Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryHealthy Home, Body and Mine



Healthy Home, Body and Mine

Author: Ola Donahue

Planning Unit: Kenton County CES

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Plan of Work: 2024 2025 Nutrition, Food Systems, and Health

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Research provided by the USDA indicates scientists know that certain nutrients and other key chemical compounds are essential to human brain function. Serious deficiencies in some of these, such as vitamin B12 and iron, can lead to impaired cognitive function due to neurological, or nerve fiber, complications. Having a healthy mind is key to overall health and well-being. Emotional, psychological and social well-being affects how you think, feel and act. It works in unity with your body and influences how you handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Balancing both a healthy body and mind is essential for optimal health, both in the present and future. Maintaining a nutrient-dense diet is also critically important for older adults because of the impact of food intake on health. Years of research have demonstrated that diet quality has a huge effect on physical condition, cognitive condition, bone health, eye health, vascular function, and the immune system 

In an effort to promote and improve health, the Northern Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences agents in Boone, Carroll, Kenton, and Grant counties  presented a leadership lesson to 68  Extension Homemakers titled “healthy Home, Body, and Mind” in an effort to facilitate the development of healthy habits to improve health.  The participants learned about Nutrition related health issues associated with deficiencies within their diet, strategies to improve bone health and balance, falls prevention, tips to improve bladder health, exercises to reduce bladder leakage, and detection of radon in the home.

In a written post evaluation, 29 participants responded. As a result of their attendance in the workshop the following was reported:

  1. 48% spoke with their healthcare provider about nutrition related health concerns and had follow up tests
  2. 93% have worked to improve their overall eating habits
  3. 52% decreased their caffeine intake to prevent bladder leakage
  4. 81% increased intake of fruits and vegetables
  5. 93% eat foods to support bone health
  6. 52% perform weight bearing activities 150 minutes a day
  7. 52% added pelvic floor exercises to their routine to prevent bladder leakage.





Stories by Ola Donahue


Empowering Independence Through Cooking Skills

about 11 hours ago by Ola Donahue

SituationYoung adults with disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome often face challenges in de... Read More


Building Skills and Confidence Through Sewing and Quilting

about 11 hours ago by Ola Donahue

SituationIn recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in basic sewing skills among youth and... Read More


Stories by Kenton County CES


Middle School Communication and Leadership skills developing

Middle School Communication and Leadership skills developing

about 2 months ago by Diane Kelley

Youth leadership opportunities in 4-H clubs are a fundamental aspect of 4-H Youth programs. Partneri... Read More


Demonstrated achievement, communcation, and leadership

Demonstrated achievement, communcation, and leadership

about 5 months ago by Diane Kelley

The Kenton County 4-H recognition program mirrors the National 4-H and Kentucky 4-H models for recog... Read More


Stories by Active Living and Health Promotions General


Empowering Communities Through Homesteading Skills

Empowering Communities Through Homesteading Skills

about 7 days ago by Megan Gullett

In a time when sustainable living and self-sufficiency have become more important than ever, a dedic... Read More


Spring Into Green: Cultivating a Community of Sustainable Living

Spring Into Green: Cultivating a Community of Sustainable Living

about 9 days ago by Brooke Hogancamp

The Spring into Green: Sustainable Living seminar held on March 17, 2025, proved to be a resounding ... Read More