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.