Tagged With "healthy child care"
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Promoting Physical, Mental, and Emotional Wellness for Military Families
Written by: Jason Jowers, MS, MFT The end of another summer is upon us. Families have geared up for back-to-school season and that means reestablishing routines that will last through the upcoming school year. With families getting back into the swing of things, it’s important to remember to prioritize self-care and wellness practices so as not to get overwhelmed with a jam-packed schedule. Incorporating health and wellness practices can help reduce the stress that military families...
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Balancing Your Mental Health to Better Serve Others
As September approaches we want to recognize Suicide Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention, promoting understanding of mental health challenges, and fostering conversations that can save lives. Mark your calendar for 11:00 AM ET on September 27, 2023 and plan to attend OneOp’s professional development opportunity focused on balancing our mental health to better service others. To learn more, go to: Balancing Your Mental Health . Providers, whether...
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Job Opening: Extension Educator, High Obesity Program - Multi County, Oklahoma State University
The scope of work for the HOP Extension Educator is 100% on the CDC HOP project. Responsibilities include working with community partners to address health disparities related to poor nutrition, physical activity, and obesity using policy, systems and environmental changes to promote food and nutrition security and safe and accessible physical activity in community and early care and education settings. Four positions are available in four different counties in Eastern Oklahoma...
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Increasing Physical Activity in Older Adults: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults Webinar Recap
The Extension Foundation recently hosted an webinar with the HHS to discuss and summarize key strategies to increase physical activity among older adults! Leading this webinar were Bianca Macias and Malorie Polster, representatives from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion to relay the results of the Midcourse report. The focus of the webinar was a review of the "Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults," along...
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Where were you?
The day started out as any other. A pretty normal Tuesday in fact. Put my uniform on, drove through the front gate of the Air Force base where we were assigned, and got to work. After a few minutes, it was apparent this wasn't going to be just another Tuesday... In our military, readiness exercises happen all the time to prepare for events involving natural disasters and domestic/international threats. Awareness of these exercises occurs from internal communication and is posted at the base...
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Enhancing Mental Well-being for Effective Service: A Preview of Our Upcoming Webinar
When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, it prompted mental health professionals to rise to the occasion. Not only did the pandemic necessitate significant adjustments in the way mental health services were delivered, but it also added complexity to the already challenging task of balancing personal and professional lives for these dedicated professionals. To achieve peak personal and professional performance, mental health practitioners and family support providers must...
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Register Today for the next Healthy People 2030 Webinar “Injury and Violence Prevention Strategies for the LGBTQ+ Community”
Space is still available for the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion's (ODPHP) next webinar: Injury and Violence Prevention Strategies for the LGBTQ+ Community . This webinar will take place on Tuesday, September 19 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm ET. To register, please visit the Healthy People 2030 Webinar Series Registration page . Continuing Education Credits* (CEs) are available for this webinar. During this one-hour event, ODPHP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s...
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Treat each other with L.O.V.E.
A team we worked with was doing well except for a couple of team members who didn't get along very well. At the end of their time with us, we asked how their relationship was going. Particularly we asked if they could trust the other person. One of them replied "yes". Initially, we were excited about their progress! They continued to say they could trust them to be a jerk. What?! After some follow-up questions, we learned the behaviors they exhibited to this team member supported predictive...
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Taking Care of Mental Health: The Significance of National Suicide Awareness Month
Written by: Jason Jowers, MS, MFT September is more than just the transition from summer to fall; it’s also a time when we come together to raise awareness about an issue that affects millions of people worldwide—suicide. National Suicide Awareness Month is a crucial period during which we focus on spreading hope, support, and resources to help those in need. We wanted to fully explore the significance of this month, the objectives of many suicide prevention organizations, and how you can...
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Extension Foundation Awarded Cooperative Agreement from EPA to Support Pesticide Safety Education Programs
News Release from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a cooperative agreement to the Extension Foundation (EXF) to administer a national subaward program supporting Pesticide Safety Education Programs (PSEPs). The new project, titled “Empowered Up: A Comprehensive PSEFMP Promoting Efficiency & Environmental Justice,” will receive up to $15 million over five years. It will build upon a previous PSEP subaward program, also...
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Fueling Hope: Breast Cancer Awareness through Nutrition
In October, the focus shifts to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society (2023), breast cancer stands as the most prevalent cancer in women, and among Hispanic women in the United States, it remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis frequently gives rise to a multitude of questions and anxieties related to diet and nutrition. Register with OneOp on October 25, 2023 as we delve deeper into strategies that assist...
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Available Grant Opportunities for Cooperative Extension!
Each week, the Extension Foundation newsletter dedicates a section to highlight the latest federal grant opportunities available for the Cooperative Extension system. In this blog post, we're excited to share with you a compilation of the most recent funding prospects featured in our newsletter. Cooperative Extension professionals who want to stay informed about these valuable opportunities can easily do so by subscribing to our weekly Connect Digest. You can subscribe to the Newsletter here...
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Empowering voices: The impact of Rural Prosperity Nebraska on a Hispanic women group
Nasrin Nawa | October 18, 2023 Rural Prosperity Nebraska, an Extension program, empowers a dynamic group of Hispanic women in Columbus through biweekly sessions encompassing a wide spectrum of topics, including social, cultural, health, leadership and life skills. Maria Cantu Hines, a dedicated Extension educator, travels two hours every other Saturday to join this group in Columbus since the beginning of 2023. For Hines, it is nourishing to her "soul." "I eagerly anticipate our gatherings,"...
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How do you want to be remembered?
During a recent workshop we did a connection exercise where participants chose a question to discuss with others at their tables. When visiting the tables one of the folks was sharing their take on how they wanted to be remembered. It was very moving and inspirational. They asked me if I'd answer the same question. Here's the story I shared with them... When we were stationed in Japan my father's health was declining. Just a few years earlier he had recovered from an impossible amount of...
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National Bullying Prevention Month: What Parents and Providers Can Do To Combat Bullying
Written by: Jason Jowers, MS, MFT, Virginia Tech Every October, communities across the United States come together to observe National Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying is a widespread problem in the U.S. that affects millions of children, adolescents, and even adults. Bullying behavior is very common. According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied on school property and 1 in 6 high schoolers reported being bullied electronically in the last year (CDC,...
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6-words
On a trip to Delhi, India we had the privilege to stay at a really nice hotel. A really impressive place where the experience began as soon as we arrived. They treated everyone very well and you could feel everyone loved their job. The staff interacted great with each other. The were a team! One evening during dinner I asked what made being at this place feel so special. Their reply was; "We all live by 6 words. People first, wow now, and excellence always." Curious, I asked them to explain...
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Moving the Needle on Racial Equity in Extension, Part 1 of 3
The 1862 land grant institutions face a large task to move beyond their troubled legacy and meet the needs of contemporary people of color. To address racial inequities in extension, we embarked on educational and institutional change activities. We share three key lessons: the need to take time for building relationships of trust, to tailor individual communication about diversity, equity, and inclusion work for different colleagues, and to re-think the sources of expertise in extension work.
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Extension Foundation Launches Pesticide Safety Education Funds Program Application, Due Date: January 1st, 2024
Application Information The application for the Pesticide Safety Education Funds Program (PSEFMP) is now available. Applicants are asked to apply using the following link: https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/psefmp . The due date for the application is January 1st, 2024. Additional Resources Application Portal Application Portal Training PSEFMP Frequently Asked Questions Eligibility In order to be eligible for this funding applicants must be affiliated with a U.S. Land Grant University. Only...
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Ethics Unveiled: Practical Insights in Diverse Contexts
In the intricate tapestry of military life, professionals who serve and support military families play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being, resilience, and stability of these communities. The importance of ethics in this context cannot be overstated. As individuals and families navigate the unique challenges and demands of military service, they place their trust in these dedicated professionals who provide essential guidance and support. Ethics, the moral compass that guides their...
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Mental Resilience
Thought you might enjoy a Yogi Berra quote to start... "Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical." Too funny and makes a great point. Life is a constant mental challenge. And we know, heaven or hell, it's between our ears. As you ponder what it will take for you to become more mentally resilient, here are some things to consider. "I don't count my sit-ups; I only start counting when it starts hurting because they're the only ones that count." -Muhammad Ali When the going gets...
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How to Support Attachment and Child Well-Being, Even in Times of Change and Transition
Written by Summer Jones, ZERO TO THREE Between birth and age 3, a child’s brain develops one million neural connections per second (Center on the Developing Child, 2007). These connections are built through repeated experiences with their caregivers. Babies are born wired for connection, instinctively drawing responses from their caregivers that help strengthen the bond between them (Sullivan et al., 2011). The building of this bond, or attachment, is a two-way street between baby and their...
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"Cheesy" Advice
On some recent trips, my wife was administering health screenings at two of the factories in the largest cheese-manufacturing company in the world, Leprino Foods has 5,500 employees in 19 locations around the globe. You've probably eaten their product without even knowing. Hang on to your organizational health hats! One of the leaders in this area, Patrick Lencioni, would be proud! Back to my wife's experience... Her time at their factories was very similar despite the locations being far...
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Backyard Poultry Certification Course
Interest in keeping backyard poultry for personal and family food security has steadily increased over the past decade. Many cities and municipalities require a certificate for residents to keep backyard poultry. Increased numbers of youth are raising chickens and turkeys for 4-H livestock projects. Maybe you just want to learn more about the keeping of a backyard flocks. Whatever your reason, OSU Extension has you covered with this Backyard Poultry Certification Course that discusses...
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Navigating Postpartum Challenges in Military Families: Understanding the Intersection of Race, Ethnicity, and Mental Health
Written by: Jennifer Novak, ZERO TO THREE The period following childbirth can be challenging for many new mothers, particularly within military families. Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), encompassing conditions like postpartum depression (PPD), postpartum anxiety (PPA), and postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, often pose significant mental health hurdles during this vulnerable time for families. When factoring in race and ethnicity within military communities, these...
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CDC Issues Health Advisory for Respiratory Diseases
CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to ensure health care providers are aware of the current low vaccination rates for influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Low vaccination rates, coupled with ongoing increased national and international respiratory disease activity caused by multiple pathogens, including influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV, could lead to more severe disease and increased health care capacity strain in the coming weeks.
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New Year Resolutions?
Every year is an adventure we take one step at a time over 365 days. The adventure is up to us, we get to choose. Each January, these choices lead us to resolutions. The thought of these resolutions leads me to recommit to my version of Merlin Olsen's mission statement. Without boring you with mine, here's what he says… “The focus of my life begins at home with family, loved ones & friends. I want to use my resources to create a secure environment that fosters love, learning, laughter...
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Re: Navigating Postpartum Challenges in Military Families: Understanding the Intersection of Race, Ethnicity, and Mental Health
Great article! I find these situations/struggles not unique to military families, as I have seen similar scenarios with police and firefighter families as well. Conceptions about being tough, long periods of a spouse being gone, and or irregular schedules and the trauma of the job all contribute to the need for more support and understanding following the birth of a child.
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Disability Benefits 2024: Navigating SSDI & SSI
Join OneOp at 11:00 AM ET, February 7, 2024 on The ABCs of Disability Benefits as we unravel the complexities of disability benefits and financial support, providing Extension professionals with essential knowledge to navigate this crucial aspect of social welfare. Discover how Social Security can assist individuals when faced with an extended inability to work due to a medical condition or when a child is coping with a challenging impairment affecting daily life. The Social Security...
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Supporting the Use of Traditional Indigenous Foods in the Child Nutrition Programs Cooperative Agreement Request for Applications Now Open!
USDA FNS released a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Supporting the Use of Traditional Indigenous Foods in the Child Nutrition Programs Cooperative Agreement which will be open through March 18, 2024. Through this cooperative agreement, FNS will engage organizations led and primarily staffed by members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Native Hawaiians to provide regionally focused training and technical assistance to school nutrition professionals on procurement, preparation, and...
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UNH Extension seeks Field Specialist, Urban Forestry and Ecology
This position is based at the Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension office in Goffstown, N.H., and leads UNH Extension’s educational, technical and volunteer programming in urban forestry and ecology. New Hampshire is becoming more urbanized, with urban areas projected to increase to over 10% of the state by 2060. Urban and community trees and forests provide a variety of ecological, social and economic values including reduced stormwater runoff, air pollution mitigation, noise...
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Cyberbullying Safety for Kids and Teens
Written by: Jason Jowers, MS, MFT There are so many ways for kids and teens to connect online. It’s more than just social media platforms; there are chatrooms, instant and direct messaging apps, and online video games. For military families, these virtual spaces are great ways for kids and teens to stay connected to a deployed parent or service member, as well as ways to stay connected with long-distance friends. However, these online areas share the hazards of being places where bullying...
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What makes a successful Executive team?
Being chosen for a role with the primary responsibility of caring for others is a privilege. It's an honor to be selected for these positions. The real challenge is to be worthy of that honor every day. Too much? You're right to think that. It's a lot. Notice though, you're part of an executive "team". Everything that needs to be done can only be done with a team. An executive team is expected to model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the status quo, enable others to act, and...
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Financial Considerations for Pet Ownership
Brown (2023) estimates that nearly 62% of Americans have a pet, and half of pet owners not only consider their pets to be a part of their family but say they are as much a part of their family as a human member. Identify ways for pet ownership to teach financial responsibility and explore special considerations for military families, including the new pet transportation allowance for CONUS and OCUNUS PCS moves.
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EXCITE Adult Vaccination Project
The Virginia Cooperative Extension EXCITE Team and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) conducted a symposium on November 3rd, 2023 to discuss the EXCITE project funded through CDC and ways that Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents could get involved in vaccine education! This session introduced our vaccine ambassadors and their roles in their respective localities, provided background on adult vaccinations and the current vaccination schedule, and discussed approaches to communicating...
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Empowering Equestrian Education: NYS 4-H Horse Program Hosts Inservice and Judging Clinic
Ithaca, NY, 2/19/2024 – The New York State 4-H Horse Program recently hosted two impactful events, the Inservice and Judging Clinic, over a weekend filled with learning, collaboration, and a significant announcement for every county involved. The Inservice, held on February 9 th and 10th, saw the participation of over 30 educators and volunteers from across the state. The event offered a unique blend of leadership and team-building training on Friday, followed by a full day of workshops...
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Empower Your Team with the Healthy Teams Handbook: Build and Maintain High-Performing Collaborations
Take your teamwork to the next level with the Healthy Teams Handbook ! This guide, developed by Extension Foundation’s leadership development specialist Karl Bradley, offers practical strategies and insights to build and maintain high-performing collaborative teams. Originally crafted to support New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) project teams, this updated handbook is now available to help all Extension professionals. Unlock the Secrets of Success The Healthy Teams Handbook is...
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Language "Votes"
Words matter...a lot! What we choose to put out in the world in the many ways we express ourselves is a "vote" for the person we want to be. What these words mean to you become your anchor to your core values. Here are some thoughts for your consideration... Balance and Integration When you think about it, trying to achieve a work/life balance is not possible. There isn't work and life, work is part of life. A big part but not the only thing. What we should strive for is the integration of...
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How Innovative Leadership Keeps Cooperative Extension Strong: An Interview with Karl Bradley
Introduction In a rapidly changing world, innovative leadership is critical for Cooperative Extension's success. Leadership development equips Extension professionals with the skills to navigate complex issues, build collaborative teams, consistently adapt, and create programs to meet emerging needs. This ensures Cooperative Extension remains a relevant and impactful force. The Extension Foundation actively supports this goal through the expertise of Karl Bradley, its Leadership and Team...
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University of Maryland Extension Seeks Residential Landscape Ecologist
The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is a leading Land-Grant institution providing teaching, research, and Extension programs through University of Maryland Extension (UME) to a diverse clientele in the State of Maryland and beyond. UME seeking to fill a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position in Residential Landscape Ecology. This position will play a key role in connecting our university’s expertise in sustainable landscaping and landscape-scale...
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Request for Applications: EXCITE Bridge Access Project Now Available!
EXCITE: Bridge Access Project: Access the full RFA and application guide here ELIGIBILITY: The EXCITE Bridge Access Project is available for USDA NIFA EFNEP, and EXCITE Implementation Phase teams that submitted an Indication of Interest form for the Bridge Access Project in December 2023. This is a noncompetitive funding opportunity. AWARD AMOUNT: $30,000 for EXCITE Implementation Phase teams and $72,000 for EFNEP teams. TIMELINE: Application Open: March 26, 2024 Application Deadline: April...
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The Puzzle of Culture
"Culture" has become such a buzzword surrounding the workplace. People expect to see something on the company's website about it. They ask current employees about it. They ask about it in interviews. The fact is, it's a big deal. It might be THE big deal for any organization. What we've learned about it is it's much more than flexible work hours and bean bag chairs in the breakroom. It's about " the way we do things around here". The way this is answered can be profoundly revealing. Why...
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Understanding Financial Stress and Mental Health for Service Members
Inflation continues to be a global economic challenge, impacting everything from food costs to housing affordability. Explore the difference between objective and subjective financial stress, identify questions to ask your clients, and connect with additional learning opportunities, including an on-demand webinar to learn more.
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NEW MyPlate Resources to Help Consumers Eat Healthfully on a Budget
April 17th 2024 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM Eastern REGISTER HERE The COVID-19 pandemic and National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health elevated the national dialogue on achieving greater nutrition security in the US. MyPlate’s messaging pillars are oriented toward educating the public on nutrient density, health equity, and cost-consciousness. As part of its MyPlate Nutrition Communicators Network, USDA partners with organizations to develop and extend resources based on the Dietary...
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Understanding and Addressing Problematic Sexual Behaviors among Children
Written by: Jason Jowers, MS, MFT Cases involving problematic sexual behaviors (PSBs) among children can be challenging for clinicians and non-clinicians to navigate. Clinicians are often working with the family or families involved, including parents and caregivers, but may also need to work with non-clinicians within the school systems the children are in. Addressing problematic sexual behaviors among children also has an added layer when cases take place or involve Department of Defense...
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Social Determinants of Juvenile Mental Health: 5 Things Providers Should Know
Written by: Hannah Bradford and Kalin Goble, M.S. Mental health concerns in juveniles can be complex. Oftentimes, youth mental health concerns are attributed to hormones, stress at school, or just a “normal” teenage attitude. With military children, mental health concerns can sometimes be exacerbated by parental deployment or repeated relocations. It can be hard for these children to find support when their support systems are constantly changing. The Department of Defense identifies, that...
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Identifying Child Sexual Abuse: Ways to Protect Children and Resources for Getting Help
Written by: Jason Jowers, MS, MFT April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to promote the safety and well-being of all children and families and to recognize the child welfare professionals and allies who work tirelessly to protect children and youth. When talking about child abuse, one of the toughest issues to face is child sexual abuse. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2024), “Child sexual abuse is any interaction between a child and an adult (or...
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Leadership Opportunity: Director - Food Innovation Institute in Baton Rouge, LA
The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter) is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual with an entrepreneurial spirit to provide leadership for the Louisiana Food Innovation Institute (FOODii) on the LSU AgCenter Campus in Baton Rouge, LA. More information can be found at Director - Louisiana Food Innovation Institute (FOODii) - East Baton Rouge Parish - R00088965 (lsuagcenter.com) . Join us!
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Dying Early in Rural America
A recently released report in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) shows the gap in preventable premature mortality (or early death) between rural and urban America is growing wider. People living in rural areas are at a higher risk of dying early from one of the five leading causes of death when the death could have been prevented compared to people living in urban areas. This report is an extension of the 2019 CDC study, which showed the percentage of preventable early deaths...
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Opportunity: La Cooperative Extension Service Associate Director - Youth Programs (4-H & FFA)
The Cooperative Extension Service of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter) is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual with a passion for youth and service to join our team. This position serves as part of the AgCenter’s Cooperative Extension upper-level management team in administering a comprehensive program area. This position focuses on the area of Youth Development which includes both the Louisiana 4-H Youth Development Program and the Louisiana FFA...
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New Game from UConn Extension Helps Youth Discover Biotechnology
Youth may not aspire to careers that they can't visualize or fully comprehend. A new biotechnology game created by UConn Extension, in cooperation with the Learning Games Laboratory at New Mexico State University, allows youth to imagine and explore career opportunities in a biotechnology lab. The game, Dr. Eugene’s Biotechnology Lab, is now available at https://www.4hbiotechgames.org/ . The journey to make this game began when UConn 4-H youth pitched game ideas to Extension and members of...