Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences

Rotarian Tim Lohr invited Deb Arseneau as the guest speaker for the August 11 Kentland Rotary Club meeting.

Arseneau is the Health & Human Sciences Educator with Purdue Extension in Newton County. She passed out a flyer that outlined ten of the most important programs that she is working with in the county. Five of these programs were for adults and five were designed for youth.

She highlighted a program called a Matter of Balance that was designed to help older adults manage falls and increase activity levels. She also spoke of a Dining with Diabetes program that will be taking place during September at the Kentland Public Library. This four night educational program and cooking school will help adults with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar to feel better and reduce risk of health complications.

She then spoke about programs for youth. A Yummy Curriculum is a 5-part nutrition education program that incorporates nutrition education, food safety tips and physical exercise into each lesson. This is offered to first graders. Captain Cash is an interactive educational program designed to teach basic financial management skills. This is offered to third graders. Block Parties were a new addition last year. Parties can be arranged for local Head Start classrooms and preschools. Adults can guide children’s early learning experiences and use blocks as tools to support their development.

Arseneau wrapped up her presentation talking about activities that took place in the Domestic Arts building at the Newton County Fair. Besides all the regular cooking and craft competition displays, they also hosted Story Hour at the Fair for children and held a fun grab bag craft making activity for adults.

The Kentland Rotary Club meets at the Steve Ryan Community Center every Monday at noon.