Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Megan Gullett
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In July of this year, it became apparent that there was a gap in knowledge among adults regarding safe and healthy outdoor cooking practices, particularly with the use of cast iron cookware. Many outdoor enthusiasts were unfamiliar with the proper handling and maintenance of cast iron, as well as safe food preparation techniques. Additionally, there was a tendency to rely on processed foods, lacking awareness of how to create nutritious meals outdoors. The need to address food safety, healthy ea
Author: Megan Gullett
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Empowering Communities Through Homesteading SkillsIn a time when sustainable living and self-sufficiency have become more important than ever, a dedicated group of community educators in Russell County has taken on the mission of teaching essential homesteading skills. Their goal is to empower individuals and families to live more sustainably and independently, while also emphasizing the importance of food safety and nutrition. This initiative brought together 65 participants, including 15 men,
Author: Robert Amburgey
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Describe the Issue or Situation Children need daily fruits and vegetables to support healthy growth. Yet data from the 2021 National Survey of Children’s Health show that nearly 1 out of every 2 children aged 1- 5 years who live in Kentucky do not eat a fruit and/or vegetable every day. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The Power of Produce (POP) program is a fun opportunity for youth to engage in their local food syst
Author: Cabrina Buckman
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) continues to be a public health epidemic across Kentucky. According to America’s Health Rankings, 14.8% of the adult population in Kentucky have diagnosed diabetes, which is higher than the national average at 11.5%. In addition, 1 in 3 adults have diagnosed or undiagnosed prediabetes, which equals approximately 1.1 million Kentucky adults at greater risk of developing T2D.Fortunately, support programs and education that focus on preparing healthy meals, living an act
Author: Megan Gullett
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In August, a Homesteading series aimed at fostering self-sufficiency in Russell County attracted 65 participants, including 15 men. With homesteading growing in popularity locally as residents seek sustainable and efficient ways to manage their homes and farms, the need for practical knowledge is more pressing than ever. The series offered hands-on classes in making breakfast sausage, starting sourdough, building rain barrels, canning meat, and container/herb gardening. Survey results revealed a
Author: Sarah Drysdale
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The River Region Professional Women’s Club (RRPWC) wanted to start a service project that would help young women in the four Mississippi River Counties, Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman counties. After conversations with the Family Resource Center Directors at all five school districts, there was a common concern: students throughout our area face barriers to accessing menstrual hygiene products and education. This product drive was a collaborative effort between local business profe
Author: Brooke Hogancamp
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality (NICHQ), 31.6% of U.S. children ages 10-17 are considered obese or overweight; Kentucky ranks higher than the national average, with 37.1% (NICHQ 2023). One contributing factor to these statistics is the high amounts of sugar this age group is exposed to and consumes, often unknowingly.Sugar Sneakers is a program aimed at increasing awareness of sugar consumption, specifically the amount of added sugars people unknowing
Author: Jody Paver
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
All About Me!! “Spa Day” EventAugust 5, 2024Background and DataAs a Lincoln County Middle School teacher, before, during, and after COVID, it was very clear to Jody Paver and other educational professionals across Lincoln County the large number of students who have low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and many personal struggles which impact their success in the classroom, their social development, and quality of life itself. When everyone was wearing a mask, a protecti
Author: Lora Pullin
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, physical activity, and sleep. 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. To improve the health of people and communities, we need to have conversations about the variety of factors that influence
Author: Anna Morgan
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. To help reduce osteoporo
Author: Kelly Bland
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
In McLean County, a transformative Tai Chi program designed specifically for individuals with arthritis and balance concerns has brought together 12 enthusiastic participants over the age of 65. This initiative, aimed at enhancing physical well-being and improved mental health, has proven to be a resounding success. Each session, led by our FCS Extension Agent who is a certified instructor, focuses on gentle movements and mindful breathing techniques that not only improve balance and flexibility
Author: Chelsea Workman
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Health promotion programs have long focused on education about personal health behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use, diet, physical activity, and sleep. 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. To improve the health of people and communities, we need to have conversations about the variety of factors that influence
Author: Sonya Carter
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the CDC, Kentucky is one of the states with the highest number of Alpha-Gal Syndrome cases in the United States. Hart County has numerous people who are diagnosed with AGS. The Hart County Family and Consumer Science Agent partnered with Hart County High School 21st Century program to offer an Alpha-gal information night. We had a guest speaker, Heather Shaw, speak to the community members at Hart County High School. The program was offered to anyone that wanted to attend. People fr
Author: Chasity Heck
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the Community Assessment data for Harlan County, the community ranked youth life skills training opportunities among the top 15 needs for Harlan County. The Harlan County Jr. Homemaker Day Camp provided participants with an opportunity to enhance their youth life skills over the period of three days. Jr. Homemakers from across the county were encouraged to attend the camp. Youth were targeted between the ages of 8-14 years old. Current Jr. Homemaker members w
Author: Joan Bowling
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Research provided by the USDA indicates scientists know that certain nutrients and other key chemical compounds are essential to human brain function. Serious deficiencies in some of these, such as vitamin B12 and iron, can lead to impaired cognitive function due to neurological, or nerve fiber, complications. Having a healthy mind is key to overall health and well-being. Emotional, psychological and social well-being affects how you think, feel and act. It works in unity with your bod
Author: Christy Stearns
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Kentucky’s breast cancer incidence and mortality rates have been higher than the national average for several years. Preventative measures, including mammography screening, are better utilized in some areas of the state. Overall, 42% of Kentucky females participate in annual mammography screening compared to 31% in Clinton County (www.countyhealthrankings.org). To encourage participation in screening, Clinton County Extension offered a Breast Cancer Awareness event. 14 females attended the
Author: Jennifer Bridge
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The Buttermilk Falls Walking Trail is the most used trail in Meade County. This beautiful trail is surrounded by an abundance of flora and fauna as well as springs and waterways flowing into the nearby Ohio River. Walking and running conditions are ideal and many individuals spend hours on the trail individually or with their family. A local committee, which includes the local FCS agent, oversees the trail and works with the county parks department to maintain and expand
Author: Ola Donahue
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Research provided by the USDA indicates scientists know that certain nutrients and other key chemical compounds are essential to human brain function. Serious deficiencies in some of these, such as vitamin B12 and iron, can lead to impaired cognitive function due to neurological, or nerve fiber, complications. Having a healthy mind is key to overall health and well-being. Emotional, psychological and social well-being affects how you think, feel and act. It works in unity with your bod
Author: Kenna Knight
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Dietary choices are the No. 1 risk factor for chronic disease. In the United States, 7 out of the 10 leading causes of death are directly related to diet. This is largely because risk factors like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol are connected to the foods we eat. Food insecurity, or not having access to or the ability to afford nutritious food, is largely contributing to diet-sensitive chronic conditions. Because of the known health outcomes observed among children an
Author: Ashley Board
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 37% of adults over the age of 65 are inactive. This increases as individuals age with approximately 42% of adults age 75 – 84 and approximately 57% of adults age 85 and older who are inactive. Physical inactivity leads to muscle weakness, as well as loss of flexibility and balance. Research shows that older adults who practice strength building exercises can increase muscle strength. Increased muscle stren
Author: Brooke Hogancamp
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
It is estimated that only 12% of the U.S. adult population is considered fully “health literate.” This means that almost 9 out of 10 adults are at or below basic levels of health literacy. They have a hard time understanding and using basic health information to make informed decisions about their personal health. Unfortunately, those who experience poor health literacy are also more likely to experience poor health outcomes. Health literacy is a primary goal within Healthy People 20
Author: Tiffany Bolinger
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
The Hopkinsville Housing Authority reached out to the Christian County Agent for Family Consumer Sciences (FCS) to assist with their 2024 Kids Summer Day Camp. A need to improve understanding of the importance and benefits of proper nutrition was identified as a need for the children participating in the summer camp and thus, Nutrition Superhero Camp was developed.Nutrition Superhero Camp met once a week for five weeks during June and July 2024 with an average attendance of 15 kids. The FCS Agen
Author: Tara Duty
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
