Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Linda Combs
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The county Family and Consumer Science (FCS) agent and county Nutrition Education Paraprofessionals (NEP) teamed up to offer “Cook and Create” to young teens in the county. Using local media and social media to advertise the program eleven young teens participated in the three-day camp. Using the “Teen Cuisine” curriculum the NEP assistants taught cooking skills in the morning. The FCS agent, county program assistant and volunteers taught creative hands
Author: Leslie Hildesheim
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
~~Snap -Ed assistant of Fayette County Extension Service collaborated with Cardinal Valley Elementary schools Preschool and Resource coordinator to create a schedule of interactive LEAP lessons with two of her pre-school classes over a 4 month period to increase physical, mental and social health. This program was called, “LEAP into Healthy Nutrition” and used the Healthy Choices and Super Star Chef curriculum collectively to improve washing frequency, manners when eating at the tabl
Author: Leslie Hildesheim
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
In 2016, 1 out of 3 Kentucky adults (34.6%) and children (37.1%) are considered overweight or obese compared to the previous reported 21.7% in 2000. (SNAP-Ed, 2016) Kentuckians expanding waist line connects the association of weight gain to chronic illness resulting in health disparities.(State of Obesity, 2016) Healthy People 2020 have set goals to improve healthy behaviors by increasing public awareness of the benefit of eating fruits and vegetables 4 to 5 times a week, which in turn, will imp
Author: Leslie Hildesheim
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Leslie Hildesheim worked with Mattie Morton, social worker in Fayette County to facilitate a cooking series offered to low income mothers and fathers as to better learn skills to improve food budgeting, nutrition quality and meal planning. The cooking series participation included: 11 mothers and fathers with 6 children, totaling to 20 participants. These participants engaged in hands on cooking techniques, a variety of budgeting activities and utilizing the tools given to them after each lesson
Author: Leslie Hildesheim
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The Gainesway community center specifically caters to youth at the Tate’s creek middle and high school; this group has been ongoing for 3 consecutive years and has demonstrated improvement in food security and physical activity among the students. The resource staff can recount the lack of interest from students in the early stages of our afterschool activities. Since year one the rotation of participates has increased to 50 - 60 students in the elementary, middle and high school. These st
Author: Edith Lovett
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
More than 250 senior adults learned the importance of exercising daily to keep their body fit at the Senior Fitness Day. Exercises that every adult could accomplish were introduced to the citizens. Senior adults were also informed of the importance of exercising daily to keep their muscles and body limber and help in walking and maneuvering in daily life. They were also invited to participate in a 1 mile walk, to see how little time it took t
Author: Rhonda Reynolds
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
According to the Centers for Disease Control at least forty percent of Elliott County's population is obese. The Partnership for a Healthy Elliott County decided to have a program using funds from a grant through Marshall University for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The program, called "Kid's Bucks" provides children with coupons to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the Elliott County Farmer's Market. Each time a child visits the market they will have
Author: Rhonda Reynolds
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
According to the Centers for Disease Control Elliott County has a forty percent rate of obesity. This year for the annual cooking school the Partnership for a Healthy Elliott County decided to make our focus on eating more fruits and vegetables prepared in a healthier way. We used Healthy Choices recipes, Hawaiian Turkey Sliders with Mango-Pineapple Salsa, Sloppy Garden Joes, Broccoli Salad & Easy Summer Salad to show different ways to prepare vegetables that are healthy but also look g
Author: Rhonda Reynolds
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
~~The Centers for Disease Control says Elliott County has a forty percent obesity rate. Some ideas the Partnership for a Healthy Elliott County Coalition had to help fight this was to install outdoor gyms at two of Elliott County elementary schools using funds from a grant through the Centers for Disease Control. The gyms have enough stations so that an entire class and their teacher can use it at the same time. The Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program Assistant went to classes in the
Author: Norma Taylor
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
~~Christian CountyNorma Taylor, EFNEP AssistantThe Christian County (NEP) Expanded Food Nutrition Education assistant taught 95 families of limited resource on how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep food safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. The adult population made 98% positive change of food group choices in the nutritional quality of their diet. Forty-Four percent of graduated families consumed a diet of higher quality because they planned meals using the curricul
Author: Norma Taylor
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
~~Christian CountyNorma Taylor, EFNEP AssistantMany residents of Christian County struggle with nutrition and health issues as evidenced by 34% of the population being overweight and 33% being physically inactive. The Christian County (NEP) Expanded Food Nutrition Education assistant partnered with the Day Treatment Center for two hour classes for six weeks this summer to provide nutrition education to the students. The Expanded Food Nutrition assistant (EFNEP) used Healthy Choices for eve
Author: Rhonda Reynolds
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
~~The Elliott County Farmer’s Market vendors asked for help in marketing their fruits and vegetables. The Family and Consumer Sciences agent at the Elliott County Cooperative Extension Office decided to partner with the local telephone provider, who also has a local television station, to push for people to buy local at the Elliott County Farmer’s Market. She enlisted the help of the Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education and Snap-Ed assistants and they presented food demonstrations
Author: Juanita Herron
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Marion County Cooperative Extension Office partnered with our local public housing. As the Expanded Food and Nutrition Program assistant, I was asked to do a series of programs with them. I started with our new curriculum, Healthy Choices for Everybody. The program was offered once a month. The seven required lesson were taught along with a couple others.At the beginning of each lesson, we would start out with one of the ice breakers where participants really got to know each other.
Author: Juanita Herron
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The Marion County Cooperative Extension office Expanded Food and Nutrition program partnered with one of the local elementary schools. This school was needing the My Plate Curriculum taught to all of the 1st grade classes. Classes were held once a month and a new food group was covered each month. Each food group was discussed and the importance of each group for our bodies was learned as well. One class in particular was very interested in the vegetable group that they even started their own pl
Author: Juanita Herron
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The Marion County Cooperative Extension office’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Program has partnered with the Lebanon Public Housing once again. The program administrators voiced that they had some residents who had trouble increasing their consumption of fruits and vegetables in their daily diets. The Lebanon Public Housing requires residents to participate in various programs throughout the year and this program one of them. We had eight families total to participate. Each program se
Author: Jacqui Denegri
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
A recent survey from the NCAA was conducted seeing if student athletes were good role models for children and the community in general. A few of the results were as follows:•87% of women and 83% of men volunteer on an annual basis; 44% volunteer at least monthly. Black student-athletes and student-athletes from low-income families are most likely to report engaging in service regularly.•Most student-athletes believe they have a responsibility to participate in volunteer or service acti
Author: Jacqui Denegri
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
I received a call from Traci Brewer, Executive Director for DSACK (Downs Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky) she wanted some information on what we could offer some of her clients. She expressed interest in our Teen Cuisine program. Individuals with Down's syndrome are predisposed to a variety of medical conditions which can impose an additional, but preventable, burden of secondary disability. The biggest concern is obesity.About 6,000 babies - or one in every 691 - are born wit
Author: Jacqui Denegri
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Drug withdrawal isn’t the only thing that causes headaches, drowsiness and depression. Malnutrition induces similar ailments, complicating recovery from addiction. I worked with a group of ladies from Chrysalis House, they had completed the drug rehabilitation program and were in the process of working towards independent living. A few were pregnant and some were in the process of working with the courts to get their children back. Most of the ladies had abused Opiates such as OxyCon
Author: Kenna Knight
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Pendleton County has faced challenges of alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) use, youth violence and environmental contributors to these problems. The Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent is a leader on the Champions for Drug Free Pendleton County, a coalition started in 2003. The FCS agent has secured multiple grants of over $357,500 that enabled Extension and community to conduct programs and activities that have reduced alcohol and tobacco use among Pendleton County you
Author: Linda Brown-Price
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
~~As the debate to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act continues, many seniors are concerned with rising health care costs. This cost is further complicated with the high price of prescription drug coverage. The Northern Kentucky Area Agents presented a program on Healthy Living from the Inside Out to 122 homemakers from eight counties to address some of these concerns. Through networking and a new collaboration, a local pharmacist voluntarily taught a session entitled, &ldquo
Author: Caroline Hughes
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Robertson County Is a very small county with a large percentage of low income families. The Food Pantry truck comes on a bi monthly basis to offer free, nutritious food to families in need, but many of these families could use help in finding creative ways to make meals from the food delivered that may vary from delivery to the next. I decided it would be beneficial to set up a display in the waiting area and, while people are waiting for their number to be called to pick up their de
Author: Andrea Slone
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The Floyd County Family & Consumer Science Agent was approached by the school staff at Floyd County Elementary School for nutrition education. It had been expressed that the students lacked basic nutrition education and the schools reach out to the Floyd County Extension Service as an external resource. The Floyd County Family & Consumer Science Program presented the first lesson of the “Wellness In Kentucky” curriculum. The program entailed identifying foods from each food g
Author: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Families want to eat healthier; but planning, shopping, and making nutritious meals takes a lot of time. Traditional pressure cookers have been around for a long time, electric pressure cookers are newer and families need them because of they are cost effective and have faster cooking times. The “The Pressure is On: Cooking for Fast Times” lesson taught by the Family & Consumer Sciences agent has equipped 48 individuals with tips, tricks, strategies and recipes to turn the electr
Author: Matti Coffey
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Iron is a mineral in our body that is vital to health and wellness. It helps our blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. One simple way to get iron in your body is through your diet. Most people do not realize that using cast iron cookware can help your intake of this essential mineral.Whitley County Cooperative Extension Agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Family and Consumer Sciences Education partnered together to do a program using cast iron cookware over an open fire to p
Author: Katie Smallwood
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
~~According to the American Dairy Association, in 2016, the total amount of milk produced in Kentucky was over 125 million gallons. During a three day agriculture program, Farm Frenzy, the University of Kentucky's Boone County Cooperative Extension Service's Family and Consumer Sciences agents had the opportunity to teach 1455 Boone County School children and their teachers and chaperones about dairy and the importance of consuming three servings of dairy each day. &nbs
Author: Jane Proctor
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Childhood and adult obesity rates are on the rise in Kentucky. In 2010, the early childhood obesity rate was 12.6% in Trimble County. In addition, a growing number of families eat “on the run” instead of cooking at home. As a result, many children don’t receive the needed basic cooking skills and do not consume the USDA recommended fruits and vegetables each day. To help aid in the prevention of childhood obesity, improved diets, and to encourage healthy cooking within the yout
Author: Karli Giles
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
In 2017 Jessamine County Family and Consumer Sciences Program held a ten-month long program titled Lunch N’ Learn. The goal of Lunch N’ Learn was to provide participants with nutrition knowledge and food preparation skills to better equip them with the skills needed to live a healthier lifestyle. In Jessamine County, 31% of adult residents are considered obese (County Health Rankings, 2016.) Obesity can lead to a number of other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and ev
Author: Alethea Price
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Coloring and Conversation is an adult coloring program designed to reduce stress in Boyle County residents. In partnership with the Boyle County Library. Monthly programs were offered for free. Participants reported feeling more stressed in the beginning of the program then reported being less stressed after an hour of coloring.(Draft)
Author: Janey Cline
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Healthier YouThe adult obesity rate for Hart County in 2012 was 34% and only 63% percent of adults living in the county indicated that they were physically activity. This inactivity along with the obesity rate resulted in 26% of adults saying they were in poor to fair health and large number of premature deaths.To address the health issues in the county the Hart County Health Department along with the Hart County Family and Consumer Science Extension agent teamed for a 16 week program entitled H
Author: Andrea Slone
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
According to the United States Census, in 2015 there was an estimated 6,274 older adults in Floyd County. Health Indicator Warehouse claims that 50.31 percent of older adults suffer from high cholesterol and 63.96 percent of older adults have hypertension. The United States Department of Human Health Services states that Americans eat less than the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables needed for a healthy diet. The Floyd County Family & Consumer Science Program partnered with Flo
Author: Heather Cheek
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Based on statistics gained from Kentucky Health Facts, 13% of adults in Mason County have diabetes and 53% have hypertension (well above the state average of 39%). 31% of adults in Mason County report a lack of physical activity. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity has many benefits including maintaining a healthy weight, preventing or managing health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, strengthening bones and muscles, and improving one’s mo
Author: Caroline Hughes
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
~~Robertson County faces health challenges. Thirty –two percent of the adults in the county are obese (Kentucky County Healthcare Profiles, 2012). 53% of the adults in the county have been told that they have high blood pressure or hypertension by a health care professional, and 14% have been diagnosed with diabetes. Although healthy people can tolerate caffeine in moderation, heavy caffeine consumption, such as drinking energy drinks, has been associated with serious consequen
Author: Ruth Chowning
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The Bullitt County Extension Service partnered with the Health Department and the Kentucky Cancer program to offer our 14th annual breast cancer awareness program. With 79 of 117 attendees cancer survivors, 106 reported the special speaker's lesson on genetics was helpful and interesting. 105 reported they benefitted from the food demonstration and enjoyed the "Wear Pink" contests.
Author: Tracy Cowles
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Taking the fear out of going to the doctor for preschool and school aged youth was an effort of the Family & Consumer Sciences Agent. What’s in a Doctor’s Bag?, a children’s book, was used to teach preschool, head start, kindergarten, first grade and second grade youth healthy lifestyles and to jump-start them as “medically” literate consumers.The story is about a child who is left alone in a doctor's office & who accidentally knocks over the
Author: Amanda Dame
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The McLean County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent had the opportunity to collaborate with the Partnership for Healthy McLean County Healthy Lifestyles sub-committee and the local school system to promote the improvement of overall health and wellness to schools, and families in McLean County. The McLean County FCS Extension Agent provided various educational classes and programs in collaboration with listed organizations. The FCS agent provide two hands-on cooking programs for
Author: Karli Giles
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
A 2008 survey by Vegetarian Times revealed that 3.2% of adults in the United States (7.3 million Americans) are vegetarians and an additional 22.8 million follow a vegetarian-inclined pattern (Vegetarian Times Editors, 2008.) Understand the concepts behind the various vegetarian and vegan eating patterns is important to ensure good health. The Jessamine County Cooperative Extension Service presented “Vegetarian 101: History, Health, and Tips” to 48 participants across eight counties
Author: Melanie Bealmear
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
“Heart disease kills more women than men each year, yet it is still mistakenly thought of as a “man’s disease.” The facts regarding heart disease and women are cardiovascular disease kills about 460,00 women in a year, one in 2.5 women die from cardiovascular disease, 64% of women die from cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease is largely preventable.The Union County Cooperative Extension Service teamed up with United Community Bank and Methodist Ho
Author: Heather Norman-Burgdolf
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Consumers are inundated with food decisions daily and it isn't always clear what the healthier food choice is whether you are purchasing at the grocery store, preparing your favorite family recipe at home, or dining out. It is also important to recognize that food choices are largely driven by our environment which is unique for each person and community. It is also established that consumers who spend more time on food-related decisions are more likely to have better health outcomes. In res
Author: Nanette Banks
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
According to Kentucky Health Facts, 72% of Letcher County residents are overweight with 38% being obese and only 18% consume 5 or more fruits and vegetables per day. Obese individuals are at higher risk for many chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancers. The Letcher County Cooperative Extension Service offered a six week Healthy Cooking School at two local libraries to encourage participants to prepare healthy home cooked meals. There
Author: Heather Norman-Burgdolf
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Faith-based communities are some of the most established and trusted organizations within Kentucky counties. These communities provide inherent benefits for successful programming including infrastructure and a dedicated membership. Programming focused on healthy eating and physical activity seems like a natural fit within an organization that focuses on improving the overall well-being of its organization. In addition, positive changes within the faith-based organization'
Author: Whitney Morrow
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The Center for Disease Control lists Kentucky as one of the least active states in the US. This inactivity contributes to health problems including: diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc. Carter County ranks as one of the highest counties in the state for diabetes related deaths.The Carter County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences offered a newsletter-based walking program designed for individuals who have not previously been physically active or who have no
Author: Diane Mason
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
According to Oldways/Mediterranean Foods Alliance (www.oldwayspt.org) the growing body of medical and scientific evidence supporting the healthfulness of the Mediterranean diet, continues to show that following a Mediterranean lifestyle may defend against chronic diseases, lower the risk for heart disease, protect from diabetes, ward off Parkinson’s disease, and aid in weight management efforts. Raising awareness of this lifestyle and encouraging individuals to adopt healthier eating
Author: Sheila Fawbush
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. But it doesn’t affect all women alike, and the warning signs for women aren’t the same as in men. Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable with lifestyle changes. The Shelby County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and the Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Council planned a “Go Red for Heart Health” luncheon and educational program. The free luncheon was sponsored by eight communit
Author: Kathy Byrnes
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) distinguishes itself from other traditional “women’s clubs” by its goal to provide regular educational programs to its membership. Traditionally, this has been done through monthly trainings taught by county extension agents in the area. As membership decreases, along with interest in attending these traditional leader trainings, the N. KY. Area Family and Consumer Sciences Agents, al
Author: Lora Pullin
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The most recent CDC Data report states, the obesity rate for Greenup County is 35%. Greenup County is in the top 10 counties for other health diseases, such as heart disease and 16% of Greenup County adults suffer from diabetes. Research has shown there is a natural link between nutrition, physical activity, and behaviors toward healthy lifestyles. The Greenup County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, along with the Snap- Ed assistant, partnered with Our Lady of Belle
Author: Christine Duncan
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Oldham County is rated as being one of the healthiest in the state. Vegetarian cooking emerged from a survey of residents interest. The FCS Agent presentation explained the health advantages and possible problems in following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Several economical recipes were demonstrated and offered for sampling. Results from written surveys at the conclusion of the program indicated that all participants had a greater understanding of vegetarian diets. Several partic
Author: Brenda Cockerham
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Building lifetime patterns begin in preschool. It has been well established that prior to five years old, children can be impacted in a positive way to affect their lifetime when armed with the right tools. For these reasons, Johnson County FCS and the Early Childcare Council has worked diligently toward arming preschool children with the right tools to move forward developmentally. Two major efforts have taken place. The creation of a parent/teacher packet that arms the parents with the k
Author: Whitney Morrow
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Thirty percent of individuals in the Commonwealth report no leisure-time physical activity. Increased consumption of unhealthy food, stress, and built environments that promote physical inactivity are largely responsible for the obesity epidemic. As a result, Kentuckians are dying from heart disease and cancer at higher rates than all Americans and they have a lower life expectancy, 75.5 years, compared to 78 years for Americans. Unhealthy lifestyle choices also lead to stroke, falls, poor oral
Author: Judith Hetterman
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Northern KY Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents collaborated with KEHA leaders to offer the Healthy Homemakers series to a total of 113 participants.The program covered the following topics: women and heart disease education before you medicate, home safety, know they self, and stay happy. The follow-up evaluation results as follows:37% of the participants had a cardio vascular screening and 18% followed up with their health care provider.86% had identified stresses in their life
Author: Rachel Hance
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
According to the Barren River District Health Department, Logan County ranks in the 95th percentile for childhood obesity. This data includes 23% of kindergarten age and 30% of 6th grade students that are reported as obese. To address these alarming statistics, the Logan County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences coordinated with the PE teacher to present the Wellness in Kentucky curriculum to the 4th and 5th grade students at Olmstead Elementary School. There were ten session
Author: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Manners are something used every day to make a good impression on others and to feel good about oneself. No matter where you are - at home, work, or with friends - practicing good manners is important. Teachers and staff at Fulton Independent Schools had been observing that a number of youth are lacking skills in regard to manners and respect. The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent conducted a 6 week program on manners and etiquette. 76 second and third grade students participated in lessons whi
Author: Katherine Alexander
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Webster County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences offered a newsletter-based walking program designed for individuals who have not previously been physically active or who have not been physically active in a long time. There were fourteen (14) participants. One-hundred percent of participants increased the amount of walking that they did on a weekly basis. Eighty percent of participants examined ways to set goals for walking. A follow-up evaluation revealed that one-hundred percen
Author: Kenna Knight
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
40 Developmental Assets have tremendous power to protect youth from many different harmful or unhealthy choices according to the Search Institutes article on the “Power of Assets”. Family meals, literacy and nutrition are essential life skills and are key components of many of the 40 Development Assets. The Pendleton County Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent in collaboration with six administrators and eight teachers from the Pendleton County School District, both the N
Author: Janey Cline
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
According to the CDC in 2016 Kentucky was 5th in the nation for the highest rate of death due to drug overdose. The 2016 rate for Kentucky was 33.5 per 100,000 and has had a significate increase of 12% since. Keeping the above information in mind Hart County’s Family and Consumer Science Agent, Janey Cline along with the Hart County Chamber hosted Opening the Door to Conversation about Addiction. With over 40 community leaders in attendance UK’s Extension Associate, Alex Elswick
Author: Tiffany Calvert
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
National Kids County data from 2016 indicates 65% of Kentucky families “have all available parents in the workforce”. In addition, according to the USDA, for the first time ever, the amount spent eating out has surpassed what US consumers spend on food at home. Busy families can benefit in many ways from the year-round use of slow cookers. Slow cookers can lower stress levels, save time and money, provide nutritionally satisfying meals for a large family and even reduce energy c
Author: Deborah Messenger
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
A healthy lifestyle involves more than physical health. There are many components that make up the total health and well being of individuals and families. In an effort to help participants recognize the value of focusing on the total health picture, the Cumberland County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant implemented the "Go Blue" series. This was a seven week series that covered a program from each of the 7 FCS Initiatives.
Author: Cecelia Hostilo
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
11% of the population report being having diabetes. This series of classes is offered each year to help those affected by this chronic disease to manage their blood sugar levels and live a healthier lifestyle. The Extension FCS Agent collaborated with the Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) from the Pennyrile District Health Department to offer a quarterly support group to help those living with diabetes. Topics covered were nutrition, medications, and building your health care team. A local
Author: Julia Wilson
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The obesity epidemic threatens the quality and years of life of Kentuckians. Obese individuals are at increased risk for many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers. According to CEDIK 2014 county profile report, the obesity rate in Edmonson County is 33.6%. In addition, 29% of individuals in Edmonson County report being physically inactive.The Edmonson County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences offered an online-based
Author: Maryellen Garrison
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
During a five year period in Henry County there were 104 seniors over the age of 65 who were injured in a fall; five of those died and 61 were admitted to skilled nursing for restorative care. The associated cost of falls is predicted to be about $54 billion by 2020, so if we could prevent a fraction of these it would be a very large dollar amount. The Living Well Homemaker Club sponsored by the Henry County Extension Service is designed to reduce these statistics. It is a multidimensional whole
Author: Jill Harris
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines, about half of all American adults—117 million individuals—have one or more preventable chronic diseases, many of which are related to poor eating and lack of physical activity. The dietary guidelines encourage people to eat more nutrient-dense foods as well as foods low in fat, sodium, and sugar. Added sugars account for more than 13 percent of calories per day in the U.S. diet, with the major sources of added sugars in beverag
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
In a fast paced world and fast food too convenient, the dinner table for many families has become a thing of the past. Pressure Cookers and Air Fryers can help take the “pressure” of family mealtime a little less stressful, if we only knew how to use them and feel comfortable operating them. The Pressure cooker, is not your grandmother’s pressure canner. If only this modern family could feel more comfortable using them.The Instant Pot was a hot seller and
Author: Amanda Dame
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
After seeing statistics of how poorly young adults were prepared for the real world of, "#Adulting," the McLean County Family and Consumer Sciences Program provided a series of classes to begin to address the issue. The topics for the classes was identified by a needs assessment conducted during FCS Advisory Council meeting and suggestions from 4-H volunteers to determine what topics both adults and young adults felt like young adults were missing from traditional school curriculum. To
Author: Cecelia Hostilo
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The Trigg County Senior Center is an Allied Community Services Agency that serves older adults by providing low cost lunches, social activities, and educational programming. Each year funding to this valuable agency gets cut and they turn to the Trigg County Extension Service to help fill in the gaps that they can no longer porvide on their own. The FCS agent and the SNAP para-professional make regular visits each month to provide health and nutrition lessons. The ANR agent and
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
McCracken County Lesson Leader Session of Sweet Enough Without All That SugarAccording to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines, about half of all American adults—117 million individuals—have one or more preventable chronic diseases, many of which are related to poor eating and lack of physical activity. The dietary guidelines encourage people to eat more nutrient-dense foods as well as foods low in fat, sodium, and sugar. Added sugars account for more than 13 percent of calories per
Author: Gidgett Sweazy
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Many local school districts have experienced extensive budget cuts in the last several years. These cuts have impacted the programs offered, teaching staff, and overall resource availability. In an effort to assist local schools with a no cost resource, SNAP-Ed is partnering with many schools in the Kentucky State University service area to offer health, activity, and nutrition education programs.SNAP-Ed Assistants have partnered with schools to offer programs during class time, as an after scho
Author: Natalie Taul
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Adults in Grayson County were asked to rank their own health status as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor; According to the Kentucky Health Facts website, 29% of Grayson County adults reported their health status as generally being fair or poor. This surpasses the sate wide percentage which sits at 23%. Grayson County is ranked 71 out of 120 counties based on a variety of health outcomes. When it comes to health factors, which include obesity and physical inactivity (among others), Grayso
Author: Janey Cline
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Walk To the Cave Challenge The adult obesity rate for Hart County in 2012 was 34% and only 63% of adults living in the county indicated that they were physically activity. This inactivity along with the obesity rate resulted in 26% of adults saying they were in poor to fair and 11% indicating they had diabetes. In neighboring Edmonson County, the 2012 report indicated a 34% adult obesity rate as well with only 29% of adults living in Edmonson County indicating they
Author: LeChrista Finn
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Motivated All Day Everyday (MADE) is a Gang Violence Prevention Program Sponsored by the Urban League in Lexington, Kentucky. During the 2017-18 academic school year MADE partnered with the Fayette County Public School System to provide activities to over 150 youth consistently throughout the year. Quincy Murdock and Logan Averitt provided leadership for this initiative housed in eight schools which hosted weekly groups averaging 8 to 20 youth from both middle and high schools.  
Author: Jamille Hawkins
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
In Monroe County 23.6 percent of adult residents report poor or fair health and 11.9 percent of adults have diabetes. Monroe county residents reports that 33.6% are physically inactive. Susan Turner, Monroe County 4-H agent and Jamille Hawkins, Family and Consumer Science agent found the need for a program that taught Monroe County residents the connection between nutrition, physical activity and meal planning. The program was called Fit for Life. The programming covered topics such
Author: Jamille Hawkins
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
In Monroe County, 36 percent of adults reported that they are in less than good health. That number is 13 percent higher than the Kentucky average. Monroe county adults reported that within the last 30 days 10 of those physical health days, including physical illness and injury was not good. With this high number, Family and Consumer Science agent Jamille Hawkins and Dyshel Thompson from the Monroe County Health department decided to partner with a program called Microclinic International. Micro
Author: Sheila Fawbush
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The prevalence of obesity in America has been an ongoing and increasing issue. In Kentucky, 30% of adults are obese, while Shelby County has a 30.9% obesity rate. The low-income preschool obesity rates are alarming as well, with 21.3% of children being overweight or obese in Shelby County, and 15.9% of children being overweight and obese in the entire state. According to Kentucky Health News in early 2014, only 23% of Kentuckians consume the recommended 5 or more servings a day of fruits and veg
Author: Denise Wooley
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the UK summer intern program to host the 3-day Super Star Chef camp to teach 20 kids basics in the kitchen. After attending the 3-day camp that focused on measuring correctly, using a knife, food safety, my Plate, and hands on cooking the students reported:100%- Demonstrated correct hand washing to remove germs100%-Describe a serving of fruits and vegetables according to My Plate100%-Practiced safe and correct knife skills w
Author: Janet Mullins
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Rural communities face greater barriers to healthy eating and being physically active, which contributes to higher rates of obesity and chronic disease compared to their urban counterparts. In 2014, six Kentucky counties with an adult obesity prevalence of more than 40% received support from CDC to implement environmental changes promoting healthy eating and active living. County coalitions worked to assess needs and establish priorities as illustrated in this socio-ecological model.Family and C
Author: Tiffany Calvert
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
In a 2010, study by the Snack Food Association, 74% of consumers are trying to eat healthier. To educate individuals/ families on healthier options, the Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent utilized the “Snack like a Superhero” campaign. This Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education campaign was created to help limited resources families choose nutritious options.Over 700 students at Western and Wayland Elementary schools were served monthly food tastings, agricultu
Author: Amanda Hardy
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the United States. It's expected to cause about 50,630deaths during 2018.Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 22 (4.49%) for men and 1 in 24 (4.15%) for women. Over the past five years the Henderson County FCS agent along with many community partners offered the derby tea to focus on health related issues. This
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
In the absence of having an FCS agent, my co-workers and I have been working to bridge the gap with programs. We chose to implement and promote the Ovarian Cancer Screening this past January. According to the American Cancer Society, "Only about 20% of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage. When ovarian cancer is found early, about 94% of patients live longer than 5 years after diagnosis". With this startling statistic we knew this program would bring awareness to the community a
Author: Christine Duncan
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Better ChoicesOldham County is ranked highest for health and wealth in Kentucky. Unfortunately, there is a high rate of substance abuse. Binge drinking and opioid usage have greatly increased in the past few years. Currently, Oldham County has an alarming rate for binge drinking that is 3 % above the state average. Drug Court, in Oldham County, is dedicated to prevention of recidivism of residents by providing rehabilitation to substance abusers. The Oldham County FCS Agent, in collaboration wit
Author: Allison Lewis
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Many American’s only have a minimal amount of extra time, this is the same for Spencer County Residents. That is why the Spencer County FCS agent and the program assistant develop a lunch and learn program at the Spencer County Library where residents could come once a month to learn various information on such topics as: Instapot, Chronic Disease, Container Gardening, and Basic Nutrition for one hour.On average there were 8 adults that attended each session. They learned how to grow fresh
Author: Shannon Smith
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The Air Fryer is essentially a counter top convection oven that uses little or no oil for cooking. It provides a healthier alternative to conventional frying. Due to a boom in popularity and request from clientele, a class was developed to demonstrate the ever so trendy Air Fryer appliance. Consumers questioned its practicality, cost and ease of use. This demonstration style class was tasked to address those concerns. It was initially offered in Bracken County in the spring of
Author: Allison Lewis
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The US obesity and in-activity rate is at an alarming high, and this is no different for the residents of Spencer County. That is why the FCS Agent started The Couch Potato Challenge via Facebook. This 12 week challenge is based on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s walking plan and allows people to start at just five days a week and at a pace that is comfortable for them. All information for this program was distributed to participants online. Each week for 12 week they
Author: Gregory Comer
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The 2012 Green River Community Health Assessment, for Ohio County, showed 41% of Ohio Countians’ reported no consistent physical activity or exercise. In addition, 30% of adults are obese, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. The Trail Town Taskforce, formed in 2014, was established with the goals of creating a county-wide network of certified land and water Trail Towns. The Trail Towns will consist of hiking, cycling, horseback riding, kayak and canoe trails. These tra
Author: Lora Pullin
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The Greenup County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent and Snap Ed Assistant partnered with the Greenup County 21st Century Program to assist in educating youth during summer day camps. The series of camps lasted four weeks ranging in themes from The Amazing Race to Shark Tank. The camps are designed to enrich reading and math skills during summer break in creative ways. During the camps students were involved in hands-on experiences to enrich these skills. The Greenup County Fam
Author: Lora Pullin
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
According to the CDC Data report, the obesity rate for Greenup County is 35%. Research has shown there is a natural link between nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease. The Greenup County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Program partnered with the Healthy Choices, Healthy Communities Coalition to hold the Festival of Fitness in Downtown Ashland for the first Friday event in May. Forty One vendors set up along Winchester Ave. to educate the community on services provided re
Author: Thays Flores
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The terms vegetarian and vegan have become more and more prevalent in our society. Studies show that 5% of all Americans are now either vegetarian of vegan. Back in 2009, that percentage was only 1%, so there has been a huge increase of people following this diet. The Estill County FCS agent conducted a Vegetarian 101 lesson to all of the counties in the Bluegrass area as a Homemaker Training. In this program, the participants learned the different definitions related to these two diets as well
Author: Thays Flores
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Overall, pre-post comparisons of participant responses to the assessment instrument show that the program enhanced participant understanding of the nutrition concepts covered in the program. Average total score on the test increased from 11.50 in the pretest to 14.13 in the posttest (out of a maximum of 15). Table 3 presents additional information on the number of participants that provided the correct response to each question on the pre-posttest. The pre-posttest also included seven items that
Author: Tiffany Bolinger
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
“What’s in a Doctor’s Bag” curriculum is a series of 10 lessons based on a book written by medical doctors to introduce children to the doctor’s office and all the sights and sounds they experience when going to the doctor. Elementary school age children are often frightened by doctor’s visits. The curriculum teaches basic health concepts and links these concepts to visiting the family doctor or primary health provider. It also introduces the child to the medi
Author: Natalie Jones
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Partnerships between The University of Kentucky Family Consumer Science Extension and faith-based organizations is a relatively new concept. Faith-based organizations are trusted entities within many Kentucky communities. They provide spiritual refuge and renewal and have served as powerful vehicles for social, economic and political change. These communities provide inherent benefits for successful FCS Extension programming, including infrastructure and dedicated membership. Programming focused
Author: Hannah Mayrand
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
According to the CDC, 15.6% of adolescents in Kentucky are considered overweight and 17.6% are obese. Unhealthy dietary behaviors and lack of physical activity contribute to this statistic. To improve the unhealthy behaviors, the Montgomery County FCS Agent partnered with the local health department, and middle school to offer an after school group to middle and high school boys and girls who may be classified as overweight according to their body mass index (BMI). The program was called Healthy
Author: Rita Stewart
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
SUCCESS STORY: One of the goals of the Family and Consumer Sciences program is to empower families to make proactive choices. By making better choices related to their health and their families’ health, individuals will have less risk of chronic disease, spend less on health care, experience fewer sick days, and have a better quality of life. Families will increase the practice and promotion of physical activity and healthy eating on a daily basis. Participants will learn to better ma
Author: Nellie Buchanan
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
According to the CDC, Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in KY. At least 6.4% of deaths were stroke related. This statistic, along with District I Extension Homemakers requesting the workshop on Stroke Awareness, led to FCS programming to address the concern. As a result, FCS agent trained leaders in 10 counties on Stroke Awareness. Believing the adage, "Knowledge is power", participants in the program gained information of the two types of stroke: B
Author: Elizabeth Kingsland
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Fayette County Family and Consumer Sciences Agents coordinate and teach a series of special interest classes with the help of volunteers, Master Clothing Volunteer, Campion Food volunteers and other community partners. These classes have been conducted for many years. Many of these special interest classes attract residents of the county that are not familiar with the services Extension offers and introduces them to opportunities to become leaders and participate in civic projects or e
Author: Gregory Comer
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Kentucky ranks third in the Nation with the highest number of overweight and at risk for overweight children and tied for 5th with the highest number of obese adults. Obese adults and youth are at risk for many chronic health conditions. To address this family issue, the Beaver Dam Community Farmer’s Market hosted the 3rd Annual “Children’s Farmer’s Market Day” The event this year was the biggest and the best yet. The &l
Author: Tracy Cowles
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant, the Butler County Family and Consumer Science Agent, Andrea’s Mission for Men, and Andrea’s Mission for Men’s Dietician, came together to accomplish the goal of eating a healthy diet. Each week The NEP assistant taught Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum to Andrea’s Mission for Men Rehabilitation facility.?The assistant observed an inconsistency in their diet, portion sizes, and affordability o
Author: Valerie Holland
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Two-thirds of Kentuckians are classified as being overweight and 1/3 are classified as obese. With an increase in the obesity rate in Kentucky over the last decade there is a higher risk for many chronic diseases. According to the Kentucky Health Facts, 66% adults are overweight or obese in Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences partnered with the Portland Health Center to present a monthly nutrition program. Each lesson contained hands on fo
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Access to healthcare services is critical to good health, yet rural residents face a variety of access barriers.Ideally, residents should be able to conveniently and confidently access services such as primary care, dental care, behavioral health, emergency care, and public health services. According to Healthy People 2020, access to healthcare is important for:Overall physical, social, and mental health statusPrevention of diseaseDetection and treatment of illnessesQuality of lifePreventable de
