1998 Success Stories

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Date: Mon Jun 1 16:21:20 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: orange
Person Reporting: Alice Pettitt

The Orange County Coalition for Immunization coordinated and advertised 47 special Shots for Tots (after hours) clinics from Jan. to June. Extension was instrumental in getting one health clinic to offer Mon. and Wed. evening free walk-in clinics year-round to offer parents another option. A special clinic was held at University Mall during a Saturday in April for Immunization Week. Free shots, games, and special prizes were offered. This clinic offered the chance for both parents to bring their child in when possible. 11,000 flyers in English and Spanish advertising the clinics, and 500 magnets in English and Spanish promoting the immunization schedule were distributed by coalition volunteers. Volunteers canvassed targeted neighborhoods to advertise the clinics. An educational immunization exhibit in Spanish and English was done at 5 community events reaching more than 3500 people.

Date: Fri Jun 19 16:51:36 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: moore
Person Reporting: Agnes R. Evans

The Out For Lunch program is designed to provide Food and Nutrition Education to families with Pre-School Children.
This Extension program was used to help a mother, age 20 with 4 children under the ages of 5., (the children were in potective services through Department of Social Services (DSS), receive temporary custody of them. She and her husband completed the 4 week program with excellent results, they adopted new behaviors on the correct feeding of small children. The Out-for-Lunch program was held in a neighboring County, because it is not available in Moore County. The written report given to the Dss Case worker, lawyer and Judge supported changes made by the parents. Nutrition Education materials are continously being
sent to the Parents as well as Phone Call follow-up.
Date: Wed Jun 24 16:04:01 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: wilkes
Person Reporting: Marilyn Wells

Programs about radon detection and other indoor air quality pollutants were conducted for 75 senior adults. Questionnaires revealed that most of the program participants were unaware of indoor air quality pollutants before the program was presented. After the program, 100 percent of the participants reported that they had increased their knowledge and awareness of indoor air pollutants.
Date: Fri Jun 26 09:38:30 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: mecklenb
Person Reporting: Hope Hunt

Youth attending 4-H Summer Day Camp proved to be at high risk for future skin cancer from overexposure to sun. Of 17 attending the camp, 1/3 knew of family members who had had skin cancer, 1/2 recalled having at least one serious sunburn and only 2 recalled never having a sunburn. Hands-on activities helped youth understand sun safety issues, first-aid measures, and prevention. Knowledge was demonstrated through answers to a game at the end of the session. The program will be presented at additional camps later in the summer.
Date: Mon Jun 29 15:35:12 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: buncombe
Person Reporting: Nancy Ostergaard

Ozone and ion generating air cleaners have long been seen as unhealthy to the consumer. They are touted by the retailers as medically beneficial to those individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses. The AMA, ALA, EPA, and several health related agencies have take a stand against the generators. Seeing the need to educate the physicians I have been working with the local medical community to provide adequate information that they can use to advise patients against the utilization of such devices. Since many physicians don't have the time to review all that comes to them in published articles they have shown appreciation for what I have sent. This is a new audience for Extension.
Date: Mon Jun 29 11:47:21 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: robeson
Person Reporting: Susan Noble

While the use of pesticides is necessary in crop and livestock management, some of these chemicals can harm humans. Thus, proper laundering of pesticide-soiled clothing is important to protect the applicator, person doing the laundry, and the entire family from pesticide residues. Many consumers are not aware first, of the need for proper care and second, the proper procedures. To address this void, Foods and Nutrition Agent worked through Horticulture Agent to present information on handling pesticide-soiled clothing to participants in pesticide license re/certification classes. Thus far in 1998, 117 participants have been made aware of the need to properly handle pesticide-soiled clothing. Of these, 40% indicated (via survey) they will share the specific how-to information with the person doing the family laundry. Two more classes are scheduled in the fall.
Date: Tue Jun 30 16:16:45 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: onslow
Person Reporting: Tracie Harper

Under the guideance of the Community Health Improvement Process, the Prevention subcommittee joined with local citizens in the Belgrade area to bring a health fair to the Belgrade community. Fifty-three people were screened for a variety of health problems including breast and cervical cancer, prostate and colon cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Seventeen of these people were found to have high cholesterol and were seen by the Family and Consumer Education Agent. This provided her with the opportunity to educate people on ways to lower cholesterol in the diet. Future plans are to bring "Give Your Heart A Healthy Beat" to the area to help these area citizens lower their cholesterol and better their overall health.
Date: Wed Jul 1 16:05:46 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: johnston
Person Reporting: Debra L. Stroud

Three hundred and sixty fourth graders in Johnston County participated in kitchen safety workshops conducted at their schools. As a segment of the 4H Home Alone program, kitchen safety skills were taught. The youngsters learned nine basic kitchen rules with permission from the parent first being emphasized. The germ-glow hand washing kit was used to stress the importance of proper handwashing as the first and most important step in the prevention of food-borne illness and disease. After viewing their still "dirty" hands under the black light all of the children stated most emphatically that they would pay closer attention to hand washing. With food-borne disease and illness on the rise the importance of teaching children (as well as adults) proper handwashing techniques is evident.
Date: Wed Jul 1 11:43:01 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: rutherfo
Person Reporting: Tracy Davis

A sedentary lifestyle has been proven to attribute to chronic disease. In Rutherford County, access and availability to low-cost exercise programs is limited. In an effort to enhance the availability and accessibility of adult exercise programs, Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the Parish Nurse Program, conducted Active For Life, a train-the-trainer program designed to promote community-based exercise programs. Sixteen individuals representing six community groups were trained to lead Active For Life classes. As a result, two churches are conducting three Active For Life exercise classes reaching sixteen individuals who are now involved in a regular exercise program.
Date: Wed Jul 1 14:39:13 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: wayne
Person Reporting: Christine Smith

Good health goes beyond the absence of disease. Physical fitness is an essential element and includes regular exercise, proper diet, and good personal habits. Research shows that 82 percent of adults in NC do not engage in sufficient physical activity and only 20 percent of U.S. adults exercise at levels vigorous and frequent enough to produce cardiorespiratory benefits. In conjunction with NoonLiting and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports a Fitness Walking program was incorporated. 47 participants walked 2684 miles. 9 participants received the Presidential Sports Award which encourages individuals to make a commitment to fitness through regular participation in sports and fitness activities. Recipients of this award walked 1568 miles and met the challenge of personal fitness.
Date: Mon Jul 6 12:12:17 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: davie
Person Reporting: Ronnie Thompson

Nancy Keith, Aear Dairy Agent and myself worked with a core group of 45 volunteers to apply for, plan and conduct a Progressive Farmer Farm Saftey Day Camp. The camp day itself involved approxiimately 150 total volunteers. About 108 youth completed training in 8 categories of farm related saftey issues. Youth, adults, parents, sponsors (national and local) all helped to conduct and participated in the day camp. The youth and adult attention and interaction inidcated that the day was a valuable learning lesson for both. All feedback indicated the event was highly successful and informative. A full page photo recap of the event was run in the local newspaper and remarks from the Host Farm Family about the photos indicated they were very proud to have hosted and helped with the event.
Date: Thu Jul 9 09:06:25 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: northamp
Person Reporting: Suzanne P. van Rijn

123 people (77 youth, 12 teens, 6 staff, 18 parents and 10 volunteers participated in the third annual Northampton County Farm Safety Day Camp. Participants learned first hand how to be safe in a variety of situations. Stations for the day included Large Equipment, Hunter, Bicycle, Fire, Chemical, Food and Farm Safety. One camper shared her experience with a farm accident which left her with part of one finger missing. Another camper said he learned a whole lot even though he was involved in a farm accident just the next week (which wasn't his fault).
Date: Wed Jul 15 11:48:37 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: bladen
Person Reporting: Ann Votaw

Choosing to Wait, a collaborative, abstinence­based, sexuality awareness program, implemented in cooperation with the Bladen Cooperative Extension Service, Bladen Health Department and Bladen Board of Education reached 319 eighth­grade students. The program increased the awareness of the connection between abstinence and goal achievement. A local public health/school health nurse is quoted as saying "there is a noticable decrease in pregnancy testing within the public school system" (compared to the 1996/1997 school year.)
Date: Thu Aug 6 09:57:30 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: greene
Person Reporting: Shenile Rothwell

Approximately 350 parents,grandparents,children and healthcare professionals attended the Healthy Start Conference. The focus fo the conference was the awareness of how to to reduce infant mortality and morbidity in our communities. session topics were, How to include healthcare in your ministries, Effective outreach strategies, Putting the care back into healthcare, Sensitivity training on
cultural diversity,Impacting Your communities, Accessing services and resources in outreach and grantwriting.
Extension's role in the conference was to network the different agency's and organizations to promote the awareness of infant mortality and how to collaborate
in our counties to prevent infant mortality. This is a new audience for extension and it is an excellent way to promote its visibility.
Date: Fri Aug 28 14:01:33 EDT 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: bladen
Person Reporting: Joy Warren

Bladen County Cooperative Extension Service hosted their second annual Progressive Farmer Farm Safety Day Camp in August. Through a cooperative effort with the NC FFA Center, the center served as the site for seven safety sessions including Equipment/PTO safety, Water safety, Firearm Safety, Food Safety, Lawn Mower/Small Equipment safety, Fire Safety and Animal Safety. One hundred and twenty youth and seventy adults participated in the event. Counties represented included Bladen, Pender, Sampson, Columbus, Cumberland, and Robeson. Donations from local and national sponsors totaled in excess of $4,000.
Date: Tue Dec 15 09:37:45 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: onslow
Person Reporting: Tracie Harper Barnhart

The Onslow County Protection Council sponsored a Domestic Violence Symposium that had 61 attendees. The FCE agent of the Cooperative Extension Service was one of the major driving forces that helped sponsor this symposium. The overall goal was to enlighten county residents and professionals about domestic violence and what they could do to decrease the amount of domestic violence in the county. Also, the Protection Council published a "Referral Flier" for victims of domestic violence to inform them of names and phone numbers of local agencies that could provide help in their time of need. The fliers are being distributed to social service, law enforcement, and publice service agencies.
Date: Tue Dec 15 09:38:55 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: onslow
Person Reporting: Tracie Barnhart

"Give Your Heart a Healthy Beat" was an Onslow County Cooperative Extension Service program taught to eleven African American indidividuals in the Belgrade community. The need for this program was discovered during a health fair where several people were found to have high blood cholesterol levels. One participant remarked that he had learned how to eat healthier and now spent a lot more time in the grocery store because he was comparing food labels.

Date: Wed Dec 23 16:29:42 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: bertie
Person Reporting: Bettina L. Odom

28 Friendship 4-H Club members and their volunteer leaders viewed videos and completed lessons on Home Hazards Reduction. They reported that they removed or properly stored at least 10 hazards per 12 homes. Items reported, removed or stored were cleaning products, medicines, small engine fuel, paints, sharp objects and mislabeled containers.
Date: Tue Dec 29 15:30:00 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: clevelan
Person Reporting: Lois Owen

Extension F&CE; agents Lois Owen and Nancy Abasiekong joined Cleveland Community College, Cleveland Regional Medical Center and Shelby Women's Clinic in sponsoring Woman's World '98. The event, held October 24, was the fourth annual health fair designed especially for women. The theme for the 1998 event was "Life in Balance". More than 1,000 women participated in a variety of health screenings (blood lipid profiles, glaucoma, skin cancer, bone densitometry, health risk appraisal) and received follow-up, attended seminars and visited educational booths. The event also provided an excellent marketing opportunity for NCCES and provided additional opportunities to collaborate with other agencies in working to meet the educational needs of Cleveland County women and their families.
Date: Tue Dec 29 17:41:39 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: mecklenb
Person Reporting: Hope Hunt

Teamwork between FCE Agent, State Pesticide Specialist, and local horticulture agent provided an opportunity for FCE agent to reach families with information to help protect the health of family members through responsible use of pesticides, personal protective equipment and clothing, emergency response techniques, and proper laundering and maintenance of both equipment used in application and clothing. Sessions were presented at 4 Pesticide Applicator certification and recertification programs throughout the year reaching over 300 families. Information was distributed in both English and Spanish.
Date: Wed Dec 30 16:15:34 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: beaufort
Person Reporting: Ann Darkow

Because of the high risk of accidents in agriculture, our Beaufort County farm wives planed, compiled and distributed a comprehensive farm health and safety resource manual for each farm family in the county. A mini-grant for $770 was received from hte Agribility project at NCSU to purchase safety booklets for each packet. Additional information was incuded on safety, health, chemicals, ect. as they relate to farm family and thier employees. Farm wife volunteers and the Farm Bureau Women's Committee compiled and distributed the manuals. Response has been excellent from the families, who now have important information in one location.
Date: Wed Dec 30 16:16:08 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: beaufort
Person Reporting: Ann Darkow

Beaufort County has a high incidence of heart disease. Because of this, Cooperative Extension, the health department and a local company conducted a one-day stroke screening program for their employees. Thirty eight employees were screened for total cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Fifteen individuals were diagnosed with high blood pressure that they were unaware of and 12 had high cholesterol levels. Copies of results were sent to the individuals doctors. After a two-week follow-up, the ones with elevated levels had been seen by their physician.
Date: Wed Dec 30 14:03:13 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: hertford
Person Reporting: Sandra E. Woodard

Statistics show that Hertford County citizens are at risk for health problems. The Hertford Partners for Health is a collaborative community health partnership to address compelling health needs of Hertford County residents. The partnership was formed in 1995 to oversee the REACH Community Health Assessment Project Grant received by Roanoke-Chowan Hospital and coordinated by Dept. of Family Medicine at ECU School of Medicine. The partnership has received Healthy Carolinian Certification, received Duke Endowment Funding and opened an Adolescent Health Center for 1052 Hertford County Middle School Students. 500 Community health surveys were completed and three priority areas for improvement identified: health care access, substance abuse, and nutrition. Progress toward addressing critical health needs and improving health status for county citizens is being realized through Hertford County Partners For Health.
Date: Wed Dec 30 11:44:44 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: rutherfo
Person Reporting: Jan R. McGuinn

In response to multiple farm-related deaths within Rutherford County, a "Farm Safety Workshop" targeted at 15-16 year-old Vocational Agriculture students from four area High Schools (Rutherford & Polk counties) was implemented. Participants learned about pesticide, electrical, ATV, tractor rollover, chainsaw and PTO safety measures, along with First Aid information. Among the 233 student participants, 87% have begun to implement at least one technique learned from the training. Local agribusinesses assisted in sponsoring the event, and Extension Agents from Polk, McDowell, Henderson, and Buncombe counties were involved in with the program delivery.
Date: Wed Dec 30 11:50:37 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: rutherfo
Person Reporting: Jan R. McGuinn

Following the "Farm Safety Workshop" one of the Program Committee, members who has farmed over 40+ years, shared that they learned a great deal especially from the Tractor Rollover session. Their farm equipment had ROPS protection, but never realized until the training that it was necessary to also engage the seat belt while in operation. Since the training, all members of this family have been actively "buckling up."
Date: Thu Dec 31 15:48:40 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: clevelan
Person Reporting: Lois Owen

Lois Owen participated with 2 other Family and Consumer Education Agents in a holiday food safety call in program at a Charlotte television station. This gave the NCCES free marketing time and also reached a broad audience as indicated by the addresses from the 71 calls that were fielded during the time. That was the maximum of calls that could be answered by the 3 agents during that time. The station marketing manager felt this was a success and has invited the agents back to do this again during l999.
Date: Thu Dec 31 11:49:25 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: gates
Person Reporting: Helen Eure

Approximately one year after the initial Farm Safety Day Camp was held in Gates County, the Family and Consumer Educator was approached by a farmer who wanted to know if the Gates County Extension Center was planning another Farm Safety Program this year. The farmer stated, "My family got a great deal out of the program. I think there is a need for this program to continue in the county." He went on to say "I know that we (he and his employees) do things that aren't exactly safe. Its good for the kids to be exposed to the right way to do things." The FCS agent mentioned that the Gates County Extension Center would like to hold the program in late March next year but are concerned that
the farmers wouldn't be able to attend due to spring planting. The program last year was geared towards having the whole family
Date: Thu Dec 31 11:52:37 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: gates
Person Reporting: Helen Eure

Approximately one year after the initial Farm Safety Day Camp was held in Gates County, the Family and Consumer Educator was approached by a farmer who wanted to know if the Gates County Extension Center was planning another Farm Safety Program this year. The farmer stated, "My family got a great deal out of the program. I think there is a need for this program to continue in the county."

Evaluation results indicated that the Farm Safety Program has made an impact on Gates County farm families. In follow up phone interviews participants reported some short term behavior changes. One hundred percent reported a gain in knowledge and awarenes of the "right" way to be safe on the farm. Participants and local sponsors have asked on a number of occassions when will Extension conduct another Farm Safety Program, which shows continued support for progarms of this type.
Date: Thu Dec 31 11:50:07 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: gates
Person Reporting: Helen Eure

Gates County is a rural area, located approximately 30 miles from the nearest hospital. In 1998 100 participants obtained Red Cross certification in first aid and CPR. Those certified include: child care providers, 4-camp counselors, transportation providers, volunteer firemen, teens interested in babysitting, and cotton gin operators. The result of these trainings is qualified citizens equipped to handle basic emergencies which can increase the survival rate of accident victims.
Date: Thu Dec 31 12:40:46 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: johnston
Person Reporting: Eric Spaulding

The entire local Extension staff effectively networked with a 22 member planning committee, 17 local, 5 regional, and 3 national sponsors to conduct a Safety Day Camp at Joe Denning and Sons Farm in Benson. Participating families are now able to identify and avoid 12 common rural and farm related hazards.

Fifty one adult and 47 youth volunteers were an essential part of this endeavor which reached 303 youth and 164 adults. $4,472 in door prizes,money, and other donations was secured in order to enhance the event and promote attendance.

The most demanded prizes were 125 Bicycle/Skating Safety helmets givenaway to youth participants to further promote recreational safety. They were earned by participating in bicycling or skating safety sessions at the camp. Parents were elated and commended Extension for the safety helmets provided which would ensured their children s safety while bicycling or skating.
Date: Thu Dec 31 14:21:40 EST 1998
SMP #: 12
Local System: onslow
Person Reporting: Peggie L. Garner

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Onslow County continues to work with the After-School Program as well as the day care workers by teaching CPR and First Aid at a lower rate than any where else in the county. We have even had day care workers from other counties come to our county because our rates are lower. We are able to teach at a reduced rate because we have a provider agreement with the American Red Cross and we have our own instructor and the visuals that are needed with teaching the classes. Our classes continue to be full with a waiting list for each class that is taught. An example of how much less expensive we are than the other providers is we charge $10.00 for CPR certification and the local Red Cross chapter charges $43.50. That is a significant savings for someone making minimum wage.
Date: Mon Jan 4 15:46:08 EST 1999
SMP #: 12
Local System: randolph
Person Reporting: Barry S. Foushee

Farm children are doing more of the farm work because of the cost and lack of good labor and with this comes the chance of injury. The need for farm safety education for these youth is very important. With the help of the Randolph Livestock Association, the Cooperative Extension Service in Randolph County hosted the 3rd annual "Progressive Farmer" Farm Safety Camp for Kids in September 1998. All aspects of farming were taught from ATV safety to fire safety to tractor and equipment safety. 63 youth from ages 7-16 participated in this years camp. The results were better than ever. The youth went home and told parents what they were doing wrong on the farm. If we can save a finger, limb or even a life, it is worth all the effort in doing the camp. There were 18 volunteer instructors and 16 other volunteers.
Date: Mon Jan 4 17:42:40 EST 1999
SMP #: 12
Local System: wayne
Person Reporting: Bob Pleasants

Through five Hunter Safety classes, Extension used staff and five volunteers to teach 105 youths and adults the basic principles of hunting and firearms handling safety. One hundred percent of class participants passed the Hunter Safety Exam.
Date: Fri Jan 8 16:17:39 EST 1999
SMP #: 12
Local System: ashe
Person Reporting: Carolyn Goodman

Ashe County Schools continue to employ one school health nurse to perform all student health checks in the schools.

Nine Extension Homemakers became certified in Vision Screenings after participating in a state certified training. Since January of 1998, Extension Homemakers have screened over 1000 students.
Date: Wed Jan 20 11:54:55 EST 1999
SMP #: 12
Local System: yancey
Person Reporting: Claude Deyton

The second annual Farm Safety Field Day was held in August. The program addressed the large number of farm related injuries and deaths in teenagers. The event was held at Cane River Middle School with approximately 600 students, parents, teachers and adults attending. Over 30 volunteers and 12 professionals representing NC State and NC A&T; State Universities and the local community assisted with the program. A variety of farm safety information was presented on topics including pesticide safety, chain saw safety, skin cancer awareness, tractor safety, persons with disabilities, etc. A sponsored lunch and refreshments were provided. Over $1500 worth of farm and farm safety equipment was given away as door prizes including first aid kits, safety goggles, ear plugs and muffs, fire extinguishers hand held and backpack sprayers, etc. This program increased participants' awareness of safety concerns around the farm and the consequenses that could occur.
Date: Sat Feb 27 10:44:46 EST 1999
SMP #: 12
Local System: watauga
Person Reporting: dale roark

Watauga County has experienced one death per year involving tractor/farm related accidents for the past few years. Farmers fail to recognize preventive methods of many farm-related illnesses such as allergies, respiratory problems, skin cancer and hearing loss as well as tractor/farm related accidents. On August 17, the third annual Farm Safety Field Day was held with approximately 60 participants. Participants learned safety facts that will help them in and around the home and farm. Seventeen different exhibits helped to teach participants about issues that can effect and change the daily lives of their families.
Date: Sat Feb 27 10:45:13 EST 1999
SMP #: 12
Local System: watauga
Person Reporting: sue counts

A North Carolina radon survey found that Watauga County has a higher-than-normal level of radon (above 4pCi/l). The health risk associated with exposure to radon is lung cancer. Watauga County Extension has coordinated several meetings between NCSU Cooperative Extensions' Radon Specialist and key people in the county to arrange for educational programs. In 1998, a Watauga County Building Inspector was given an all expense paid trip to Washington, DC to attend a conference on Radon Resistant-New Construction. This Building Inspector is working with Contractors/Builders to include this in new homes (about fifteen new homes are under construction using this). When Radon Resistant-New Construction is included in a new home, the home owner can realize as much as $2,500 savings.
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