monthly mailing that addresses health and wellbeing, how to eat a nutritious diet, increasing health literacy while promoting chronic disease prevention.Each month the FCS program area sends the Recipe
Author: Judy Vaughn
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Heart Health Lunch and LearnI presented a Heart Healthy Lunch and Learn for the clients in Estill County in conjunction with February being heart health month. Cardiovascular is the number one cause of death in the United States despite in most cases being preventable. Making smart healthy choices, such as exercise, diet, and being tobacco free, is the best way to prevent cardiovascular disease. Twenty-one people participated in the program and enjoyed a heart healthy meal of V
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Spencer County, being a rural area with limited access to healthcare facilities, can benefit greatly from awareness of available free or low-cost health resources. After participating in a lesson on the Pathways to Wellness program, the Spencer County Family Consumer Sciences Council developed a community resource day to educate the community about how local resources can help improve access to essential healthcare services. The Wellness Day event took place at the Spencer County Extension Offic
Author: Sarah Congleton
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In the United States alone, nearly 1600 lives PER DAY are lost due to no AED being readily available. Virtually anyone with a heart (most of the population) could suffer from SCA (sudden cardiac arrest). Risk is not just limited to the elderly or obese. Young, fit people with no symptoms suffer at a lower rate but are susceptible all the same. The Montgomery County Extension Council reached out to the Fire Department to inquire if this were an issue locally and it was. Most businesses and o
Author: Shelley Meyer
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problemElderly individuals struggle receiving the recommended amount of daily exercise. Many attribute aches and pain to their demise of movement while others claim it is hard to stay motivated for physical activity on their own. The educational program responseBingocize is a research-based program that mixes light exercise, education, and bingo in fun hour-long sessions that extend throughout 20 interactions. Harrison County, Kentucky has participated in two Bingocize opportunities uti
Author: Christy Stearns
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Physical inactivity is a contributing factor to the 41% adult obesity rate in Clinton County (2024 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps). Simple physical activity for families that doesn’t feel like strenuous exercise can be the starting place for the development of healthier lifestyle choices. The Clinton County Extension Office sponsored its annual Pumpkin Walk event to create an awareness of physical activity opportunities and other health resources available in the community
Author: Karen Denniston
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Farmer Heart 2 Heart: Cultivating Healthy Hearts in Our Farming CommunityIn the middle of National Heart Health Month, amidst the bustling atmosphere of an annual farm machinery auction at the fairgrounds, a unique initiative took place aiming to improve the wellbeing of farmers. Cardiovascular disease is a group of health conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 deaths that happen in the U.S. every yea
Author: Carolina Robles
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problem: Immigrant Farmers lack nutrition and overall health knowledge. They are living in a new place and do not know the nutrition and dietary guidelines in the US. Another issue is that in the US we have 3 major health problems that arise from our diet, Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Obesity. These three are risks are prevalent in the US due to common food practices. There was a total of 28 participants and over 5 different languages spoken, with interpreters present, and it lasted for 2 ho
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 range need the skills taught by Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) agents, but do not attend traditional programming due to other commitments, life phases, or real or perceived stigma. To reach these individuals, FCS agents in Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins, and Livingston knew they must pivot and offer research-based in
Author: Ruth Chowning
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 older adults who play two times a week for 10 weeks significantly reduce the fear of falling, increase levels of physical activity, and decrease feelings of socia
Author: Jordan Crain
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The Barren 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. The Couch Potato Challenge started January 1st. Those participating received weekly newsletters for a total of 12 weeks. This was a way to help individuals stay motivated and encouraged during the winter months. In addition to the weekly newsletters, the agent ma
Author: Jordan Crain
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Radon gets into the air you breathe through cracks, crevices and openings in the foundation. Radon gas is not visible and has no odor or taste. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, estimated to cause thousands of deaths annually. All of Barren County is considered to be in the Danger
Author: Leah VanMeter
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory on the “Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation in the United States”. The advisory called attention to the negative impacts of loneliness and isolation on our health- mental, physical, and societal. The advisory also highlighted the fact that loneliness and lack of connection increased the risk of mental health challenges and the risk for premature death increases to a level comparable to daily smoking. (https://www.hhs.gov/abo
Author: Natalie Taul
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. Personal behaviors have an important role in health, but they are not the whole story. The conditions in which people live, work, learn, and play have an even greater influence on one’s quantity and quality of life. These conditions include social and environmental factors such as housing, access to and quality of health care, education, social
Author: David Hull
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Movement. As a society, we're always being told that we need more "movement" in our daily lives. And while it's true that adults and children will certainly benefit from moving more, wouldn't it be nice if an educational component could be added to this activity?Outdoor Recreation was identified as a major area of programming for the Gallatin County Extension Service. And as such, we have offered several opportunities for Gallatin County residents to not only increase physi
Author: Tiffany Bolinger
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 range need the skills taught by Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) agents, but do not attend traditional programming due to other commitments, life phases, or real or perceived stigma. To reach these individuals, FCS agents in Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins, and Livingston knew they must pivot and offer research-based in
Author: Rebecca Miller
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the CDC Kentucky is one of the 22 states that have an adult obesity rate at or above 35%. To focus on making healthier lifestyle choices and encourage people to lose weight, FCS Agent, Extension Program Assistant and Senior SNAP ED Assistant conducted the program Drop It Like It’s Hot for 10 weeks via hybrid method. The program had 14 participants that attended the program and received informational lessons from the University of Kentucky
Author: Hannah Thornsberry
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Major Program: “Active Living and Health Promotions General” (2027) Woodford County FCS Plays Bingocize® Program Date: 02/26/2024 - 05/10/2024 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 p
Author: Hannah Thornsberry
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Major Program: “Active Living and Health Promotions General” (2027) Woodford County FCS Plays Bingocize® Program Date: 02/26/2024 - 05/10/2024 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
Author: Chelsea Workman
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Osteoporosis, or low bone mass, affects about 1 in 10 people aged 50 or over in the United States (Healthy People 2030). Weak bones put people at high risk for fractures and serious health problems. It is a “costly and socioeconomic burden in all regions of the world,” according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. There is no cure for osteoporosis, but early screening, prevention, and some treatments can prevent or reduce fracture rates.  
Author: Natalie Taul
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Physical inactivity and obesity continue to be roadblocks to health and wellness achievement in Grayson County. This was identified in two community health surveys conducted by the local hospital and the Grayson County Cooperative Extension Service. The Community Health Committee is a multi-faceted partnership between Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center, Cooperative Extension, the local health department, the school district, and additional passionate community members. This succ
Author: Heather Norman-Burgdolf
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Community-based strategies are recognized as a key facilitator of sustainable behavior change in diabetes prevention and self-management. Still, lifestyle changes can be difficult to implement without support. Community-based efforts provide accountability and encouragement for individuals seeking to shift their patterns to support positive outcomes. Notably, these approaches can be used among those diagnosed with prediabetes to aid in type 2 diabetes prevention via lifestyle behavior change.&nb
Author: Katherine Jury
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Title: EXCITE 3 Adult Vaccination Education CampaignRelevance: Kentuckians have a disproportionately high rate of mortality due to preventable disease; many diseases that kill Kentuckians can be prevented or severe effects of disease reduced with vaccination. However, many Kentucky adults are missing vaccines or behind on their vaccine schedule. In Kentucky, adult vaccination coverage rates average only 50% for influenza vaccine and 25% for pneumococcal vaccine. Coverage for hepatit
Author: Caroline McMahan
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Kentucky as a state has the highest prevalence of multiple forms of cancer in the United States, with many Kentuckians having additional risk factors including obesity, inactivity, and barriers to health screenings and other forms of preventative healthcare. Additionally, many people report low levels of knowledge and skills related to being able to make healthy lifestyle choices, like eating a wide variety of healthy foods, getting enough physical activity, and understanding warning signs of il
Author: Deborah Messenger
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Lack of physical activity contributes to multiple health conditions in adults and youth. It is common for adults specifically to get very little exercise and physical activity on any given day. The Cumberland County Family and Consumer Sciences agent implemented a 6-week activity challenge in the spring to encourage people to get active in preparation for the summer season. Participants were encouraged to log their physical activity by time/steps/miles. Each week, they received a newsletter with
Author: Ronda Rex
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to CEDIK Data Profile Health Indicators 2022, “the percent obese value in Gallatin County KY is 38%. Healthy eating can help people maintain a healthy weight and reduce their risk of obesity. A healthy diet can also help prevent and manage other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “people who eat lots of fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of obesity. Fru
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problemThe educational program responseThe participants/target audienceOther partners (if applicable)Program impact or participant response.
Author: Chelsea Workman
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Coping with cumulative loss is distressing. These past few years have been upending for the many whose brains battled cognitive overload trying to process fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. The ongoing health and political crises have affected people’s mental health around the world. The effects will be long-lasting. Many people are suffering — some worse than others, depending on gender, personality, age, health, socioeconomic status, and race. Ongoing research 
Author: Ashley Board
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in America over the last two years, according to many sources such as Pickleball Player; Pickleball, USA; and the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. It has grown in popularity because most ages, body types, and skill levels can play. It is an easy, affordable, accessible, fun, social, and friendly game that combines features of badminton, ping-pong, and tennis. It is played with a large paddle and plastic ball on an indoor or outdoor court simi
Author: Tiffany Bolinger
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the stateofchildhoodobesity.org, Kentucky ranks 50 for the highest obesity rate for youth ages 10-17 with a staggering 24%. Christian County in Kentucky has a higher percentage of 33.6% of obesity according to the Kentucky Environmental Public Health Tracking. With the numbers being so high, Christian County Extension Agents want to help lower these numbers and what better way than to have a program that encourages youth to try a new healthy food that they would not try on their own
Author: Nanette Banks
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Food is a significant piece of culture. Many countries around the world offer guidance for foods and lifestyle habits to promote health. While the local or preferred foods may be different, the general food-based dietary guidance and goals to promote health around the globe are quite similar.Eighty-three people attended a "Healthy Eating Around the Globe" workshop taught by the Letcher County FCS agent in February 2024. This program provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about cultu
Author: Christy Eastwood
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 older adults who play two times a week for 10-weeks significantly reduce the fear of falling, increase levels of physical activity, and decrease feelings of social isolatio
Author: Kennedy Hannah
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problemPost Covid has been challenging when it comes to vaccines. Issues or problems related to vaccines can vary. Common concerns and challenges associated with vaccines are vaccine hesitancy, safety concerns, misinformation, logistical challenges, vaccine equity, vaccine development, anti-vaccine movements , rare adverse events, and vaccine efficacy. Addressing these issues often requires clear communications of the benefits and risks or vaccines while promoting vaccine education and
Author: Katherine Alexander
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service hosted their first Open House in many years in May of 2024. The idea behind the Open House was to showcase the different areas of programming Extension has to offer in Daviess County. Members from the County Extension Council and District Board provided input during the planning process. Flyers of the event were sent to all who receive a newsletter from the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service, local community groups, city/county officials
Author: Cathy Sparks
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problemMany of the clients who attend our programs have High Blood Pressure and need to avoid sodium intake. They needed education on ways to season their foods in alternative ways than using only salt. The educational program responseA class was scheduled with a herbalist from Floyd County who had taught raising and preparing food with herbs at an artisan center in North Caroling for twenty years. She and I worked together to plan a class for participants to share with the
Author: Nanette Banks
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 learn and use he
Author: Rachel Hance
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
For the past few years, our extension staff has hosted a community event to educate and invite our clients to the farmer's market. This year's event was Sweet Summertime at the Farmer's Market. The goal of the event is to provide family friendly incentives to youth that encourages families to get active together as well as introduce the youth to the farmer's market and what they can find and how they can benefit from the farmer's market. An additional benefi
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: Meagan Klee
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
“In Kentucky, 25.5% of youth ages 10-17 have obesity, giving Kentucky a ranking of 2 among the 5- states and D.C.” ( https://stateofchildhoodobesity.org/state-data/?state=ky). According to the CDC, 40.3% of Kentucky adults are considered obese. (https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/prevalence-maps.html#overall). Casey County is a rural community located in south central Kentucky. The community contains two paid-membership gyms (facilities with lifting equipment and running/w
Author: Lynn Blankenship
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problem: According to Kentucky by the Numbers current physical activity statistical data collected in Metcalfe County, 34.8% of adults report NO Leisure-time Physical Activity. The percentage of adults diagnosed with Diabetes is 12%, and 41.3 % have a BMI of 30kg/m2 or higher. Adults in Metcalfe County reported an average of 5.1 physically unhealthy days with 15.5 % reporting fourteen or more physically unhealthy days per month. Adults in Metcalfe County reported
Author: Natalie Green
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problemWebster County has one fitness center, and the price of a monthly membership is $33 per month. There are people who would like to be active but aren't sure how, and some are elderly and they are not able to do high impact exercises.The educational program responseI looked into and purchased 20 cardio drumming sets to start out with. I did a class with a group of children and a group of retired teachers (all Senior citizens) to see what the interest would be like, if any. Both grou
Author: Ola Donahue
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
As of 2023, 1.7 million Kentuckians are living with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This puts more than a million Kentuckians at increased risk for heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. While some risk factors for developing high blood pressure are outside of our control, there are many steps you can take to reduce your risk. For example, there are many small changes you can make to your diet that have a big impact on blood pressure.To address this concern and increase knowl
Author: Jennifer Bridge
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
As programs expand, the need for trained volunteers is key to longevity and success. To increase the number of programs related to health and wellness, extension specialist adapted an ambassador program from a partner land-grant university. Meade County was selected as one of fifteen pilot programs to implement the program on the local level. The ambassador program requires those interested to complete a questionnaire, go through volunteer screening and a background check
Author: Jody Paver
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Lincoln County Couch Potato ChallengeLow 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. The Couch Potato Challenge is a personal goal setting and encouragement campaign to increase physical activity and health awareness in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Building physical activity into the day does not
Author: Jody Paver
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Hustonville Elementary Healthy Body Challenge Success StoryLow 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 Couch Potato Challenge is a personal goal setting and encouragement campaign to increase physical activity and health awareness in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Building physical activity
Author: Jody Paver
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Lincoln County FCS Plays Bingocize® 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 older adults who play two times a week for 10-weeks significantly reduce the fear of falling, increa
Author: Lorie Adams
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 older adults who play two times a week for 10-weeks significantly reduce the fear of falling, increase levels of physical activity, and decrease feelings of socia
Author: Heather Toombs
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In 2023 Homemakers selected this topic for one of their Homemaker Leader Lessons for 2023-2024 Community members return to their busy schedules after COVID-19. As Oldham County struggles with less time at home Time Well Spent was a topic of interest. The lesson focused on identifying 3 skills, solutions, and ways to improve organization and planning at home or work.Homemakers selected this topic for one of their Homemaker Leader Lessons for 2023-202415 participants completed th
Author: Lynnette Allen
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to Kentucky County Health Rankings, the Breckinridge County health facts reflect 42% adults are obese, 31% report a lack of physical activity, and in the Kentucky 13.8% adults have diabetes. In a continued effort to increase awareness and improve individual wellness, the Breckinridge County Extension Service Family and Consumer Science program host and facilitate a monthly support group meeting to provide educational learning and support for families living with diabetes. The mont
Author: Karen Denniston
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
“Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries. Farmers are at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries; and farming is one of the few industries in which family members who often share the work and live on the premises, are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. According to CDC statistics, over 100 children are killed on farms each year in the United States. The Bourbon County Extension Office including the Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Ho
Author: Hazel Jackson
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The problem Research Shows the 24% of Americans aged 65 and older are socially isolated and 43% of adults aged 60 and older report feeling lonely. Loneliness is associated with a 40% increase in a person's risk for dementia, a higher risk for depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and a weakened immune system. Loneliness and social health are considered global health issues due to the detrimental impact on physical and mental health. According
Author: Jane Proctor
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
As of August 30, 2023, Kentucky has the sixth-highest obesity rate in the U.S., with 48.78% of its population affected. The state ranks second in obesity rates among adult men and 18th among adult women. Additionally, Kentucky is among the top seven states for physical inactivity, with 32% of residents not engaging in regular exercise. Research indicates that adopting healthy eating habits and regular physical activity can promote overall health and reduce chronic diseases.To tackle these challe
Author: Cheryl Witt
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
RelevanceAccording to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2017, Kentucky (KY) agriculture had the highest number of fatalities in all work sectors (U.S. Bureau of Labor, 2017). While the number of fatalities and injuries has decreased in KY, it remains that agriculture is a dangerous occupation and there are health and safety risk factors unique to working and living on a farm. In Kentucky, 95% of the farms are small family farms that are not required to be monitored by the Occupati
Author: Andrea Slone
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In 2019, the Floyd County Farmers’ Market became eligible to accept the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Vouchers. The Floyd County Extension Office became the distributor for this program and has continued through 2024 with the Family & Consumer Science and SNAP-ed Nutrition Education Program. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides redeemable vouchers for fresh, unprocesse
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
