Health and nutrition education, physical activity, aging, and chronic disease awareness/prevention.Plan of Work

Back to the Program

Livingston County CES

Title:
Health and nutrition education, physical activity, aging, and chronic disease awareness/prevention.
MAP:
Health, Wellness, and Quality of Life
Agents Involved:
FCS, 4-H, and ANR
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Nutrition and Food Systems General
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Active Living and Health Promotions General
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Health
Situation:

According to CEDIK's Livingston County data profiles (updated Winter 2014), in Livingston County 14.6% of adults have diabetes, 33.8% of adults are obese, and there are no public parks or public gyms for residents to utilize for physical activity. 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 percent of individuals in the Commonwealth report no leisure-time physical activity. This is also true in Livingston County. Increased consumption of unhealthy food, stress, and built environments that do not promote physical inactivity are largely responsible for the obesity epidemic. As a result, Livingston County residents 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 nationally. Also, 100% percent of children in the county are eligible for free or reduced lunch, deeming the entire county eligible for SNAP education programs. After receiving these statistics, the Healthy Living Healthy Livingston committee, FCS Advisory Council, and County Extension Council have deemed health, nutrition, and physical activity as awareness issues that need to be addressed through extension programming. 2016 KIP Data revealed 30 day use of inhalants and OTC drugs with 10th graders dropped significantly from the 2014 KIP data report. Kentucky 10th grade youth surveyed reported three times the National average with smoking.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Livingston County families and individuals will increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, develop a healthier eating lifestyle, and spend food dollars more wisely. Clients will be able to manage and prevent the risk, debilitation, and premature death related to diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke and hypertension. The goal is to increase policies that address obesity, physical inactivity, and promotion of proper nutrition. The aging population will be more knowledgeable of ways to embrace aging, prevent falls, and recognize and treat signs of Alzheimers and dementia. Reduction of alcohol and drugs use among middle school and high school aged youth.

Intermediate Outcomes:

(A) use improved food preparation and food safety skills

(B) gain knowledge of developing healthy habits

(C) access quality nutritious foods while stretching food dollars

(D) increase physical activity in families and communities to decrease time spent on sedentary behaviors

(E) avoid abuse of drug & alcohol

Initial Outcomes:

(A) learn to incorporate unfamiliar foods or foods not currently eaten into a healthy diet

(B) increase knowledge and understanding of healthy eating, food safety, and food resource management

(C) look for ways to access more local foods

(D)learn to grow, prepare and preserve food

(E) Adult weight management practices

(F) Healthy aging and reduction of chronic disease

(G) Practice and promotion of daily physical activity

(H) Learn the consequences of drug & alcohol use

Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Obesity in school population will decrease, decreased drug use

Indicator: FRYSC information regarding child weight screening, annual SNAP report data, upcoming KIP data report

Method: Information gathered from the schools

Timeline: Yearly


Intermediate Outcome: Families start to change eating habits, Youth share experiences with others & stimulate discussion

Indicator: Survey

Method: distributed through extension, FRYSC, and 21st Century Grant after school programs, Truth & Consequences follow up survey

Timeline: bi-annually


Initial Outcome:

Number of individuals and families reached with information about improving nutrition and physical activity and food preparation and safety methods.

Indicators: Number of those who reported understanding the benefits of physical activity. Youth identify possible outcomes of drug & alcohol use.

Number of those who gained knowledge about eating healthy foods.

Number of children, youth and adults, who are inspired to make lifestyle changes.

Method: Class evaluations with survey and demonstration of methods.

Timeline: Immediately after completion of classes & event

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Community members/ volunteers/ clients

Project or Activity: Mental Health First Aid/ Youth and Adult

Content or Curriculum: Mental Health First Aid

Inputs: FCS, 4-H, and ANR agents

Date: Three times per year


Audience: Food Preservation Workshops

Project or Activity: Food Preservation Workshops

Content or Curriculum: Canning and food preservation curriculum

Inputs: FCS agent 

Date: Fall


Audience: Adults, producers, farmers, general audience

Project or Activity: Farm to Plate

Content or Curriculum: Extension specialists, agents, and beef producers

Inputs: ANR

Date: Spring


Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Choose to Lose Series

Content or Curriculum: Weight The Reality Series curriculum

Inputs: FCS agent

Date: annually


Audience: North Livingston Elementary School and South Livingston Elementary

Project: Wellness Day

Content or Curriculum: Extension publications and curriculum (Hygiene, Sun Care, Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, SNAP)

Input: 4-H, ANR, and FCS., and Livingston County Hospital


Audience: SNAP-ED Families

Project or Activity: Nutrition classes and individual classes

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Curriculum and social marketing items

Inputs: SNAP-ED assistant, FCS , 4-H, and PACS

Date: Monthly


Audience: High School Freshmen

Project or Activity: Truth & Consequences: The Choice is Yours

Content or Curriculum: 4-H FCS/ T&C Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H agent, FCS agent, Volunteers, community leaders, extension staff, FRSYC, MAPP

Date: Annually


Audience: 4-H Campers

Project or Activity: 4-H Summer Camp

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Health Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H agent, ANR, FCS, 4-H Youth, and Volunteers

Date: Summer


Audience: 4-H youth

Project or Activity: Summer Day Camps

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Health Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H agent, FCS agent, ANR,  4-H Youth, Volunteers

Date: Summer



Success Stories

A Splash of Success: Livingston County 4-H's Family Night at the Fair

Author: Sharee Schoonover

Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development

A Splash of Success: Livingston County 4-H's Family Night at the Fair

In Livingston County, fair week holds a special tradition called "Family Night." Hosted on Thursday night, this is a free event designed to bring families closer together while enjoying the fair's charm. Livingston County has not had a fair since 2015, and the community was excited to see its return.Livingston County 4-H helped make this night a success. They offered a giant slip 'n slide, a watermelon seed spitting contest, a pet show, free popsicles, and glowing fun with glow

Full Story

Spoilage to Sustainability

Author: Joni Phelps

Major Program: Food Preparation and Preservation

Livingston County, KY, had a rich agricultural heritage and a bountiful harvest season. However, many residents faced challenges when it came to preserving their surplus produce. Without proper knowledge and training, they struggled to store food effectively, resulting in wastage and financial loss. Additionally, the community lacked awareness of various preservation methods, thereby missing opportunities to enjoy fresh, homemade meals year-round. The program aimed to equip participants wit

Full Story

The Pasta-bilities are Endless after Learning how to Make Italian Food at Home

Author: Joni Phelps

Major Program: Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD): Developing Core Leadership Skills

Gatherings focused on learning about cooking, particularly Italian cuisine, hold profound significance beyond simply mastering culinary techniques. These gatherings foster a sense of community and connection, providing a platform for individuals to share cultural traditions and stories through the universal language of food. Exploring Italian cuisine, renowned for its rich history and diverse regional flavors, not only cultivates culinary skills but also deepens appreciation for cultural heritag

Full Story

Life Simplified Podcast

Author: Joni Phelps

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs are designed to reach audiences across the lifespan. Many individuals in the 20-50 age range need the skills taught by Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) agents, but do not attend traditional programming due to other commitments, life phases, or real or perceived stigma. To reach these individuals, FCS agents in Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins, and Livingston knew they must pivot and offer research-based in

Full Story
Back to the Program