Grant County CES

Title:

Improving Physically and Mentally

MAP:

Improving Lifestyle Decisions

Agents Involved:

Conkwright, Ammerman, McFarland

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Active Living and Health Promotions General

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Nutrition and Food Systems General

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Leadership

Situation:

The obesity epidemic threatens the quality and years of life of Kentuckians. Obese individuals are at an 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. 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. Between 2006-2012 in Grant County: 31.2% (44.4%-20.4%) of adults reported having been diagnosed with high blood pressure and 26.6% (36.1%-18.8%) of adults reported fair or poor health.

Another epidemic hitting Grant County is substance abuse. In 2020 there were 17 deaths in Grant County attributed to overdose, and three Neighboring counties are in the top 5 counties with the highest amount of overdoses. This is a growing issue that has to be addressed in order to bring awareness and eventually decrease the amount of substance abuse

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Routinely meeting physical activity and dietary recommendations that promote health and wellness (e.g. 150 minutes a week of moderate activity and consuming recommended daily fruits and vegetables)
• Community environment promotes healthy behaviors where people live, learn, work, and play
• Reduce the rate of chronic disease and obesity

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Generate positive attitudes toward changing lifestyle choices to be more healthy
• Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods
• Improve self-efficacy in physical activity, movement, and active routes to destinations 
• Decrease tobacco/ substance use

Initial Outcomes:

• Increase awareness about lifestyle choices and chronic disease (e.g. tobacco use, poor nutrition, & lack of physical activity) 
• Increase confidence in ability to employ healthy practices 
• Improve food and nutrition-related skills (e.g. preparation techniques, safe food handling)
• Increase motivation to be active
• Increase awareness of accessible safe places for activity 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Knowledge Gained

Indicator: Participants are able to recognize the difference between good and bad habits

Method: Written or Oral Evaluation, Pre and Post Test

Timeline: Immediate

Intermediate Outcome: Behavior Change

Indicator: Making the choice to practice good behaviors including eating nutritious foods, increasing physical activity, avoiding substance abuse, etc.

Method: Oral and Written Evaluations, Pre and Post Tests.

Timeline: 1-3 Years

Long-term Outcome: Changes in the health and lifestyles of Grant County residents

Indicator: Lower obesity rates, higher life longevity, and increased physical activity

Method: Noticeable changes in census data, health organizations data, and policy changes that promote healthy lifestyles and that address substance abuse.

Timeline: 10 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Grant County Citizens of all ages

Project or Activity: Hometown Health Challenge

Content or Curriculum: Various programs

Inputs: Agents, Snap Assistant, program assistants, community partners, FFLAG

Date: April 2025

Audience: 3rd – 8th graders

Project or Activity: 4-H Boot Camp

Content or Curriculum: Various programs

Inputs: Agents, volunteers, schools

Date: October 2024 – April 2025

Audience: 3rd – 5th graders

Project or Activity: 4-H Fun, Fitness & Food Afterschool program

Content or Curriculum: Various programs

Inputs: Agents, Snap Assistant, program assistants, community partners, FFLAG

Date: Fall 2024- Spring 2025

Audience: 3rd – 5th graders

Project or Activity: Fitness Club

Content or Curriculum: Various programs

Inputs: Agents, Snap Assistant, program assistants, community partners, FFLAG

Date: January 2025

Audience: adults

Project or Activity: Food Preservation

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications

Inputs: Agents, farmers market, curriculum

Date: Summer 2024 & 25

Audience: Preschool

Project or Activity: LEAP

Content or Curriculum: LEAP

Inputs: Agents, assistants, curriculum

Date: 2024-2025 School year

Audience: 5th Grade Students

Project or Activity: Recipes for Life

Content or Curriculum: Recipes for Life

Inputs: Agents, assistants, volunteers, schools, and curriculum

Date: Spring 2025

Audience: adults

Project or Activity: Cook Through the Calendar

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications, SNAP Calendar

Inputs: Agents, farmers market, curriculum

Date: Year Round