Success Story: 

Breathitt, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe Counties

Program Dates: March 7 - April 12, 2024 

To help the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) deal with the many different types of loss individuals and families may have experienced over the past few years, the Family and Individual Development Program of Work (POW) is reaching in (versus reaching out) and addressing self-care. The 2023-2024 program focuses on Self-Care: Self-Pamper. Self-pampering can serve as a valuable self-care tool for addressing in-the-moment wellness needs.

To encourage self-care and self-pampering, the KEHA Homemakers in Breathitt, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe counties participated in the Self-Care: Self-Pamper lesson. XX [look at sign-in roster] KEHA leaders or members attended the lesson and 58 members completed a post-lesson evaluation. Of these, 43 (74%) increased their understanding of the difference between self-care and self-pampering. 42 (70.6%) understand ways the environment can maximize happiness, and 48 (82.7%) members learned that flattering clothes or bedding are forms of self-pampering that can enhance feeling good.

As a result of this lesson, 48 (82.7%) members intend to make self-care or self-pampering lifestyle changes that encourage self-betterment. 51 (87.9%) will seek opportunities to enhance happiness, and 47 (81%) intend to adjust their wardrobe or bedding to feel good.

44 members reported their racial identiy as White; 2 identified as American Indian/Alaskan Native. Members ranged in age from 19-85+ years old.  Three males attended the lessons. 

Participants attended this lesson because:

1. They wanted to learn more about self-care through pampering, including self-pampering ideas. 
2. They wanted to reinforce that self-care is not selfish.
3. They wanted to use the lesson as a social outlet

A valuable lesson, some examples that participants learned or intend to do include the following

1. Get more sleep
2. Sleep on more comfortable sheets and in more comfortable pajamas
3. Choose things that create internal happiness 
4. Improve foot and nail care
5. Use the accessorizing tips