About Us
County Impact Statements - Logan County
Extension Programs Promote Good Health
Five major causes of death in Arkansas are lifestyle related chronic
diseases. Lifestyle factors such as diets high in fat and low in fruits and
vegetables, lack of physical activity, and smoking increase the risks of chronic
diseases. Eight percent of children and 55% of adults are overweight.
The "Tell A Friend" is a campaign designed to encourage mammography and self
breast exams. Twelve leaders were trained. Each leader contacted 5-10 women to
encourage them to have a mammogram.
"On My Own At Home" is a program designed for 3rd grade students. At that age
many are spending some time home alone. Safety, first aid, and dealing with
emergency situations are addressed. In the second session, children learn how to
prepare nutritious snacks and follow the Food Guide Pyramid.
"Reshape Yourself" addresses changing lifestyle habits to improve health.
Participants learn how to reduce fat and cholesterol in the diet, modify
recipes, correct serving sizes, and incorporate a walking program.
Good nutrition is vital to good health and is taught to audiences such as
civic groups, churches, child care providers, parents in Head Start and HIPPY,
and Extension Homemaker Club members. Topics include: diets to control
hypertension, arthritis, walking, strength training, portion sizes, reducing
sugar in the diet, and the food guide pyramid. A total of 668 participated in
nutrition and health programs.
Third grade students make their own nutritious snack while
learning how to follow the Food Guide Pyramid.
|
Impacts
- 338 third grade students exhibited skills in planning snacks from the
food guide pyramid. They also gained knowledge on dealing with emergencies
when staying home alone.
- At least two women who were a part of the "Tell A Friend" campaign
discovered breast lumps through self exams or mammograms.
- Graduates of Reshape Yourself report they are continuing the changes
they made in the classes and are meeting weekly as a support group.
- 33 young parents learned the important role that snacks play in
children’s health. 100% can identify snacks from the food guide pyramid.
- 30 Child Care providers learned food safety skills to use with young
children.
- 12 participants learned how to preserve foods safely.
|
