Grayson County, KY ranks high among adult diseases. It has been reported that there is a 35% prevalence of hypertension among the residents of our county, whereas, Kentucky as a whole is ranked at 39%. There is an 18% prevalence of diabetes in our county, while the entire state reports only a 13% ranking. Also, 34% of adults report they have less than good health (https://kentuckyhealthfacts.org/data/location/show.aspx?loc=43).  All of these health issues can be related to poor nutrition.

Recently the Nutrition Education Program Senior Assistant (NEP) from Grayson County, KY taught a series of classes at the Grayson County Extension Office; the series was called “Cooking through the Calendar.”  The NEP Assistant utilized the Nutrition Education calendar which features a nutritious recipe each month.  Nutrition classes were taught using the “Healthy Choices for Every Body” curriculum; and the recipe from the calendar was prepared and sampled by the participants at each class.   This is an ongoing class that last for a full year.  There are currently twenty-one members enrolled in this program.  Pre and posttests were given to each individual to gather information concerning their eating and exercise habits.  Out of the 21 participants, thirteen graduated the program so far.  The post tests revealed that there was a 90% improvement in food safety; a 69% improvement in individuals exercising more; and a 51% improvement in food resource management.

Because of these incredible changes, this implies that the Cooking through the Calendar series has made significant changes in people’s lives that will benefit their health and longevity. Successful programs like this from the University of Kentucky’s Nutrition Education Program are so beneficial; and; with these staggering progresses, it will remain an important part of Grayson County.