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 …
Rural Georgia: Growing Stronger
“Rural life is often portrayed as an idyllic throwback to simpler times, where communities and neighbors come together in times of crisis and hardship. While the characterization of the tight-knit small town may ring true in many cases, rural communities still face all of the same modern-day challenges and adversities as their urban counterparts. When they do, they are often …
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 …
4-H educates youths on the importance of agriculture
With less than 2% of Americans living on a farm, broad societal misconceptions about farming and aging farmers, it is imperative to inspire, educate and cultivate the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. Young people need to hear authentic stories, have access to engaging and immersive education and see demonstrations of 21st-century farming. Examples of this work include: In …
Fresh on DeK brings nutrition education
DeKalb County residents are still experiencing negative impact on health and wellness due to high food costs and impact from COVID-19. Concerns over food insecurity also affect physical and mental health. The DeKalb County Fresh on DeK Mobile Farmers Market was established to serve DeKalb County citizens in the areas of nutrition and wellness. The Mobile Farmer’s Market visits 16 …
Sustainable solutions to bee health
Bees provide essential pollination for many of the nut, berry, fruit, vegetable, and seed crops grown in the U.S. To supplement wild bee pollination, farmers often rent managed honey bee colonies. Demand is skyrocketing, but catastrophic die-offs are threatening the supply of healthy honey bee colonies. Parasitic mites, pathogens, pesticide chemicals, nutritional deficits, and environmental conditions have contributed to the …
Investing in community development
Advancing the growth of communities, multiple land-grant universities are providing vital programs to help with finding employment, opening a business and offering essential services for those in need. Research and Cooperative Extension experts are making a difference in the communities they serve. Successful examples include: In Alabama, 1890 Extension professionals are “Promoting Readiness for Employment Possibilities,” educating 595 participants about …
Protecting eastern white pine
The eastern white pine tree is a crucial ecological and economic component of forests in the eastern United States. White pines provide critical food and shelter for wildlife and store carbon. They also provide valuable lumber and are commonly used for reforestation, landscaping and Christmas trees. The potential economic value of standing white pine is $18.6 billion. Eastern white pines …
Safer, more sustainable pest management
Managing pests is essential to healthy, safe and productive agricultural, urban, residential and natural areas. However, chemical pesticides can cause air and water pollution and unintended harm to nontarget organisms. Exposure to pesticides has also been linked to human health problems. In addition, many pests eventually develop resistance to commonly used chemicals, rendering them ineffective. Researchers at land-grant universities across …
Managing waste
Agricultural wastes, like manure, animal carcasses and wastewater, can pose environmental and human health risks if not handled safely. Some wastes can be reused as fertilizers, but if not properly managed, excess nitrogen, phosphorous, and pathogens can run off or leach into ground and surface waters. Land-grant universities are finding ways to safely dispose of or reuse agricultural wastes. Here …