Celebrating World Health Day Extension Program Efforts

Get Moving 

Some Land-grant Institutions and Universities (LGUs) are addressing the challenges of physical inactivity and poor diet. Both are linked to chronic diseases and adverse health conditions. Access to physical activity opportunities is an often-cited barrier. 

• In Kansas, 84% of the 5,467 participants in Walk Kansas reached the minimum goal of at least 30 minutes of physical activity five or more days per week, and 82% planned to continue physical activity. 

• Educators in California created an active recess program that encouraged collaboration, social engagement and physical activity. The program reached 795 elementary students and is providing training to other schools. 

• The participants in Let’s Walk Florida improved their healthful outcomes, with 52% lowering their blood pressure and 29% decreasing their medications. 

• South Dakota offers two evidence-based physical activity programs to help those living with arthritis and to reduce fall risk in older adults. 

• Educators in Louisiana created a weekly virtual walking group to serve as an accountability partner for participants, and 66.7% said they also planned to try the nutrition tip or recipe given as part of the program. 

• Georgia developed a tool for identifying optimal routes for biking and walking in five counties where residents struggled to find safe routes. 

Decreasing Tobacco Use 

Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. It leads to enormous costs to individuals, their families and our communities. The use of electronic cigarettes for youths is rising nationwide and remains a critical public health issue. Various LGU programs are decreasing tobacco use in youths and adults.  

• University of Delaware Extension fosters a sense of belonging and trust in 4-H youths and adults through programming, and 52% of youth participants agreed that those vaping were harming themselves.  

• The University of Illinois tobacco cessation program allows businesses to provide the programming to their employees at no cost to the business or the employee.  

• Extension educators at Auburn University in Alabama implemented the Escape Vapes: Youth Prevention Program. There were 1,146 youths in 5th to 12th grades served, and 68% said they were more confident in their ability to avoid nicotine products after participating.  

Supporting an Aging Population 

The percentage of the U.S. population over the age of 50 is rapidly rising. Additionally, a disproportionate share of this aging population growth is in rural areas, where access to health-based services is more limited and the mortality rate is higher. Extension services across the country have found ways to target specific health and wellness issues in this age group through creative programming — and are seeing big results.  

• The average American eats so much excess sodium that even cutting back by 1,000 milligrams per day can significantly improve blood pressure and heart health. To address this concern, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 1890 Cooperative Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education conducted weekly food preparation classes with local older adults , focusing on proper nutrition for a healthier lifestyle, including limiting sodium through salt alternatives and different seasonings.  

• Age-related declines in muscle strength, flexibility and balance are key factors for falls, the loss of independence and growing health care costs among older adults. Two programs at the University of Missouri Extension aim to combat these concerns. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy resistance training program seeks to improve muscle strength, flexibility and balance of participants. The program expanded virtually during the pandemic, engaging older adults who normally would not have had access to exercise instruction or social interaction. More than 70% of participants improved five out of five physical health assessments, which included flexibility, strength and balance tests. 

• In Wisconsin, where two-thirds of the population is over 50, Extension has implemented the Aging Mastery Program in 37 counties. The series covers physical activity, healthy eating, social connectedness, advance care planning, community engagement and healthy relationships. All participants were able to identify at least one change they made toward better health and wellbeing due to the program.