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Journal of Extension

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Food Allergies: Safe Food Handling To Prevent Triggering An Allergic Reaction, Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Jaclyn Maurer Dec 2007

Food Allergies: Safe Food Handling To Prevent Triggering An Allergic Reaction, Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Jaclyn Maurer

Journal of Extension

The prevalence of food allergies is on the rise, especially among children. Safe food handling is important for preventing triggering a food allergic reaction. Guidelines for safe food handling for food allergies are scarce; therefore, data from key-informant interviews with health professionals, food professionals, and the public were used to develop educational factsheets for food service and child caretakers. These factsheets can be used by Extension professionals for both self-education and outreach education on this increasingly important health topic.

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Use Of Computer Technologies By Educators In Urban Community Science Education Programs, Alexey Kudryavtsev, Marianne Krasny, Gretchen Ferenz, Lisa Babcock Oct 2007

Use Of Computer Technologies By Educators In Urban Community Science Education Programs, Alexey Kudryavtsev, Marianne Krasny, Gretchen Ferenz, Lisa Babcock

Journal of Extension

This article examines the factors that influence computer use by youth educators working in community-based organizations in urban, low-income communities. Although access to computers technologies is not a limiting factor and educator computer skills are generally adequate, attitudes about the importance of computer use in youth programs and awareness of the content of computer tools and types of applications do appear to limit the use of computers. Extension programs should provide training opportunities for community educators to develop their computer skills and raise their awareness of the diversity of computer and related learning technologies.

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A Preliminary Study Of The Meanings Children Attach To Healthy And Unhealthy Lifestyles, Jennifer Paff Ogle, Susan S. Baker, Jan B. Carroll, Brian D. Butki Oct 2007

A Preliminary Study Of The Meanings Children Attach To Healthy And Unhealthy Lifestyles, Jennifer Paff Ogle, Susan S. Baker, Jan B. Carroll, Brian D. Butki

Journal of Extension

The preliminary study reported here explored meanings children attach to healthfulness and unhealthfulness. Focus groups were conducted to collect qualitative data on these topics from 64 children aged 5 to 12 years. Data were analyzed for key themes, and a model of children's logic about healthfulness and unhealthfulness was developed. Among participants, behavioral antecedents related to food intake, exercise participation, and hygiene habits were seen as linked to well-being and appearance outcomes. Findings point to a need for developmentally appropriate educational programming that underscores varied ways to lead a healthy lifestyle and promotes the healthfulness and beauty of diverse bodies.

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Preventing Diabetes: You Have The Power To Take Action, Marilyn Corbin, Nancy Ellen Kiernan, Mary Alice Gettings Oct 2007

Preventing Diabetes: You Have The Power To Take Action, Marilyn Corbin, Nancy Ellen Kiernan, Mary Alice Gettings

Journal of Extension

This article describes an educational program for preventing diabetes that was designed through collaboration led by Penn State Cooperative Extension. The evaluation revealed that citizens who thought they were at risk for diabetes will come to a prevention program on diabetes, learn among other things, ways to reduce risks, and the symptoms and tests for diabetes. Most participants revealed that as a result of the program, they would take two to three prevention actions within a 3-month period to reduce their risk of diabetes.

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Food Choices And Coping Strategies During Periods Of Perceived Food Shortage: Perspectives From Four Racial/Ethnic Groups, Stephany Parker, Vlasta Pinto, Tay Kennedy, Joshua A. Phleps Oct 2007

Food Choices And Coping Strategies During Periods Of Perceived Food Shortage: Perspectives From Four Racial/Ethnic Groups, Stephany Parker, Vlasta Pinto, Tay Kennedy, Joshua A. Phleps

Journal of Extension

The study reported here aimed to develop a better understanding of ethnic differences in food choices during times of perceived food shortage. Eight focus groups were conducted with limited income women between the ages of 18 to 35 years--two each with Native American, Hispanic, African American, and White participants. Content analysis of transcripts indicated differences and similarities with respect to food choices and coping strategies. Results of the study have important implications for the development of culturally appropriate and financially realistic nutrition education programming with diverse populations.

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Can Cross-Cultural Engagement Improve The Land-Grant University?, Craig A. Hassel Oct 2007

Can Cross-Cultural Engagement Improve The Land-Grant University?, Craig A. Hassel

Journal of Extension

Cultural diversity goes beyond political correctness, cutting to the core academic mission of constructing knowledge. Cooperative Extension faculty who develop intercultural competence can be leaders in bringing diverse forms of knowledge to land-grant universities. Engaging people with knowledge that does not correspond to scientific models or worldviews challenges scientific professionals to identify what they take for granted. Examples show how cross-cultural engagement can improve classroom teaching and research.

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Longitudinal Study Of The General Knowledge Of 4-H Horse Members, Jenifer Nadeau, Emily Mccabe Alger, Tom Hoagland Oct 2007

Longitudinal Study Of The General Knowledge Of 4-H Horse Members, Jenifer Nadeau, Emily Mccabe Alger, Tom Hoagland

Journal of Extension

In the longitudinal (3 year) study reported here, a general knowledge exam was used to determine strengths and weaknesses of 4-H youth in six New England states competing at the Eastern States Exposition 4-H Horse Show. One hundred multiple-choice questions were divided into 10 categories with 10 questions in each category and then randomized. Mean exam scores differed based on age, discipline, state, years of attendance, and test category. This method may offer a way to track progress over time of 4-H youth and assess the effectiveness of targeted program planning in states.

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Engagement In English Language Learner (Ell) Latino, Hmong, And Somali Communities, Debby Newman, Pa Nhia Yang Oct 2007

Engagement In English Language Learner (Ell) Latino, Hmong, And Somali Communities, Debby Newman, Pa Nhia Yang

Journal of Extension

Research documents the importance of engagement between universities and potential learners. Yet more studies are needed to determine community engagement efficacy with underserved communities, especially English Language Learners. This article shares the importance of using various types of engagement. For instance, multicultural students hired by the University of Minnesota Extension INFO-U answer service to work in their respective communities worked with advisory boards, made community visits, and conducted focus groups. All affected the number of INFO-U's callers and Web visitors. Some groups were more likely to use INFO-U's services after engagement. For others, automation was not a cultural fit.

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Advancing Cooperative Extension With Podcast Technology, Kui Xie, Mengmeng Gu Oct 2007

Advancing Cooperative Extension With Podcast Technology, Kui Xie, Mengmeng Gu

Journal of Extension

Recently, a new form of technology-mediated communication, podcast, has been blooming, and it has been applied in various fields for knowledge distribution. Podcast, which combines the power of radio broadcast and Internet, has a great potential for advancing Extension. This article shares the background on podcasting, analyzes issues and problems in current Extension programs, discusses the attributes of podcast for advancing Extension, and introduces current podcasting programs and future directions of podcasting in Extension.

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Consumer Interest In Food Systems Topics: Implications For Educators, Jan Perez, Phil Howard Aug 2007

Consumer Interest In Food Systems Topics: Implications For Educators, Jan Perez, Phil Howard

Journal of Extension

To assist consumers in understanding food system issues and to help them make informed choices, educators first need to engage their interests. To identify widely held consumer interests, focus groups informed a random sample survey conducted in the Central Coast region of California. Survey respondents reported the most interest in the safety and nutrition of their food, as well as in the external impacts of how their food was produced. Correlational analysis was used to explore characteristics and behaviors associated with these interests. The results offer strategies for public issues educators to target or structure food system related education initiatives.

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Knowledge And Behavior Improvement Through A Skin Cancer Action Approach Exhibit, Nedra K. Christensen, D. Pauline Williams, Roxanne Pfister, Mike Pace Aug 2007

Knowledge And Behavior Improvement Through A Skin Cancer Action Approach Exhibit, Nedra K. Christensen, D. Pauline Williams, Roxanne Pfister, Mike Pace

Journal of Extension

The purpose of the project reported here was to reduce the risk of skin cancer through an educational exhibit. Educational exhibits including brochures, conversation with Extension agents, wide-brimmed hats, and sunscreen were used to educate agriculturalists. Pre- and post-surveys queried participants regarding sun habits, knowledge of risk factors, perceived risk, and history of skin cancer. The results showed an increased use of wide-brimmed hats (p=0.00), sun-protective clothing (p=0.00), and knowledge of skin cancer risk factors (p= 0.014). A trend toward increasing sunscreen use and decreasing sole use of baseball caps was also seen.

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Pest Management In Indiana Soybean Production Systems, Shawn P. Conley, Christian Krupke, Judy Santini, Gregory Shaner Aug 2007

Pest Management In Indiana Soybean Production Systems, Shawn P. Conley, Christian Krupke, Judy Santini, Gregory Shaner

Journal of Extension

As the disparity in farm size continues to increase and university Extension budgets tighten, it is imperative that Extension correctly identifies the specific needs of our clientele. Our objective was to identify clientele educational needs and to provide a framework for directing applied soybean research efforts. This assessment was conducted through a detailed direct-mail survey that was sent to 5,000 (1,330 respondents) Indiana soybean growers. The results of the survey demonstrate differences among grower operation sizes with respect to scouting and pest management practices. Farmers with large operations generally scout and manage pests more intensively than small or mid-size farmers.

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Steps To Bolster Your Dairy Farm's Biosecurity: An Introductory Video, Julia M. Smith Aug 2007

Steps To Bolster Your Dairy Farm's Biosecurity: An Introductory Video, Julia M. Smith

Journal of Extension

The Healthy Farms--Healthy Agriculture video overview of dairy farm biosecurity serves as a stand-alone teaching tool or an introduction to additional resources. The narrated video takes the viewer through the steps needed to build a sound biosecurity program. These steps form the acronym "STAIRS," standing for sanitation, traffic control, assessment, isolation, resistance, and security. Bringing biosecurity to life in pictures makes it easier to teach or reemphasize basic concepts.

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Ultrasound Technology Helps Youth Raise Industry-Acceptable Market Animals, Scott A. Nash Aug 2007

Ultrasound Technology Helps Youth Raise Industry-Acceptable Market Animals, Scott A. Nash

Journal of Extension

Ultrasound estimates of carcass data have been collected on over 1,900 4-H market hogs, lambs, and steers at fairs in southeast Idaho from 1999 to 2005. The data were collected as part of an educational program to help youth raising animals for the food chain to understand industry acceptability. The results of the data indicate that market hog loin-eye size increased 1.14 inches while backfat thickness decreased by 27%; market lamb ribeye area increased almost 15%; and the number of steers with adequate IMF to reach the USDA Choice quality grade increased 130%.

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Sisters Together- Program Increases Fruit And Vegetable Consumption And Physical Activity Of African American Women, Georgia Jones, Patricia Lynch, Marilynn Schnepf Aug 2007

Sisters Together- Program Increases Fruit And Vegetable Consumption And Physical Activity Of African American Women, Georgia Jones, Patricia Lynch, Marilynn Schnepf

Journal of Extension

Sisters Together is a nation-wide community-based program that encourages African American women to eat healthier foods and become more physically active. A program was developed in Lincoln, Nebraska to increase the awareness of the health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables and to encourage Black women to be more physically active. Pre and post evaluations showed that program participants increased their intake of fruits and vegetables and were more physically active. Further research is needed to determine ways to provide continued support to these women and build program elements into existing community resources.

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Assessing Educational Materials Using Cognitive Interviews Can Improve And Support Lesson Design, Tionni R. Wenrich, J Lynne Brown Jun 2007

Assessing Educational Materials Using Cognitive Interviews Can Improve And Support Lesson Design, Tionni R. Wenrich, J Lynne Brown

Journal of Extension

We used cognitive interviews to assess the reactions of a sample of low-income men (n=4) and women (n=4) to a "model" nutrition education lesson designed to increase functional vegetable intake. Participant comments on the lesson's wording, slide titles, format, graphics, and message clarity and relevance enabled us to improve a functional vegetable lesson series from which the model lesson was drawn by simplifying unfamiliar wording and recipe instructions, using preferred slide titles and format, replacing problematic graphics, and clarifying advice on intake recommendations.

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Convincing Oregon's Dairy Industry They Have A Problem With Phosphorus, Troy Downing, Patrick French, Amy Peters, Kathryn Higgs Jun 2007

Convincing Oregon's Dairy Industry They Have A Problem With Phosphorus, Troy Downing, Patrick French, Amy Peters, Kathryn Higgs

Journal of Extension

Dairy nutritionists historically balanced milk cow rations for phosphorus at .45 to .5 % DM of the total ration. New studies have shown a high producing milk cow only requires a diet at .38% DM. Thirty-seven farms were studied to determine and compare P feeding levels in Oregon. The results of the project were then incorporated into educational programs. The average farm studied was over feeding by 18%. Eighty-nine percent of producers surveyed indicated this project increased their understanding of the problem we face as an industry. Approximately 50% of producers participating reduced P feeding on their farm.

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Extension Master Gardeners: Helping The Homeless To Heal, Linda M. Seals, Cathy A. Pierce Jun 2007

Extension Master Gardeners: Helping The Homeless To Heal, Linda M. Seals, Cathy A. Pierce

Journal of Extension

Families with children are the fastest-growing sector of the homeless population. Loss of one's home, the conditions of shelter life, and the physical and sexual abuse that often precipitates homelessness result in psychological trauma and a diminished sense of self-efficacy and self-worth. This article describes the effects of participation in gardening activities led by Extension Master Gardeners on homeless women with children. Results show Master Gardeners can play an important role in helping homeless families mitigate the psychological trauma associated with homelessness and help homeless individuals develop a restored sense of dignity.

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An Integrative Approach To Addressing Childhood Overweight: Inclusion Of Parenting Information In Nutrition Education Programs, Lenna L. Ontai, Shannon Tierney Williams, Cathi Lamp, Dorothy Smith Jun 2007

An Integrative Approach To Addressing Childhood Overweight: Inclusion Of Parenting Information In Nutrition Education Programs, Lenna L. Ontai, Shannon Tierney Williams, Cathi Lamp, Dorothy Smith

Journal of Extension

Research indicates that child overweight stems from many sources, including parent-child interactions and parenting styles. Focus groups with nutrition educators were used to explore the need for parenting resources in nutrition education. Results revealed that both parents and educators see parenting and family interaction patterns as barriers to implementing changes in children's eating behaviors. Further, nutrition educators reported feeling unprepared to guide parents when making changes in children's nutrition. Discussion focuses on recommendations for providing parents and educators with researched-based information on child development and effective family interactions related to nutrition and health behaviors.

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Modifying Beverage Choices Of Preadolescents Through School-Based Nutrition Education, Lori Roth-Yousey, Mary Caskey, Jill 2021-05-01, Marla Reicks Jun 2007

Modifying Beverage Choices Of Preadolescents Through School-Based Nutrition Education, Lori Roth-Yousey, Mary Caskey, Jill 2021-05-01, Marla Reicks

Journal of Extension

The study reported here implemented and evaluated a school-based, classroom intervention to improve beverage choices of 3rd-5th grade children. Extension Nutrition Education Assistants provided six weekly classroom lessons and pre-post surveys to assess effectiveness. Fewer students reported usually consuming fruit drinks at breakfast, lunch, and in friends' homes and carbonated soft drinks at dinner after the intervention, while overall consumption of fruit drinks and carbonated soft drinks decreased. Reported availability of fruit drinks and carbonated soft drinks in the home was not changed. Further exploration of family and environmental barriers is necessary to influence healthful beverage selection.

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Soft Drinks And Children: Where's The Science?, Sharon F. Robinson, Alice Kirk Apr 2007

Soft Drinks And Children: Where's The Science?, Sharon F. Robinson, Alice Kirk

Journal of Extension

Research is inconclusive regarding sweetened beverages and weight gain. However, sweetened beverage consumption has been associated with increased caloric intake and decreased diet quality. Beverage consumption should not be at the expense of diet quality. Beverage choices may require careful attention to added sugars and solid fats if a healthful diet as described by MyPyramid is to be achieved. Consumption of sweetened beverages should not exceed the discretionary caloric limit for any eating pattern.

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Stakeholders' Input On 4-H Science And Technology Program Areas: An Exploratory Study, Bradley S. Barker Apr 2007

Stakeholders' Input On 4-H Science And Technology Program Areas: An Exploratory Study, Bradley S. Barker

Journal of Extension

In an effort to prepare youth for the 21st century workplace, 4-H has placed an emphasis in science and technology program areas. The purpose of the exploratory study reported here was to gather input via a mail survey from 4-H families concerning the development of new science and technology programs. The results of the survey were themed into six main areas: technology, agriculture, science, implementation ideas, self-efficacy, and miscellaneous. Moreover, the results of the survey indicated that new programs should be connected to traditional program areas especially agriculture.

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The Extension Hedgehog, Daniel M. Mcgrath, Flaxen Dl Conway, Sharon Johnson Apr 2007

The Extension Hedgehog, Daniel M. Mcgrath, Flaxen Dl Conway, Sharon Johnson

Journal of Extension

Extension is competing for money, attention, and a place in the future of higher education. It is critical that Extension identify its education niche, specialties, and the value that only Extension adds to learning. Extension must mature in its role by coordinating issues-based education from a total university base. Issues-based education is inherently collaborative and non-hierarchical. Extension should be at the forefront of the modern outreach and engagement movement. But what are we passionate about, what can we be the very best at in the world, and how do we effectively attach our work to its economic drivers?

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The Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program Focuses On The Learner, Lucia Kaiser, Tammy Mcmurdo, Amy Block Joy Apr 2007

The Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program Focuses On The Learner, Lucia Kaiser, Tammy Mcmurdo, Amy Block Joy

Journal of Extension

The study reported here sought to determine how California Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNE) educators are implementing learner-centered approaches. We e-mailed a brief survey to all FSNE educators in California in 2004 (n=67; 69% responded). Most educators felt they were doing "okay" or "very well" in implementing learner-centered techniques. Techniques used less successfully included ground rules, icebreakers, partner activities, and goal setting. Focus group participants (n=15) have tried learner-centered techniques, although not all are universally successful. Learner-centered education requires advanced preparation to implement successfully; educators may need to be more assertive with agencies to achieve results.

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Can Extension Programs Help Communities Educate Older Adults About Age-Associated Memory Loss?, Sharon D. Johnson Apr 2007

Can Extension Programs Help Communities Educate Older Adults About Age-Associated Memory Loss?, Sharon D. Johnson

Journal of Extension

As the percentage of older adults in the population increases, age-related memory difficulties become more prevalent. Assisting individuals, families, and communities in understanding and managing memory-related challenges and differentiating simple forgetting from something more serious may be an informational role for Extension educators. Workshop materials developed in southern Oregon have received strong community interest. There are reports of significant knowledge gains for the participant. The workshop, Memory Difficulties: Should I Be Worried?, received the 2005 MetLife Foundation MindAlert Award.

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Academic Health Centers And Cooperative Extension Service: A Model For A Working Partnership, F Douglas Scutchfield, Torrie T. Harris, Bonnie Tanner, Deborah Murray Feb 2007

Academic Health Centers And Cooperative Extension Service: A Model For A Working Partnership, F Douglas Scutchfield, Torrie T. Harris, Bonnie Tanner, Deborah Murray

Journal of Extension

The University of Kentucky realized its state health needs and combined resources. The Colleges of Agriculture (COA) and Public Health along with the university Academic Health Center (AHC) partnered to develop the Health Education through Extension Leadership Project (HEEL). As a model for future program development for other states, the process of collaboration is described in detail to inform and promote the creation of new effective health programs. Successful examples of the created partnership are described as well as the process to program planning, program development, and implementation.

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Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Among Grandparents Raising Grandchildren In Riverside County, Chutima Ganthavorn, Joe S. Hughes Feb 2007

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Among Grandparents Raising Grandchildren In Riverside County, Chutima Ganthavorn, Joe S. Hughes

Journal of Extension

The project reported here sought to increase healthy eating and physical fitness among grandchildren and grandparents using a two-pronged approach: 1) increased fruit and vegetable consumption and 2) increased physical activity. Families consisting of grandparents and grandchildren met at a community center for eight Saturdays to participate in educational activities to increase their knowledge of the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption and increased physical activity. Among the families completing the program, desirable changes were observed in both fruit and vegetable consumption and increased physical activity. However, a larger study involving more participants is needed to confirm these results.

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Small Businesses And The Community: Their Role And Importance Within A State's Economy, Glenn Muske, Michael Woods, Jane Swinney, Chia-Ling Khoo Feb 2007

Small Businesses And The Community: Their Role And Importance Within A State's Economy, Glenn Muske, Michael Woods, Jane Swinney, Chia-Ling Khoo

Journal of Extension

As communities focus on economic development, the common response has been the recruitment of outside industry. Left out has been the support for existing micro businesses and entrepreneurs. The research reported here explored the contributions of these smallest of the small business within the economy. For the study, 1,224 Oklahoma households were included. The research found that more than one in every five households owned and operated such a business. These businesses generated substantial gross income and employed at least one other person. These findings support including micro businesses in a comprehensive economic development plan.

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Evaluation Of A Group Administered 24-Hour Recall Method For Dietary Assessment, Amanda R. Scott, Debra B. Reed, Karen S. Kubena, William A. Mcintosh Feb 2007

Evaluation Of A Group Administered 24-Hour Recall Method For Dietary Assessment, Amanda R. Scott, Debra B. Reed, Karen S. Kubena, William A. Mcintosh

Journal of Extension

A group administered 24-hour food recall was developed by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program of Texas to expedite dietary assessment of clients. The study reported here evaluated the group recall and an individual recall method. Data for one meal collected with the use of dietary recalls, either group of individual, were compared to observational data. Results suggest that the group recall may be at least as effective as the individual recall to estimate dietary intakes of subjects. The group recall method could be used by programs such as EFNEP to simplify and expedite dietary assessment of clients.

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Physical Activity Programming For Limited Resource Audiences: Get Moving Kentucky!, Lori L. Rice Feb 2007

Physical Activity Programming For Limited Resource Audiences: Get Moving Kentucky!, Lori L. Rice

Journal of Extension

Low socioeconomic status and limited resources may be a barrier to achieving recommended amounts of physical activity. In Kentucky, 35% of adults are physically inactive. In 1999, 15.8% of Kentuckians were living in poverty. The Get Moving Kentucky! physical activity program provides an innovative design for the achievement of physical activity recommendations by all, despite income and resource availability. The program facilitates a significant increase in physical activity and influences improvements in weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure measurements.

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