Nelson County CES

Title:

Healthy Homes and Healthy People

MAP:

Family and Consumer Science Initiatives

Agents Involved:

Fries, Smith

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

Situation:

The Aging Community was one of the issues brought forward by Extension volunteers and survey participants of all ages. According to the latest census information almost 25% of the Nelson County population is 55 or over. In addition, Nelson County residents have expressed a want for programs relating to family mealtime promotion, child care trainings and support for the National Guard and Reserve families we have in the county.

Currently of the 43,000 people in Nelson County, over 15% live below the poverty line. 23% of high school students are eligible for free and reduced lunch. A large majority of Nelson County residents aged 25 and older have high school diplomas (86%) but only 16% have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Obesity, drugs and lack of exercise all contribute to the poor health of Nelson County residents. Currently, Nelson County residents average 4 unhealthy days a month. Almost 3,000 (6.6%) reported recent drug use, and even more (6.7%) reported experiencing major depression. Currently, 30% get no exercise, 30% are obese, and 29% smoke. Over 8,000 residents reported having poor health. Depression and smoking are up in recent years and seem to be showing no decline. The goal of Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices would be to work with these at-risk groups to stop smoking and begin incorporating physical activity into their days therefore reducing the number of depression cases.

Long-Term Outcomes:

1.A decrease in the number of overweight residents in Nelson County

2.Increase the amount of physical activity residents get

3.Improve the mental health of residents

4.Increase in the number of fruits and vegetables residents consume

Intermediate Outcomes:

1.Changes related to obesity, physical activity and healthy eating

2.Practice of physical activity in families

3.Change in mental health, practice of mental health improvement exercises

4.Practice healthier lifestyle choices

Initial Outcomes:

1.Awareness of levels of obesity, ways to reduce obesity

2.Knowledge of physical activity opportunities outside the norm

3.Awareness of signs of decreasing mental health, resources to improve it

4.Awareness of access to more fruits and vegetables, knowledge of ways to

prepare them.

Evaluation:

Outcome: Participants will increase physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Indicator: Number of individuals who make lifestyle changes to improve personal health

Method: Pre-post surveys, online surveys, number of people visiting Farmer’s Markets, activity logs

Timeline: Beginning and End of Program, May- August

Outcome: Participants will experience weight loss

Indicator: Scales at extension office

Method: Weekly Weigh-Ins

Timeline: Beginning and End of Programs – 8-10 week period

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Families

Project or Activity: Ag Day 5K Run

Content or Curriculum: Ag Day 5K Agenda

Inputs: Agents, CES publications and resources, eXtension, HEEL

Date: July

Project or Activity: health promotion

Content or Curriculum: Weight: The Reality Series

Inputs: Agents, CES publications and resources, eXtension, HEEL, Health Department

Date: Early Spring – 8-10 week period

Project or Activity: mental health improvement

Content or Curriculum: Blue To You

Inputs: Agents, CES publications and resources, eXtension, HEEL, Health Department, community organizations, medical professionals

Success Stories