According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky has the fifth highest national obesity rate, with 35% of children aged 2-5 overweight or at risk of being overweight. To address this problem Edmonson County Cooperative Extension Service offered "LEAP into Health," a collaboration between Extension and organizations, which targeted participants of the public library's summer reading program. In each of eight booths, a book was read that encouraged children to eat healthy or be physically active. At each station the children could taste test fruits and vegetables and play active games. After the program, 94% of the children stated they would eat a variety of food, and 83% would try new foods. 100% would plan to play outside for 30 minutes a day.
Welcome to Kentucky Family Policy
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Daviess County Family and Consumer Sciences agent partnered with River Valley Behavioral Health and Kentucky Wesleyan College to present a twelve-week program called "Healthy Habits, Healthy Kids" to address issues influencing overweight and obesity. Held in an Owensboro Public School System elementary school, Healthy Habits, Healthy Kids program offered physical activity, group and individual counseling, and nutrition lessons. The project focused on three key factors that affect obesity: good nutritional choices, exercise, and attitudes. Youth were taught to make healthy food choices and importance of daily exercise. Results show that body fat percentages of boys ages 7-10 dropped from 37.6 to 28.3 and body fat of girls ages 8-10 dropped from 36.2 to 29.9.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Daviess county, please click the link.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Securing Financial Stability
Debt, mortgage foreclosures, and bankruptcies continue to rise, in our country, state, and county. According to the Office of Unemployment and Training (March 2011), Kentucky has an unemployment rate of 10.2% and Cumberland County has a rate of 12.6%. In an effort to educate youth about money management and improve their employability skills, the Family and Consumer Sciences agent presented the program Money Matters. Twenty-three 6th grade students were taught six consecutive lessons to build the skills of consumerism, entrepreneurship, currency/resources, savings, and the value of money. Students participated in team building activities, and role-playing activities to learn and incorporate appropriate business dress/behavior and employability skills. 90% of participants reported learning a new employability skill.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
The 2008 estimates for Crittenden County from Centers for Disease Control show that 9.3% of adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, which can lead to health complications in vital organs such as kidneys, heart, and eyes that lessen quality of life and increase medical expenses. In partnership with the District Health Department, Cooperative Extension offered "Taking Control of Your Diabetes," a 12-week course for diabetics or family members of a diabetic. Follow-up surveys of participants revealed that 100% set and accomplished goals related to diabetes management. All understood signs, symptoms, and risk factors. 100% could state the benefits of managing diabetes. 100% had blood pressure taken, and blood lipids profiled.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
According to Kentucky Institute of Medicine's 2007 "The Health of Kentucky: A County Assessment," 29% of Clinton County adults lack physical activity; 16% are obese; and 13% have diabetes. In response, Clinton County Extension Service and Health Coalition sponsored "Big Blue Shape-Up," which teaches nutrition and exercise. A weekly weigh-in was followed by lessons on label reading, portion control, menu planning and wise spending. After the program participants reported saving an average of $21 per week on groceries. 53% reported planning and preparing more meals at home. Evaluation comments included: "I am more aware of weight and healthy eating," "My son will always remember the diabetes-sugar talk," and "I like having accountability." 62 participants lost a total of 259.1 pounds.
Making Health Lifestyle choices
Clay County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, with the Cumberland Valley District Diabetes Coordinator, presented three sessions for people with diabetes, with 46 adults, children, and grandparents participating. Mass media was used to first introduce the program, and now "word of mouth" advertises it. Participants commented: "These programs have helped us," "I really like coming to the programs," "I have learned a lot," and "I have to prepare the foods for my son." Participants are controlling their diabetes with diet and exercise, purchasing healthier foods and using healthier methods of preparation. Blood sugar levels are lower; lower carbohydrate foods are consumed, and overall health is better. Participants have fewer emergency doctor visits and more regularly scheduled visits.
Making Health Lifestyle choices
The American Heart Association recommends a heart-healthy diet to reduce heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Clark County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with Freeman Corporation, Sekisusi S-Lec America, and East Kentucky Power Cooperative to sponsor "lunch and learn" sessions for over 125 employees that emphasized food purchasing, preparation, and recipe modification. At the conclusion, 82% reported using class recipes with modified sugar, salt, and fat, and adapting family recipes. 25% reported preparing more fruits and vegetables; and 50% prepared healthier cuts of meat. Also as a result of the programming, Cooperative Extension participates in health fairs for the whole family at these locations. One industrial site provides rewards to its employee HSA for attending lunch sessions.
