Through multistate research and Extension partnerships, land-grant universities are combating avian influenza, antimicrobial resistance, foodborne illness, and vector-borne diseases while strengthening the health of communities nationwide. Disease outbreaks rarely stay confined to a single farm, community, or state. That’s because the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment are deeply interconnected. This idea, known as One Health, recognizes that …
Researchers across America are advancing nutrition
Collaborative research by land-grant universities plays an important role in advancing our understanding of human health and nutrition and improving access to and consumption of safe, high-quality, nutritious foods nationwide. Researchers tackle nutrition issues in many ways: DISCOVERING compounds that are beneficial to human health and understanding the role they play in preventing chronic diseases; BREEDING fruit and vegetable varieties …
Diabetes prevention and patient empowerment
One in three adults in the United States has prediabetes, and 10.5% of the population has diabetes. Both increase the risk for heart disease and stroke among other negative health outcomes. Extension educators teach participants to eat healthy, manage stress and increase physical activity. This all helps manage weight and prevent diabetes and other chronic diseases. A collaborative approach helps …
Community nutrition programs improve healthful outcomes
Community Nutrition Education Programs, a service of the Land-grant University System, use Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) funding to educate and empower low-income individuals, families, school-age youth and pregnant teens. Extension educators across the country deliver research-based, hands-on learning experiences on diet quality, food safety, physical activity, food security and food …
Scientists across the country working to create more nutrient-dense diets
Many American diets don’t include enough basic nutrients, which can lead to health issues as we age. Low-nutrient diet lead to issues, including macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity and diabetes. Improving the nutritional quality of basic crops through plant breeding is a cost-effective, sustainable way to address these nutritional needs. Researchers at land-grant universities across the country are seeking ways …
Twiggs County, Georgia community comes together for health and wellness
Residents of Twiggs County participate in the Stepping into Fall Walkathon organized by Fort Valley State University’s Cooperative Extension Program in Jeffersonville, Georgia. Residents of Jeffersonville, Georgia, gathered at the City Hall Square to participate in a program organized by Fort Valley University’s (FVSU) Cooperative Extension Program. From September 20-22, 75 residents walked more than a mile during the Stepping …
Southern University Ag Center develops interactive mental health resource for farmers
SU Ag Center Works to Develop an Interactive Mental Health Resource Database Tailored to assist Farmers Contact: LaKeeshia G. Lusk | 225-771-2160 | lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com Baton Rouge, La. – Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s (SU Ag Center) mental health specialist, Ashlyn Harrison, LPC, NCC, is making significant strides in addressing the mental health challenges faced by farmers in Louisiana. …
Programs for an aging population focus on small ways to make a big difference
The percentage of the U.S. population over the age of 50 is rapidly rising, with the aging of the baby-boomer generation. In addition, 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 higher. Extension services across the country have found ways to target specific health …
Land-grant universities help communities cope with mental health, substance abuse challenges
Across the country, many communities — especially those in rural areas — are facing growing challenges related to mental health and substance abuse. Extension personnel with land-grant universities are in a unique position to help educate and encourage those they serve and have developed a variety of efforts to tackle these problems, which have economic, social and other consequences. Here …
Reaching out to farmers in crisis through mental health initiatives
With stressors including long working hours, financial uncertainty, isolation in rural areas and seasonality, farming has been identified as one of the most stressful occupations — and farmers are at a risk of physical and mental health issues as a result of this occupational stress, including an increased risk of suicide. Land-grant universities across the country are on the forefront …