Welcome to Kentucky Family Policy

This blog is dedicated to examining issues facing the Commonwealth of Kentucky and providing a nonpartisan, family perspective on public policy making. We hope to provide a forum for Kentuckians to review and discuss current legislative actions and the issues such actions are attempting to address. The opinions expressed herein belong solely to the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Kentucky, its affiliates, or its representatives.

What the authors of this blog will contribute:
1) Summarize current state, national, and international research related to topics relevant to current legilative actions.
2) Describe Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service programs and activities currently addressing issues related to legilative actions in the various counties.
3) Provide expert commentaries via podcasts and videocasts on issues relevant to current legilative actions.

Please see "Priority Bills" section on the right for a short list of the most current legislative actions relevant to the family focus of this blog

Friday, July 13, 2012

Promoting Healthy Homes and Communities

In the past two years, Meade County has experienced an F2 tornado, hurricane-force winds, an ice storm, and earthquake tremors. With these dangerous weather events in mind, the Meade County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, the local RECC, and Emergency Management office coordinator organized "The First 72 is on You!" The five-hour disaster-preparedness fair educated 120 people on the importance of being self-sufficient for up to 72 hours after a disaster occurs. Booths focused on a variety of related topics, including food safety, disaster-preparedness kits, developing a family safety plan, generator safety, and contacting local emergency services. A survey conducted after the event revealed 100% of the attendees gained information and felt more confident about self-sufficiency in the event of a catastrophic event.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Meade county, please click the link.

Securing Financial Stability

Families are experiencing financial crisis due to increased cost of living, job loss or poor choices. To meet this need the Mason County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent provided a series of classes to address the high use of check cashing, payday loans, finance companies, rent to own and bankruptcies. Making Your Money Work and Small Steps to Health and Wealth materials were taught at work sites and in public facilities. As a result of the classes 100% of the participants reported the cut back on spending, were saving money for emergencies and setting goals for the use of their money. Comments include: "This class made me much more aware of my spending habits; it saved me time and money."

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Mason county, please click the link.

Securing Financial Stability

The Martin County Cooperative Family and Consumer Sciences Agent offered budgeting classes from "Small Steps to Health and Wealth," a program that focuses on adjusting personal spending and eating habits. As a result, 79% of participants now track spending and 100% have created a personal or household budget. 100% have made healthier food choices such as eating more whole foods and fruits, and 79% now get more exercise as a result of the program. Testimonials include: "This opened my eyes that people with little can have plenty with goals and organization," and "This program helped me by showing that I can set my goals the way I need to."

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Martin county, please click the link.

Embracing Life As We Age

Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death among older adults; however, older adults also fall because of lack of exercise, unsafe home environments, vision problems, lack of balance, and medication use. To provide education on falling, the Marion County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent taught a lesson to Extension Homemakers and senior citizens that covered ways to prevent a fall. The program included a home environment survey and concluded with twenty minutes of exercises to develop strength, balance, and flexibility. Of seventy-two participants, forty-three have experienced a fall in the past year; three had been hospitalized. However, post-evaluation revealed that 100% had learned a new technique to prevent a fall. Sixty-seven will make a change at home or work to prevent a fall.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Marion county, please click the link.

Promoting Healthy Homes and Communities

A consumer education class taught by Magoffin Family and Consumer Sciences Agent addressed interior design choices that can add value and meet changing needs of the family. Over 200 leaders were trained, and after training, leaders taught this lesson in their communities, reaching 3,095. Following, 61% of respondents understood universal kitchen and bath design and concerns for aging; 72% understood lighting concepts; and 46% grasped high-impact, low-cost solutions. 61% used green products, energy star appliances, and water conservation. 36% incorporated universal design elements. 68% evaluated the degrees of Kelvin when making lighting purchases. The educational publication was made available to other extension agents, and marketing material will be distributed to additional individuals and families.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Magoffin county, please click the link.

Promoting Healthy Homes and Communities

With few alternatives, American households use 40 pounds of chemical cleaning products each year. "Home Cleaning Products: Safe, Healthy, and Green" was developed by the Madison County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, reaching over 3,500 Extension Homemakers and community clientele. The lesson covered how to make green cleaning products, commercial alternatives, and dangers associated with synthetic cleaners. In a survey, 90% of respondents now read "warning and use" labels on household cleaners before purchasing and use at least one tip learned in the lesson. 100% follow the label's instructions for safe use and store products correctly. 80% use alternatives, such as vinegar, baking soda, and borax. A tabletop display of the lesson has reached 1,400 people at Ag Field Day and grocery displays.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Madison county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

To address an obesity rate of 30.9%, Menifee County Cooperative Extension Service, in partner with Menifee County Board of Education for the Get Menifee Moving initiative, offered "Weight: The Reality Series," (WTRS) an eight-session series over 10 weeks. WTRS teaches participants how to maintain a healthy body weight and body image. Topics included portion control, designing a plan for weight loss, and understanding what is eaten. Sessions, taught to 40 participants, followed a classroom style, using handouts, discussion, and examples of healthy foods and physical activity at a local elementary school. Survey results showed that 20% of participants lost more than 5% body weight; and 5% lost more than 10% body weight.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Menifee county, please click the link.

Accessing Nutritious Foods

With a poverty rate of 23.4%, the Monroe County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent provided programming to limited resource families. The agent provided over 900 low-income families with food-stamp nutrition education on a bimonthly basis at the commodity food distribution. Sample consumption at the commodity food distribution increased from 25% to 40%. 57 youth ages three to five participated in "Jump Into Foods and Fitness" and "Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Preschool," and at the end of the school year, 80% knew basic food groups and could differentiate between healthy and junk foods. Over 1,000 limited resource individuals learned to serve more nutritious meals, keep food safe, use coupon, budget, try new recipes, and use local food resources.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Monroe county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Kentucky ranks fifth in the nation for adult obesity and third for teen obesity, according to Barnstable Brown Kentucky Diabetes and Obesity Center. First Lady Michelle Obama has focused attention on decreasing obesity and increasing accessibility to healthier foods. Due to her influence, many programs follow her lead, including 2nd Sunday, which showcases physical activity in the community. The McLean County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences hosted the first 2nd Sunday in 2010, with seventy-one participants. Community resources, such as four walking tracks, two gyms, and all sidewalks throughout the county, were emphasized. In a post-event survey, participants said 2nd Sunday increased their interest in eating healthier and engaging in more physical activity.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for McLean county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

According to the 2009 U.S. Census, 21% of Nelson County youth live in poverty. Using SNAP-Ed resources, Extension partnered with Communicare to provide nutrition education and meal preparation classes to 45 emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children. Over eight months, children learned about food groups, portion sizes, and proper hand-washing. Nutrition lessons preceded food preparation and eating. Children were given recipes and cooking tools to foster interest in healthy cooking. At the end of the year, youth invited family to a meal they prepared. Communicare employees noticed that children no longer needed to be prompted to wash their hands before and after meals. Parents reported children were willing to help cook, try foods, and choose healthy ingredients.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Nelson county, please click the link.

Accessing Nutritious Food

Recently, the Bluegrass Region was rated by "Men's Health" magazine as having the poorest health habits in the nation. To address this issue, Nicholas and Robertson County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with Blue Licks State Park to provide a regional farmers market. The market participates in the WIC Farmers Market program, allowing low-income families the opportunity to buy local fruits and vegetables. Family and Consumer Sciences Agents provided samples of fresh produce, offered recipes, and education on preparing local produce. Redeemed WIC vouchers have increased by 2% in 2010 over 2011. Farm businesses directly benefit by selling produce straight from farm to table, while families have an opportunity to increase intake of locally grown fruit and vegetables.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Nicholas county, please click the link.

Accessing Nutritious Foods

The Ohio County Cooperative Extension Service is committed to providing nutrition education programs to low income families and individuals who may be struggling with economic hardship due to the economy and/or lack of personal or financial resources. The goals of programs are to educate limited resource families with young children and SNAP-Ed (formerly the Food Stamp program) clientele to plan nutritious meals on a limited budget, acquire safe food handling practices, improve food preparation skills, and change eating and activity behaviors to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. As a result of these programs, 420 people were encouraged to access nutritious foods at local farmers markets and 4,014 youth were taught the basics of making nutritious food choices.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Ohio county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Oldham County is considered one of the healthiest counties in Kentucky, but obesity in children and adults is increasing. Because of that rise, the Oldham County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent collaborated with the health department and community partners to provide classes and information on healthy eating and cooking. "Kids Cooking Camp" was a popular series; with 25 students attending a weeklong summer class in which they planned and prepared healthy meals. Food safety, serving sizes, cooking terms, and proper use of equipment were demonstrated and practiced. The series also addressed the importance of physical activity. Other weight-control programs offered included "Small Steps to Health and Wealth," "Taking Control of Your Diabetes," and "Happy, Healthy Seniors."

To see the entire Building Striong Families county profile for Oldham county, please click the link.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Recently the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that about 35% of adolescents are overweight or obese and that the "obesity-hunger paradox" arises in part from a lack of knowledge of how to prepare nutritious, inexpensive food. The Owen County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, staff and Homemaker volunteers implemented "Recipes for Life," a six-day event for 155 fifth graders. Students prepared lunch and learned cooking techniques, calorie and nutrient information, food safety, and related health issues. As a result, approximately 60% have used the recipes at home. During the spring, Farm Safety Day, sponsored 4-H Council with community organizations, was held for fifth graders. During a kitchen safety module, students detected and corrected hazards.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Owen county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Creating awareness of ovarian cancer has been a major emphasis for Letcher County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent. The agent provided information to groups at health fairs, through news articles, and to medical professionals and individuals. This year the agent presented the Kentucky Extension Homemaker and UK-supported Extension Homemaker leader training, "Ovarian Cancer Awareness Tea," in seven Quicksand-area counties. Of approximately 80 participants, all expressed a greater awareness of ovarian cancer. As a result of collaboration between UK Markey Cancer Center's free ovarian cancer screening program and Letcher County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, approximately 185 local women are now being screened at Markey each year, with transportation provided by Cooperative Extension.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Letcher county , please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

According to Kentucky by the Numbers, 14.2% of Leslie County residents are age 65 or over. As people age, proper nutrition, physical activity, and other health problems become a challenge. To address these issues, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent conducts monthly nutrition lessons at three senior citizens centers and one community center. A total of 55 seniors from all sites attend lessons which focus on a variety of topics including making nutritious food choices, food safety, budgeting grocery funds, controlling cholesterol, and managing diabetes. Classes include taste testing recipes that are low cost and nutritious. 100% of the senior citizens who attend report they have gained valuable knowledge and, as a result, have improved nutrition.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Leslie county, please click the link.

Securing Financial Stability

According to the 2009 Economic Report for Kentucky, Lee County's unemployment rate is 11.8%. Consequently, many families need to reduce spending. The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent taught "Couponing 101" to 150 individuals in the local area. Participants were surveyed before: 58% did not use coupons to save on their monthly grocery bill, 48% did not plan meals in advance and, on average, participants saved $3 per week on grocery bills. A 12-week follow-up showed that, of the responses, 93% regularly used coupons to save money, 90% were planning meals in advance and, on average, participants saved $10 per week. One participant said, "My grocery bill has gone down! Once in a while I can now splurge on a treat and still be money ahead."

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Lee county, please click the link.

Accessing Nutritious Foods

A certified demonstration kitchen was an integral aspect of the Laurel County Cooperative Extension Service facility expansion. With $90,000 funding from Laurel County Extension District Board, Laurel County Agricultural Development Council, and the Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy, the kitchen promotes local products, provides a place for producers to expand sales by making HB 391 products, and educates the public on food safety and cooking skills. Family and Consumer Sciences staff used the kitchen to offer over 50 different nutrition, food preservation, and food preparation classes. These programs reached 6,428 people and brought over 700 new people to the farmers market. 85% of local producers said kitchen programming had brought new customers to the market.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Laurel county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

"Small Steps to Health and Wealth" is a Family and Consumer Sciences program that encourages behavior changes to improve health and personal finances. Seventeen adults ages 23 to 68 participated in the nine-week series in Larue County, which included a family fitness activity sponsored by public school Family Resource Centers at local school gyms. As a result of the program, participants reported they increased water intake and fruit consumption; ate fewer high sugar foods; exercised more, used coupons to save money, and eliminated soft drinks to save calories and save $2.50 weekly. Three reported losing 10 pounds, with a loss of over 5% of their total body weight.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for LaRue county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

According to www.countyhealthrankings.org, 43% of McCreary County citizens are in poor or fair health and 31% of adults are obese. On the financial side of things, more than half of U.S. households are believed to live paycheck to paycheck. In McCreary County, the unemployment rate is 14.1%; 51% of children live in poverty. As a result of these numbers, the McCreary County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent offered the "Small Steps to Health and Wealth" program. The program was split into six one-hour sessions. Eight participants attended all sessions. Several topics dealing with financial and physical well-being were presented, and all participants made positive comments about changes made as a result of those sessions. This program has already been requested for another session.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for McCreary county, please click the link.

Nurturing Families

The Lewis County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent provides leadership for the Master Clothing Volunteer program. In 2008, two people participated in the extensive master clothing volunteer program. Now, four active master clothing volunteers in Lewis County completed over 100 hours of volunteer hours, including teaching an after-school class for eight youth. The biggest community service project begins months in advance with the collection of fabric and supplies that are made into useful kits that facilitate sewing. This year the week-long sewing event yielded 120 pillowcases, 49 tote bags, 115 aprons and bibs, 28 walker caddies, and 24 wheelchair caddies. Twenty-seven volunteers helped make the 336 items, which were donated to two home-healthcare centers and a local nursing home in Lewis County.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Lewis county, please click the link.

Securing Financial Stability

Millions of Americans resolve to improve health and wealth every year. The Owsley County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent provided workshops focusing on both during February and March and promoted Kentucky Saves Week, with 12 community members signing up to be KY Savers. "Couponing 101" was taught to three different groups, reaching 30 participants. "Living Well" was taught in eight counties as a Homemaker Leader Training; it used "Small Steps to Health and Wealth" curriculum and reached 216 participants. 100% of those surveyed reported a commitment to change a health behavior. 80% aspire to reduce calories; 70% will increase physical activity. 90% made a commitment to change financial behavior and were budgeting and couponing. 50% had automated a financial behavior.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Owsley county, please click the link.

Accessing Nutritious Foods

Many Lincoln County families have gardens or purchase local foods from farmers markets to preserve them. To ensure that proper food preservation guidelines are followed, Lincoln County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and University of Kentucky Foods and Nutrition faculty taught seven workshops in three counties. Hands-on segments taught 160 participants to preserve cooked and freezer jams, stewed tomatoes, pickled beans, and featured the use of both boiling-water and pressure canners. A majority of the participants had not canned before or had never used a pressure canner. After the program, they reported feeling more comfortable using the pressure canner. The majority reported planning to preserve foods this summer.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Lincoln county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, and USDA endorse consumption of fish and seafood for a healthier diet. Many rural Kentuckians eat fish that is fried, batter-fried, breaded, or deep fried. Morgan County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent offered a program that communicated the health benefits of eating fish and seafood, addressed concerns, and shared techniques for purchasing, storing, and preparing fish or seafood. Sixty-four leaders and nearly 1,000 Extension Homemakers were trained. Survey results showed that 50% plan to increase fish consumption; 100% had learned a health benefit of fish. 80% said their consumption concerns were answered. 89% gained knowledge in the purchase, selection, and storage of fish and seafood. 49% have purchased "Kentucky Proud" fish products.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Morgan county, please click the link.

Securing Financial Stability

Following the direction of Knott County Extension Council, county agents hosted a two-part estate-planning workshop. During the first session an Extension Specialist in financial management from the University of Kentucky taught what happens if you die without an estate plan, a month later, two local attorneys discussed how to get your affairs in order according to local, state, and federal laws. 15 participants attended, with 100% reporting an increase in knowledge of estate planning. 60% said they planned to prepare a living will. By the second session 100% were in the process of preparing and/or updating an estate plan. A four-month follow-up showed that 13% had completed or updated their estate plan.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Knott county, please click the link.

Accessing Nutritious Foods

The Rowan County Cooperative Extension Service is committed to providing nutrition education programs that provide low income families and individuals with useful, actionable information. The goals of programs are to educate limited resource families with young children and SNAP-Ed clientele to plan nutritious meals on a limited budget, acquire safe food handling practices including improved hand-washing skills, food preparation skills and change shopping, eating, and physical activity behaviors to encourage greater health and reduced risk of chronic diseases related to obesity and overweight. As a result of these programs, 475 people were encouraged to access nutritious foods at local farmer's markets and 1481 youth were taught the basics of making nutritious food choices.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Rowan county, please click the link.

Securing Financial Stability

Due to the tough economic times that many families are currently experiencing, Russell County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent offered several financial management programs. Fifty attended "Surviving the Holidays," which taught participants to reduce electricity, make green choices, make inexpensive gifts, entertain on a budget, and develop a spending plan. Over 100 people enrolled to become Kentucky Savers in the Kentucky Saves program. "Small Steps to Health and Wealth" was taught to a group of 35 people. At the conclusion of the program, participants stated "One thing I will do as a result of this program is review my investments and diversify according to my current circumstances and retirement plans". "I will save more money for an emergency fund".

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Russell county, please click the link.

Embracing Life As We Age

According to the Kentucky Safe Aging Coalition and Centers for Disease Control, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among adults age 65 and older and represent a significant threat to independence. To help seniors make lifestyle and environmental changes to reduce risk of fall-related injury, a customized lecture was presented by the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent to Bluegrass Area Extension Homemakers, Scott County Extension Homemakers, and senior citizen groups. Across nine county areas, 161 Extension volunteer leaders were trained to teach the lesson to 2800 club members. Survey results indicate an increased awareness of actions that reduce the risk of falling. More than 50% of the participants agreed to complete the "Home Safety Checklist" and make the appropriate changes.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Scott county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

The Robertson County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent recognizes the connection between physical and financial health. In an effort to improve nutrition in Robertson County youth, the extension office developed a multi-event program. A six-week series on nutrition and exercise was taught to 39 Head Start children. Nutrition was emphasized to all 79 of 4th to 6th graders and several 4-H'ers. Two afterschool classes received nutrition education. A summer cooking class reached 43 children; several children enjoyed educational food classes at 4-H Camp. Extension Homemakers taught "Recipe for Life" to all 29 5th graders. Many parents reported knowledge gained and improvements made with their children. Health improvements in the present can mean fewer medical expenses in the future.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Robertson county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

In 2008, Kentucky's diabetes rate was ninth highest in the U.S., and statewide, an estimated 324,000 adults have diabetes. Pulaski County has one of the highest death rates from diabetes. The Pulaski County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent worked to address this major health issue with a diabetes health expo, in collaboration with county health department, and Lake Cumberland Hospital. The health expo was held at Somerset Mall. More than 800 attended the May event and received information from 66 agencies about diabetes prevention and control. Extension provided educational materials, recipes, and snacks. Participants received information on exercising to improve health, how smoking affects diabetes, body-fat analysis, and related health topics. After the expo, the participation rate for weekly diabetes classes increased.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Pulaski county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

According to Kentucky Institute on Medicine, substance abuse is a major risk factor in Kentucky. A survey indicated a need for substance abuse intervention and/or treatment programs at the local level. The Powell County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent worked with the court system, drug court coordinator, and FCS Agents in Wolfe and Breathitt Counties. The Powell agent planned and conducted an eight-week series for participants identified by the District Judge. Classes were taught by Agents in their respective counties, and covered life skills. Twenty-three people, ages 18 to 60, were mandated by the court to attend the first half. The second four classes were optional, but 100% returned. Participants expressed increased confidence in their ability to resume a positive family life and obtain employment.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Powell county, please click the link.

Promoting Healthy Homes and communities

The Muhlenberg County Family Consumer Sciences agent worked with advisory leaders to form the Muhlenberg County Green Recycling Team 2009 to address county recycling needs. The committee, consisting of County Judge Executive, Greenville City Administrator, Board of Education, Extension Homemakers, public libraries, Rural KY Delta Project, and concerned citizens, received a $50,000 grant from the Felix E. Martin Foundation to build five bins to be placed at recycling sites. The bins, built by a local business, are taken by County Road Dept. to Muhlenberg County Opportunity Center, which employs mentally and physically challenged adults, where they are unloaded and the contents sold. Opportunity Center revenue has increased by $16,695, and 61,000 pounds of papers and plastics have not gone to landfills.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Muhlenberg county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

During March Nutrition Month, Livingston County Family and Consumer Sciences joined with Livingston County Early Childhood Council to present Dr. Seuss's "Green Eggs and Ham" at a preschool-parent event. Preschoolers and parents and/or grandparents learned the importance of a good breakfast by making green eggs and ham (plus biscuits, jam, and milk). Participants enjoyed omelet stations, where children cracked and stirred eggs (some making green eggs using food coloring) and watched the eggs cook (with optional lean diced ham added). A total of ninety-four parents, grandparents, volunteers, and children attended. Caregivers received newsletters and information on nutrition. Preschool screenings, craft booths, and story time with Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat character were also elements of the event.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Livingston county, please click the link.

Accessing Nutritious Foods

The weakened economy prompted an increase in inquiries about gardening and food preservation, so Simpson County Extension Agents planned and conducted three gardening and ten food-preservation workshops over the last three years. A total of 106 people (51 in freezing classes and 65 in canning classes) participated. Evaluations over the three years indicated 71% of the participants had preserved food but only 38% had canned food. All 106 participants indicated that the workshops gave them new information about food preservation. 92% will use the information to freeze food, and 89% will can food. A phone and email survey revealed that participants used the information to preserve an average of $150 worth of food.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Simpson county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Pike County's poor health is linked to obesity and a lack of physical activity. "Weight: the Reality Series," a 10-week program sponsored by Family and Consumer Sciences in partnership with YMCA, helped adults learn to make lifestyle changes that lead to weight loss and reduced risk of diseases related to obesity. If participants continued to exercise at YMCA, they received a five-week pass to the gym. Over 150 pounds total was lost. The class reported that other family members have lost weight as a result of healthier meal preparation. Participants continue to exercise and have lost weight since class ended. One participant reported she now controls her health by eating healthier and exercising one hour a day.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Pike county, please click the link.

Securing Financial Stability

With unemployment at 9.8%, many families must reduce food expenditures. "Couponing 101" teaches how to plan meals and shop wisely. The Marshall County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent taught the lesson 23 times to over 460 participants. Each class covered meal planning, using a master shopping list, keeping a price book, coupon etiquette, store policies, coupon resources, and stockpiling. Follow-up reports indicated that 80% of participants now use meal planning and couponing to increase savings. 60% consistently save 20 to 50%, and have shared what they learned with family and friends. Participants said, "The weekly meal planning should be a must for every household" and "Using what we learned has allowed us to keep gas in our automobiles."

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Marshall county, please click the link.

Nurturing Families

Babyfest was Knox County's first educational baby shower, sponsored by Extension Service and Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), with the help of Knox Central High School Family Resource Center and the HANDS program. "BabyFest" educated pregnant women and young parents about caring for and nurturing a newborn. Topics included infant nutrition, managing stress, car-seat safety, and breastfeeding. Presenters and vendors introduced new parents to local resources. Participants received educational information and baby supplies. Participants were either pregnant or had a child less than one year old; over half were 21 or younger. 100% of the participants stated the information was helpful. Ninety-four, including participants, presenters, and exhibitors, attended "BabyFest," which will be repeated in Spring 2012.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Knox county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Kentucky is ranked 6th in the US of the most obese adults in America according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. To address these alarming statistics, the Spencer County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and 4-H Agent partnered with the Spencer County Health Department Health Educators, The Spencer County Youth Service and Family Resources Centers coordinators in the county to deliver the Spencer County Biggest Loser Challenge. 122 Spencer County Residents participated in the 8 week program. As a result of the program participants lost a total of 481 pounds. In a follow-up survey, 80% of participants monitor their weight more on a regular basis and 75% are incorporating more moderate physical activity into their daily routines.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Spencer county, please click the link.

Securing Financial Stability

With ten percent of Mercer County families living below the poverty level and 163 grandparents caring for grandchildren, financial planning, and literacy are important to the community. Mercer County Extension Agents worked with local banks, funeral homes, and financial advisers to offer three major programs. Serving more than 120 individuals, programs covered QuickBooks®, estate planning, and investments. Estate-planning survey results show that 88% of the participants did not have an estate-planning team, and 78% did not have an estate plan. In its second year, the estate-planning series will be offered based on these survey results and feedback from the Agriculture Advisory Council, which confirms ongoing need for information on this topic.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Mercer county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Centers for Disease Control statistics show that 18% of Kentucky students are obese. Only 14% of Kentucky youth eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily, yet 36% drink soda at least one time per day. To address poor eating habits, Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Agents and 4-H Program Assistant presented a nutrition education program, "Eat Smart, Play Hard" from "Jump Into Foods and Fitness" curriculum, to 716 fourth- and fifth-grade students in 33 classrooms and 17 Cropper Alternative School students. In a survey of 313 students several weeks later, 91% were eating breakfast; 55% were eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables; 90% were choosing nutritious drinks; and 68% were choosing healthy snacks.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Shelby county, please click the link.

Nurturing Families

The 2009 "Kids Count" data ranks Kentucky 41st in overall well-being of children. In 2000, Allen, Logan, Simpson Community Early Childhood Council was developed to provide improved parenting and childcare programming. Since 2001, the Council has acquired over $370,000 in grant funds that provide training and resources for childcare providers. 32 childcare providers participated in a three-hour professional development training using KET's Art to Heart curriculum. An evaluation completed by 94% of participants indicated: 100% found the handouts/written materials useful; 100% would apply what they learned to work or family life. 40% had "good" or "very good" knowledge of the subject matter prior, and 93% had "good" or "very good" knowledge after, a 53% increase.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Logan county, please click the link.

Accessing Nutritious Food

The Rockcastle County Family Consumer Sciences Agent, in collaboration with Sigmon Farms, Rockcastle school system, health department, hospital, and conservation district, conducted the county's 18th annual Youth Farm Field Day. The theme, "Farm to Plate: Where Does Your Food Come From?" was made possible by a Healthy Communities grant through Rockcastle Health Department. A hay ride allowed youth to see vegetable and livestock production and crops that support livestock. Speakers discussed local and traditional food production with 295 fourth-grade youth from three elementary schools. The hospital, health department, and beekeepers organization provided healthy food samples, augmented by FCS Agent's $700 grant for samples and snacks.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Rockcastle county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Lawrence County has a high rate of diabetes, with 8.1% of the county population suffering from the disease. An advisory team, led by the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, comprised of health/education professionals, hospital, county health department, and board of education implemented a 10-week series, "Taking Control of Your Diabetes." Professionals and educators addressed issues such as monitoring blood glucose/hemoglobin A1-C; physical therapy; physical activity; nutrition; foot care, medications and more. Evaluations after the program ended, revealed that 75% know more about their medications and take better care of their feet. 60% count carbohydrates and monitor blood glucose and hemoglobin A1-C more effectively. As a result of the series, a local diabetes support group has begun monthly meetings.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Lawrence county, please click the link.

Embracing Life As We Age

According to recent census data, 12.9% of the people in Montgomery County are over 65 years of age. The Montgomery County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent has partnered with other agencies to share educational information with seniors. With AARP Extension has sponsored driver's education classes, programs on long-term care insurance, senior travel safety, community medical care, and understanding Medicare. 210 homemaker members have studied "Safer Housing for the Elderly" and "Don't Let Falls Get You Down." The FCS Agent serves on the Kentucky Cancer Consortium. In 1999 only 34.7% of Kentuckians had colon cancer screening, compared to 63.7% in 2008. Local efforts for colon cancer education have included homemaker fact sheets, health fairs, and involvement with local and regional cancer committees.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Montgomery county, please click the link.

Empowering Community Leaders

The Pendleton County Family Consumer Sciences Agent provides leadership to Extension Homemakers, who conduct community-service projects and offer educational leadership. In 2010-2011, volunteer service hours were valued at $20.25 per hour, with Pendleton Homemakers reporting 51,883.5 hours for Extension, civic, church, school, and other organizations, a value of $1,050,641 in intangible revenue. This was a 10,000-hour increase over the previous year. 58 Homemakers held office at state, county, area and/or club level, and 43 reported holding office in other groups using leadership training gained through Extension training. Leaders support ten local clubs and several community-service projects. Two significant projects are cancer support and "Recipe for Life," a cooking and nutrition program for youth.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Pendleton county, please click the link.

Nurturing Families

In Kentucky, households headed by grandparents are rising, with over 57,000 children. An additional 12,294 children live in households headed by other relatives or non-relatives. Due to numerous requests for help, Kenton County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent collaborated with other agencies to conduct ten monthly support group meetings that educate caregivers about parenting techniques, nutrition and wellness, and resource availability. As a result of the support group, the 25 participating families reported in a post-session survey that 85% have assisted other relatives raising children by sharing information learned; 90% have used Extension's resource guide to locate social services; and 53% feel less stress. One grandparent, who is legally adopting her great-grandchild, said the emotional support contributed to her decision.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Kenton county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Taylor County Extension programs encourage family-oriented, age-appropriate physical activity through a variety of programs. To encourage local use of eight tracks and trails, a walking club with 18 participants was formed. "Mindful Movement" and "A Matter of Balance" programs were introduced for older adults, with six participants reporting improved posture, flexibility, and balance. On an unseasonably hot day, 84 people participated in 2nd Sunday, showing support for the "built environment" by walking, dancing, biking, jumping, and dancing. Ten attendees in a mental-health day program learned exercises and healthier eating in an ongoing class taught by the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent. Nutrition and exercise games were a part of the Extension Family Field Day, which 158 people attended.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Taylor county, please click the link.

Accessing Nutritious Foods

The Lyon County Cooperative Extension Service is committed to providing nutrition education programs to low income families and individuals. The goals of these programs are to educate families with young children and/or limited resources and SNAP-Ed clientele how to plan nutritious meals while on a limited budget, acquire safe food handling practices such as proper hand-washing techniques, improve food preparation skills, and change eating and physical activity behaviors to encourage better health, while raising awareness of chronic, food-related issues such as diabetes and obesity. As a result of these programs, 989 people were encouraged to access nutritious foods at local farmers markets and 1,536 youth were taught the basics of making nutritious food choices.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Lyon county, please click the link.

Securing Financial Stability

For most families, groceries are a major source of spending. Using coupons can substantially reduce food costs, if used effectively. To teach this money-saving skill, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent presented "Couponing 101," to 98 participants. Topics included planning; creating a master shopping list; finding and organizing coupons; coupon etiquette; store coupon policies; and stockpiling. In a post-class survey, participants reported saving an average of $171 over a three-month period, approximately $750 a year per family. All reported using coupons regularly to save money on their grocery bill and said they were saving an average of 17.5% on their weekly groceries. One person reported that using coupons had helped her family have extra money for gas.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Todd county, please click the link.

Securing Financial Stability

Fourteen percent of Jessamine County residents live at or below the poverty level. Because of this, Extension provided to residents a series of financial management and family resource management classes. Over 25 programs were offered during the 2010-2011 school year, reaching 137 participants. In a survey three months after the series, 93% had made at least one positive change in the way they currently budgeted or handled their money; 100% stated they were more aware of spending habits. Seventy-two percent had opened a savings account and one stated he had not overdrawn his account in three months when previously he had been overdrawn twice a month.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Jessamine county, please click the link.

Securing Financial Stability

The McCracken County Family and Consumer Science Agents partner each St. Patrick's Day to host "Spring into Green," which over 50 adults attended. This year, the speaker addressed money and estate planning. As a result, 94% were motivated to make a change; 92% will consider plans for their estate; 79% plan to start saving; 88% will use tips learned when deciding to update or sell their home; 84% learned the first thing to do if they lose their job; and 94% learned the best thing to do if they lose their job or have a reduction in salary. Participants ranked their knowledge of estate planning before and after the presentation. 24% of participants reported having "little" knowledge before the program, whereas 92% reported "some" knowledge after the program.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for McCracken county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Statistics show that Kentucky ranks sixth in the nation for heart disease and that 41% of adults in Perry County have heart disease. To help prevent heart disease, the Perry County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, with a health department educator, planned and presented a heart-health awareness event in February, which 73 attended. Using the new dietary guidelines, the focus was on reducing sodium. Sodium content and serving size of common foods were examined. Survey statistics revealed that 95% retained and were using the information obtained from this program to make changes in the way they ate. With average yearly medical costs per individual with heart disease nearing $15,000, those 73 participants could realize a potential savings of over $1 million in medical costs.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Perry county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choicesoices

In Trigg County, nearly 9% of adults have been diagnosed with or are at risk for diabetes, according to www.kentuckyhealthfacts.org. The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and the Pennyrile District Health Department Certified Diabetes Educator taught a 4-week program on diabetes management. Fifteen people were taught weekly topics included medications, complications, management, and nutrition. Post program evaluations reported that 27% of the participants indicated they now pay close attention to how many grams of carbohydrates they take in and read nutrition labels carefully. This has led to weight loss for two participants. A diabetes support group now meets monthly and is facilitated by the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent using "Taking Ownership of Your Diabetes" program resources.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Trigg county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Nutrition and health education programs remain the leading strategy to address bleak health statistics. Johnson County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent piloted a program at Highlands Elementary that reached students with information about nutrition and physical activity. The nine-day effort reached 483 students, plus the faculty, staff, and leadership. Before the program, 10% of the student body could name all categories of the food pyramid, none could name the basic nutrients, and fewer than 2% knew how many calories they needed. The post-evaluation revealed that 44% knew how many calories they needed; 67% could list the food groups; 25% knew the basic nutrients; 66% reported eating more fruits and vegetables; 57% began eating more whole grain foods; and 40% began eating foods lower in fat.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Johnson county, please click the link.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Accessing Nutritious Foods

Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program (NEP) paraprofessional and agents taught 270 limited-resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, keep foods safe, and use local food resources. 85% of NEP graduate families improved their diet because they used the food guide pyramid, made healthy choices, and read nutrition facts, and 37% increased the frequency of moderate physical activity. Extension also conducted "LEAP for Health" in eight Head Start and early childhood classes, reaching 238 children ages 3 to 5. As a result of the LEAP program, 93% of the youth tried a new fruit or vegetable and 96% could name at least one or more health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Jefferson county, please click the link.

Accessing Nutritious Foods


The Jackson County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) paraprofessionals taught 214 limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. 98.95% families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet. 55.5% of NEP graduate families consumed a diet of higher quality because they planned meals using the food guide pyramid, considered healthy choices, and used the "Nutrition Facts" label. 41% of families increased the frequency of moderate physical activity for 30 minutes per day. 49% of families demonstrated an improvement in safe food handling practices and hand washing behavior. 61% of families learned to plan meals ahead of time and use a grocery list to guide food selections.

To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Jackson county, please click the link.