According to the Herald Leader, Kentucky is not hitting the gym. A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the state is the second-least physically active in the country. A third of Kentucky residents — 32.5%, do not engage in exercise or any physical activity unless it is work-related.

In response to this, the Menifee County Nutrition Education Program Assistant Senior partnered with the Menifee County School District to teach LEAP (Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Preschool/Primary) program to second grade students. This initiative encourages physical activity and healthy eating habits among young children, aiming to instill these practices early on. Pre- and post-evaluations measured the impact of the lessons taught. The results were encouraging, 98% of the student’s showed improvement in being active. 

"Recently, a parent contacted the assistant, mentioning that their child was doing her exercises. Curious, the parent asked the child why she was exercising. The child explained that the assistant had advised that children need at least one hour of exercise a day to maintain a healthy lifestyle."