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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2025

Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

Bingo for Balance: How Bingocize Helps Prevent Falls

Author: Rosa Smith

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Describe the Issue or Situation.Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence among older adults. In rural communities, factors such as limited access to preventive health programs, chronic illness, and social isolation further increase fall risk. Many older adults and their families are unaware of the simple steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of falls through education, exercise, and home modifications.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partn

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Spring into Health, Health Fair

Author: Laura-Grace Vincent

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Spring into Health, Health Fair

According to the Kentucky Department of Public Health, diabetes prevalence has doubled from 2000 to 2018 from 6.5% of adults to 13.7% of Kentucky adults. This rate is also higher than the national average (10.5%), with Kentucky exhibiting the 4th highest mortality rate from diabetes in the U.S. Certain parts of Kentucky experience higher adult rates of diabetes. For example, Appalachian Kentucky counties exhibit a diagnosed diabetes rate of 17% compared to 12% in non-Appalachian Kentucky countie

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Spring Into Green: Cultivating a Community of Sustainable Living

Author: Anna Morgan

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

The "Spring into Green: Sustainable Living" seminar held on March 17, 2025, proved to be a resounding success, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability among its participants and inspiring tangible actions towards a greener lifestyle.Participant Engagement and Knowledge Gains:The seminar attracted a diverse audience, with a significant portion (47) being individuals aged 65 and over, demonstrating the program's appeal across generations. Notably, for many attendees (29),

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Diabetes Workshop

Author: Kennedy Hannah

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Diabetes Workshop

Diabetes is a significant and growing health issue in Kentucky. 14% of adults are diagnosed with the disease, and an additional 14% are living with prediabetes. Approximately 486,000 Kentuckians have diabetes.  Often times this can lead to an increase in type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Diabetes has come with its financial burden on the state with direct medical costs, loss of productivity, and other related expenses.  The Fayette County Diabetes Coalition hosted a diabetes

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Spring Into Green: Sustainable Living Edition

Author: Sarah Drysdale

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Sustainable living can benefit citizens financially, environmentally, and provide for a healthier planet for future generations. The goal of 'Spring into Green: Sustainable Living Edition' is to share what sustainable living is, why it matters, and how to start living more sustainably. The event was hosted by the Purchase Area Family & Consumer Sciences agents and took place in Marshall County.The 2025 Spring into Green workshop hosted presenters who shared information on topics of u

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KEHA Plays Pickleball

Author: Tara Duty

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

KEHA Plays Pickleball

Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in America over the last two years, according to many sources such as Pickleball Player; Pickleball, USA; and the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. It has grown in popularity because most ages, body types, and skill levels can play. It is an easy, affordable, accessible, fun, social, and friendly game that combines features of badminton, ping-pong, and tennis. It is played with a large paddle and plastic ball on an indoor or outdoor court simi

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Lead to Read

Author: Rachel Hance

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Youth need opportunities to develop social skills, civic and leadership skills, create strong connections with caring adults, have access to safe places to interact with their peers, and support services to allow them to become more independent adults (Blank, M.J., 2017). The past few years the Logan County Cooperative Extension Service has offered the Lead to Read program at our elementary schools partnering with the school FRYSC and classroom teachers.  The program is planned by the

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Sweet Summertime at the Farmer's Market

Author: Rachel Hance

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

For the past few years, our extension staff has hosted a community event to educate and invite our clients to the farmer's market.  This year's event was Sweet Summertime at the Farmer's Market.  The goal of the event is to provide family friendly incentives to youth that encourages families to get active together as well as to introduce the youth to the farmer's market and what they can find and how they can benefit from the farmer's market.  An additional ben

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Gardening Safely

Author: Deborah Shepherd

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Gardening as an activity has many potential health benefits, from the physical activity component to exposure of fresh air and sunlight, as well as the satisfaction of growing food and plants.  However, more than 400,00 people visit emergency rooms each year for injuries related to outdoor garden tools, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. There are steps a person can take to get the benefits of gardening, while also staying safe.Gardening Safely promoted gardening as a form

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D-Clutter It, Clean-It, Organize It

Author: Deborah Messenger

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

"De-Clutter It, Clean It, Organize It" was a program implemented by request of the Burkesville Housing Authority to address issues related to healthy homes among its residents. Chief complaints of the maintenance staff supervisor that was in charge of quarterly home inspections was the continued presence of cockroaches in homes. These homes were regularly treated for bugs and insects, however continued clutter and lack of cleaning/disinfecting worked against the efforts of the treatmen

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Self-Defense

Author: Laken Campbell

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Self-Defense 2024Describe the Issue or Situation: In today’s world, personal safety and self-defense skills are becoming increasingly important, especially in communities with limited access to such education. Many individuals, regardless of age, feel the need to learn practical techniques to protect themselves in various situations. However, many community members, including youth, are unaware of available resources that can provide this critical knowledge.Describe the Outreach or Ed

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Gardening Safely

Author: Heather Toombs

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Describe the Issue or Situation.Gardening is a popular hobby; while there are many health benefits, there are risks.  More than 400,000 people end up in the emergency room due to garden tool-related injuries according to the Consumer Safety Commission.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable). Oldham County Extension Family Consumer Science Agent partnered with Yew Dell Botanical Gardens to teach their members and community members a Gardening Safel

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Spring into Green: Sustainable Living Edition

Author: Vicki Wynn

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Sustainable living can benefit citizens financially, environmentally, and provide for a healthier planet for future generations. The goal of 'Spring into Green: Sustainable Living Edition' is to share what sustainable living is, why it matters, and how to start living more sustainably. The event was hosted by the Purchase Area Family & Consumer Sciences agents and took place in Marshall County.The 2025 Spring into Green workshop hosted presenters who shared information on topics of u

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BINGOCIZE

Author: Christa O'Cull

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Describe the Issue or Situation.BINGOCIZE Fall Prevention Program - held at Lewis County Senior CenterDescribe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).This program is a collaboration of University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University.  The senior center is always so appreciative when extension services brings a program to their site.Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.23 people including 3 males and 20 females (all

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Understanding Diabetes

Author: Delaney Eubanks

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

In 2023, over 482,000 Kentucky adults were diagnosed with diabetes. CDC research has shown that 29% of diabetes cases are undiagnosed, meaning 139,780 additional adults are undiagnosed. Recognizing the sympotms of diabetes, how diabetes works, and how to prevent and treat diabetes can help indivuduals. Jackson County FCS Agent Delaney Eubanks presented the program Understanding Diabetes to thirty-three Wilderness Trail Area Homemaker Club Leaders. Out of thirty-three participants, 100% were able

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Make your Home a Healthier Home

Author: Diane Mason

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Make Your Home a Healthier HomeThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that humans spend 90% of their time indoors; in homes, schools, workplaces, places of worship, or gyms. Research shows that indoor air pollution is increasing. Our air quality is affected by chemicals, gases, and particles from products used or naturally found inside buildings, inadequate ventilation, and moisture and humidity problems. Homes are the most likely place people are exposed to indoor air pollution.To

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Living Well

Author: Krista Perry

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

As individuals age, maintaining balance, coordination, and mobility can become more challenging, especially when they aren't consistently active, leading to a higher risk of falls and accidents. To address the rising number of falls among seniors, the Living Well program was created in Henry County and continues to expand each year. This program is specifically designed to enhance seniors' quality of life by focusing on balance, coordination, and fall prevention, with an overarching goal

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Hiking Club

Author: Kenna Knight

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

The PENco Hiking Club has quickly become a cornerstone of community engagement, fostering wellness, friendship, and environmental stewardship. What began as a simple initiative to encourage locals to explore nearby trails has grown into a dynamic, collaborative program that brings together residents from across Pendleton County. Through the joint efforts of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), and 4-H, the club has cultivated a space where individuals of a

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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