Human Health/Wellness – Land-Grant Impacts

Topic

Young child smiles holding vegetables

Strengthening Tribal communities through collaboration

Working with federally recognized Tribes, land-grant universities help provide evidence-based education and resources that represent the community’s history customs, governance system and food traditions. These programs promote and improve health, food security and sustainability for Tribal communities. Here are a few examples of that work: Representation and cultural relevancy for Tribal communities is critical for Extension outreach success. Health and nutrition [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1994, 2024, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Extension, Food Security, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Michigan, Michigan State University, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern, University of Connecticut, University of Wisconsin, Western, Wisconsin

a woman cares for her elderly father

Extension in the Dakotas helps caregivers find support

An estimated 21.3% of Americans are caregivers — those who are helping relatives or friends with daily tasks such as eating, dressing, bathing and managing medications as they face situations such as end-of-life decline, chronic illness and recovery from surgery or illness. Becoming a caregiver can present many difficulties. As the Baby Boomer generation gets older and more Americans [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University

kids swimming in a natural body of water

Strengthening families through engaging programs

Research and Cooperative Extension professionals in the Land-grant University System are dedicated to developing innovative programs that impact diverse communities nationwide. This work helps improve the lives of youths and families by connecting them with educational resources and engaging opportunities. Here are a few examples of that work: In Oklahoma, the Co-Parenting for Resilience program is helping parents effectively cope with [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Cornell University, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Purdue University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Connecticut, University of Vermont, Vermont, Youth Development/4-H

young woman examines a plant in her garden

Historically Black land-grant universities reach diverse communities

In 1890, the Land-grant University System was expanded to include institutions for Black citizens. Today, these institutions continue to provide access to higher education for underserved communities, and their research and Extension programs impact people worldwide through advancements in agricultural productivity and sustainability, food security, human health, and community and youth development. Here are a few examples of that work: First-time [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2024, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Animal Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence, Breeding/Genomics, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Crop Management, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Economic Development, Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Prairie View A&M University, Research, Texas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Youth Development/4-H

photo of two older adults using resistance bands for exercise

Supporting healthy aging through activity, social connectedness, positive outlook

The older adult population is growing more rapidly than other age groups in the United States. At the same time, aging stigma and lack of information on aging can affect health outcomes. Land-grant universities across the country have unique programming to aid healthy aging by promoting activity, social connectedness, positive outlook and more. Here are a few examples of that [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Human Health/Wellness, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, University of Wisconsin, Western, Wisconsin

photo of plates of healthy foods, including pita, veggies, salmon, chicken, and avocado toast

Improving gut health advances healthful outcomes

Probiotic bacteria have sparked considerable interest in both the food industry and among consumers, thanks to their potential to contribute to disease interventions and enhance human health. These microorganisms must navigate the challenging terrain of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to exert their beneficial effects. Land-grant universities are discovering and sharing ways to improve probiotic absorption and gut health to [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, New Hampshire, Northeast, Research, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of New Hampshire

photo of a jar being removed from canning water by a pair of tongs

Holistic programs address community health

Obesity is on the rise in the United States, and this increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension and poor overall quality of life. Moreover, health disparities among low-income populations are well documented because food insecurity issues mean they lack nutritionally adequate and safe food. The Land-grant University System uses holistic programs to address community health. Here are a few examples [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1890, 2024, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Food Safety, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Puerto Rico, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Puerto Rico

peppers being sliced on a cutting board

Supporting families with community nutrition programs

Youths and adults face a variety of health issues, from food insecurity to cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. Cooperative Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) serve low-income residents nationwide and help address these issues by helping participants eat healthy, shop on a budget and stay active. Here are a few examples [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1994, 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Michigan, Michigan State University, Missouri, New York, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Missouri

a shot of a person from the knees down, wearing jeans and athletic shoes

Fitness programs change lifestyles and health

Physical activity that increases the heart rate helps to decrease health risks and provides additional health benefits such as improved sleep, lower cholesterol and improved mental health. Fitness programs including walking and dancing are accessible to almost anyone, easy to start and can lead to behavior changes and positively impact residents’ health and well-being by decreasing risks for obesity, [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1890, 2024, Arkansas, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Indiana, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Purdue University, Southern, University of Arkansas

two scientists analyze samples in a food lab

Understanding how natural chemicals in food affect health

The foods and drinks we consume contain natural chemicals like vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, toxicants and hormones that can positively or negatively impact human health. Since 1971, a multistate project has brought together researchers at 22 land-grant universities to research the effects of these dietary bioactive chemicals. Studies shed light on mechanisms involved in bioactivity and determined how agricultural practices [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Connecticut, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State University, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Research, Rutgers University, Southern, Tennessee, University of Connecticut, University of Guam, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Tennessee, University of Wisconsin, Utah, Utah State University, Western, Wisconsin

closeup photo of hands in a meditative pose

Innovative approaches to mental well-being

The need to care for our mental well-being is more evident than ever, post-pandemic. More than half of Americans report COVID-19 has negatively impacted their mental health. Extension networks across the country are working to tackle this crisis, often employing new and innovative programming. Here are a few examples of that work: In Michigan, the Mental Health First Aid program trains [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Michigan, Michigan State University, Montana, Montana State University, Nevada, North Central, University of Nevada Reno, Western

a student facing stress

Virginia webinar series helps participants balance the stresses of life

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck four years ago, Virginia Cooperative Extension launched a series of webinars to address emerging issues facing its constituents — from financial issues to remote work and schooling to stress management. Organizers planned to offer just a few of these sessions in the spring of 2020. But with audience numbers for the webinars reaching as [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Southern, Virginia, Virginia Tech

4-H fair, agent samples planting for a group of students

4-H buddies help special needs youth experience camp

Camping programs are among the hallmark experiences in 4-H that many young people look forward to every year. But some 4-H participants with special needs, such as disabilities and medical concerns, are unable to participate. In Columbia County, Georgia, a 4-H volunteer approached Extension staff with the idea of hosting an inclusive mini camp. Three two-day programs were held that [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Extension, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Southern, The University of Georgia, Youth Development/4-H

rural barn on the country

Minnesota youth program addresses rural stress

Rural and farm stress has been a challenge for Minnesotans in recent years. Effective programs addressing this issue cannot ignore youths, who are aware of and affected by family stress. For that reason, the University of Minnesota Extension implemented a youth worker training program that bridges research and practice in a variety of ways. Outreach efforts include in-person and virtual [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Minnesota, North Central, University of Minnesota

grandfather and grandchildren watering a garden

Arkansas grandparents grow relationship with grandchildren through gardening

An increasing number of grandparents are raising their grandchildren. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Cooperative Extension Program is developing ways to support them and provide necessary resources. One way is by helping grandparents to grow their own food. The university’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences partnered with the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service and the Pine Bluff [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2024, Arkansas, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

a group of smiling participants in athletic clothing flex their arms

Strength training program builds health and resilience

Chronic disease and health disparities are increasing. Physical activity, particularly through strength training, is one way to counteract these negative outcomes. Strength training contributes to enhanced bone density, joint flexibility, metabolic function and improvements in daily living activities, in addition to building muscle strength. Less than 15% of residents age 65 and older get the recommended amounts of aerobic [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 1994, 2024, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, North Central, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin

a farmer standing in a field

Aiding farmers and rural residents with mental health struggles

Agricultural producers have one of the highest suicide rates of any industry in the nation but can be hesitant to seek help when struggling with their mental health or have limited access to mental healthcare. Land-grant institutions across the country have implemented programming targeting mental health concerns. Here are a few examples of that work: The Farmer Focus Project surveyed producers [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, College of Micronesia-FSM, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Guam, Human Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, Micronesia, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, North Central, Northern Marianas, Northern Marianas College, University of Guam, University of Missouri, Washington, Washington State University, Western

a forest dappled in sunlight

Natural resources foster healthy habits and reduce stress

“Forest bathing” is a term for immersing oneself in forests and other natural environments. A research-based framework shows the benefits of forest and natural environment immersion, including increased physical and mental well-being, reduced stress, improved creativity and happiness. This can lead to a happier family, community and work environment. However, participation is limited because of a lack of access [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central

A hand holds carrots and a beet among a spread of other vegetables.

Getting more local, fresh produce into communities

Although fresh fruits and vegetables are key to health, difficulties abound in obtaining local produce. Land-grant institutions across the country work in a number of ways to promote growing produce as well as marketing and buying it locally. Here are a few examples of that work: In Georgia, the Fresh on DeK Mobile Farmers Market targets communities without access to a [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, Food Security, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Idaho, Kansas, Kansas State University, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Profitability/Competitiveness, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Idaho, Urban Agriculture, Western

an adult shows a child how to cut vegetables on a cutting board

Pairing cooking and reading aids in healthy eating, literacy and school readiness for preschoolers

Poor academic skills in the early educational years place children at risk for school failure and dropout, delinquency and running away, as well as unemployment or underemployment in adulthood. School readiness is incredibly important to the elementary years. Yet nationally, teachers report more than one third of kindergartners are not ready for school. Children gain critical school readiness skills by [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Nevada, University of Nevada Reno, Western, Youth Development/4-H

researcher displaying a 3D printed product

Making nutritious compounds more readily available to the body

Although bioactive compounds extracted from fruits and vegetables have many health benefits and are common ingredients in nutrition supplements, they are not easily absorbed during digestion and their full nutritive value is mostly wasted. A researcher with the University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station working at the intersection of food engineering and human health is putting together two state-of-the-art technologies [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Arkansas, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Research, Southern, University of Arkansas

a woman checks her shopping cart at the grocery store

Helping immigrants shop smarter for food

New refugee families arriving in the United States face many challenges, including finding jobs, housing and adapting to their new community. They also need to learn how to navigate the aisles of a grocery store, prepare meals with foods that may be unfamiliar to them and stretch their food budget to feed their family. Making healthy food choices is [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Northeast, University of Vermont, Vermont

wildfire smoke above an Oregon forest

Efforts to effectively monitor air quality increase health awareness in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge

Wildlife smoke has become an issue in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge after two large wildfire events (in 2017 and 2020) led to record-shattering hazardous air quality index levels. In addition, cherry and pear orchard waste historically has been burned in the area, and no regulations exist on wood-burning stoves. Microscopic particles from smoke can penetrate deep into lungs, causing [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Oregon, Oregon State University, Western

covid virus

Researchers develop nasal COVID-19 vaccine in mice, hamsters

New variants cause increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. While the updated mRNA vaccines remain effective at preventing severe illness and death, they may not be as effective in reducing infection and transmission over time. To overcome this gap, the U.S. government initiative called Project NextGen seeks to develop an effective and safe nasal vaccine for controlling the spread [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Human Health/Wellness, Maryland, Northeast, Research, University of Maryland

closeup photo of two people holding hands

Minnesota takes a community approach to opioid epidemic

Drug overdose deaths have increased drastically in Minnesota in the last few years, with greater Minnesota having a larger increase than the metro area for the first time in a decade. The increased use of fentanyl is a contributing factor in this surge. In response, University of Minnesota Extension and partners worked together to create C.O.P.E. (Community-based Opioid Prevention and [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 1994, 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Extension, Human Health/Wellness, Minnesota, North Central, University of Minnesota