Extension
It Starts With Us
Encouraging the Adoption of Healthy Lifestyles and Health Maintenance
Health and Wellness
Davidson, Easley, Williams
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery General
Food Preparation and Preservation
Nutrition and Food Systems General
Active Living and Health Promotions General
The obesity epidemic threatens the quality and years of life of Kentuckians. The obesity rate in Kentucky increased 90 percent over the last 15 years and thirty percent of individuals in the Commonwealth report no leisure-time physical activity. These individuals are at an increased risk for many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers. Increased consumption of unhealthy food, stress, and built environments that promote physical inactivity are largely responsible for the obesity epidemic. As a result, Kentuckians, including youth, 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. Besides high obesity rates, Kentucky youth are also facing high rates of substance abuse, bullying and safety concerns. Early substance use in childhood/adolescence affects later drug use.
- the prevention and/or reduction of substance use and its related consequences
- routinely meeting physical activity and dietary recommendations that promote health and wellness
- reduce the rate of chronic disease and obesity
- increased access to healthy food via local farmers market, food retailers and/or home gardens
- generate positive attitudes toward changing lifestyle choices and dietary decisions to be more healthy
- reduce stigma on substance abuse from local community members
- employ healthful cooking methods, feeding practices, and food preservation techniques
- improve food and nutrition-related skills (i.e. gardening, preparation, and preservation techniques, and safe food handling)
- increase awareness about lifestyle choices and chronic disease
- increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction and recovery
Initial Outcome: Participants will gain knowledge of healthy lifestyle choices.
Indicator: Individuals, families and groups will invest time and resources in delivering the programs
Method: survey
Timeline: July - June
Intermediate Outcome: Participants will make healthier food choices and increase the amount of physical activity in their lives.
Indicator: Behavioral changes will lead to improvement in the quality of life.
Method: pre-post test evaluation
Timeline: July-June
Long-term Outcome: Community health and economy is strengthened through efforts of local leadership
Indicator: There will be a measurable decline in obesity, chronic disease and substance use among citizens in Laurel County.
Method: Number of local policy changes as a result of Extension programs
Timeline: July-June
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Healthy Foods, Cooking and Food Preservation
Content or Curriculum: Teen Cuisine, Put it Up, Cooking 101, microwave cooking
Inputs: 4-H Agents, 4-H assistant, volunteers
Date: Summer, Fall
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H School Programs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum
Inputs: 4-H agents, 4-H assistants, volunteers, local schools
Date: September-May
Audience: General public
Project or Activity: Cook Together, Eat Together
Content or Curriculum: FCS Curriculum
Inputs: FCS agent, EFNEP, state FCS specialists, Laurel Harvest Project
Date: Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
Audience: SNAP eligible audiences
Project or Activity: EFNEP
Content or Curriculum: NEP curriculum
Inputs: FCS Agent, EFNEP, state NEP
Date: ongoing
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Holiday Cooking School
Content or Curriculum: FCS curriculum
Inputs: Extension Agents and Local Organizations
Date: November
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Small Steps to Health and Wealth
Content or Curriculum: SSHW
Inputs: FCS
Date: January - June
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Food Preservation Programs
Content or Curriculum: FCS Curriculum
Inputs: FCS Agent
Date: Summer
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Farmers Feast
Content or Curriculum: Plate it Up KY
Inputs: Extension Agents, God's Pantry Food Bank, Farmers Market, Cattlemans Association
Date: August
Audience: Low-income family
Project or Activity: WIC FMNP
Content or Curriculum: KDA
Inputs: Extension Agents, Farmers Market, Health Department
Date July-Oct.
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity; Victory Garden
Content or Curriculum: KDA, UK
Inputs: Extension Agents, Community Garden
Date June-Oct.
Audience: Youth, General Public
Project or Activity: To Go Bags
Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Pubs
Inputs: Extension Agents, Staff
Date: Quarterly
Audience: Senior Citizens
Project or Activity: Senior Farmer Market Vouchers
Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Pubs
Inputs: FCS Agent, Staff
Date: Summer
Audience: Senior Citizens
Project or Activity: Bingocize
Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Pubs, WKU Bingocize Program
Inputs: FCS Agent
Date: ongoing
Audience: Youth, General Public
Project or Activity: Storybook Walk
Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Pubs
Inputs: FCS Agent, Staff, Community Volunteers
Date: Spring
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Cooking Through the Calendar
Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Pub
Inputs: FCS Agent, Staff
Date: Monthly
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Laugh & Learn
Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Pubs, UK Curriculum
Inputs: FCS Agent, Staff
Date: Monthly
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Clubs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum
Inputs: 4-H agents, 4-H assistants, volunteers
Date: Monthly
Author: Lora Davidson
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
During the holiday season, we acknowledge the significance of cooking, nutrition, and food storage in this time of year. In London, KY, the Wilderness Trail Area organized a Holiday Cooking School. The event focused on educating participants in Food Safety & Preservation, featuring instruction from the UK Food Safety and Preservation specialist, Annhall Norris and Stuarto's Olive Oil company conducted food demonstrations which worked alongside the UK Curriculum "Savor the Flavor.&qu
Author: Lora Davidson
Major Program: Aging-General
Jabez Quilt Seminar – An Opportunity for ConnectionResearch shows that 24 percent of Americans aged 65 and older are socially isolated, and 43 percent of adults aged 60 and older report feeling lonely. Loneliness is associated with a 40 percent increase in a person’s risk of dementia, a higher risk for depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and a weakened immune system. Loneliness and social health are considered global public health issues due to their d
Author: Steven Mobley
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Obesity continues to be an epidemic that threatens the lifespan and quality of life of Kentuckians. Increased consumption of unhealthy food, stress, and environments that promote inactivity are largely responsible for the obesity epidemic. The Laurel County Extension Office hosted a Cook Wild Kentucky workshop featuring locally sourced fresh fish to encourage healthier food choices and cooking methods. Varieties included locally caught large-mouth bass, spotted bass, and c
Author: Lora Davidson
Major Program: Substance Use and Mental Health - FCS
Dexterity and memory are crucial for seniors as they directly impact daily living and overall quality of life. Enhanced dexterity aids in maintaining independence by improving the ability to perform everyday tasks, while strong memory function supports cognitive health and social engagement. Engaging in activities that stimulate both fine motor skills and cognitive abilities can significantly contribute to healthy aging, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and promoting mental and physical we
