Improved Physical and Mental HealthPlan of Work

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Meade County CES

Title:
Improved Physical and Mental Health
MAP:
Nutrition, Food Systems and Mental Well-Being
Agents Involved:
Bridge, Mills, Reed, King (EFNEP)
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Integrated Pest Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Nutrition and Food Systems General
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery General
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Family and Consumer Science
Situation:

According to the CHSI (Community Health Status Indicators) report, Meade County has several areas which need improvement in relation to health and wellness. While we our obesity and overweight rates have decreased 4% over the past years to 22% we still have 78% who eat few fruits and vegetables and 28% who do not engage in daily exercise. Our three top fatal incidents include stroke, heart disease and colon cancer. Extension programs can continue to have great impact in these areas. The Family and Consumer Sciences council indicated this is one of the priority issues along with teaching quick nutritious meal plans and demonstrations for working families. In addition the need to address lack of fruit and vegetable consumption can be address through nutrition education programs and partnering with the local Farmers Market.


Staying physically fit is one of the most important things youth can do for their overall health. For youth exercise means playing and being physically active. Youth who are active will have strong muscle and bones and leaner bodies, because physical activity helps control body fat and decreases the risk of developing Type II diabetes.


Healthy living is one of three 4-H mission mandates and encompasses: physical activity, personal safety, mental health, addiction prevention, and diversity and inclusion.   In Kentucky 37% of youth 10-17 are overweight or obese, and 51% report not exercising regularly. 25% of youth report some form of emotional or behavioral condition and suicide rates are at record high (KY suicides per 100,000 people: 15.3, 10th highest in nation). Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health disease can affect anyone, with 1,160 reported opioid-involved deaths (a rate of 27.9 deaths per 100,000 persons) in Kentucky and Vaping nearly doubled among middle and high school students — with 27% of high school seniors reporting they had tried the product in 2018.


Wendell Berry (1990), Kentucky novelist, poet, environmentalist, and farmer, stated that “…eating is an agricultural act” (p.1). Unfortunately, for many, there is a disconnect between the food we eat and where that food comes from. Today’s society lacks understanding regarding agricultural production and processing (Spielmaker and Leising, 2013). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Kentucky.  One of the key initiatives in Kentucky 4-H is to increase a young person’s awareness of the impact agriculture has on his/her daily life.

A foundation of nutrition knowledge, skills and competencies in topics such as food safety, handling and preparation, cooking methods and techniques, feeding practices, food science, and food systems are essential to changing dietary behaviors. With the increased trend of chronic disease and obesity in Kentucky, individuals, families, and communities need tools and environments that support healthful dietary decisions. CES agents are encouraged to reach diverse audiences to help combat chronic disease and obesity in Kentucky communities. 


The recent statewide needs assessment identified substance use prevention and recovery as the most urgent priority for Cooperative Extension. Moreover, substance use was the focal point of the CES Advisory Council Meeting in early 2019. Taken together, youth KIP survey data and data from the CES needs assessment demonstrate the need to address substance use prevention, recovery, stigma, and impact on families and communities.


With the increased trend of chronic disease and obesity in Kentucky, individuals, families, and communities need tools and environments that support healthy and active lifestyle choices. CES agents are encouraged to reach diverse audiences to help combat chronic disease and obesity in Kentucky communities. Focusing on a foundation of overall direct health education to increase health literacy and ability to make healthy lifestyle choices. Including, creating spaces or opportunities for active living and health behaviors.

Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:

Citizens who:

Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Decrease in number of overweight children, youth, adults and elderly.

County population will increase average consumption of fruits and vegetables by one or more servings per day. Citizens improve food management skills and healthy eating habits.

Method: Evaluation throughout program participation.

Timeline: Beginning through end of program.


Long Term Outcome: Youth will maintain positive health habits

Indicator: Number of youth who indicated they learned about healthy food choices through 4-H

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  September 2023 - June 2024


Long Term Outcome: Increased number of youth at a lower risk for physical and emotional distress

Indicator: Increased number of youth at a lower risk for physical and emotional distress

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  September 2023 - June 2024


Intermediate Outcome: Increase in consumption of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables

Indicator: Of the total number of families reached with information on accessing healthy foods the number of families reached that gained knowledge about eating more healthy foods.

Method: Featured Program questions

Timeline: July - June


Intermediate Outcome:  Increased adoption and mastery of healthy behaviors that lead to a healthy lifestyle

Indicator:  Number of youth who indicated they made healthy lifestyle choices as are result of what they learned through 4-H programming? (PRACTICE)

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  September 2023 - June 2024


Intermediate Outcome:  Improved perceived stress and ability to cope and practice refusal skills

Indicator:  Number of youth who indicated they made healthy lifestyle choices as are result of what they learned through 4-H programming. (PRACTICE)

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives 

Timeline:  September 2022-June 2023


Intermediate Outcome: Youth will practice healthy eating and food preparation choices 

Indicator: The number of youth reporting putting into practice healthy eating and food preparation choices and skills learned as a result of program participation. 

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  Summer 2023, September 2023 - June 2024


Intermediate Outcome:   Youth plan and implement a Family & Consumer Sciences or Health related project

Indicator:  Youth complete a FCS or Health project 

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  Summer 2023, September 2023 - July 2024


Initial Outcome: Participants gain new knowledge or skill by attending program.

Indicator: Number of participants who report new knowledge/skill gained by attending program.

Method: Informal conversation during/after program. Testimonials given by participants. Informal questions asked during program.

Timeline: Throughout the program year, July 22 -June 23


Nutrition knowledge, skills, and competencies

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported: use knowledge and skills to improve food-shopping management; utilize the food label to make healthy food choices; choosing smaller portions; increased food preservation knowledge; demonstrated recommended food preservation practices 

Method: Self-report surveys; specific curricula or program evaluations 

Timeline: Pre-post implementing curricula or program


Outcome: Preparing and preserving food 

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported: preparing more home-cooked meals; modifying ingredients and/or preparation techniques to improve nutrition

Method: Self-report survey; specific curricula or program evaluations 

Timeline: Pre-post implementing curricula or program 


Outcome: Dietary intake Indicator: Number of individuals who reported: eating 4-6 servings of fruits and/or vegetables daily 

Method: Self-report surveys about fruit and vegetable intake or other dietary improvements; specific curricula or program evaluations 

Timeline: Pre-post implementing curricula or program 

Outcome: Availability and access to healthy food 


Indicator: Number of individuals who reported: utilizing delivery systems/access points (e.g., farmers’ markets, CSAs, WIC, food pantries) that offer healthy foods; supplementing diets with healthy foods grown or preserved (e.g., community or backyard gardens, fishing, hunting, farmers markets); dollar value of vendor-reported sales or EBT, WIC, or Senior benefits redeemed at farmers’ markets; number of pints of foods preserved through water bath canning, pressure canning, freezing, or drying. 

Method: Self-report survey 

Timeline:

Pre-post implementing curricula or program


Outcome: Increased knowledge of substance use 

Indicator: Number of individuals attending programs 

Method: Retroactive pre-post

Timeline: Following every addiction 101 training 


Outcome: Increased ability to use destigmatized language Indicator: Number of individuals intend to change behavior 

Method: Retroactive pre-post 

Timeline: Following any program that includes language training


Outcome: Nutrition knowledge and dietary intake

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported: eating 4-6 servings of fruits and/or vegetables daily; utilize the food label to make healthy food choices; choosing smaller portions

Method: Self-report surveys 

Timeline: Pre-post implementing curricula or program 


Outcome: Physical Activity knowledge, skills, and competencies 

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported: knowledge and skills gained about the benefits of physical activity; adoption of physical activity practices; increase in physical activity levels 

Method: Self-report survey 

Timeline: Pre-post implementing curricula or program 


Outcome: Substance Use Indicator: Number of individuals who reported: gained knowledge of the resources that are available for substance use in the community as a result of Extension programming

Method: Self-report survey 

Timeline: Pre-post implementing curricula or program 


Outcome: Chronic Disease Prevention

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported: participants who had one or more health indicator (cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, blood glucose) improved. 

Method: Self-report survey 

Timeline: Pre-post implementing curricula or program 


Outcome: Availability / Access to healthy lifestyle choices

Indicator: Number of communities, health coalitions, or organizations who reported: implemented policy, system, and/or environmental changes to promote healthy eating and active living

Method: Self-report survey 

Timeline: Pre-post implementing curricula or program


Initial Outcome:  Improved in awareness of health concerns for youth

Indicator: Number of youth indicating increased awareness of health concerns for themselves and other youth.

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  September 2023 - June 2024


Initial Outcome:  Improved education about diversity and Inclusion

Indicator:  Number of youth indicating increased knowledge about diversity and inclusion and the aspiration to make personal changes in regards to diversity and inclusion.

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  September 2023 - June 2024


Initial Outcome:  Promote optimal physical, social and emotional health habits

Indicator: Number of youth who were educated on health and well-being through 4-H programs. (KOSA)

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  Summer 2023, September 202 - June 2024


Initial Outcome: Youth will practice healthy eating and food preparation choices 

Indicator: The number of youth reporting making healthier eating and food preparation choices as a result of program participation. 

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives

Timeline:  Summer 2023, September 2023 - June 2024


Initial Outcome: Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H. 

Indicator: Number of youth who report learning and developing life skills through 4-H activities/events/project work. 

Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives

Timeline: Summer 2023, September 2023 - June 2024

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Cooking programs

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Foods Projects, Cooking 101-104, Teen Cuisine, Plate It Up!, Food Science: What’s on Your Plate?

Inputs: 4-H Council, 4-H members, community sponsors, extension facilities, extension staff, volunteers

Date: Summer 2023, Spring 2024


Audience: Middle and High School Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Cuisine Club

Content or Curriculum: Cooking 101-104, Teen Cuisine, 4-H Foods Projects, Plate It Up!, Food Science: What’s on Your Plate

Inputs: extension staff, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel, local volunteers

Date: Spring 2024


Audience: Middle School Youth

Project or Activity: Stuart Pepper Middle School Healthy Mind/Healthy Body

Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for Health and SNAP-ED materials

Inputs: extension staff, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel, volunteers

Date:  Fall 2023


Audience:   Youth

Project or Activity:  4-H Mental Health Programs 

Content or Curriculum:  Mindful Me, Centering on me

Inputs:  extension staff, volunteers, school personnel

Date:  September 2023  – May 2024


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity:  Addiction Prevention Programs

Content or Curriculum:  Health Rocks!

Inputs: extension staff, volunteers, parents, school personnel

Date:  September 2023 - May 2024


Audience:  Youth

Project or Activity:  Diversity and Inclusion Programs

Content or Curriculum:  Essential Elements, Diversity: The source of our Strength, Be SAFE: Safe, Affirming & Fair Environments

Inputs:  extension staff, volunteers, parents, school personnel

Date:  September 2023 - May 2024


Audience:  Youth

Project or Activity:  Physical Health Programs

Content or Curriculum:  4-H Dancefit, Get Moving Kentucky, Keeping Fit & Healthy, SPARK, Steps to a Healthy Teen, Outdoor Adventures

Inputs:  extension staff, volunteers, parents, school personnel

Date:  September 2023 - May 2024


Audience: Landowners, farmers, gardeners, agribusiness people

Project: Private Applicators Training for using pesticides properly

Content: Private Applicator’s training materials

Inputs: KDA, UK Specialists, ANR agent

Date: Winter 2021- 2025


Audience: Beginning Gardening

Activity: Garden Presentation/Program

Content: Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky pub ID-128

Inputs: University of Kentucky Specialists, ANR agent

Dates: Spring 2021-2025


Audience: General Public

Activity: Home Visits

Content: One on One, individual instruction

Inputs: ANR agent

Date: Summer 2021-2025


Audience: Communities 

Project or Activity:   Farmers Market Outreach Content or Curriculum: Cooking programs, marketing, increased access (e.g. location, hours, EBT), Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud resources, Farmers Market Toolkit, Super Star Chef 

Inputs: Nutrition Education Program (NEP), paid staff, grant funds, facilities, Kentucky Department of Agriculture 

Date: April – October/Growing seasons 


Project or Activity:   Policy, Systems, and Environmental Approaches 

Content or Curriculum: Faithful Families, Kentucky Farm to School Task Force Resources, Health Coalitions, resources for early care and education settings

Inputs: Volunteers, grant funds, faith-based organizations, community partners, key stakeholders, SNAP-Ed Toolkit 

 Date: Ongoing projects throughout the year 


Audience: Families and Individuals 

Project or Activity:   Food Preparation for Better Health Content or Curriculum: Cook Together Eat Together, Mastering Food Choices, Dining with Diabetes, Super Star Chef, Champion Food Volunteer, Faithful Families, Body Balance, Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud Resources, plans for prenatal- and infant/toddler-specific curriculum, resources for early care and education settings

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, faith-based organizations, health coalitions 

Date: Ongoing projects throughout the year 


Project or Activity:   Food Preservation Content or Curriculum: Publications, Trainings, Home-Based Micro-Processing Training, Champion Food Volunteers 

Inputs: Paid staff, volunteers, facilities, programmatic materials, NEP 

Date: ongoing as needed for adults and youth throughout the year.


Audience: Families Impacted by Addiction

 Project or Activity: Addiction Training Content or Curriculum: Addiction 101 

Inputs: council, champions against drugs coalition, local law enforcement, judicial system

Date: once per quarter or as needed

Audience: Communities 

Project or Activity: Policy, Systems, and Environmental Approaches

Content or Curriculum:  Health Coalitions, Trail Development, Active Community Toolkit, 

Inputs: Volunteers, grant funds, faith-based organizations, community partners, key stakeholders, elected officials, Department of Transportation, Health Coalitions, Employee Health and Wellness, SNAP-Ed Toolkit 

Date: Ongoing projects throughout the year


Audience: Families and Individuals 

Project or Activity: Chronic Disease Prevention 

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Health Bulletins, Cook Together Eat Together, Mastering Food Choices, Dining with Diabetes, Fit Blue, Faithful Families, Body Balance, Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud Resources, WIN, Kick Kentucky Cancer, Health Partners, Bingocize, Master Health Volunteer, Keys to Embracing Aging

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, Healthcare Providers, Health Department, Non-profits, Schools, Company Health & Wellness, Homemakers, Community Centers, etc.

Date: Ongoing projects throughout the year 


Project or Activity: Physical Activity Content or Curriculum: Publications, Faithful Families, Story Walk, Master Health Volunteer, Shared Space Agreements, Health Coalitions, Be More, Fit Blue, WIN, Health Partners, Bingocize, Keys to Embracing Aging

Inputs: Paid staff, volunteers, facilities, health coalitions, Healthcare Providers, Health Department, Non-profits, Schools, Company Health & Wellness, FBOs, consumers, Community Centers

Date: Periodically each year 


Audience: Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association/Volunteers 

Project or Activity: Health Awareness Month and other related opportunities

Content or Curriculum: Master Health Volunteers, Health Bulletins, Monthly Leader Lessons Inputs: Volunteers, paid staff, community partners 

Date: October/Monthly


Audience:  General Public

Project or Activity:  Extension Health and Wellness Ambassador program

Content or Curriculum:  Extension Health and Wellness 

Date:  Throughout the year to train and manage volunteers


Audience:  Youth and Adults

Project or Activity:  Edible Education:  Food Science for Everyday Life

Content:  Edible Education

Date:  May 2023 through June 2024




Success Stories

Savor the Flavor-Herbs, Spices, Oils and Vinegars

Author: Jennifer Bridge

Major Program: Food Preparation and Preservation

Savor the Flavor-Herbs, Spices, Oils and Vinegars

As more people prepare meals at home, the request for food preparation and information on foods basics has increased.  One of the common questions evolves around adding flavor to food and reducing sodium.  This has long been a focus for Extension FCS but formal information had not been compiled until Savor the Flavor was introduced to extension FCS professionals'   Using the materials, the FCS agent offered a two part series to Meade County residents. To accommodate schedules

Full Story

Super Star Chef Camp

Author: Jennifer Bridge

Major Program: Super Star Chef

Learning food preparation skills and the importance of good nutrition is important for good health.  The address the need of skills among youth, the Meade County Family and Consumer Sciences agent offered a three day Super Star Chef Camp for ages 9-12. Students learned a variety of skills through hands on learning focused on knife skills, basic food safety, how to read a nutrition label, how to use measuring cups and a food thermometer as well as the importance of physical activity and cons

Full Story

Health and Wellness Ambassador Program

Author: Jennifer Bridge

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Health and Wellness Ambassador Program

As programs expand,  the need for trained volunteers is key to longevity and success.  To increase the number of programs related to health and wellness, extension specialist adapted an ambassador program from a partner land-grant university.  Meade County was selected as one of fifteen pilot programs to implement the program on the local level.  The ambassador program requires those interested to complete a questionnaire, go through volunteer screening and a background check

Full Story
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