A Year in Review – Master Wellness Volunteer Initiative By Johanna Hicks
Note: This is the 4th in a series of “A Year in Review,” highlighting major program efforts in the area of Family & Community Health. In the United States, 80% of all health spending is related to chronic conditions – things like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and...
A Year in Review – Diabetes Education By Johanna Hicks
A Year in Review – Diabetes Education For the next few weeks, I’ll be highlighting some of the major program impacts from 2018. Many people are not aware of the positive influence that Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has on the health and well-being of individuals. This week, I want to focus on the diabetes education program in Hopkins...
Living Well/Managing Diabetes By Johanna Hicks
Approximately 12% of Hopkins County residents have been diagnosed with diabetes, while the diabetes prevalence of Texas is 10%. That’s a large percentage, but it doesn’t mean doom and gloom! Diabetes can be controlled, and with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays rapidly approaching, management of the disease is even more important. “Diabetes Forecast Magazine,” a publication from the American Diabetes Association, give some...
Diabetes, Urban Myths, and More By Johanna Hicks
Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes Time certainly flies! The spring series of “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” is just a few short weeks away, and plans have already begun to provide a quality, informative, and impactful program. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with diabetes, this series is for you! Here are the topics to be covered and a brief synopsis of each: Monday, April 9: “Getting Started: How Food Affects...
Planning to Say “I Do?” Don’t Miss This! By Johanna Hicks
Planning to Say “I Do?” Don’t Miss This! Hopefully, you have read or heard about the Twogether in Texas Marriage education workshop. This event only takes place three times each year, but the benefits are huge! Twogether in Texas is recognized by the state of Texas as being an important part of helping couples have a successful marriage. As a matter of fact, engaged couples who complete the workshop...
Mom, What Do You Do? By Johanna Hicks
Mom, What Do You Do? Recently, I had an eye-opening experience. Our family was dining at a local restaurant, and we were discussing school, athletics (our daughter, son and daughter-in-law are all employed with the Sulphur Springs ISD), movies, and work projects. My son commented that he knew that I taught diabetes education, nutrition, and sewing, but said, “Mom, what DO you do? Your job is confusing!”...
Become a Master Wellness Volunteer! By Johanna Hicks
Become a Master Wellness Volunteer! Be a part of something BIG! In the United States, 86% of all health spending is related to chronic conditions – things like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and many others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these costs can be managed and potentially reduced through education and lifestyle modification. Texas A&M...
AgriLife: Diabetes Education in Hopkins County
Diabetes Education in Hopkins County Each year, our staff provides a summary of our major in-depth Extension programs. Diabetes education is of particular interest to me because I know the struggles that individuals face on a day-to-day basis. Our youngest child was diagnosed with type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes at the age of 2 ½ and he is my inspiration for helping others to manage their diabetes. Relevance: According to the...
Diabetes Can Be Managed! By Johanna Hicks
No April Fools – Diabetes Can be Managed! Each spring, the Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes series teaches individuals and their loved ones some methods to manage diabetes. Even though this series is targeted toward those with type 2 diabetes, individuals with type 1 (or anybody, actually), will benefit from the nutrition and self-management techniques discussed in the series. We’ve had a good response, but it is not too late to sign...
Master Wellness Volunteer Program By Johanna Hicks
Master Wellness Volunteer Program Today’s column will focus on another Extension banner program which makes an impact in Hopkins County – Master Wellness Volunteer Program. Finding reliable resources of health and wellness information can be a challenge. Since 1906, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has provided Texans with guidance in various health areas and is now training volunteers to provide more communities with the...