Author: Sara Jenkins
Planning Unit: Family and Consumer Sciences
Major Program: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery General
Outcome: Initial Outcome
In response to substance abuse being a top priority as identified by Kentucky constituents in a recent Extension priority survey; and because of need identified by NEP Assistants working in community substance use recovery programs, the Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body curriculum was recently developed by the Nutrition Education Program and Family and Consumer Sciences Extension. Listening sessions with NEP Assistants experienced in working with audiences in substance use recovery was held to better understand grassroots needs prior to developing the curriculum. A number of considerations and challenges were identified during the listening sessions and the curriculum was written and developed by the input shared. There are 7 lessons in the curriculum. The lessons focus on improving diet quality, food preparation skills, food safety, physical activity, and resource management within the context of substance use recovery. The standard delivery format for lessons include a physical activity focusing exercise, a lesson introduction, a series of engaging educational activities to deliver content, food preparation skills practice, and a mindfulness activity to close the lesson. To reinforce class content, colorful and engaging participant handouts include nutrition content, recipes and physical activity routines for each lesson. The evaluation tool measures participants’ gain in knowledge, skill development, and confidence improvements that support healthy behavior changes. During this past year, the curriculum has been piloted by NEP Assistants in 25 counties in a research project. The pilot ends in August 2022 and findings will be evaluated before next steps to implement statewide are discussed.
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