All nine prekindergarten classes in Grayson County participated in Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Preschoolers (LEAP). During 10 lessons, 180 children ages 3 to 5 were introduced to new foods. Grayson County Family and Consumer Sciences agent read a book and discussed concepts such as colors, shapes, and names of fruits and vegetables, to encourage critical thinking skills. Many children were developmentally delayed and needed encouragement to participate in physical activity, which taught coordination. Toward the end, more children were dancing and playing games. Teachers reported that children began eating more fruits and vegetables offered by school food service. At least 10 children who brought food from home began to consume more fruit and less candy and soft drinks.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Grayson county, please click the link.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
To address chronic lifestyle diseases, multiple programs were implemented by the Graves County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, including dispensing information at two health fairs; holding the fifth annual Wellness Walk and one four-week session of "Small Steps to Health and Wealth"; and teaching four weeks of Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Preschoolers (LEAP) to 100 students in five elementary classes. In collaboration with Graves County Health Department, American Red Cross, and YMCA, the first 2nd Sunday was held, with 50 participants. In cooperation with Ballard County Extension, four sessions of "A Matter of Balance" were taught to approximately 40 senior citizens. In response to requests, a canning class was taught, covering pressure- and water-bath canning methods and how to make freezer jam.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Graves county, please click the link.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
The rise in adult and youth obesity in the state and county sparked the need to initiate the Grant County Biggest Winner Challenge sponsored by the Fitness For Life Around Grant County Coalition. The Cooperative Extension Agents served as co-chairs of this county wide event. The goal of this challenge is to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices. The program, in its sixth year, offers family activities such as square dance, game nights, martial arts, jump rope, and warrior training. This year, 250 participants reported a total weight loss of 234.4 pounds and total fat loss of 61.9 %. One participant stated "I hope to continue and try to lose more weight and stay healthy for my children and for myself. "
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Grant county, please click the link.
Securing Financial Stability
As the economic downturn continues, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent remains committed to programming that helps families save money. Budgeting information, hosting free CPR classes, and sharing nutritious yet budget-friendly recipes are vital parts of Extension's outreach in the community. Two workshops have been held on couponing this past year, and a coupon exchange station is maintained at the Extension office. "Garrard Saves," a newsletter that is distributed to the community offers a monthly reminder about saving. All recipients submitted a savings goal; 15% are on course to reach their goal. Using University of Kentucky publications and materials, seven students learned goal-setting, establishing priorities, paying bills, stretching money, and using local resources to save money.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Garrard county, please click the link.
Securing Financial Stability
For many, couponing can help families have greater buying power at the grocery. To help stretch food dollars while feeding nutritious meals, Gallatin County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent taught 368 individuals a nine-session, "Crazy for Coupons," which covered menu planning, organization, and using coupons and sales. Of surveys mailed to participants eight weeks after the class, 126 returned it, reporting that 83% saved an average of $27.82, or 20.6%, of their weekly grocery bill as a result. 69% prepared more meals at home. 37% were able to achieve financial goals more quickly. One participant said, "I don't work outside the home so this is my way of contributing and saving as much as possible."
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Gallatin county, please click the link.
Nurturing Families
Kentucky "Kids County" data ranks Kentucky 41st nationally in overall well-being of children. The Fulton County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and Four River Counties Community Early Childhood Council collaborated to fund multiple projects to reach local families. The ABC Fall Festival provided families with assessments, educational materials, and developmental screening for ages five and under reaching 129 individuals, 53 families, and 52 volunteers. Parent Involvement Week impacted over 500 families; child care centers received 10 stipends for first aid and CPR training and were awarded $9,000 grants to increase quality age-appropriate materials. Building Strong Families for School Success child care training was received by 20 participants. The council is viewed as a valuable resource for improving well-being of local children.
To see the entire Building Strong Families profile for Fulton county, please click the link.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Franklin county, Please click the link.Every year more Americans are diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, and numbers are expected to rise due to the obesity epidemic. The Franklin County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with local dietetic and medical professionals to offer "Taking Control of Your Diabetes," a 13-week diabetes management program. Initially, of eight participants, two checked blood sugar readings as recommended by physicians, and others did not take readings at all. Most struggled to accept diagnosis. By program's end, they monitored blood sugars on a regular basis, used basic meal planning skills, made better food choices, and four started exercising on a regular basis. The program also inspired them to continue a monthly support group.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Kentucky's high number of adults diagnosed with diabetes reinforces the need for research-based programs and outreach. Using newly developed curriculum, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent taught Floyd County diabetics food preparation and management skills in taking ownership of their Type II diabetes. One participant stated, "It's easy to forget (at my stage of the disease) that I need to watch my food intake and types of food, because I don't want to have the complications that come with diabetes later in life. The ongoing series gives me incentive to stay on track." Another participant stated, "I have lowered my blood sugar levels." Participants took an active role in the recruitment of program participants, program promotion, and support groups planning.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Floyd County, please click the link.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
According to Kentucky Health and Family Services Cabinet rankings, 14.8% of Fleming County children live in poverty. To improve the health of Head Start students, other 3- and 4-year old children, and students in Ward elementary school's reading program, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent conducted 46 sessions of Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Preschoolers (LEAP), reaching 252 youth and 75 adults. Each group was visited six times, with topics that included gardening, dental hygiene, healthy food choices, food tastings, and physical activity. As a result, the 252 youth and 75 adults sampled a variety of fruits and vegetables, 247 youth and 25 adults increased physical activity, 252 youth and 75 adults practiced proper hand-washing.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Fleming County, please click the link.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report shows Kentucky ranks near the bottom of the nation for physical activity, and recently, Men's Health reported Lexington the most sedentary city in America. To address this, Fayette County Family and Consumer Sciences agents coordinated 2nd Sunday, a community program that promotes activity. On the second Sunday of October 2010, Fayette Extension and 114 additional counties (over 30,000 citizens) teamed with local, district, and state partners to use a local roadway or venue for activity. Over the past three years, 15,000 citizens have participated in physical activities; 22,000 biked, walked, and ran on the Blue Grass Airport runway; and 1,200 (including volunteers) participated in monthly police-escorted bike rides, and more.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Fayette County, please click the link.
Securing Financial Stability
The Estill County Extension Office developed an educational program, which relies on the money-saving tips and planning ideas in the MoneyWise newsletter, to help families deal with the sluggish economy by learning to use income wisely. MoneyWise offers tips, such as how to save money on grocery and personal shopping, utilities, fuel, and gardening. Of the over 150 households that receive it by mail: 75% report a 20% savings on utilities by conserving energy. Sixty percent report cutting grocery bills in half using shopping and coupon tips from the newsletter. Some report saving as much as 30% on fuel and car insurance by carpooling, limiting trips to town, and combining errands into one trip.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Estill county, please click the link.
Making Healthy Luifestyle Choices
Research shows that Eastern Kentucky's food culture contributes to obesity and overweight, which lead to chronic health issues. To combat this problem the Elliott County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent led the annual August cooking school, which emphasizes healthy preparation of traditional foods. The Elliott County Diabetes Coalition distributed 1,000 calendars titled "the Road to Prevention," which included personal weight-loss stories, tips, and resources for losing weight. As a result of these activities one participant stated "I've lost weight and changed the way I cook for my family." Additionally, a TOPS (Taking Pounds off Wisely) organization has developed and grown to 20 members and a weekly walking club has been organized by a local volunteer.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Elliott County, please click the link.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
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.
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.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
According to most national parameters, adult health is declining, with Christian County illustrating the trend: 24.4% of adults are obese, 31.2% get little to no exercise, 31.7% have high blood pressure, and 9.6% have diabetes. Christian County developed a Healthy Communities Leadership Coalition, whose first project, "Hopdown the Pounds," was based on TV's "Biggest Loser." Over the eight weeks between two weigh-ins, programs were offered to increase activity and nutritious food choices, totaling two cooking, five nutrition, and eight exercise classes. Of the 453 adults who started, 164 (36%) weighed in the final day. Of those, 144 (88%) lost weight. Overall loss was 1,494.7 pounds, an average of 10.4 per person. The top loser lost 41.4 pounds.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Casey County's illiteracy rate is 42.6% and ranks 93rd out of the 120 Kentucky counties for overall health risk. Studies show early intervention is key to making positive changes in attitudes, behaviors and healthy life-style choices. The LEAP Program, (Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Preschoolers) was implemented in four local Head Start programs and a kindergarten class. Seventy-one preschoolers, fifteen kindergarteners, their parents, and teachers participated in an eight-week program addressing positive early literacy, nutrition, and physical activity. Fourteen students were limited-English speaking. Parents reported they were reading more frequently with their children and had made some positive nutrition changes to meal choices. Teachers reported students had gained an active interest in snack time and were trying new healthier foods.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Casey county, please click the link.
