Author: Tiffany Bolinger
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
Author: David Hull
Movement. As a society, we're always being told that we need more "movement" in our daily lives. And while it's true that adults and children will certainly benefit from moving more, wouldn't it be nice if an educational component could be added to this activity?Outdoor Recreation was identified as a major area of programming for the Gallatin County Extension Service. And as such, we have offered several opportunities for Gallatin County residents to not only increase physi
Author: Natalie Taul
Health promotion programs have long focused on education about personal health behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and physical activity. Personal behaviors have an important role in health, but they are not the whole story. The conditions in which people live, work, learn, and play have an even greater influence on one’s quantity and quality of life. These conditions include social and environmental factors such as housing, access to and quality of health care, education, social
Author: Leah VanMeter
In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory on the “Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation in the United States”. The advisory called attention to the negative impacts of loneliness and isolation on our health- mental, physical, and societal. The advisory also highlighted the fact that loneliness and lack of connection increased the risk of mental health challenges and the risk for premature death increases to a level comparable to daily smoking. (https://www.hhs.gov/abo
Author: Jordan Crain
According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Radon gets into the air you breathe through cracks, crevices and openings in the foundation. Radon gas is not visible and has no odor or taste. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, estimated to cause thousands of deaths annually. All of Barren County is considered to be in the Danger
The Barren County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences offered a newsletter-based walking program designed for individuals who have not previously been physically active or who have not been physically active in a long time. The Couch Potato Challenge started January 1st. Those participating received weekly newsletters for a total of 12 weeks. This was a way to help individuals stay motivated and encouraged during the winter months. In addition to the weekly newsletters, the agent ma
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
Author: Joni Phelps
Author: Carolina Robles
The problem: Immigrant Farmers lack nutrition and overall health knowledge. They are living in a new place and do not know the nutrition and dietary guidelines in the US. Another issue is that in the US we have 3 major health problems that arise from our diet, Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Obesity. These three are risks are prevalent in the US due to common food practices. There was a total of 28 participants and over 5 different languages spoken, with interpreters present, and it lasted for 2 ho
Author: Karen Denniston
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: Christy Stearns
Physical inactivity is a contributing factor to the 41% adult obesity rate in Clinton County (2024 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps). Simple physical activity for families that doesn’t feel like strenuous exercise can be the starting place for the development of healthier lifestyle choices. The Clinton County Extension Office sponsored its annual Pumpkin Walk event to create an awareness of physical activity opportunities and other health resources available in the community
Author: Shelley Meyer
The problemElderly individuals struggle receiving the recommended amount of daily exercise. Many attribute aches and pain to their demise of movement while others claim it is hard to stay motivated for physical activity on their own. The educational program responseBingocize is a research-based program that mixes light exercise, education, and bingo in fun hour-long sessions that extend throughout 20 interactions. Harrison County, Kentucky has participated in two Bingocize opportunities uti
Author: Sarah Congleton
In the United States alone, nearly 1600 lives PER DAY are lost due to no AED being readily available. Virtually anyone with a heart (most of the population) could suffer from SCA (sudden cardiac arrest). Risk is not just limited to the elderly or obese. Young, fit people with no symptoms suffer at a lower rate but are susceptible all the same. The Montgomery County Extension Council reached out to the Fire Department to inquire if this were an issue locally and it was. Most businesses and o
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
The problemSurvey questions.Today, have you learned something that will help you be healthier? 27 yes 0 noDid you learn more about the health resources available to you? 27 yes 0 noWhat did you enjoy today? What would you add or change to make Wellness Day better for you. comments:people are friendly and helpfullearned a lotgreat experiencegreat resourcesI loved the amount of vendorsgreat resour
Author: Judy Vaughn
Heart Health Lunch and LearnI presented a Heart Healthy Lunch and Learn for the clients in Estill County in conjunction with February being heart health month. Cardiovascular is the number one cause of death in the United States despite in most cases being preventable. Making smart healthy choices, such as exercise, diet, and being tobacco free, is the best way to prevent cardiovascular disease. Twenty-one people participated in the program and enjoyed a heart healthy meal of V
Author: Alethea Price
Family and Consumer Sciences Extension encourages families to make proactive choices to improve individual health and well-being, whether choosing a low fat, nutritious diet, increasing health literacy for chronic disease prevention, or participating in regular physical activity. Recipe Club is a monthly mailing that addresses health and wellbeing, how to eat a nutritious diet, increasing health literacy while promoting chronic disease prevention.Each month the FCS program area sends the Recipe
Author: Lora Davidson
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: Jody Paver
The Lincoln County Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences collaborated with KEHA leaders to offer the Healthy Homemakers series to a total of 35 participants.100 percent of participants identified the effects of stress on the body. 100 percent of participants examined the different causes of stress in their lives and how to manage them. A follow-up evaluation revealed that 93 percent of participants have worked to decrease stress in their lives.