Success StoryLiving With Arthritis



Living With Arthritis

Author: Judy Vaughn

Planning Unit: Estill County CES

Major Program: Aging-General

Plan of Work: Health and Wellness

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Arthritis is the leading cause of working disability among adults according to the CDC.  There are over one hundred different variations of arthritis and is often accompanied by other chronic conditions.  Arthritis affects all ages and genders but is most common in women.  According to America’s Health Rankings Annual Report for 2021, 32.2% of Kentucky residents report a diagnosis of Arthritis. 

A cure for arthritis has not been found but it can be managed with treatment and lifestyle changes.   A request was made to the Family and Consumer agent in Estill County for a class on managing arthritis.  The Family and Consumer agent presented a Lunch and Learn Living with Arthritis to fill this request.  

The Lunch and Learn included a meal of slow-roasted salmon, black bean and quinoa salad, roasted vegetables, and a fruit salad with honey and mint.  The food was an example of arthritis friendly meal, which was also easy to prepare for someone suffering from arthritis.  My Plate was also included in the presentation as an example of healthy eating.

The lesson included information on the most common types of arthritis and other chronic conditions that may accompany arthritis. Available treatment plans were also discussed.  The lesson also had exercise suggestions, lifestyle changes, and additional scientific resources for participates information.

Seven participants attended the Lunch and Learn, and one person was presented the meals and lesson as a pick-up due to illness.  One person later received the packet of information on the lesson because they were unable to attend.  One hundred percent of the participants surveyed stated that they improved knowledge regarding life span behavior and decisions that affect health and well-being (such as enhanced knowledge of: positive attitude, smart and healthy eating, physical activity, mental activity, meaningful social connections, tuning-in to the times, safety, health numbers, stress management, sleep, and taking personal time). Six of the participants poled reported intentions to improve healthy lifestyles and behaviors (including enhanced positive attitude, smart and healthy eating, physical activity, mental activity, meaningful social connections, tuning-in to the times, safety, health numbers, stress management, sleep, and taking personal time).  One participant stated, “I really enjoyed the program and learned a lot about arthritis, and I really enjoyed the meal.”






Stories by Judy Vaughn


Living With Arthritis

about 2 years ago by Judy Vaughn

Arthritis is the leading cause of working disability among adults according to the CDC. There are ov... Read More


Charcuterie Board

about 2 years ago by Judy Vaughn

February 8, 2022Covid numbers are on the decline and people are beginning to gather for parties and ... Read More


Stories by Estill County CES


Ten Estill County Youth receive Champion Ribbons at 2021 Kentucky State Fair

Ten Estill County Youth receive Champion Ribbons at 2021 Kentucky State Fair

about 2 years ago by Taylor Miles

Photo: The Estill County 4-H display of the youths 4-H projects going to the 2021 Kentucky State Fai... Read More


Teen's teach Cloverbuds all about Geology

Teen's teach Cloverbuds all about Geology

about 2 years ago by Taylor Miles

Photo: Cloverbud Josiah Conrad works on molding his clay to create his own fossil.For the 2021-2022 ... Read More


Stories by Aging-General


Campbell County Family & Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension is Reaching Individuals and Families with Seven Important Initiatives

Campbell County Family & Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension is Reaching Individuals and Families with Seven Important Initiatives

about 2 years ago by Ronda Rex

The University of Kentucky Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension improves the quality of indivi... Read More


Senior Thrift Store Project

Senior Thrift Store Project

about 2 years ago by Shannon Smith

Bracken Countys local Senior Citizen Center has a thrift store next to the center named, Country Clo... Read More