Author: Ashley Board
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 37% of adults over the age of 65 are inactive. This increases as individuals age with approximately 42% of adults age 75 – 84 and approximately 57% of adults age 85 and older who are inactive. Physical inactivity leads to muscle weakness, as well as loss of flexibility and balance. Research shows that older adults who practice strength building exercises can increase muscle strength. Increased muscle stren
Author: Kenna Knight
Dietary choices are the No. 1 risk factor for chronic disease. In the United States, 7 out of the 10 leading causes of death are directly related to diet. This is largely because risk factors like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol are connected to the foods we eat. Food insecurity, or not having access to or the ability to afford nutritious food, is largely contributing to diet-sensitive chronic conditions. Because of the known health outcomes observed among children an
Author: Ola Donahue
Research provided by the USDA indicates scientists know that certain nutrients and other key chemical compounds are essential to human brain function. Serious deficiencies in some of these, such as vitamin B12 and iron, can lead to impaired cognitive function due to neurological, or nerve fiber, complications. Having a healthy mind is key to overall health and well-being. Emotional, psychological and social well-being affects how you think, feel and act. It works in unity with your bod
Author: Jennifer Bridge
The Buttermilk Falls Walking Trail is the most used trail in Meade County. This beautiful trail is surrounded by an abundance of flora and fauna as well as springs and waterways flowing into the nearby Ohio River. Walking and running conditions are ideal and many individuals spend hours on the trail individually or with their family. A local committee, which includes the local FCS agent, oversees the trail and works with the county parks department to maintain and expand
Author: Christy Stearns
Kentucky’s breast cancer incidence and mortality rates have been higher than the national average for several years. Preventative measures, including mammography screening, are better utilized in some areas of the state. Overall, 42% of Kentucky females participate in annual mammography screening compared to 31% in Clinton County (www.countyhealthrankings.org). To encourage participation in screening, Clinton County Extension offered a Breast Cancer Awareness event. 14 females attended the
Author: Joan Bowling
Author: Chasity Heck
According to the Community Assessment data for Harlan County, the community ranked youth life skills training opportunities among the top 15 needs for Harlan County. The Harlan County Jr. Homemaker Day Camp provided participants with an opportunity to enhance their youth life skills over the period of three days. Jr. Homemakers from across the county were encouraged to attend the camp. Youth were targeted between the ages of 8-14 years old. Current Jr. Homemaker members w
Author: Sonya Carter
According to the CDC, Kentucky is one of the states with the highest number of Alpha-Gal Syndrome cases in the United States. Hart County has numerous people who are diagnosed with AGS. The Hart County Family and Consumer Science Agent partnered with Hart County High School 21st Century program to offer an Alpha-gal information night. We had a guest speaker, Heather Shaw, speak to the community members at Hart County High School. The program was offered to anyone that wanted to attend. People fr
Author: Chelsea Workman
Health promotion programs have long focused on education about personal health behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use, diet, physical activity, and sleep. 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. To improve the health of people and communities, we need to have conversations about the variety of factors that influence
Author: Kelly Bland
In McLean County, a transformative Tai Chi program designed specifically for individuals with arthritis and balance concerns has brought together 12 enthusiastic participants over the age of 65. This initiative, aimed at enhancing physical well-being and improved mental health, has proven to be a resounding success. Each session, led by our FCS Extension Agent who is a certified instructor, focuses on gentle movements and mindful breathing techniques that not only improve balance and flexibility
Author: Anna Morgan
Osteoporosis, or low bone mass, affects about 1 in 10 people aged 50 or over in the United States (Healthy People 2030). Weak bones put people at high risk for fractures and serious health problems. It is a “costly and socioeconomic burden in all regions of the world,” according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. There is no cure for osteoporosis, but early screening, prevention, and some treatments can prevent or reduce fracture rates. To help reduce osteoporo
Author: Lora Pullin
Author: Jody Paver
All About Me!! “Spa Day” EventAugust 5, 2024Background and DataAs a Lincoln County Middle School teacher, before, during, and after COVID, it was very clear to Jody Paver and other educational professionals across Lincoln County the large number of students who have low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and many personal struggles which impact their success in the classroom, their social development, and quality of life itself. When everyone was wearing a mask, a protecti
Author: Brooke Hogancamp
According to the National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality (NICHQ), 31.6% of U.S. children ages 10-17 are considered obese or overweight; Kentucky ranks higher than the national average, with 37.1% (NICHQ 2023). One contributing factor to these statistics is the high amounts of sugar this age group is exposed to and consumes, often unknowingly.Sugar Sneakers is a program aimed at increasing awareness of sugar consumption, specifically the amount of added sugars people unknowing
Author: Sarah Drysdale
The River Region Professional Women’s Club (RRPWC) wanted to start a service project that would help young women in the four Mississippi River Counties, Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman counties. After conversations with the Family Resource Center Directors at all five school districts, there was a common concern: students throughout our area face barriers to accessing menstrual hygiene products and education. This product drive was a collaborative effort between local business profe
Author: Megan Gullett
Empowering Communities Through Homesteading SkillsIn a time when sustainable living and self-sufficiency have become more important than ever, a dedicated group of community educators in Russell County has taken on the mission of teaching essential homesteading skills. Their goal is to empower individuals and families to live more sustainably and independently, while also emphasizing the importance of food safety and nutrition. This initiative brought together 65 participants, including 15 men,
In August, a Homesteading series aimed at fostering self-sufficiency in Russell County attracted 65 participants, including 15 men. With homesteading growing in popularity locally as residents seek sustainable and efficient ways to manage their homes and farms, the need for practical knowledge is more pressing than ever. The series offered hands-on classes in making breakfast sausage, starting sourdough, building rain barrels, canning meat, and container/herb gardening. Survey results revealed a
Author: Cabrina Buckman
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) continues to be a public health epidemic across Kentucky. According to America’s Health Rankings, 14.8% of the adult population in Kentucky have diagnosed diabetes, which is higher than the national average at 11.5%. In addition, 1 in 3 adults have diagnosed or undiagnosed prediabetes, which equals approximately 1.1 million Kentucky adults at greater risk of developing T2D.Fortunately, support programs and education that focus on preparing healthy meals, living an act
