Success Stories - Kentucky Extension Reporting System

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Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Cooperative Extension Service

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Impacts

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Fiscal Year: 2025

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Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

WALKTober Participants Just Keep Logging Miles and Steps

Author: Dayna Fentress

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

fter 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,

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Spanning the Commonwealth and Common Issues with Big Blue Book Club

Author: Melinda McCulley

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Spanning the Commonwealth and Common Issues with Big Blue Book Club

RelevanceThe global pandemic profoundly changed the face of Extension programming. While the public health crisis taught us much about how to program remotely, one thing remained clear, clientele appreciate the convenience of remote programming, and it does effectively reach broad audiences with enhanced learner engagement. It also emphasized that adaptation is essential for remaining relevant to the ever-changing needs of our clientele. Additionally, Book Clubs are recognized as innovative educ

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Alpha-gal Syndrome: Addressing Kentucky's Growing Health Concern

Author: Melinda McCulley

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Alpha-gal Syndrome: Addressing Kentucky's Growing Health Concern

Relevance:  Although still considered "rare" compared to other medical issues in Kentucky, the state has one of the highest rates of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) in the U.S., with some counties reporting the highest cases per capita, according to the CDC. AGS develops in some individuals after being bitten by a lone star tick. There is no known treatment, but symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes. This includes eliminating exposure to the alpha-gal allergen

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Cultivating Health—One Farmer at a Time

Author: Kimberly Lane

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Cultivating Health—One Farmer at a Time

March may bring the promise of spring, but this year it also delivered a powerful message about colon health to a group that’s often overlooked: farmers. Recognizing the unique challenges in reaching agricultural workers with health services, the Extension office partnered with ARH and the Cancer Coalition to host a one-of-a-kind Health Fair for Farmers—a day rooted in awareness, accessibility, and action.The event, held at the Extension office and strategically aligned with the

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Creating a Community Game to Explore Social Determinants of Health

Author: Monica Mundy

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Title: Creating a Community Game to Explore Social Determinants of Health Relevance:  Social determinants—like housing, education, income, and access to healthcare—play a major role in shaping a person’s health. Yet, these factors are often overlooked or misunderstood by the public. In Kentucky, where health disparities are among the highest in the nation, it's critical to raise awareness in accessible, engaging, and relevant ways. Fo

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Walking Kentucky: A Step Toward Healthier Communities

Author: M. Elizabeth Coots

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are leading causes of death and disability in Kentucky. In Shelby County, only about 23% of adults meet recommended physical activity guidelines, contributing to elevated rates of obesity and related chronic conditions. These trends highlight the urgent need for accessible, community-based interventions that promote physical activity and mental well-being to prevent chronic disease and improve quality of life.To address these health c

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Food for Thought

Author: Tiffany Bolinger

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Obesity is a large problem for many children in the United States. Some of the reasons for this is families not having the resources for healthy food options, resources for an appropriate diet, and youth only wanting to eat food that they are familiar with. According to americashealthrankings.org, there is a 33.3% obesity rate for Kentucky’s youth ages 10-17 putting Kentucky in 38th ranking. Through Extension, we want to help promote healthy living and have youth learn to thrive in their l

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Living with Alpha-gal Syndrome Webinar

Author: Lorie Adams

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Describe the Issue or SituationWhile still considered “rare” relative to other medical issues in the state, Kentucky is one of the states with the most cases of alpha-gal syndrome in the US, according to the CDC, with some Kentucky counties presenting the highest cases per capita in the country. This condition is developed in some people after a bit from a lone star tick. There is no known treatment for alpha-gal syndrome. Instead, lifestyle changes can be made that help manage and r

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Nutrition Bingocize®

Author: Lorie Adams

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Describe the Issue or SituationBingocize® 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, in

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Alpha-gal Syndrome: Addressing Kentucky’s Growing Health Concern

Author: Hannah Tiffin

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Relevance:  Although still considered "rare" compared to other medical issues in Kentucky, the state has one of the highest rates of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) in the U.S., with some counties reporting the highest cases per capita, according to the CDC. AGS develops in some individuals after being bitten by a lone star tick. There is no known treatment, but symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes. This includes eliminating exposure to the alpha-gal allergen

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Walk Your Way

Author: Brandy Napier

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Clay County, Kentucky faces persistent health challenges that call for targeted, community-based solutions. In 2022, the county recorded 3,899 preventable hospital stays and 16,700 premature deaths—clear indicators of serious gaps in preventive care and chronic disease management. Self-reported data show 30% of residents rate their physical health as “poor to fair.”  The burden of chronic conditions is high: 38% of residents are obese; 18% of adults have diabetes; 48% have

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Strengthening Families Through Health Knowledge: Updating the Health & Safety Organizer

Author: Monica Mundy

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Relevance:Knowing your family's health history can help prevent disease and support lifelong wellness—but many families don’t know where to begin. In Kentucky, only 12% of adults are considered proficient in health literacy, which can lead to missed screenings, mismanaged conditions, and confusion during medical emergencies. At the same time, nearly one in three Kentuckians have reported delaying care due to lack of information or preparedness. Additionally, Kentucky ranks among

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Lose to Win

Author: Chasity Heck

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

According to Kentucky by the Numbers Data 45.3% of Harlan County adults over the age of 18 have a BMI greater than or equal to 30, and 14.0% of Harlan County adults over the age of 20 have a diagnosis of diabetes.  39.6% of Harlan County adults over the age of 18 reported having no leisure-time activity.  To help combat these issues the Harlan County FCS agent implemented a 10-session program held at the Harlan County Extension Depot.  11 participants attended “Lose to Win&r

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Pathways to Wellness

Author: Whitney Morrow

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Health promotion programs have long focused on education about personal health behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and physical activity. Health behaviors play an important role in health, but they are not the whole story. The conditions in the environments where people live, work, learn, and play have an even greater influence on the quality and number of years of life. These conditions include social and environmental factors such as housing, access to and quality of health care, edu

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Travel Safety Tips

Author: Monica Mundy

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Title: Travel Safety TipsRelevance: With the rise in both domestic and international family travel, it's more important than ever to equip community members with practical safety knowledge. According to the U.S. Travel Association, over 2.3 billion domestic trips were taken in the United States in 2023, and more than 62 million Americans traveled internationally. In Kentucky, over 75% of residents report taking at least one leisure trip per year, with most traveling by car to nearby sta

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Laugh & Learn

Author: Heather Toombs

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Improving Kindergarten Readiness Through Play and PartnershipIn Kentucky, only 48% of children entering kindergarten are adequately prepared to succeed. In many counties, limited access to resources and supportive environments can hinder healthy early childhood development and physical activity.To address this challenge locally, the Oldham County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent launched an innovative partnership with Crestwood Elementary, Centerfield Elementary, and Covenant Preschool to offe

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Move Your Way with Bingocize - Ft. Harrod Area

Author: Carla Carter

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Move Your Way with Bingocize - Ft. Harrod Area

Ft. Harrod Area FCS Agents demonstrate a balancing exercise with the Move Your Way with Bingocize program.The Fort Harrod Area Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents successfully implemented the Move Your Way with Bingocize program, a unique blend of physical activity education, Bingocize® exercises, and the classic game of bingo. This program aimed to promote the importance of daily movement and nutrition in a fun and engaging environment.Participants were introduced to the three mai

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Walk Your Way: Inspiring Health through Movement

Author: Angie York

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Describe the Issue or Situation.Low physical activity levels, poor nutrition, and mental health challenges are known contributors to chronic diseases—and they continue to be major public health concerns. According to America’s Health Rankings, Kentucky ranks among the least physically active states.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).In response, Family and Consumer Sciences Agents in the Pennyrile Area launched Walk Your Way, a 12-week

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Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
S107 Ag. Science Center North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
+1 (859) 257-4302

© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment