Author: Cathy Fellows
Planning Unit: Boone County CES
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Statics show the state of Kentucky's Diabetes rate is 13%. According to Boone County's Cooperative Extension 2018 Survey in Boone County Kentucky it is
10% and rising.
The Nutrition Education program partnered with Boone County Diabetes Support Group and conducted a series of lessons on nutrition geared for diabetics.
The group would meet once a month for 7 month. They learned about ways to eat healthier. They sampled low cost diabetic friendly recipes and learned ways
to incorporate exercise into their daily lives. One participant commented "I know that you went to a lot of extra trouble to make really special recipes for us to
sample. I even found that I could actually like canned sweet potatoes."
Over the course of time, we discussed the many benefits stretching and physical activity can have for all people, especially those with diabetes.
I asked a 92-year-old participant from the series if she had any advice to give us, she said, "Let healthy food be your medicine, eat fruit and vegetables daily.
Every morning in bed, before you get out of bed, exercise your legs, because your legs are what you walk on".
According to the data from a national reporting system, 33.3% of the programs participants showed a positive change in physical activity.
Learning that exercise is one way that can help regulate your blood sugar levels, the group collaborated with The Boone County Diabetes Coalition to conduct
a 4-week exercise program that coincided with the nutrition series. The physical activity classes covered various exercises: Dance Fit, Cardio drumming,
Sit and Get Fit, and Strengthening the Core. According to Both of the series were a huge success and the participants learned many fun ways they can
incorporate nutrition and exercise into their daily lives.
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