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.