A healthy lifestyle involves more than physical health. There are many components that make up the total health and well being of individuals and families. In an effort to help participants recognize the value of focusing on the total health picture, the Cumberland County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant implemented the "Go Blue" series. This was a seven week series that covered a program from each of the 7 FCS Initiatives.  Twelve individuals participated in and completed the weekly program and confidential weigh-ins were optional. "Mindful Eating" was the first topic with focus on eating patterns and avoiding mindless eating. Evaluation showed that 100% of participants thought that the lesson provided information needed to help make healthy lifestyle choices; 90% stated that they planned to use the information to improve the lives of their families; and 90% could distinguish mindful eating from mindless eating.

"Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud" was presented to the same group of participants to encourage eating fresh local foods. The evaluation results showed the following: 70% were more likely to buy fresh, local produce after the recipe sampling; 80% stated that the nutritional information on the recipe card would contribute to their decision to prepare the recipe at home; 80% planned to prepare the recipe at home for their family.

"Blue to You" was presented in an effort to focus on mental health. This program addressed signs and symptoms of depression and resources available. Before the program, all participants shared that they were able to define depression. After the program presentation, 100% stated that they could identify places to go in the community for help with depression and 80% stated that they would not go online to seek help and answers for mental health symptoms or questions.  

The "Life Story" program was introduced to participants in order to focus on nurturing families. This encourages families to write down significant life events to preserve and pass down family history to future generations. After the program, evaluation showed: 90% planned to document their life story in some capacity; 100% planned to use Life Story to think about future planning and decision-making; 90% planned to use Life Story in their caregiving relationships.

Housing and environment were focused on through "Going Green: Living an Environmentally Responsible Life". This session looked at reducing waste, energy conservation and water conservation. 100% of those participating stated that they planned to implement at least one energy conservation/one water conservation/one practice to reduce waste.

The final session focused on leadership development. "Understanding Generational Differences" was presented to the group that was made up of multi-generational individuals and families. Evaluations reflected the following: 100% could identify and distinguish between six different generation's characteristics and values; 100% could analyze how changes and events in society have influenced generational perspectives; 100% could tell how generational values are reflected in family, work and social behaviors.