Author: Dayna Fentress
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
After noticing that trails and physical activity events seem to slow down after school goes back in session, and then again once fall season hits, the Family and Consumer Sciences program in Hardin County wanted to promote walking past traditional "summer" hours in 2019. That started the WALKtober challenge. The intent was to encourage individuals to continue getting their normal "summer" steps in throughout fall, or more. This event has since grown into it's third annual
Author: Andrea Slone
In 2019, the Floyd County Farmers’ Market became eligible to accept the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Vouchers. The Floyd County Extension Office became the distributor for this program and has continued through 2024 with the Family & Consumer Science and SNAP-ed Nutrition Education Program. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides redeemable vouchers for fresh, unprocesse
Author: Cheryl Witt
RelevanceAccording to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2017, Kentucky (KY) agriculture had the highest number of fatalities in all work sectors (U.S. Bureau of Labor, 2017). While the number of fatalities and injuries has decreased in KY, it remains that agriculture is a dangerous occupation and there are health and safety risk factors unique to working and living on a farm. In Kentucky, 95% of the farms are small family farms that are not required to be monitored by the Occupati
Author: Angie York
Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging. He created the socially engaging group-based game that combines health education and exercise in the format of BINGO. Dr. Crandall and his research team have tested the program and demonstrated that over 90% of older adults who played two times a week for 10 weeks significantly improved physical, social and mental health. Dr. Crandall trained 60 UK FCS extension a
Author: Jane Proctor
As of August 30, 2023, Kentucky has the sixth-highest obesity rate in the U.S., with 48.78% of its population affected. The state ranks second in obesity rates among adult men and 18th among adult women. Additionally, Kentucky is among the top seven states for physical inactivity, with 32% of residents not engaging in regular exercise. Research indicates that adopting healthy eating habits and regular physical activity can promote overall health and reduce chronic diseases.To tackle these challe
Author: Hazel Jackson
The problem Research Shows the 24% of Americans aged 65 and older are socially isolated and 43% of adults aged 60 and older report feeling lonely. Loneliness is associated with a 40% increase in a person's risk for dementia, a higher risk for depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and a weakened immune system. Loneliness and social health are considered global health issues due to the detrimental impact on physical and mental health. According
Author: Heather Toombs
In 2023 Homemakers selected this topic for one of their Homemaker Leader Lessons for 2023-2024 Community members return to their busy schedules after COVID-19. As Oldham County struggles with less time at home Time Well Spent was a topic of interest. The lesson focused on identifying 3 skills, solutions, and ways to improve organization and planning at home or work.Homemakers selected this topic for one of their Homemaker Leader Lessons for 2023-202415 participants completed th
Author: Ruth Chowning
Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging. He created the socially engaging group-based game that combines health education and exercise in the format of BINGO. Dr. Crandall and his research team have tested the program and demonstrated that older adults who play two times a week for 10 weeks significantly reduce the fear of falling, increase levels of physical activity, and decrease feelings of socia
Regular physical activity and good mental health are essential for preventing chronic diseases. These are serious public health concerns that require effective interventions to encourage positive behavior change. Walking Kentucky is a community campaign designed to increase physical activity and promote health awareness in Kentucky. You don't need any special equipment or location to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. By joining Walking Kentucky, participants are given th
Author: Karen Denniston
“Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries. Farmers are at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries; and farming is one of the few industries in which family members who often share the work and live on the premises, are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. According to CDC statistics, over 100 children are killed on farms each year in the United States. The Bourbon County Extension Office including the Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Ho
Farmer Heart 2 Heart: Cultivating Healthy Hearts in Our Farming CommunityIn the middle of National Heart Health Month, amidst the bustling atmosphere of an annual farm machinery auction at the fairgrounds, a unique initiative took place aiming to improve the wellbeing of farmers. Cardiovascular disease is a group of health conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 deaths that happen in the U.S. every yea
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Spencer County, being a rural area with limited access to healthcare facilities, can benefit greatly from awareness of available free or low-cost health resources. After participating in a lesson on the Pathways to Wellness program, the Spencer County Family Consumer Sciences Council developed a community resource day to educate the community about how local resources can help improve access to essential healthcare services. The Wellness Day event took place at the Spencer County Extension Offic
Author: Lynnette Allen
According to Kentucky County Health Rankings, the Breckinridge County health facts reflect 42% adults are obese, 31% report a lack of physical activity, and in the Kentucky 13.8% adults have diabetes. In a continued effort to increase awareness and improve individual wellness, the Breckinridge County Extension Service Family and Consumer Science program host and facilitate a monthly support group meeting to provide educational learning and support for families living with diabetes. The mont
Author: Lorie Adams
Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging. He created the socially engaging group-based game that combines health education and exercise in the format of BINGO. Dr. Crandall and his research team have tested the program and demonstrated that older adults who play two times a week for 10-weeks significantly reduce the fear of falling, increase levels of physical activity, and decrease feelings of socia
Author: Jody Paver
Lincoln County FCS Plays Bingocize® Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging. He created the socially engaging group-based game that combines health education and exercise in the format of BINGO. Dr. Crandall and his research team have tested the program and demonstrated that older adults who play two times a week for 10-weeks significantly reduce the fear of falling, increa
Hustonville Elementary Healthy Body Challenge Success StoryLow levels of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, and poor mental health are all determinants of several chronic diseases. These behaviors are now considered major public health concerns and require effective behavior change interventions. The Couch Potato Challenge is a personal goal setting and encouragement campaign to increase physical activity and health awareness in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Building physical activity
Lincoln County Couch Potato ChallengeLow levels of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, and poor mental health are all determinants of several chronic diseases. These behaviors are now considered major public health concerns and require effective behaviour change interventions. The Couch Potato Challenge is a personal goal setting and encouragement campaign to increase physical activity and health awareness in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Building physical activity into the day does not
Author: Jennifer Bridge
As programs expand, the need for trained volunteers is key to longevity and success. To increase the number of programs related to health and wellness, extension specialist adapted an ambassador program from a partner land-grant university. Meade County was selected as one of fifteen pilot programs to implement the program on the local level. The ambassador program requires those interested to complete a questionnaire, go through volunteer screening and a background check
