Health and Wellness
Walk-A-Weigh Nutrition Program for Youth
Walk-a-Weigh is a nutrition education and physical activity program designed to promote healthy nutrition practices and increased physical activity through the creation of small community walking groups. The program has developed several additional lessons to provide the instructor/facilitator the opportunity to conduct a needs assessment to find the topics of greatest need and interest to participants while still meeting each of the eight core competencies within the program.
Love You 2 Relationship Smarts Plus
The Relationship Smarts Plus (RS+) curriculum focuses on personal development related to identity, goals and values, distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviors, making safe choices in forming relationships, preventing dating violence, developing communication skills, and preparing for adult roles and responsibilities. The program consists of 13 lessons that build skills and knowledge regarding healthy relationships.
The objectives are to increase teen knowledge of
- healthy and unhealthy relationships,
- healthy dating patterns (using effective approaches to conflict management and communication), and
- the importance of mutual respect, shared values, and commitment.
The program provides teens with the skills to recognize patterns of unhealthy and abusive relationships in terms of verbal or physical aggression, controlling behavior, and lack of respect between partners. This course helps teens feel empowered to make good choices and stand up for themselves when needed. It also aids problem solving and builds communication skills. Finally, RS+ educates teens about the choices and behaviors that put their physical and emotional health at risk.
Publications
News
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Agents and specialists with the Mississippi State University Extension Service are “promising” to confront the opioid problem in Mississippi communities.
“PReventing Opioid Misuse in the South East,” or PROMISE, is an Extension initiative to address this national crisis in communities across the Southeast. PROMISE is funded by a $310,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
MSU Extension health specialist David Buys said one of the main issues with the misuse of opioids is that they are more accessible than they need to be.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Walking is an easy, enjoyable way for individuals to be more physically active and for communities to improve healthy living.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are many potential health benefits of physical activity: weight control, cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, stronger bones and muscles, improved mental health and mood, and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Having performed colonoscopies regularly throughout his career, retired gastroenterologist Dr. Sam Pace is experienced in identifying precursors of colorectal cancer.
Although he did not feel any of those symptoms himself in 2011, Pace learned after a routine screening that he had the disease.
"My story is effective when I talk to patients who say they feel fine and nothing is going to happen to them," Pace said. "I felt fine before I found out I had colon cancer. Fortunately, I was screened early enough to treat and survive it."
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Recent data suggests Mississippians are learning that more is not always better when it comes to body weight.
The adult obesity rate has been increasing in the state for many years, but a recent report by the State of Obesity organization shows that a lot of hard work by many Mississippians is making progress. However, much work remains to be done. According to the Sept. 1, 2016, report, Mississippi remains tied with Alabama, West Virginia and Arkansas for second to last with an obesity rate of 35.6 percent.
NATCHEZ, Miss. -- More than 100 members of the U.S. military launched a health campaign, but local boots on the ground will work to keep it moving forward.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service and numerous other agencies provided local support for the 13-day wellness event at the Alcorn State University and Copiah-Lincoln Community College campuses in Natchez.
Success Stories
Start small, but start today. That’s what Scott Stokes was thinking last year when he brought out his bicycle after a 12-year hiatus and started riding again. A new Mississippi State University Extension Service program encouraged him to get back on track. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)
Winston 100 Wellness on Wheels cyclists ride through the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge as the sun rises over a cool fall 2018 morning.
McLeod is one of about 25 members of the group that formed 4 years ago. They meet at the Columbia center that is managed by the New Zion United Methodist Church.
Until recently, the Clover Dawgs 4-H Robotics team in Oktibbeha County needed a bigger robot. Club volunteer leader Robert Rice secured the first donation toward purchasing the machine from his employer.
