Kentuckians are mostly sheltered at home as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads throughout the commonwealth. But the lack of movement can mean adverse effects on the health and well-being of those following social distancing guidelines.
Despite orders from Governor Andy Beshear closing most businesses in the state, organizations that typically offer recreation and exercise programming are stepping up to ensure residents can stay engaged while quarantining in their homes. One of those organizations is the University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Extension Service. The service offers research-based programming to Kentucky’s 120 counties in the areas of agriculture, youth development and family sciences.
Kelly Mackey is the Calloway County Cooperative Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Education. She said it’s extremely important to make sure you’re using reliable information when making personal health decisions.
“There’s just so much stuff that’s going out on the internet,” Mackey said. “It’s just really important for people to realize that what’s coming from extension is reliable and research-based.”
Extension programming during COVID-19 heavily encourages families to maintain proper diet and exercise, while also practicing positive mental health strategies. These goals come together in the form of the UK's “Healthy at Home” calendar. The calendar features daily exercises, short recipes and mental health boosters to help in establishing a daily routine that is conducive to productivity.
“It has things every day that you can do for movement. It also has things that you can do mentally. It might be to call a friend, Facetime, things you’re grateful for, little things that kind of keep your mind active,” Mackey explained.
Aside from the calendar, Mackey’s office is encouraging healthy eating by offering tips on appropriate takeout choices and information on food product expiration. Extension programming focuses heavily on children as well. Mackey said her office encourages children to assist their parents in the kitchen or with household tasks. Keeping their minds engaged is crucial to mitigating the negative effects of quarantine, she said.
The Cooperative Extension office is not the only organization providing interactive programming for use during social distancing. Outdoor recreation agencies are working to promote environmental education while patrons are at home. The Marshall County-based Clarks River Wildlife Refuge is offering Facebook Live videos aimed at families that discuss different topics related to wildlife biology and provide experiential learning over the internet.
At the federal level, the U.S. Department of the Interior suspended entry fees at national wildlife refuges to encourage Americans to visit the spaces.
“When CDC guidance is followed, a national wildlife refuge can be the perfect antidote to cabin fever and a boon to our mental wellbeing during this unprecedented time,” said Interior Department Service Director Aurelia Skipwith.
Recipes, exercise guides, program announcements and updates from the Calloway County Cooperative Extension office can be found at their Facebook page. Click here for up-to-date information on the coronavirus pandemic in Kentucky.
