Decreasing Weight For Good Health

Kentucky has the seventh-highest rate of adult obesity in the nation. The Kentucky Institute of Medicine reported that McCracken County is ranked 27th in the state in a comparative assessment of health risk compared to the other counties. To reduce risk of deaths due to cardiovascular disease, Weight the Reality Series, an eight-week class that teaches behavior change, including portion control and healthy choices, was offered to the community. Twenty-two people enrolled in the eight-week challenge to get the support, education, and accountability needed to get on the road to weight loss and increased activity levels. At the conclusion of the program: A total of 72.2 pounds were lost by the group and average weight loss or the class was 3.45 percent of body weight. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for McCracken county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

According to the Kentucky Institute of Medicine, 21 percent of Woodford County's adult population is classified as obese. To address this trend, the Be WELL (Workshops for Everyday Living and Longevity) series was introduced to the county. Utilizing concepts from Weight the Reality series, this workshop addressed weight maintenance and loss from a holistic perspective. Topics included portion control, motivation for health, and healthy cooking. Eleven participants attended the sessions. When asked about information learned at the workshops and the intention to utilize this information within four weeks, 75 percent strongly agreed and 25 percent agreed that they would incorporate at least one tip for weight control. Eight-six percent strongly agreed and 14 percent agreed that they would incorporate at least one tip or idea learned for healthy cooking. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Woodford county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

According to an article in the Louisville Courier Journal in September 2010, obesity is blamed for 300,000 deaths and $147 billion in health care costs each year in Kentucky. The Pendleton County Extension Service, in collaboration with other partners, presented a program called "Waist Management" to take steps to help individuals make healthier lifestyle choices. During the course of an eight-week weight loss challenge, the following was reported: A total of 45 individuals participated in the program; a total of 193 pounds were lost; with the largest percentage of weight loss for an individual 13.46 percent. During the program: pre- and post-blood screenings and tests for chronic health conditions were completed; 61 percent reported a positive change in screenings.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Pendleton county, please click the link.

Lyon County Extension Homemakers Community Leaders

Lyon County Extension Homemakers used their leadership skills to strengthen the organization's outreach to the community during the year. Homemaker Council members and Lyon County Cooperative Extension 4H Youth Development agent prioritized program focus and identified people who could effectively lead the programs. The Pretend Store Holiday project for 35 limited resource preschoolers was successful, especially in including men as volunteers to promote positive male role models. Members focused on providing food for hungry residents by volunteering at and supporting the local food bank. Extension Homemaker leaders also financially benefited local organizations through their efforts: A Community Yard Sale raised $1,000 for the 4-H Camp Scholarship Fund and $648 was raised with a dessert auction for support of the Pretend Store project.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Lyonhttp://www.ca.uky.edu/hes/fcs/Strong_Families_13/2013-BSF-Lyon.pdf county, please click the link.

Increasing Physical Activity

Harlan County is in the top 10 least healthy counties in the state. In 2007, Harlan County was ranked 119 out of 120 Kentucky counties. In 2011, these rates were released again and the county was ranked 117. The Harlan County Cooperative Extension Service coordinated a community physical activity awareness program with 143 participants. Of the 143 people who attended, 100 percent stated that they would exercise more than three times a week. Booths were set up to give participants information on ways to be active, portion sizes, diabetes control, and the food guide pyramid. As a result of this successful response, Harlan County restarted Get Moving Kentucky (after a lapse of two years) and 321 people enrolled and exercised almost daily for eight weeks.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Harlan county, please click the link.
 

All Star Dads

Harrison County, through the Harrison County Cooperative Extension Service, piloted a physical activity program for men ages 24 to 40 entitled All Star Dads. Through the program, 1,200 students in kindergarten through fifth grade twice received score cards to record physical activity done with their dads. In Harrison County, dads turned in 38 cards. All dads received All Star Dad yard signs and trophy stickers upon completion of the card. The county school superintendent, resource center directors, and school nurse adopted the program eagerly. Extension reached teachers, coaches and staff they had not worked with before, as well as a new audience of young men and fathers. This physical activity program enhances other existing extension programs such as Second Sunday, Big Feet-Little Feet, and Longest Day of Play. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Harrison county, please click the link.

Big Blue Shape Up

Both youth and adults in Clinton County continue to struggle with obesity and lack of physical activity. According to "County Health Rankings (2012)," 38 percent of adults are physically inactive and 33 percent are obese. This year, 79 adults participated in Big Blue Shape Up series that focused on techniques for improved health and wellness. To determine current eating patterns and track changes, participants completed a 24-hour food recall at the beginning of the program. In addition to weekly weigh-ins, educational lessons focused on portion control, diabetes management, label reading, and reducing sodium and sugar. At the end of the series, 50 individuals completed all 10 weeks with a combined weight loss of 419 pounds.. As an additional challenge, 19 participants consumed 68,799 ounces of water in 10 weeks.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Clinton county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Clay County Cooperative Extension Service, along with six local agencies, sponsored two Just Get Moving Manchester events. This year there were 116 in attendance, a 50-percent increase over past years. Youth that attended the event were actively involved in activities for most of the two hours, increasing their heart rate. About half of the participants had participated in other Just Get Moving Manchester activities. The program relies heavily on teen and adult volunteers and local agency sponsorship. There was a 50-percent increase in the number of agencies that sponsor the event. Twelve volunteers also help support the 10 activities for both adults and children. The hospital sponsored free health screenings for participants. It has become a catalyst for positive change in the health of Clay Countians. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Clay county, please click the link.

Winchester Weight Down

Being overweight is recognized as a risk factor for a number of serious health problems, including diabetes, hypertension, stroke, arthritis, and some forms of cancer. To help individuals lose weight, Clark County Cooperative Extension Service's Family and Consumer Sciences, along with Clark County Activity Coalition, conducted a 10-week physical activity/weight loss educational program called Winchester Weigh Down. The program encouraged individuals to lose 10 percent of their body weight and were asked to weigh-in each week. Results of the program include: 90 percent reported that they are more effective in monitoring their weight; 60 percent are including physical activity as part of their daily routine; and 80 percent are now consuming more fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. Collectively, the group lost 680 pounds.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Clark county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

In Christian County, 24.4 percent of the adult population is obese, 31.2 percent gets little to no exercise, 31.7 percent have high blood pressure, and 9.6 percent have diabetes. In an effort to combat this situation, Christian County has organized a Healthy Communities Leadership Coalition. The coalition has developed a program called Hopdown the Pounds. Initially, 396 adults weighed in. During the eight weeks between weigh-ins, two healthy cooking classes, four nutrition classes, and eight exercise classes were offered by the various sponsors. Family and Consumer Sciences Extension offered multiple healthy cooking classes. There were 21 people who attended the first one and 26 the second one. On the final weigh in, 125 participants recorded a total 1,612 pounds lost or an average loss of 12.9 pounds.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Christian county, please click the link.

Food Preservation of Local Foods

The statistics are stark: 36 percent of Casey County children live in poverty and the county's median household income is $21,580. To increase residents' ability to maintain proper nutritional habits and budget food dollars, the Casey County Cooperative Extension Service's offered a Food Preservation Boot Camp. During the program, participants were encouraged to grow a garden or purchase fresh fruits and vegetables locally, and utilize proper food preservation methods. Afterward, according to one participant "Before I took this workshop, I was afraid to even try food preservation; the pressure canner really scared me. Now, I can do this! I'm not afraid anymore! I can't wait to can some more so my family can eat better. Thank you! You've changed the way we eat!"
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Casey county, please click the link.

Taking Control of Diabetes

Carter County has one of the highest rates in the state for diabetes-related deaths located in the "Diabetes Belt" by the Centers of Disease Control. To address this issue, "Taking Control of Your Diabetes" series was offered by the Carter County Extension Service. The curriculum includes strategies such as goal setting and problem solving to empower individuals to manage their diabetes. The program was offered to the Diabetes Support Group members and to Kentucky HomePlace clientele. As a result of the program 100 percent reported they: comply with the diabetes regimen prescribed by their doctor; have accomplished at least one of the goals that they had set in the last month; are able to solve problems that come about in their daily life as they deal with diabetes.To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Carter county, please click the link.

Healthy Eating for Hispanic Families

The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that Hispanic children and adults have one of the highest risks for obesity. To be proactive, the Carroll County Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Sciences agent has worked with ESL program interpreters to teach nutrition classes for young Hispanic families. This year the agent added a monthly Early Head Start nutrition program for young, Hispanic mothers with children under 3 years old. More than 190 parents and youth participated. Families were taught basic nutrition, selecting food in the supermarket, low-fat cooking, child nutrition, healthy snacks for children, and seasonal vegetables and the ripening process. A post-evaluation of participants revealed that the program increased the participants knowledge in most of these areas. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Carroll county, please click the link.

Decreasing Falls in the Community

From 2003-2010, fall-related hospitalizations involving Carlisle County residents ages 65 and over resulted in 62.9 percent of those involved being discharged to a skilled nursing facility, according to the Kentucky Safety and Prevention Alignment Network. In response, Carlisle County Cooperative Extension Service, in partnership with the Carlisle County Senior Citizens Center, presented "Stand Up to Falling," a fall prevention program, to 28 older adults. As a result: 71 percent better understood how to reduce the risk of falling; 64 percent will make changes to their home environment to reduce the risk of falling; 64 percent will become more physically active to help reduce the risk of falling; and 67 percent know how to safely get up from a fall. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Carlisle county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Brighton Center for Employment Training (CET) provides students the opportunity to work toward self-sufficiency. The program relies heavily on the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service to present classes that assist students with personal skills in nutrition, finances, and overall wellness. During the six-week "Small Steps to Health and Wealth" program, goals were set by the students, and action plans (e.g., food diaries, pedometer logs, and spending logs) were turned in after each class. This past year, 20 students successfully completed the program, with 100 percent completing a personal goal plan. Additionally, 95 percent of participants now get more exercise, and 90 percent are making healthier food choices. At the end of the program, three students said they quit smoking altogether and four said they had cut back. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Campbell county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Calloway County Nutrition Education Program Assistants teach nutrition education, food safety, and food security in the community. As a result of these efforts 382 youth were involved in nutrition education programs. Additionally, 54 limited resource families were taught how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively; 100 percent of those families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet; 44 percent of the families increased the frequency of moderate physical activity for 30 minutes per day; 47.5 percent of the families demonstrated an improvement in safe food handling practices and hand washing behavior; and 56 percent 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 Calloway county, please click the link.

The Caldwell County Cooperative Extension Service's Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional taught 94 limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. As a result: 91 percent of families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet; 50 percent of program 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; 57 percent of families increased the frequency of moderate physical activity for 30 minutes per day; 60 percent of families demonstrated an improvement in safe food handling practices and hand washing behavior; and 43 percent of families learned to plan meals ahead. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Caldwell county, please click the link.

What's in the Doctor's Bag

The "What's in the Doctor's Bag" curriculum was offered to the two Head Start classes to introduce children to the doctor's office - the doctor's instruments and what they experience when going to the doctor. The program also introduced them to a different healthy food each month and showed the benefits of eating healthy. At the beginning of the class, only 90 percent of the students would try the foods presented, with 100 percent trying them at the end of the year. The teachers observed 85 percent of the class choosing healthier snacks at snack time. At the completion of the program, students were requested to name the instruments and describe what they were used for. About 98 percent of the students could name the instruments and their purpose. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Butler county, please click the link.

Activity Matters

As a community partner in a Carole White grant, the Bullitt County Cooperative Extension agent for Family and Consumer Sciences organized several programs throughout the year at Brooks Elementary School addressing healthy lifestyle choices. Six nutritional education classes were offered to 783 school staff and parents. A physical activity competition was conducted among 20 school staff, who logged 4,199,594 steps over a 45-day period. The winner averaged 19,205 steps a day as she prepared food for the children. More than 150 people attended a family fun night to participate in a physical activity challenge. In a community struggling with obesity, physical activity programs such as these make an incremental change in the sedentary behaviors of both youth and adults. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Bullitt county, please click the link.

Losing Weight in Breckinridge

In nine weeks, nine teams (34 people) lost 401.1 pounds and 178 inches. The top team lost 13.12 percent of their body weight. In eight weeks, 10 teams (43 participants) lost 180.2 pounds and 285.25 inches. The top team lost a total of 47.4 pounds and 10.21 percent of their body weight. These results are from people participating in the Breckinridge County Biggest Loser program. The programs last eight to 12 weeks have weekly weigh-ins, and initial and final weigh-ins and measurements (done at the Breckinridge County Extension Office). The Breckinridge County Family and Consumer Sciences agent offers classes throughout the program on nutrition and physical activity. One hundred percent of the participants plan to join again in an effort to reach their goal and get healthy. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Breckinridge county, please click the link.

Teaching Healthy Cooking Basics

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Breathitt County has the highest adult obesity rate in the state at 39.6 percent. Factors that contribute to this problem, including poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, limited food preparation skills, were targeted during a six-week Healthy Cooking School featuring Cooperative Extension curricula.. Fifty-two people attended the school either at the Lifeskills Center or the Extension office. Each session provided a hands-on opportunity to practice a basic kitchen skill while preparing a simple recipe. Of the evaluations returned following the last session, 100 percent had used at least one of the basic skills at home, and 50 percent had used four or more of the skills at home; 66 percent reported that they had used some of the weight management tips. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Breathitt county, please click the link.

Decreasing Stress For Health

The American Psychological Association suggests that while Americans' stress levels appear to be balancing out, they remain high and exceed what they consider to be healthy. Many Americans report extreme stress, findings that are indicative of a serious trend that could have long-term consequences on people's health. The Boyle County Family and Consumer Sciences agent presented the lesson "Mind/Body Connection" to reduce stress to 56 participants. Participants learned easy and affordable ways to stretch and engage in physical activity at home or work by using home goods as weights and creating natural resistances; and create an at-home environment to relax and rejuvenate. A post-survey showed: 93 percent of the participants' ability to recognize the effects of stress improved and 100 percent plan to apply strategies to manage stress. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Boyle county, please click the link.

Wellness in Kentucky

The Bracken County Cooperative Extension Service's Family and Consumer Science agent partnered with the family resource center and the dance and fitness class at the Bracken County Middle School to offer eight weeks of nutritional and healthy education classes to their students. By using the "Wellness in Kentucky (WIN)" curriculum, lessons presented varied from fat content in foods to tasting your foods, from fruits and vegetables to calcium. There were a total of 40 students and three teachers in two classes. Overall, 95 percent of the students tried a fruit or vegetable they had never had before, with some stating they would try it again. Pre- and post-tests were given to see increased knowledge. On average, 95 percent of the students showed an increase in knowledge. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Bracken county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

The Boyd County Cooperative Extension Service's Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional taught 94 limited resource families how to serve more nutritious meals, to keep foods safe, and to utilize local food resources effectively. As a result, 91 percent of families made an improvement in the nutritional quality of their diet; 50 percent of program 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; 57 percent of families increased the frequency of moderate physical activity for 30 minutes per day; 60 percent of families demonstrated an improvement in safe food handling practices and hand washing behavior; and 43 percent of families learned to plan meals ahead of time and use a grocery list.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Boyd county, please click the link.

Moving Forward With A Healthy Community

The 2nd Sunday program has been a yearly event sponsored by Bourbon County Cooperative Extension Service for the last four years. In 2011 more than 300 people participated. This has been the only community-wide event for several years that promotes getting out and getting moving. In particular, Bourbon County has been lacking a community-wide plan for walking and biking. In 2011-2012, the Pioneering Healthy Community Committee worked to develop and implement a local biking walkability plan. Extension has been a member of this committee since its inception. This year through education, the use of a community planner and community meetings, the city and county have adapted a county-wide plan for bike lanes and walking trails. This is a major step to support Bourbon County healthy lifestyles. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Bourbon county, please click the link.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Helping adults learn about food and nutrition and the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices are the goals of the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service's Friday Food Fun Group. The program brings more than 40 adults together monthly to focus on one issue or topic related to food or nutrition. A written survey assessed the knowledge and behavior changes of those participants. Survey results showed: 96 percent improved their safe food-handling practices; 61 percent made changes to improve their health; and 63 percent eat more fruits and vegetables. Overall, participants have changed their eating habits to include more healthful food choices and may, therefore, end up with fewer chronic diseases and be less of a burden on the health care system. 
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Boone county, please click the link.

Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

With obesity and poor oral health issues on the rise in 2012, Bell County educators sought ways to address these issues in their classrooms. By using the LEAP (Literacy, Eating and Activity for the Primary) curriculum, the Bell County Cooperative Extension Service, partnering with Family Resource Centers, was able to reach 400 students in preschool through second grade to encourage physical fitness, proper oral health, correct hand washing, and healthy eating by picking more fruits and vegetables. One hundred percent of the students gained knowledge on the correct way to wash hands and how to brush their teeth using a circular motion for the right amount of time. Teachers reported that 85 percent of the children aspired to incorporate more physical activity into their day while at school.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Bell county, please click the link.

Teaching Healthy Cooking Basics

The obesity rate in Kentucky increased 90 percent over the past 15 years. Recognizing that obese individuals are at increased risk for many chronic health conditions, the Bath County Cooperative Extension Service offered a series of classes called Healthy Cooking to encourage participants to prepare healthy home-cooked meals. The four-part series included sessions on stir frying, preparing fish and seafood, healthy dessert options, and adapting favorite recipes to lower fat, sodium and calories. Fifteen people attended the classes. Evaluations showed that 80 percent of participants learned to read more of the label information on foods, especially for sodium and sugar content. In a follow-up evaluation four months after the classes, 75 percent of participants reported regularly using the healthy recipes they learned in the classes.
To see the entire Building Strong Families county profile for Bath county, please click the link.

ACCESS TO LOCAL FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Improving quality of life through increasing availability of local foods has been a significant issue for Barren County. Barren County Cooperative Extension Service has addressed this issue through support of the farmers markets in various locations around the county. In addition to making local food available, helping consumers learn proper preparation techniques is an added benefit of participating in farmers markets. In Barren County, more than 300 people have reported that extension programming at farmers markets has encouraged them to purchase products that they would not have purchased before because they now know how to use the products. Additionally, farmers market vendors are reporting an increase in foot traffic and sales as more people are searching for fresh products that they have seen demonstrated in extension programs.

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

INCREASING CHILDREN'S FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION

In Ballard County, children are not getting enough fruits and vegetables in their diets, nor are they getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. In the spring, the Ballard County Cooperative Extension service partnered with Ballard County Schools to educate 97 second-grade students on the importance of having a balanced diet and getting enough exercise. Cooperative Extension professionals and volunteers, presented lessons from the "From Farm to Table," "Literacy and Eating for Primary Health," and "Professor Popcorn" curricula. Results indicated that 85 percent of students knew the correct amount of vegetables and fruits to consume each day for good health. Ninety-five percent said they planned to ask their parents to provide more fruits and vegetables in their meal planning.

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

MAKING HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES

Often, senior adults may lack the funds, energy, and desire to prepare a variety of nutritious foods. The Anderson County Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Sciences agent prepared new recipes featuring fruits and vegetables that were served to 164 seniors over six visits to the local senior citizens center. More than 95 percent of seniors sampled the recipe. About 50 percent of those seniors who said they would not like the food prior to tasting later asked for the recipe. On subsequent visits, 50 percent of the group said they had prepared the recipe at least once at home since the lesson. Seniors improved the nutritive value of their meals and added color and texture to stimulate their appetite.

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

BEEF IN THE CLASSROOM

The rising costs of consumer beef products, coupled with national food safety concerns could affect Allen County families' grocery choices. To increase awareness of food safety and the nutritional benefits of beef as part of personal health lifestyle choices, a six-session "Beef in the Classroom" program was presented by Allen County Family and Consumer Sciences agent to the high school culinary class. Classroom sessions focused on an overview of the local cattle industry, with special focus on food-borne illness and preventive standards utilized by both producer and families during purchase, storage and preparation. The thirteen students developed food purchase skills targeting lean beef cut recognition and preparation techniques using lower fat cuts. Student evaluations indicated that 80 percent increased skills in beef carcass cut identification for healthier cut selection.

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

PLATE IT UP! KENTUCKY PROUD

Less than 20 percent of the adult population eats the recommended number of fruit and vegetable servings. To increase consumption of a healthy diet the Adair County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent provided statewide direction for the Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud project. The goal is to promote purchase and preparation of locally grown specialty crops through demonstrations and educational outreach. Selection and storage, nutritional value, and preservation tips are also shared. A monthly televised cooking show featuring the program has been airing on Duo County Telecom for one year. In addition, Adair County FCS and Agricultural Resources agents served tasting samples of Plate It Up recipes to over 150 shoppers at the Adair County Farmers' Market last summer and 650 consumers at a local corporate event.

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