Tag - Oklahoma State University

Institution

a father and daughter hike in the woods

Oklahoma Extension program helps parents navigate divorce, coparenting

While adjusting to new family dynamics from separation or divorce can be a challenge for parents and children alike, effective communication and organization skills can help make the transition easier. Oklahoma State University’s Extension-led Co-parenting for Resilience program helps parents going through separation or divorce reduce negative impacts on children. Topics discussed include how to talk to children about a [...]

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a father raises his child in the air

Oklahoma “Strong Dads” program strengthens father-child bonds

In response to the prevalence of absent fathers in Oklahoma homes, Oklahoma State University Extension collaborated with Oklahoma Human Services to launch the “Strong Dads” program in September 2023. This 12-week initiative operates across nine counties, focuses on reinforcing the father-child bond and is offered in both English and Spanish Participants. The program encompasses those facing economic or relational [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Photo of blueberries, glucose monitor, cherries, dumbbell and tape measure

Diabetes education helps individuals, families manage chronic disease

Type 2 Diabetes is increasing at an epidemic rate in the U.S. This chronic disease requires daily management to control blood sugar levels and prevent life-changing complications. Many individuals and families struggle with diet modifications that would help manage health and also have limited access to nutrition and diabetes professionals. The Land-grant University System helps fill that gap, providing [...]

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closeup of hands holding a pea seed packet. there is a bag of seed packets in the background.

Community gardens increase food security and community well-being

Based on the 2023 National Gardening Survey, 80% of American households participated in a gardening project in 2022. Through Extension trainings, seed libraries and gardening kits and the efforts of Extension Master Gardener volunteers, land-grant universities are increasing access to gardens, improving community well-being, and helping individuals learn to grow their own food. Here are a few examples of that [...]

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the torso of a person checking something off on a clipboard

Research and education combine to fight food contamination

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimate that 48 million people become ill from foodborne illnesses annually, resulting in 3,000 deaths. Through research and education, land-grant institutions are working to reduce the pathogens contained in food and increase food security. Here are a few examples of that work: In Vermont, a certification program known as CAPS+ was developed to assure retailers [...]

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biodiesel fuel pump

Sustainable energy to meet growing demands

Non-renewable energy sources are limited, and demand is growing. Fossil-fuel based energy production and use contribute significantly to pollution and changes in our climate. Improving energy efficiency and developing renewable energy sources is essential to meeting growing demand and can lower energy bills, create new jobs and promote rural prosperity. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels can improve national security [...]

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