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About Us
County Impact Statements - Prairie County
Extension Programs Support Healthy Lifestyles for Families in
Prairie County
There has been a major increase in diabetes among adults nationwide in the
last 10 years. Approximately 800,000 new cases of diabetes are diagnosed each
year. It is the seventh leading cause of death in this country and a major
contributor to such health problems as heart disease, stroke, blindness, high
blood pressure, kidney disease, and amputations. Obesity has increased rapidly
among adults and children in the United States. (10 percent in adults and 20
percent in children). Breast cancer is also a major concern among adult women.
The Cooperative Extension Service conducted several programs designed to
increase awareness, provide testing, and encourage a lifetime change in eating
habits and fitness.
- Four sessions on diabetic cooking was presented.
- A 15 week session of "Reshape Yourself", a healthy eating, weight
control program was conducted.
- Educational booths were set up at the farmers production meeting and
health officials were available for sugar testing, taking blood pressure and
breathing tests.
- A five lesson session on healthy eating using the Food Guide Pyramid was
conducted for children in the third grade in DeValls Bluff Elementary
School.
- "Tell a Friend" a breast cancer awareness program was conducted.
- EHC members made and contributed breast pillows for cancer patients.
Committee planning for programs to address health issues in the
county.
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Impacts
- Over 347 people were reached through programs conducted on health.
- Over 50 people reported they plan to adopt a new practice related to
improving their health.
- Sixty two people participated in health screening sponsored by
Extension.
- Twenty three children pledged to eat more fruits and vegetables and less
fats and sweets.
- Fifty nine pounds were lost by participants in the "Reshape Yourself"
program as well as walking four hundred eighty eight miles.
- Forty four women reported receiving a mammogram.
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