67% of adults in Lawrence County reported a diagnosis of Hypertension, meaning that over half the population reported having a high blood pressure diagnosis (kentuckyhealthfacts.org). With this information in mind the Lawrence County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) collaborated with the Lawrence County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) to present a program that promoted the use of herbs and spices, rather that the use a salt, fats, and sugars to add flavor to foods. 

            The program was presented to the Lawrence County Master Gardeners organization, which consisted of men and women of various backgrounds and ages. The FCS agent presented a Kentucky Proud Recipe (that used herbs and spices for flavor), presented a presentation on herbs and spices, lead a discussion, and administered both pre and post assessments on the topic. The presentation for the program focused on what herbs and spices are as well as the health benefits of using herbs and spices when preparing food. The program also discussed limiting salt, sugars, and fats in our diet and replacing them with herbs/spices as we set goals for our own healthy life style. 

           The pre assessment determined that 50% of participants believed that salt was and herb and/or spice and that 33% believed that artificial flavoring was an herb/spice. Over a third indicated that they thought herbs could replace their medication and the same percentage (36%) noted that they thought herbs and spices can help fight the harmful effects of pollution. 

           After the agent lead presentation and group discussion a post evaluation was given to measure immediate outcomes/growth. At the end of the program the participants were able to take home a copy of a few Kentucky Proud recipes as well as a folder of a variety of publications from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. The post assessment indicated that 0% of the participants believed that artificial flavoring was an herb/spice. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in those who believed that salt was an herb/spice and those who indicated that they thought herbs/spiced could replace their medications. There was also an increase in those who understood the benefits of herbs/spices on the body including addressing issues related to pollution. 

           Going further, 100% indicted on their evaluation that they knew herbs and spices were safe for a low sodium diet and 100% noted that they had consumed more real fruits, herbs, and spices rather than artificial flavors in the last 6 months.