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
The problemSeniors need opportunities to socialize and exercise as they age.The educational program responseBingocize offers a fun way for seniors to engage in playing Bingo while exercising.The participants/target audienceOther partners (if applicable)Program impact or participant response.
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
The problemLogan 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. The educational program responseIn 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
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
The problemSurvey questions.Today, have you learned something that will help you be healthier? 27 yes 0 noDid you learn more about the health resources available to you? 27 yes 0 noWhat did you enjoy today? What would you add or change to make Wellness Day better for you. comments:people are friendly and helpfullearned a lotgreat experiencegreat resourcesI loved the amount of vendorsgreat resour
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
