Abstracts
May 2003, Vol. 8, No. 2
ISSN 1540 5273
Why Ranchers and Farmers Are Reluctant to Seek Counseling and How Family Practitioners Can Help
Randy R. Weigel
Abstract
Men, especially ranchers and farmers, avoid seeking counseling for personal problems because growing up male is often characterized by an emphasis on independence, competition, emotional restraint, and maintaining the upper hand in relationships. How men are socialized, as well as social, family, and personal barriers, cause many ranchers and farmers to be reluctant to seek help. But family practitioners — Extension professionals, family therapists, and family service providers — can provide valuable support to the ranchers and farmers who need their help. Full text.
Food Safety Knowledge of Residents in a Central Illinois County
Mardell Wilson and Kimberly Shenuk
Abstract
The threat of foodborne illness remains a serious issue for American consumers. Although strict regulations help protect against potential outbreaks in commercial food preparation, consumer education is the primary means for decreasing the potential for improper food handling in the home. In this study, consumer knowledge of food safety and sanitation techniques was assessed to determine if there were differences among gender, residency (metropolitan versus rural), age, and education. A random sample of residents in a central Illinois county returned 151 surveys, which included 19 food safety knowledge questions as well as demographic items. A total knowledge score was computed for each participant. The mean knowledge score for the entire sample was 12.9 (67.9 percent).
Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant differences within the variables of gender, residency, age, or education. When examining the results from each of the individual survey items, the following food safety issues were commonly missed among participants: safe beef preparation temperatures, proper cleaning of a cutting board, placement of meat in the refrigerator, and the shelf life of eggs. Based upon the results of this study, a more focused target audience for food safety education could not be identified. Continuous efforts should be made to provide programs for individuals of all ages, residencies, and education levels which focus on the seriousness of foodborne illnesses and the importance of proper food handling. Full text.
Increasing High School Financial Educators’ Skills Through Distance Education
Marianne C. Bickle, Judy McKenna, and Jan Carroll
Abstract
Educators often resist teaching financial concepts to youth because they don’t have the necessary skills and self-confidence themselves. In addition, time is limited to attend face-to-face training meetings. A distance education program via WebCT® technology was created to reach educators 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Teachers increased their own financial literacy and learned to teach the National Endowment for Financial Education High School Financial Planning Program curriculum through WebCT® activities. Educators from three states participated in the pilot study. Results revealed that educators appreciated the convenience of the WebCT® training and gained valuable insights into financial concepts for personal well-being as well as for classroom use. Full text.
“Attitudes for Success” The Hispanic Youth Leadership Program
Mary E. Arnold, Patricia Dawson, and William Broderick
Abstract
It is predicted that by 2005 Hispanics will become the largest ethnic youth population in the country. As Hispanic youth populations continue to grow, so does the potential for significant Hispanic youth contribution to schools, communities, and other places of leadership. Despite this potential, little has been done to prepare Hispanic youth to take active and contributing leadership roles. In response to these dramatic demographic changes, and as a direct response to facilitating the leadership potential of Hispanic youth, a coalition of school officials, county agencies, and concerned citizens met with two Oregon State University Extension county 4-H agents to review the needs of area Hispanics and develop strategies to provide positive leadership experiences for Hispanic youth. “Attitudes for Success” Hispanic Youth Leadership Program helps Hispanic youth develop the skills and confidence necessary to become committed and involved in their schools and community. Full text.
Applying the Principles of Community Supported Agriculture to an Extension Nutrition Education Program
Luanne J. Hughes
Abstract
Helping people understand where their food comes from is one way to help them explore food options and incorporate more fresh foods into their diets. This approach to nutrition education can be an appealing and a marketable way to interest children and families in nutrition and nutrition education programs. The Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) movement maintains that there are significant relationships between the foods we eat and the health of our bodies, our communities, and the ecosystem. This philosophy forms a solid foundation for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) professionals to develop educational programs that combine nutrition with agricultural education to effectively reach out to children and their families.
From Our Farms™ is an interactive, activity-based curriculum for children ages 3 to 8 and their families. It was created in response to a call by local consumers, farmers/growers, and targeted collaborators for a program that taught people (children in particular) about locally grown food products. The theory behind the curriculum is that local families — if presented with information on local agriculture, building new eating skills/behaviors and improved nutrition in an interesting and entertaining way — will participate in a farm, food, and nutrition education program. Full text.
The Pitt County Poster Project: A Partnership for Health
Susan Reece
Abstract
Upon the identification of health themes critical to Pitt County, a poster campaign was developed to promote good health habits. The purpose of this article is to briefly describe the steps involved in initiating a poster campaign involving numerous partnerships. The article also suggests impact implications. Full text.
Perspectives
The Entrepreneurial Extension Service
Michael Rupured
Advocating for Physical Activity in Schools — The Policy and the Politcs
Carolyn Dunn
Editor’s Corner
The Scholarship of Extension and Engagement: What Does It Mean in the Promotion and Tenure Process?
Carol A. Schwab, Editor
Summary
A university dedicated to becoming an engaged institution must give academic rewards to faculty who participate in extension and engagement (E&E) activities. The reforms needed to adequately reward faculty for E&E activities will not occur unilaterally, but will require a collaborative effort among the faculty RPT candidates, extension administrators, and the RPT decision-makers. Faculty RPT candidates must document and submit their scholarly E&E accomplishments to review processes that are as rigorous, reliable, and consistent as the traditional review processes for scholarly research activities. Extension administrators must help identify, and if necessary create, procedures that provide appropriate reviews. Finally, RPT decision-makers must accept new yardsticks for measuring excellence in the different forms of scholarship. Full text.
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