LaRue County Kentucky has an obesity rate of 34.7 percent resulting in a sedentary lifestyle rate of 28.9 

percent according to Kentuckyhealthfacts.org

LaRue County Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) Assistant conducted a series of nine classes with twelve LaRue County High School Functionally Mentally Disabled Students. The goal with them was improving their overall knowledge of nutrition, increasing physical activity and importance hygiene and handwashing . 

Participants in this group have developmental or physical limitations.

Classes on  hand washing, basic cooking skills, my plate, portion control, beverage choices and physical 

activity were taught to encourage a healthier lifestyle.

One student has decreased his intake of sodas from five sodas per day to one.

His parent stated :

” I can see a difference in his attention span by reducing his intake of sodas, additionally he has dropped a few pounds”

By sharing information regarding healthy diets, physical activity and hygiene, students have improved their  diets by reducing sweetened drinks, increased their physical activity and are more aware of the necessity of hand washing to stay heathy.