Extension
It Starts With Us
Improving Physically and Mentally
Improving Lifestyle Decisions
Conkwright, Ammerman, McFarland
Active Living and Health Promotions General
Nutrition and Food Systems General
Local Food Systems
Leadership
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
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
