Health and Human Sciences
It's as simple as
Food, Family, Money, & Health
The Health and Human Sciences (HHS) Educator delivers educational programs in Vigo County that are evidence and research based, to all community members. HHS Purdue Extension focuses on issues related to families and parenting through programs like our "Strengthening Families Program". HHS Extension delivers health and wellness and food and nutrition programs to help with chronic diseases, like "Dining with Diabetes" and "Be Heart Smart". Through HHS you can also learn about food safety and home food preservation. Where Does Your Money Go helps those who struggle financially get back to basics by learning budgeting.
Contact Us
Purdue Extension Vigo County
275 Ohio St.
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3371
GAIL WRIGHT
Examples of Programming
The Strengthening Families Program: For Parent and Youth 10-14 is an evidence-based program that can help prevent teen substance abuse and other behavior problems, strengthen parent/youth communication skills, increase academic success in youth, help teach youth skills for dealing with stress and peer pressure, prevent violence, and aggressive behavior at home and at school. Ranked as the #1 prevention program out of 6,000 analyzed by the World Health Organization, the Strengthening Families Program consists of 7, 2-hr. long classes comprising of youth, parent, and family sessions.
Session topics included:
- Love & Limits
- Dreams & Goals
- House Rules
- Appreciating Parents
- Encouraging Positive Behavior
- Dealing with Stress
- Following Rules & Using Consequences
- Peer Pressure
For more information, visit https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/extension/strengthening-families-program-for-parents-and-youth-10-14-post-editable/
Each year, about 659,000 people in the United States die from heart disease, that’s 1 of every 4 deaths (CDC)! Purdue Extension’s Be Heart Smart Program helps individuals learn information to prevent and reduce their risk of developing heart disease. Over the course of four lessons, participants will learn about the risk factors associated with heart disease, important numbers to know, heart-healthy eating, and how to make sustainable heart-healthy lifestyle changes.
Be Heart Smart cost $15 to attend. For more information, visit: https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/extension/program6/
According to Gallup, only 1 in 3 Americans use a budget and 30% have a long-term financial plan involving savings and investments for the future. Where Does Your Money Go? Program is designed to help consumers better understand how to spend their money. Taught over two, one-hour sessions, participants learn about financial management practices such as needs vs wants, writing goals, tracking expenses, identifying spending leaks, and how to develop a spending-savings plan. Furthermore, program activities help participants increase their knowledge of money management practices that promote financial stability and adoption of new habits that can lead to financial control.
For more information, visit: https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/extension/where-does-your-money-go/According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report 2020, 34.2 million Americans have diabetes and another 88 million have prediabetes (CDC). Furthermore, people who have diabetes are 2.3 more likely to have greater healthcare cost than people who don’t have diabetes.
The Dining with Diabetes Program is a designed to assist and support individuals who have diabetes as well as their families to help reduce the burden of diabetes by increasing knowledge of healthy foods, tips to prepare quick, healthy, and tasty foods, demonstrating proper cooking techniques, promoting physical activity, building confidence, and providing opportunities for participants to learn from one another.
The cost to attend Dining with Diabetes is $40 per individual or $65 per couple. To learn more about Dining with Diabetes, visit: https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/extension/programs-food-0/#dining-with-diabetes
Extension Homemakers
VIGO COUNTY EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS NEWSLETTER
MAY 2025
COUNCIL OFFICERS’ MESSAGE
Hello everyone…I hope this Newsletter finds everyone enjoying the weather and atmosphere! Are any
of you mushroom hunters? If so, take a picture and we’ll post it to our Facebook page.
UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
May 23 New Members Information, Perfect Attendance members,
Model Club &/or Honor Club Forms are due to Extension Office
June 2-4 Home & Family Conference
June 9 Past Presidents Meeting
June 23 Achievement Day, Council Meeting to follow Achievement Day activities
July 5-12 Vigo County Fair
Union Hospital Need
Union Hospital is still in need of sleepers for babies, especially preemies. New or gently used items will be accepted. I understand they also still have need for children coloring books and crayons.
Past Presidents Club
I’d like to thank the Hostesses for April: Jo Cochran, Darlene Lowe, and Barb Mericle. We had 11 ladies at Cackleberries restaurant for this event.
The club will meet June 9th at Ellie Oliver’s house (7470 S. Trueblood Pl, 47802). We will have a pool party and carry-in lunch (meat will be provided) so bring a side dish or dessert. The gathering and meeting will be at 11am. Hostesses for June will be: Ellie Oliver, Carol Hawn, and Terri Taylor.
Since we will not have a Newsletter in July, we will call/text/email everyone the information for the August meeting.
“Boxes of Care”
Our current State President is asking us to continue putting Boxes of Care in Blessing Boxes (or at youth centers/homeless shelters). I will bring some boxes and contents to the May Council Meeting. Hearts at Home is glad to share.
Vigo County Fair is July 5th – 12th
I am again asking all 100+ members of our Vigo County Extension Homemakers Clubs to enter a project this year. There are a few people who enter items each year; let’s expand that num-ber. I’m planning on have an entry this year. Wish me luck.
We will have our annual “Clean-up Day” on July 3rd starting at 8am. I am asking for many, many members to come out this day to help with our building. Also, you need to bring your cleaning items with you to this event.
Opening Day for the Vigo County Fair is July 5th. We need volunteers also on this day so we can get items checked in and to their appropriate area in a timely manner. I’ve worked this day for two years now and it is very insightful and fun.
Home and Family Conference, June 2 – 4
Has anyone made a single placemat for the Conference’s Special Project? If so, please get it to your Club President so she/he can bring it to our Council Meeting on May 5th. The Council members will do a blind vote and take the “winner” to the State Conference.
Sewing Days
I wish to thank everyone who has attended these days this past year. At our last day we cut 6 bolts of material into baby blankets and burp cloths, and sewed 54 burp cloths while at the fairgrounds. Ruth Ridener is our go to lady with Union Hospital for this activity. Also thank you to: Janet Kleptz, Pam Dowell, Terri Taylor, Stardust Watson, Julia Reed, Carlene Nemeth, Joan Lindsay, Dee Blann, Becka Chickadaunce, and me! I know I’m leaving some names out but I can’t remember a few of the lady,s names. I apologize. I’ll do better this coming year on having a sign-in sheet.
EDUCATOR SPOTLIGHT
May is Women’s Health Month
May is the month to celebrate women’s health with Women’s Health Week—May 11 (Mother’s Day)—May 17, 2025.
National Women’s Health Week and Month is a time to focus on the unique health needs of women. This initi-ative encourages women to take proactive steps toward improving their physical and mental well-being.
National Women’s Health Week was established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 1999. It was created to raise awareness about the importance of women’s health and empower them to take charge of their well-being. While initially focused on the U.S., this week has since gained global recogni-tion. It serves as a reminder to women everywhere about the significance of making health a priority.
Women’s Health Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Women face a range of health challenges throughout their lives, from hormonal changes during puberty and pregnancy to menopause and aging. These challenges are not just physical; they can also affect mental health. Among the top health concerns for women:
- Heart Disease Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Many women are unaware that they are at risk or do not recognize the symptoms of heart disease.
- Cancer Breast cancer and cervical cancer are among the most common types of cancer affecting women. Early detection through regular mammograms and Pap smears can help identify cancer before it spreads. Wom-en should also be mindful of changes in their bodies and seek medical attention if they notice
- Mental Health Women are more likely to experience mental health issues like anxiety and depression, often due to the pressures of juggling multiple roles.
- Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. It is especial-ly common in women post-menopause.
Take Action: How to Prioritise Your Health
- Get Moving: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Whether it’s walking, yoga, or swimming, staying active is key to maintaining good health.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid exces-sive sugar, salt, and processed foods.
- Check in on Mental Health: Practice mindfulness, engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional if needed.
- Schedule Regular Check-ups: Make sure you are up-to-date with screenings, vaccinations, and annual health exams.