Improving community wellness through nutrition, physical activity and safety Plan of Work

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Breckinridge County CES

Title:
Improving community wellness through nutrition, physical activity and safety
MAP:
Health and Wellness
Agents Involved:
Allen, Bryant Popham, Crawford, Hinton, Pruneda, Tucker
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Active Living and Health Promotions General
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery General
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Community Gardens and Horticulture Therapy
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Health
Situation:

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 obesity epidemic threatens the quality and years of life of Kentuckians. Fourteen (14) percent of Breckinridge County respondents identified fewer chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, as a priority during the Kentucky Extension Community Assessment. Obese individuals are at increased risk for many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers. The obesity rate in Kentucky increased 90 percent over the last 15 years. Thirty-seven percent of Breckinridge County adult and youth citizens are considered obese. Thirty percent of individuals in the Commonwealth report no leisure-time physical activity, as well as, thirty-eight percent locally. 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. Minorities and individuals residing in Appalachia bear a heavier brunt of the obesity and chronic disease burden. Currently, 3,746 individuals receive SNAP (food stamps) and 2,710 individuals are food insecure in Breckinridge County. Extension programs aims to provide nutrition education to meet the needs of the community.  

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. In Breckinridge County, the number of overdoses totaled 179 cases. Additionally, stress on families and farm life is at an all-time high, leading to mental health disease. Programs discussing family stress will be a central theme in all meetings. Talking about stress is not a popular topic, therefore a constant simple reminder is needed to help improve mental health. In addition, 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).

Long-Term Outcomes:

Long term outcomes include reduced fatalities, reduced number of children in foster care, and reduced incarceration. An increased number of youth and adults will maintain positive health habits. An increased number of youth and adults will be at lower risk for serious disease and illness. Youth and adult participants will be at lower risk for physical and emotional distress. Drug, alcohol, and tobacco use will decline.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Participants will practice healthy food choices and strengthen individuals’ ability to build healthy eating plans and patterns. Participants will maintain appropriate calorie balance during each stage of life: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, pregnancy and breastfeeding and older age. Participation in physical activity will increase among families and communities and decrease time spent on sedentary behaviors. Youth will adopt healthy behaviors that lead to a healthy lifestyle that include making healthy lifestyle choices, not engaging in risky behavior and handling stress. Youth will develop coping skills, contribute to their communities, practice refusal skills, and intervene to prevent use/abuse. Farmers will be able to identify areas that need to be improved in relation to mobility issues. Participates will reduce risky behaviors relating to home, auto/ATV and RTV, and farm equipment.  Share the Road and Grain Rescue programs will be designed and set up for the public and farmers.  

Initial Outcomes:

Participants will become more aware, gain knowledge and develop skills to make healthy lifestyle choices relating to nutrition, physical activity, social and emotional health, and personal safety. ?Participants will be able to identify and express their physical limitations relating to gardening and outdoor activities. Youth will identify healthy lifestyle choices, understand risky behaviors and their consequences, aspire to have higher self-esteem, and identify healthy ways to handle stress. Youth will gain awareness and understanding of health concerns for youth, substance use, mental health, diversity, and inclusion. A reduction in the stigma of individuals with substance use disorders and mental health diseases will be observed.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness, knowledge and skills relating to healthy lifestyle choices and personal safety. Increased number of youth that report feeling good about themselves and report that they know how to handle stress.

Indicator: Increased attendance and participation in wellness and safety programs. 

Method: Curriculum and program evaluation tools 

Timeline: At time of program implementation 


Intermediate Outcome: Participants making healthier lifestyle choices and personal safety choices. 

Indicator: Participants consuming more fruits and vegetables, choosing to be more physical active and implementing safe practices, such as, wearing helmets, seat belts and having a family emergency kit. 

Method: Follow-up surveys, personal interviews and observations 

Timeline: 1-3-month follow-up to program implementation 


Initial Outcome: Producers and public will attend trainings. 

Indicator:  CEU sheets

Method:  surveys and exams

Timeline: At the time of the program implementation. 


Intermediate Outcome: Participants train employees and family members. 

Indicator: surveys

Timeline: 1-3-month follow-up to program implementation 


Long-term Outcome: A decrease in the number of obese and overweight children, youth, adults and elderly. An improvement in the local environment to promote and support physical activity and healthy eating.

Indicator: Participants consuming more fruits and vegetables, choosing to be more physical active and implementing safe practices, such as, wearing helmets, seat belts and family emergency kit. 

Method: Health census reports and personal and health care provider testimonials 

Timeline: 1-3-month follow-up to program implementation


Long-term Outcome:  An increase in awareness along with a decrease in new accidents, as well as, accidents involving vehicles and farm equipment.   

Indicator: Farms and hospitals will report a decrease in accidents. 

Method: Reports from hospital and local farmers 

Timeline: 1-3-month follow-up to program implementation 

Learning Opportunities:

As needed, the Extension Service will provide “Grab-N-Go" kits, virtual programs, and other alternative formats due to Covid-19. 


Audience: Preschool and Elementary Students 

Project or Activity: LEAP Classroom visits 

Content or Curriculum: LEAP 

Inputs: Kentucky Extension Service (CES) agents, program assistants, specialists and volunteers. 

Date: 2020-2021 School Year 


Audience: Adults and Families 

Project or Activity: Workshops series and special interest lessons 

Content or Curriculum: Cook Together - Eat Together, Embracing Life as We Age, EFNEP Curricula, KSU Curricula  

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) and KSU agents, program assistants, specialists and volunteers 

Kentucky CES publications and resources 

Local, state, and federal health agencies 

Date:Year Round 


Audience: Families, Early Head Start, Head Start

Project or Activity: Parent socials and trainings,  School Open Houses

Content or Curriculum: Family Mealtime curriculum 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, program assistants, specialists and volunteers 

Kentucky CES publications and resources 

Date:  Fall 2020


Audience: 4th graders and Leaders 

Project or Activity: Farm and Home Safety Program 

Content or Curriculum: Programs approved by Progressive Ag Foundation. 

Inputs: Fifty Local leaders trained under supervision of Farm Safety Day Coordinator.  Virtual Training is being planned for 2020

Date: Fall 2020


Audience: Community and Detention Center Participants? 

Project or Activity: EFNEP and SNAP Education 

Content or Curriculum: Plate It Up, KY Proud, Super Star Chef, Healthy Choices for Everybody? 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, program assistants, specialists and volunteers 

Kentucky CES publications and resources 

Date: Year-Round with seasonal and holiday focuses? 


Audience: Local Youth 

Project or Activity: After School 4-H Healthy Lifestyles Club 

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H approved curriculum (Centering on Me, DanceFit, SPARK, etc.) 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, specialists and volunteers 

Kentucky CES publications and resources 

Date: 2020-2021 Program Year


Audience: Local Youth 

Project or Activity: Mindful Me Program 

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H approved curriculum (Mindful Me, Youth First Aid training, etc.) 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, specialists and volunteers, Kentucky CES publications and resources 

Date: 2020-2021 Program Year


Audience: Middle School Youth 

Project or Activity: Health Rocks Program

Content or Curriculum: Health Rocks 2.0 curriculum

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, specialists and volunteers, Kentucky CES publications and resources 

Date: 2020-2021 Program Year


Audience: Local Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Health and Nutrition Workshops 

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H approved curriculum (Teen Cuisine, SuperStar Chef, etc.) 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, specialists and volunteers 

Kentucky CES publications and resources 

Date: Year-Round 


Audience: Local Youth 

Project or Activity: Teen Cuisine 

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H and SNAPed approved curriculum (Teen Cuisine, SuperStar Chef, etc.) 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, specialists and volunteers 

Kentucky CES publications and resources 

Date: 2020-2021 School Year 


Audience: Local Youth (4th-8th grade) 

Project or Activity: 4-H Jr. Master Gardener 

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H approved curriculum (e.g. Food Preparation and Preservation), Jr. Master Gardener curriculum 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, public library, specialists, Master Gardener volunteers, and other volunteers 

Kentucky CES publications and resources 

Date: Summer 2020 and Summer 2021


Audience: Local Youth (Pre-school-3rd grade) 

Project or Activity: 4-H Mini Master Gardener 

Content or Curriculum: Jr. Master Gardener curriculum 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, public library, specialists, Master Gardener volunteers, and other volunteers 

Kentucky CES publications and resources 

Date: Summer 2020 and Summer 2022


Audience: Middle and High School Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Outdoor Adventurers Science Club 

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H approved core curriculum (Outdoor Adventures) 

Inputs:  Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) staff and facility, public schools, family resource and youth service centers, volunteer leadership, curriculum and program resources, local organizations and business sponsorship 

Date: 2020-2021 program year 


Audience: Local non-English, Amish and Mennonite Communities 

Project or Activity: Food preparation, Food storage and proper pesticide care 

Content or Curriculum: Plate It Up for Latino populations, GAP home sanitation 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) Agents, resources in Spanish, Migrant Education program 

Date: 2020-2021 


Audience: Local homeowners, garden enthusiasts, Detention Center

Project or Activity: Increase awareness, use, enthusiasm for growing their own garden; Victory Garden

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) Agents, Master Gardeners, KY Proud Promotion and Victory Garden, KSU Area Agent 

Date: 2020-21


Audience: Local Fire Department and First Responders 

Project or Activity: Grain Tube Rescue and Share the Road program 

Content or Curriculum: Program from KDA and first responders 

Inputs:  Breckinridge County Fire Departments and KDA Farm Safety Team 

Date: Fall 2020


Audience: Local Farmers Market and Beekeepers 

Project or Activity: GAP and Sampling Certificate for produce and beekeepers 

Content or Curriculum: State Programs 

Inputs: Breckinridge and Grayson County Ag/Natural Resource Agents 

Date: 2020-2021


Audience: Local Farmers in regular crop meetings 

Project or Activity: Exercises for daily use in and around tractors and equipment in relation to mobility issues and stress in farming activities. 

Content or Curriculum:  Program designed by local Physical Therapist, Agribility program resources  

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) Agents 

Date:  2020-2021


Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Culinary Program

Content or Curriculum: Super Start Chef, Teen Cuisine, Cupcake Wars, Culinary Challenge 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, program assistants, specialists and volunteers 

Kentucky CES publications and resources 

Date: 2020-2021 program year 


Audience:  Adults and Families

Project:  Diabetes Support Group

Content or Curriculum:  Dining with Diabetes, Plate It Up, KY Proud!, Embracing Life as We Age

Inputs:  Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) and KSU agents, program assistants, specialists and volunteers

Kentucky CES and KSU publications and resources

Date:  2020-2021 Program Year


Audience:  Adults and Families

Project or Activity:  Prepare to Care

Content or Curriculum: Prepare to Care curriculum 

Inputs:  Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES agents, program assistants, specialists and volunteers

Kentucky CES publications and resources

Date:  Winter 2021 Program Year


Audience:  Adults and Extension Homemakers

Project:  Stand Up to Falling Strength and Fall Prevention Leader Training

Content or Curriculum: Stand Up to Falling

Inputs:  Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES agents, program assistants, specialists and volunteers

Kentucky CES publications and resources

Date: Winter 2021 



Success Stories

The Sizzlin’ Summer Series: Strengthening Families During Covid19

Author: Lynnette Allen

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

The Summer of 2020 will be one that many families will never forget.  Due to Covid19 family vacations, summer camps and holiday gatherings were cancelled, leaving parents searching for ways to entertain children.  The Breckinridge County Family and Consumer Science program utilized UK FCS Extension resources to present the Sizzlin’ Summer Series Grab and Go program.  A total of 306 educational packets were pick-up by an average of 44 individuals.  Packet materials focus

Full Story

4-H Junior and Mini Master Gardeners Learn Health and Nutrition from the Garden through Virtual Programming

Author: Alexandria Bryant

Major Program: Health

The need for nutrition education is great in Kentucky, as it is a relatively poor state with a heavy burden of chronic disease related to poor nutrition practices. The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey provides data on overweight Kentucky youth and reveals that our youth rank 15.6% compared to the nationwide 12.7%.  From a dietary standpoint less than 20% of high school students meet the dietary recommendation for fruit and vegetable consumption.  In 2014, the Breckinridge County

Full Story

PPE in an Ag world

Author: Carol Hinton

Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development

PPE SuppliesAs the whole world seemed to be shutting down, agriculture was deemed essential.  Farmers in the county were still to go about their business as normal, but with many safety practices in place.  I knew there was one group of individuals that would be difficult to reach, our migrant/seasonal farm workers.  As they began to arrive in the county PPE supplies were still in HIGH demand and SHORT supply.  As I was able to break some of the PPE supplies free from other s

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Addiction 101 Supports Recovery Work in Breckinridge County

Author: Lynnette Allen

Major Program: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery General

In 2019 the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service published county and state specific community needs assessment reports that identified substance abuse and mental wellness as a top priority for Breckinridge County families and across the state.  Key stakeholders continue to express concerns regarding the negative effects that drug use has caused for families and children being placed in foster and kinship care.  To increase awareness and create an environment to support

Full Story

The Stand Up to Falling Program Empowers Seniors to Prevent Falls

Author: Lynnette Allen

Major Program: Aging-General

After the age of 65, physical changes, medical conditions, and medication usage can increase a person’s risk of falling. While not all falls are serious, falls continue to remain the leading cause of injury and injury-related death among older adults in the United States. Seniors often develop the fear of falling and become less physically and socially active, and therefore become more dependent and less confident. Knowing the risks and being familiar with fall-prevention measures can help

Full Story

Wildcat Cooks Program Improves Health and Wellness Among Youth

Author: Alexandria Bryant

Major Program: Health

The obesity epidemic threatens the quality and years of life of Kentuckians. Fourteen (14) percent of Breckinridge County respondents identified fewer chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, as a priority during the Kentucky Extension Community Assessment. Obese individuals are at increased risk for many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers. The obesity rate in Kentucky increased 90 percent over the last 15 y

Full Story

Nurturing Families in New Ways During the Pandemic

Author: Lynnette Allen

Major Program: Family Development General

The impact of Covid 19 is still being determined as families are gradually returning to normal.  Over the past 15 months, families have lost loved ones, lost jobs, and missed life miles-stones as schools were closed, events cancelled and day to day life came to a standstill for most of Kentucky.  Locally the Breckinridge County Family and Consumer Sciences program adapted program delivery to continue to serve families in a safe and meaningful way.  The FCS and NEP Extension state

Full Story
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