According to kentuckyhealthfacts.org Martin County has an obesity rate of 65%.  Kentucky as a state is 35%.  This is an alarmingly high number. Healthy Living is one of three 4-H mission mandates.  Physical activity is a component of this mandate. Providing physical education to Martin County Youth is very important.

“Moderate physical activity can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, stress and high blood pressure.  Physically active people live longer and better quality lives that inactive people.  Physical activity levels decrease across the lifespan.  Children and youth should engage in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, ideally every day.  There is a significant decrease in the amount of physical activity between elementary school and high school students, especially for girls.”  (Source: National 4-H Healthy Living Task Force) Martin County 4-H strives to help keep kids physically active throughout the school year and summer break.

When school shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic 4-H educators had to become very creative with their delivery modes.  To help keep youth physically active Martin County 4-H recorded a series of 60 videos leading youth through a physical activity calendar developed by Clark County 4-H. The activities included strength and cardiovascular activities to maintain a healthy balance.

The videos were posted to Facebook and we averaged over 500 views per day for the 2 month period. Several people in the community have told us that they followed along with their children and they looked forward to the posts every day.  Nick West, a parent in the community, shared that the videos gave his two kids structure while school was out and a foundation to practice healthier routines.  The program has resulted in an initial outcome thus far.  Youth have gained knowledge as to the importance of physical activity.  They have also gained knowledge about how to perform several exercises