Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Mary Lawson
Major Program: Health
Obesity leads to two of the top killer diseases in the world, stroke and heart disease. According to the CDC, 60-70 percent of individuals in the United States suffer from obesity. Among children in the U.S., obesity prevalence is 13.9% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 18.4% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 20.6% among 12- to 19-year-olds. Obesity is caused by several factors outside of just diet and exercise. These factors include medication, lifestyle factors, diet choices, food quality, genetics, and ma
Author: Lora Stewart
Major Program: Health
Gallatin County 4-H offered the SuperStar Chef Camp program for 15 students. Four volunteers worked with students in a hands-on educational setting to teach important life skills. A pre-test/post test evaluation was conducted to determine learning outcomes. Several children, after participating in this program, has made several of the recipes. As a result of the program, students gained the following knowledge and skills:50% recognized foods that are part of the pro
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Health
According to the CDC, a recent report showed many Kentucky children ages 1 through 5 years old do not eat at least one fruit or vegetable each day. There are many reasons why children or other family members do not eat fruit or vegetables daily. Increasing their access to quality nutrition is of utmost importance.In response to this need, the Knox County 4-H, FCS, and ANR Extension Agents along with several community partners such as, the Knox County Farmers' Market and the Extension P
Author: Anna Denny
Major Program: Health
The problemHardin Park is right in the heart of Hardinsburg, settled next to the Breckinridge County Fairgrounds. Not many families know about this park, even though it's right in their own backyards. Families with children also express that they would like more opportunities for their children to become physically active outdoors. The Trail Blazers 4-H Club recognized this need, and took action.The educational program responseThe Breckinridge County 4-H Home School Club, renamed by th
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: Health
Healthy living is one of three 4-H mission mandates and encompasses: physical activity, personal safety, mental health, addiction prevention, and diversity and inclusion. Clark County Agents were approached by a local Family Resource Coordinator who had conducted a survey of parents at the Intermediate School in Clark County. This survey determined that personal safety and safety education were a concern to many parents. On September 15th, 2023 the Clark County Extension Agents hosted a Progress
Author: Bridgett Poteet
Major Program: Health
Progressive Ag Foundation Safety Day was such a great experience! All 4th graders from Kyrock and South Edmonson Elementary came to learn all about safety today at the Edmonson County Fairgrounds! We are so thankful for all of our presenters and the wonderful day they provided! The Progressive Ag Safety Day hadn't been hosted in Edmonson County for almost a decade. Our 4th graders were transported to a regional Safety Day at WKU Ag Expo Center with Warren and Simpson countie
Author: Michael Rose
Major Program: Health
The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with the Progressive Farmer Foundation, Adair County School System, local businesses, community agencies, and local leaders to conduct the 21st Farm and Home Safety Days. Fifty adult and Fifty Teen volunteers contributed to the program’s success. More than 200 1st-grade and 200 5th-grade students attended the interactive safety booths that addressed fire, tractor, ATV, water, sun, first aid, livestock, health, equipment,
Author: Glenna Bentley
Major Program: Health
The problemThe Lewis County Extension Service conducted a program on Bullying at the Lewis County Middle School with 7th and 8th grade students. The program is done each year but was started because the principal and guidance counselor requested it and continue to want the program taught each year. They want the program to continue because bullying is a consistent problem at the school. Another reason is because of a teen suicide that happened in another county close to Lewis County years
Author: Tyrone Gentry
Major Program: Health
Providing rural youth with knowledge and strategies to be safe in their homes and communities is a foundational 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 o
Author: Anna Meador
Major Program: Health
According to the CDC, approximately 20 youth deaths occur each day as a result of unintentional injury. To combat youth safety concerns and to education children in our community on safe practices (at home, farm or ranch), the Allen County Extension Services partnered various community partners to address youth safety. With the help of the Allen County Scottsville High School FFA department, Allen County 4-H Teens and Allen County Farm Bureau Federation, we were able to host the Pro
Author: Michelle Brock
Major Program: Health
Holidays are expensive and sometimes very stressful. According to the Division of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas, crafting can be a solution. They go on to state that stress is one of our leading health problems. Its effects range from migraines and fatigue to heart failure and early memory loss. Reducing stress reduces disease. The CDC recommends that you give yourself a break if you begin to feel stressed or overwhelmed. They go on to report that spending time outdoors can impr
Author: Carrie Derossett
Major Program: Health
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 are i
Author: Bridgett Poteet
Major Program: Health
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated percent of related children age 5-17 in families in poverty for Edmonson County was 27% with the state average being 22%. According to the Community Assessment for Edmonson County, in 2017, there was a population of 12,226 with 3,729 of those being on either SNAP food stamps or considered food insecure. That equates to be around 31% of the county.Backpack food programs offer families free groceries for weekends and school breaks. Foo
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: Health
Unintentional injury, while declining, remains the leading cause of death among children ages 19 and under. (Source: Safekids.org) To raise awareness and demonstrate techniques children can use to prevent unintentional injury, the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service applied for and received a grant from the Progressive Agriculture Foundation to host a Progressive Agriculture Youth Safety Day. The grant provided access to training, along with educational and planning ma
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: Health
The 2023 Healthfair/Readifest was a collaborative program planned by the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service and the Family Resource/Youth Service Center. There were several other groups who helped sponsor the event with monetary and time donations. Churches and other local businesses also donated school supplies. For the past 2 years, the program has been a walk through outdoor event. The goal of this program is to help improve the community’s health for both ad
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Health
Peer relationships are a major focus during the school-age years of child development. During this time, children have many opportunities to grow, learn social skills, and develop problem-solving skills. Unfortunately, sometimes relationships at this stage can be negative and hurtful to a child. According to StopBullying.gov, approximately 40 percent of youth in the United States are estimated to be involved in bullying as either a bully, a target of bullying, or both. Whe
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Health
In the fall of 2023, the Bell County Extension office held two Family Day Out events in the county. One event was held in Pineville while the other was in Middlesboro. The events were in parks that were closely related to public housing, with the idea that extension programs could reach an audience that was not familiar with our programming. This was an all reasonable efforts approach as both parks were well within walking distance from public housing. Included at the events were healthy snacks
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: Health
The problem: High and constant levels of stress during adolescence have the potential to contribute to the increased likelihood of conditions such as anxiety, depression, or abusing drugs and alcohol. Some teens become overloaded with stress. When this happens, it can lead to anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, physical illness, or poor coping skills such as drug and/or alcohol use. (aacap.org) Many youth in our county are seeing an increase in their stress levels that in turn is affec
Author: Calyn Colston
Major Program: Health
There around 1500 deaths every year in the United States due to ATV accidents. Kentucky is the fourth highest state for ATV related deaths in the country. Calloway county is a farming community and there is a lot of ATV use in our area. For these reasons, Calloway 4-H partnered with our local conservation district to supply ATV safety instruction to all 187 10th graders in our county high school. Almost all participants had ridden on and ATV at some point in their life; many had ridden with
Author: Lee Ann McCuiston
Major Program: Health
The problemIn our modern world, we rely heavily on electricity for almost every aspect of our lives, including cooking. But what happens if there's a power outage, natural disaster or other emergency situation that disrupts our access to electricity? In these situations, it's important to know how to cook without electricity. Power outages can occur due to various reasons, such as severe weather, equipment failures, and human errors. The Todd County Extension Office, 4-H Agen
Author: Anna Denny
Major Program: Health
Breckinridge County 4-H is on a mission, pedaling the Blender Bike far and wide to teach kids about nutrition and staying active in the most fun way possible!Introducing new fruits and vegetables into a child’s diet can be challenging. It's crucial to ensure that developing minds and bodies receive proper nutrition. Anna Denny, Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development in Breckinridge County, led several lessons at local Breckinridge County schools, as well as an Ag Expo event that ser
Author: Cathy Toole
Major Program: Health
Disc Golf is a fast-growing sport for all ages. It is very similar to regular golf except weighted discs are used to cover the distances to the wire baskets that are mounted onto stands. Many communities across the commonwealth have disc golf courses in public parks that are free. The Henry County Recreational Park installed a course that was getting little use, so to create a greater awareness of this sport that is beneficial to all ages the Henry County 4-H program created a
Author: Lora Stewart
Major Program: Health
Gallatin County has a population of 8763 people per the 7/1/22 U.S. Census. The median household income is much lower than the national average and many of our families live below the poverty line. Also, all four of the schools in our district receive 100% free and reduced breakfasts and lunches. All of which paints a picture of need. Poverty, health, and nutrition go hand in hand with that. A “Spirit of Public Health” grant of $5000 was written and received by the Gallatin Cou
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: Health
“A motorcycle or bicycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and responsibilities of any motor vehicle; however, as one of the smallest vehicles on the road, a motorcycle or bicycle may be in a vehicle’s blind spots… In 2023 there were 352 bicyclist involved in crashes resulting in 229 injuries and 17 deaths. Of those crashes, 346 involved at least one other vehicle.” (Kentucky Office of Highway Safety).Casey County is a small rural community with limited areas for safe
Author: Daniel Bell
Major Program: Health
According to the most recent community needs assessment conducted by Kentucky Cooperative Extension one of the top priorities of respondents in Carlisle County was to “Ensure individuals and families have access to affordable and nutritious food”. Carlisle County 4-H Baking club was designed to help youth in the county establish basic baking skills, increase confidence in using recipes, using cookware, and encourage youth to try new healthy foods. At each of the baking c
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Health
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: Cathy Toole
Major Program: Health
“Loneliness is the root cause and contributor to many of the epidemics sweeping the world today – from alcohol and drug addiction to violence, depression, and anxiety. It affects not only our health but also how our children experience school, how we perform at work, and the sense of division and polarization in our society.” This excerpt from the book entitled “Together” written by Dr. Vivek Murthy, the surgeon general of the United States has become the cat
Author: Ricardo Bessin
Major Program: Health
The Imported fire ant has become established in parts of Eastern Kentucky in an area of about 500 square miles. What we have determined is that in this area, it is the hybrid of the black and red imported fire ants that have been detected. While we don't have the ability to eradicate them from areas where they have spread, we slow the spread by controlling colonizers in areas where they are not yet established. One success story is the Louisville imported fire ant abatement in a reside
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Health
According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 65 percent of Kentucky’s children are not enrolled in regular physical education classes. Kentucky Youth Advocates notes, 16% of Kentucky youth are facing anxiety or depression because of the pandemic. Muhlenberg County Extension partnered with the local health department to tackle these pertinent issues facing our youth through the program, FIT Happens. The goal of FIT Happens was to target high school youth, asses
Author: Jeremiah Johnson
Major Program: Health
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: Kimberly Thomas
Major Program: Health
The Strong Girls Club is program created by the Taylor County Intermediate School Guidance Counselor, Christy Parks to help girls that do not have a strong female role model in their life to learn different life skills they may not have because of this. For the 2023-2024 school year, twelve girls in 3rd-6th grades were identified, with 100% of them being from low-income families. Mrs. Parks reached out to me to partner with her in this endeavor and share some of the important life skills l
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Health
During the last few months of school, prom and graduation season is in full swing, sweeping both teens and parents into a whirlwind of dresses, tuxedos, caps, and gowns. Unfortunately, these joyous celebrations often involve alcohol, making this the most dangerous time of year for youth drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one in three alcohol-related teen traffic fatalities occur during prom season, from April to June. An estimated 20% of all a
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Health
The summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year, has been designated the "Longest Day of Play." On June 20, 2024, Bracken County 4-H partnered with the Bracken County Health Department to host this event at Taylor Elementary. The event featured various groups providing health information to the community. Primary Plus doctors were on site offering school and sports physicals, car seat checks, and HPV vaccines. Additionally, there were activities promoting sunscreen awareness a
Author: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: Health
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: Alexandria Brasher
Major Program: Health
Henderson County has a lot of accessible sidewalks and bike riding opportunities.. Youth all over Henderson, especially in Henderson’s East End, utilize bicycles to get places and to hang out with their friends. Multiple young people ride their bike to school, the grocery, and the park. When speaking with the Family Resource Directors at two of the inner-city elementary schools we both agreed that bike safety was a major concern for the youth in Henderson County. The Henderson commun
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: Health
The problem Farm and Home SafetyThe educational program responseSafety DayThe participants/target audience4th grade studentsOther partners (if applicable)Community Partners - FRYSC, Health Dept, Fire Department, local police, FFA, State Police, Program impact or participant response.“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
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Health
Mercer County is a predominantly rural area, and youth are exposed to various conditions. Students are faced with unsafe conditions around the home or outside. Most students are unprepared for what to do in an emergency or avoid an accident—the safety day taught them to be aware of their surroundings and what to do in an emergency. Teaching youth safety on the farm or around the home is essential to their development. A safety day was held for sixth-grade youth in Mercer County. Over
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: Health
Daviess County 4-H and the Daviess County SNAP Assistant partnered to offer 4-H Healthy Living for YOUth, a six-week series focusing on 4-H Yoga, nutrition, and cooking skills. The series was offered during the school day and targeted the home-school audience. Sixteen youth ranging in age from 5 to 13 registered and completed the program which used the Yoga for Kids curriculum from the University of Arkansas.The benefits of yoga are many. In addition to the physical fitness as
Author: Anna Meyers
Major Program: Health
According to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment Survey, “Reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise” is ranked as Kenton County’s 7th highest prioritized youth development need. Backing this is data from the Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health, which indicates that Kentucky’s obesity rate is 8.2% higher than the nation’s average.To combat this, Kenton County Cooperative Extension&rsquo
