Success StoryFIT Happens, Engaging Youth in Physical Health and Mental Well-Being Skills



FIT Happens, Engaging Youth in Physical Health and Mental Well-Being Skills

Author: Mackenzie Pogue

Planning Unit: Muhlenberg County CES

Major Program: Health

Plan of Work: Healthy Living: Increasing Physical and Mental Well-Being in Youth

Outcome: Initial Outcome

According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 65 percent of Kentucky’s children are not enrolled in regular physical education classes.  Kentucky Youth Advocates notes, 16% of Kentucky youth are facing anxiety or depression because of the pandemic.  Muhlenberg County Extension partnered with the local health department to tackle these pertinent issues facing our youth through the program, FIT Happens.  The goal of FIT Happens was to target high school youth, assess their physical fitness and mental wellbeing, then increase both their physical activity, and provide coping skills related to their mental wellbeing.  One hundred youth were engaged in FIT Happens through four projects.  An employee from the health department taught weekly yoga classes consistently to students in their physical education class.  Here, students learned simple yoga poses to strengthen their physical and mental wellbeing.  The Nutrition Education Program Assistant taught the Teen Cuisine curriculum weekly through the culinary arts classroom teaching students kitchen safety, proper tools, and well-balanced meals to promote a healthy diet.  A weekly physical activity log was kept by students in the STAND Club (Students Teaching Against Negative Decisions), as well as yoga and the culinary participants.  At the end of each month, participants were rewarded for their personal successes.   At the end of the three-month program, the 4-H Agent hosted a physical and mental skills finale celebrating their individual and team successes. Students put their skills to the test as they competed in team tournaments playing dodgeball, kickball, and relays.  Students tested their knowledge in a game of jeopardy, featuring physical education questions.  Additionally, students were led through a series of breathing techniques, mindfulness skills, and mindfulness eating habits. The foundation was laid for youth to build their personal habits utilizing physical and mental well-being skills through FIT Happens.  Eighty-seven percent of participants felt more accountable for their physical health by utilizing the weekly log tracking their movement. Ninety-two percent of participants learned new skills in the kitchen through Teen Cuisine.  Ninety-four percent of participants better understood the value of practicing yoga to increase their health and well-being. Eighty-five percent of participants plan to continue utilizing FIT Happens skills.






Stories by Mackenzie Pogue


KiND LiPS

KiND LiPS

about 3 months ago by Mackenzie Pogue

“KiND LiPS” Program High school teens tackle anti-bullying education in a new light. Forty high sch... Read More


Kentucky Country Ham- Two Decades Honoring the Tradition through 4-H

Kentucky Country Ham- Two Decades Honoring the Tradition through 4-H

about 8 months ago by Mackenzie Pogue

For centuries, Kentuckians have been smoking and salt curing county hams for their families out of n... Read More


Stories by Muhlenberg County CES


KiND LiPS

KiND LiPS

about 3 months ago by Mackenzie Pogue

“KiND LiPS” Program High school teens tackle anti-bullying education in a new light. Forty high sch... Read More


Jr Homemaker

Jr Homemaker

about 8 months ago by Alex Kelly

Junior Homemakers is one of the newest additions to the Muhlenberg County Extension offices roster o... Read More


Stories by Health


Bike Safety Day

Bike Safety Day

about 2 months ago by Alexandria Brasher

Henderson County has a lot of accessible sidewalks and bike riding opportunities.. Youth all over He... Read More


Ag Safety Event Prepares Youth for Responsibility

Ag Safety Event Prepares Youth for Responsibility

about 2 months ago by Tyrone Gentry

Providing rural youth with knowledge and strategies to be safe in their homes and communities is a... Read More