Improved Physical and Mental HealthPlan of Work

Back to the Program

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

Timeline:  September 2020- June 2021


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

Timeline:  September 2020- June 2021


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

Timeline:  September 2020- June 2021


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

Timeline:  September 2020- June 2021


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 

Timeline:  July 2020 – June 2021 


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 

Timeline:  July 2020 – June 2021


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 2018 - June 2019

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

Timeline:  September 2020- June 2021


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

Timeline:  September 2020- June 2021


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

Timeline:  September 2020- June 2021


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 

Timeline:  July 2020 – June 2021 


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 

Timeline: Throughout program year, July 2020 - June 2021

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Cooking School

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

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

Date: September 2020 – May 2021


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, Put It Up!, Food Science: What’s on Your Plate

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

Date: September 20120 – May 2021


Audience:  Youth & Families

Project or Activity:   4-H Horticulture Programs

Content or Curriculum:   Junior Master Gardener Curricula; 4-H Gardening Levels A, B, C, D, and Helper’s Guide

Inputs:   Volunteers, parents, extension staff, extension specialists, local horticulture growers or businesses

Date:  September 2020-August 2021


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 2020


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 2020 – May 2021


Audience:  Youth

Project or Activity:  Personal Safety Programs

Content or Curriculum:  Code name: Home Alone, Keeping Fit & Healthy – First Aid in Action

Inputs:  extension staff, volunteers, school personnel

Date:  September 2020 – May 2021


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity:  Addiction Prevention Programs

Content or Curriculum:  Health Rocks!

Inputs: extension staff, volunteers, parents, school personnel

Date:  September 2020 – May 2021


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 2020 – May 2021


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



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: Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association/Volunteers 

Project or Activity:   Promoting Nutrition with Volunteers

 Content or Curriculum: Champion Food Volunteers, Mastering Food Choices, International Cuisine publications, Food preservation workshops, Monthly Leader Lessons 

Inputs: Volunteers, paid staff, community partners 

Date: Monthly 


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: Faithful Families, Health Coalitions, Story Walk, Shared Space Agreements, Trail Development, Active Community Toolkit, Be More Guide, resources for early care and education settings

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: Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices 

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

Date: Monthly



Success Stories

Reaching Remote Areas with Extension Education

Author: Jennifer Bridge

Major Program: Cook Wild Kentucky

Reaching Remote Areas with Extension Education

Wolf Creek, Andyville, and Rhodielia are communities located in the lower portion of Meade County close to the Ohio River.  The communities consist of mostly limited-income families and is located about 20 minutes from the county seat of Brandenburg.  The majority of families do not travel out of the community on a daily basis. In an effort to reach residents with educational information, the extension service partnered with the community small country store to serve as a distribution

Full Story

Covid and Exercise

Author: Jennifer Bridge

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

The 2019 Health Ranks revealed Kentucky is the most inactive state in the nation with 34.4 percent of the population not getting enough physical activity.  Unfortunately, this has been an issue for many years and efforts have been underway for an extended period of time to provide built environments for safe opportunities to be physically active.  One effort is the Buttermilk Falls Walking Trail.  The Covid-19 pandemic recommendations have moved families from inside to outside and

Full Story

Cook Together Eat Together

Author: Jennifer Bridge

Major Program: Cook Together, Eat Together

Eating more fruits and vegetables is a critical behavior for health promotion and disease prevention.  Despite the importance of eating more produce, it is also one of the most difficult eating behaviors to change. It has been reported that cooking more meals at home is related to increased fruit and vegetable consumption.  A social marketing program to promote more healthy, home-cooked family meals, Cook Together, Eat Together, was offered at the Meade County Cooperative Extension off

Full Story

Big Blue Goals

Author: Jennifer Bridge

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Annually, Family and Consumer Sciences Agents and staff see an increased interest from clients in health-behavior choices around the new year.  This year, to reach both current and new clientele with timely and research-based information, FCS Extension rolled out a new program just in time for January 2021- Big Blue Goals.  The program was designed to allow for participation through either an online platform (Goalify app) that could be operated on a smartphone, computer, or tablet, or

Full Story
Back to the Program