Lifeline
Teaching, Research, Extension and Service

Improving Health and Wellness in Dallas County

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Relevance

One of every four Dallas County residents is physically inactive or overweight. Physical inactivity and overweight are associated with an increased risk of a number of chronic health conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and depression. Studies have shown individuals who are physically active have fewer physician visits, hospitalizations, and medications.

In Dallas County, an estimated 378,000 of individuals receive benefits each month from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), historically known as the food stamp program. Studies have shown individuals who live in poverty (including SNAP recipients) have dietary intakes that are not congruent with current recommendations (i.e. Dietary Guidelines or MyPlate). This audience, like many, may not recognize their risk for foodborne illness. Stretching resources so households don’t run out of food is also a challenge.

Response

In Dallas County, there are three major program efforts implemented to promote a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages.

Walk Across Texas (WAT) is an eight-week fitness and health program that challenges participants to adopt a habit of regular exercise. Research indicates that a walking routine of this duration is more likely to lead to continued moderate exercise, which improves quality of life and reduces the risk of chronic disease (including type 2 diabetes). This program yields public value in the forms of reduced public health-care costs and a healthier, more productive workforce.

Better Living for Texans (BLT) is a cooperative endeavor among Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) of USDA.  A component of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), BLT offers food and nutrition education to SNAP recipients, applicants, and other low-income audiences to help improve their ability to plan and prepare nutritious meals, stretch food dollars, and prepare and store food safely.  BLT also incorporates its programs with the Walk Across Texas program to promote physical activity. 

Master Wellness Volunteer Program is another emphasis area supporting physical activity programs and general wellness education.  Volunteers receive 40 hours of health and nutrition education.  They return 40 hours of volunteer service by assisting with and teaching educational programs.

Results

Walk Across Texas (WAT) participation and results:

  • 1708 registered walkers including 183 teams (1411 walkers) and 297 individual walkers
  • 852 people completed the 8-week program
  • During the Walk Across Texas program, these teams and individuals walked 196,720.09 miles.
  • If participants continue walking as they did during WAT they have the potential to save a collective over $11 millions in future healthcare costs by avoiding Type 2 diabetes and reducing healthcare costs.
  •  “I liked tracking my fitness, it makes me more conscience of what I’m eating and when I’m working out.”- WAT participant.
  • “I was able to work for a goal with my peers, and family, there where all supportive. I know this was a healthy practice, both mentally and physically. I really enjoyed this.”-WAT participant.

Better Living for Texans (BLT) was implemented by FCS agent, BLT Assistant, and volunteers.

  • Approximately 3,000 educational contacts were made
  • 205 participants graduated from the BLT Eat Better to Live Better and Back to Basics series.
  • Based on 177 pre- and post- surveys completed, over 75% reported intent to practice meal planning, shopping with a list and comparing prices.
  • “I have a plan to change my soda drinking habits. Normally I drink one soft drink a day. My goal is to change to drinking no sodas, but to drink green tea or water. It may take a while, but the change will be good for me.” – Nimitz High ESL class student
  • “I always looked at the nutrition label, but didn’t know what to actually look for. Now I understand it better and can actually buy healthier foods.” – Irving.net ESL class student

Master Wellness Volunteer Program participation and results:

  • 18 volunteers provided health and wellness education. 14 of them were recruited and trained in 2011. 
  • Over 600 hours of services logged by these volunteers, equivalent to over $13,000 economic value.
  • These volunteers taught or assisted with 74 educational sessions such as nutrition and health programs, health fairs, healthy food demonstrations, and 4-H and youth development projects.
  • Over 9,000 people were reached through these educational sessions.
  • This program has increased outreach efforts, helped reach new audiences, and created advocates for the FCS program.
  •  “This was my first year as a MWV.  I was very impressed with the quality of the materials available on the website and the MWV training instruction. Through some contacts I was able to present the Master of Memory program of six classes to a group of hospital volunteers, which was very well received… On a personal level, I felt that I learned a lot teaching this program and also increased the public awareness of this very important subject.”- Dallas County Master Wellness Volunteer
  • “This has been a remarkable experience for me. This program has given me an opportunity to learn and share with a full range of people… I very much appreciate the opportunities and the knowledge participating in the Master Wellness Program has offered me since graduation in March and look forward to the possibilities coming next year. Thank you!”- Dallas County Master Wellness Volunteer

For educational programs related to health and wellness, contact Texas AgriLife Extension Service-Dallas County at 214-904-3050.

 

Improving Family Life in Dallas County

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Relevance

Although children are influenced by many different elements in their environment, parents are the primary influence in the lives of children. Caregivers also have the opportunity to influence and impact children through their daily interactions. Over 60% of children in Dallas County from birth through age 6 receive some form of child care on a regular basis from persons other than their parents. Having a well-trained child care workforce is essential to providing the high quality child care that children need to develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively.   

More than 202,000 Dallas County residents, about 8.5% of the county’s population, are over age 65. Only 28% of that number live alone or in nonfamily households. Estimates show that many people over age 65 living in the community require substantial aid that is provided by family members. In fact, studies show that families provide an estimated 80% of the care to older adults, with the remaining 20% provided by formal community agencies and institutional facilities.

Response

In Dallas County, there are five major program efforts implemented to impact parenting and caregiving.

Mini-PRIDE Training is a partnership with the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide educational training for caregivers seeking custody of relative children. This training not only fulfills state requirements of these relative caregivers, but also helps them be better caregivers for their children. There is also potential for these caregivers to begin bringing in a financial incentive to support these children as a result of this training. Dallas, Collin and Denton County AgriLife Extension Agents collaborated to reach this diverse group of clientele. Mini-PRIDE training was conducted once a month and reached 194 relative caregivers.

Parenting Program reached 136 adults with information to improve parenting knowledge and skills. These programs were implemented in collaboration with the Dallas HIPPY Program, the Audelia Road Library, and the Hacienda del Sol Housing Community.

Fathers Reading Every Day (FRED) is a family literacy program designed to increase parental involvement in children’s literacy development, with a specific focus on fathers. 42 parents and children who participated in the Dallas HIPPY Program at Urban Park Elementary School completed the four-week program.

Child Care Training reached 115 child care providers and directors who provide care for 564 children enrolled in 32 child care centers or family day homes. A total of 352 clock hours of training were provided to child care professionals seeking to meet state mandated training requirements established by the state of Texas.

Caregiving and Aging Conference reached 130 professional and non-professional caregivers. This conference was implemented in collaboration with Collin and Denton County AgriLife Extension Agents, the Area Agency on Aging of North Central Texas, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Aging & Disability Resource Center.

Results

Mini-Pride Training impact was determined through 193 evaluations secured from 11 trainings.

  • 98% of participants were mostly or completely satisfied with the training
  • 96% considered the training to be very relevant and helpful to their situations
  • 97% believed the training will help them become more effective foster parents
  • “Help me understand what is expected of me and how to be a better foster parent.”- Mini-Pride Participant
  • “Teaching me how to help the child adjust and feel like they belong.”- Mini-Pride Participant

Parenting Program impact was determined through 98 evaluations secured from 9 programs.

  • 100% of participants learned new information
  • 100% said the information learned was helpful
  • 100% believed the information will help them become more effective parents
  • “I really enjoyed your presentation and thought the information provided was extremely important and beneficial.”- Dallas HIPPY Participant
  • “I have more options to use on my family and also increase the love for all of them.”- Hacienda del Sol Resident 

FRED impact was determined through 21 evaluations secured.

  • 90% said participating in FRED led to improvements in their children’s vocabulary
  • 79% said participating in FRED helped their children learn to read
  • 100% improved their relationship with their children
  • “Helped us establish a schedule of reading and made this a habit.”- Dallas HIPPY Participant
  • “Helped me to be more involved with my child in reading.”- Dallas HIPPY Participant

Child Care Training impact was determined through 92 evaluations secured from 4 trainings.

  • 98% of participants acquired new information from the trainings
  • 96% considered the trainings to be very relevant to the work they do
  • 99% planned to utilize the information gained at the trainings to improve their programs
  • 97% considered themselves better equipped to work with the children in their care 
  • “I absolutely learn something new every session.”- Child Care Provider Conference Participant
  • “New ideas and strategies that I can use in the classroom.” – Child Care Provider Conference Participant

Caregiving and Aging Conference impact was determined through 61 evaluations secured.

  • 92% of participants acquired new information from the conference
  • 92% believed the training provided will lead to improvements in quality care
  • 95% planned to utilize the information gained at the conference
  • “Very well presented and organized. Thank you for making this information available. The information is invaluable!”- Caregiving and Aging Conference Participant
  • “Thanks for the Medicaid presentation! It’s such a confusing area for families and individuals trying to make those decisions.” – Caregiving and Aging Conference Participant

For educational programs related to family life, contact Texas AgriLife Extension Service-Dallas County at 214-904-3050.

 

Know When to Pass

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It’s football season, and we Texans love to root for our teams! The Texas Department of Transportation Game Day campaign, Know When to Pass, will emphasize the importance of passing your keys to a sober, designated driver if you plan to drink alcohol on game day. While it’s a lot of fun to tailgate or watch a ballgame at a friend’s house, if you choose to drink, you should call a cab, designate a sober driver ahead of time, use public transportation, stay put, or call a friend or family member for a ride.

Texas AgriLife Extension Service reminds drivers that the Know When to Pass campaign runs from now through February 2012.

Drinking and driving on football game days is a very real problem in Texas and across the nation. Over half of the Texans surveyed reported having three or more drinks while at a football watching party, and over 45 percent of Texans who drink while at a watching party report driving themselves home. Last year, 52 alcohol-related deaths occurred on football game days when a Texas team was playing.

Impaired drivers can kill or injure themselves and others – sometimes their own friends or family. The consequences and costs are significant if you are caught driving while intoxicated, costing you $17,000 or more. So this season, don’t drink and drive. If you see a suspected drunk driver, report it to law enforcement.

This is shaping up to be a great year for Texas teams. Make sure you are here to cheer on your favorite team next year – know when to pass the keys! For more information, visit www.facebook.com/KnowWhenToPass.

Change Your Clocks and Smoke Alarm Batteries!

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When it’s time to “fall back” and change the clocks on Sunday, Nov. 6, make sure to check the batteries in all of your smoke alarms – it could save your life.

Did you know that having a working smoke alarm reduces a person’s chance of dying in a fire by half? For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. Smoke alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings, and tested monthly.

It’s important to replace smoke alarm batteries once a year, unless they’re 10-year lithium batteries. Even if your smoke alarms are hardwired, replace the batteries in case of a power outage.

Source: Safe Kids Worldwide, http://safekids.org

Healthy Holiday Foods

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The holiday season is right around the corner. The holidays can present special challenges for those of us who are trying to make healthy lifestyle choices. We are often surrounded by foods that are high in fat, sugar, and sodium.

Here are some practical knowledge and solutions for preparing healthy foods during the holidays and even all-year-long.

Choose Healthy Preparation Steps

  • Baking and Roasting
  • Boiling, Blanching, and Steaming
  • Broiling and Grilling
  • Sauteing
  • Microwaving
  • Use whole grain products when possible
  • Use a variety of fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables and fruits
  • Wash/scrub vegetables instead of peeling
  • Don’t soak vegetables in water
  • Don’t overcook foods

Make Smart Substitutions and Makeover Your Favorite Recipes

  • Less Fat and More Flavor: Reduce the fat in a recipe by 1/4 to 1/3. Try some smart baking substitutions with unsweetened applesauce, low-fat yogurt, or prune (plum_ puree.
  • Be Sweet with Less Sugar: Experiment by reducing sugar by 1/4 to 1/3 in baked products. Try some smart substitutions with artificial sweeteners, cinnamon and vanilla, pureed fruit, or jams, jellies, or preserves (sugar-free or reduced sugar).
  • Add Zest and Reduce Sodium: Experiment with herbs and spices. Use citrus zest. Add full flavor by roasting vegetables. Use vinegar or citrus juice. Add fresh hot peppers.

Go to Parties with a Positive Attitude

  • Eat a healthy snack right before the party.
  • When you arrive at the party, don’t rush to the food. Greet people you know and settle in first.
  • Choose only the foods you really want to eat.
  • Keep the portions small.
  • Don’t hangout around the food (buffet area).
  • Don’t forget the importance of exercise.

Most importantly, cook and enjoy healthy foods with friends and family members. It’s a commitment everyone will benefit from! Check out the Dinner Tonight! website at http://healthyliving.tamu.edu for weekly updates of new recipes that are quick, easy, low cost, and healthy.

 

 

Parents Play Big Role in Improving Teen Driving

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National Teen Driver Safety Week (NTDSW) is October 16-22, 2011.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens. Statistics show that teens are most likely to have a crash during the first six months after getting their license, which is primarily due to their inexperience. Research shows that parents play an important role in increasing their teen’s driving skills as they have the have the greatest influence over their teen’s behavior. In fact, leading experts believe parents play a key role in preventing teen car crashes and deaths.

A study conducted by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia shows that teens whose parents set rules, monitor their driving, and are supportive are half as likely to crash and twice as likely to use seat belts as teens with less involved parents. Parents can help by talking with their teens about safe driving practices. Spending as much time driving with your teen in many different driving situations can significantly impact your teen’s future driving practices.

The Texas Graduated Driver’s License Law provides parents with the controls to help keep their teen drivers safe. However, many parents are not aware of the provisions of this law. The law is divided into two phases. During phase one, the teen driver must always be accompanied by a person at least 21 years of age. During phase two, teens cannot operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger who is younger than 21 unless the additional passengers are also family members. Driving is prohibited between midnight and 5 a.m. unless the teen is driving to attend work or a school-related activity, or responding to an emergency situation. Cell phone use is also prohibited during this second phase. Making sure your teen follows the Graduated Driver’s License Law can help get a teen safely through the most critical time when driver inexperience can lead to crashes.

Texas AgriLife Extension Service reminds parents to follow these tips to keep teens driving safely:

  • Practice driving with your teen as often as possible.
  • Discuss your rules of the road, and create a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement.
  • Model good driving behavior for your teen by always using seat belts and never using a cell phone while driving.
  • Share your rules with other parents and teens.

Parents can take advantage of the National Teen Driver Safety Week to talk to their teens about staying safe on the road.

For more information on National Teen Driver Safety Week, go to TeenDriverSource at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s website: http://www.teendriversource.org/more_pages/page/get_behind_national_teen_driver_safety_week_ntdsw_/teen and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/ParentsAreTheKey/parents/index.html.

Child Care Provider Conference: October 15, 2011

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Texas AgriLife Extension Service – Dallas County is offering a low-cost child care provider conference that provides an interactive, hands-on learning environment.

Topics will be “It’s Potty Time! Potty Train before Age 2,” “Strategies for Working with Difficult Children,” and “Fitting in Physical Activities…Even on the Rainy Days.”

This conference will be held on Saturday, October 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at 10056 Marsh Lane, Suite B-101, Dallas, TX 75229 (Dallas County Government Center).

Participants who attend the entire conference will earn four (4) clock hours of continuing education. Registration fee is $15 per person due by October 7.

Download registration form here: Child Care Provider Conference flyer

For questions regarding the Child Care Provider Conference contact Wenhsing Cheng at wcheng@ag.tamu.edu or 214-904-3050.

Walk Across Texas!

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Walk Across Texas is a FREE, 8 week program designed to motivate people to increase their levels of physical activity. Teams of 8 people have a friendly competition to see who can log the most miles walking, biking, dancing, gardening, or any physical activities you like to do. Weekly team mileage is entered on the Walk Across Texas website (http://walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu/) each week, so you can see how your team is doing.

In conjunction with the Texas Obesity Awareness Week (2nd week of September), Walk Across Texas will take place in Dallas County from September 17, 2011 to November 12, 2011. Register on the Walk Across Texas website at http://walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu/.

For questions about Walk Across Texas contact Wenhsing Cheng at wcheng@ag.tamu.edu or 214-904-3050.

Safety Tips – Pedestrians and School Buses

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Texas has more than 9,000 schools. More than a million children and teens depend on buses to get them safely to and from school every day. They also depend on us to know the law and drive safely around school buses.

Here’s the Law:

  • Stop for flashing red lights on a school bus, regardless of which direction you’re headed.
  • Continue your trip once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing or the bus driver signals it’s okay to pass.
  • Violations can lead to a $1,000 fine.

Safety Tips for Motorists:

  • Obey the posted speed limit.
  • Fines double in school zones.
  • Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
  • Watch for children who might dart across the street to catch the bus.

Safety Tips for Students:

Respect your school bus driver and follow these rules:

  • Stand far back when you are waiting for the bus.
  • Sit still so the driver can pay attention to the road.
  • Look both ways if you have to cross the street after getting off the bus, or wait for the driver to signal it’s safe to cross the street.

Here’s the Law: Pedestrians

  • Yield to vehicles on the roadway if you cross the street at a place other than a marked crosswalk or pedestrian tunnel or crossing. If you’re hit while jaywalking, the driver may not be liable, and his or her auto insurance may not cover your injuries.
  • Stay on sidewalks and the right-hand side of crosswalks. Drivers are supposed to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.
  • If the road has no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

Pedestrian Tips:

  • Always cross at intersections. Look left, then right, then left again before proceeding.
  • Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars.
  • As a passenger, get in or out of a car on the curb side of the street.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street.

Source: Texas Department of Transportation, http://www.txdot.gov/safety/tips/pedestrians.htm