EFNEP Success Stories 2016 – Cochise

The following stories are examples of how the EFNEP program is impacting participant lives in Cochise County.

Story 1

Cynthia (educator) came to the library [in Willcox] to give classes. After the classes, 4 participants approached me (class coordinator) to tell me how well they are doing, how much they learned, and how happy their doctors are with their progress. All expressed delight that their blood sugar has been at a perfect level and they have even lost a couple of pounds. One of the 4 participants was almost in tears as he has not felt this well or have his blood sugar at such a good point for some many days, in a very long time. A dietitian from the local hospital also attended the classes. She stated the classes were very compressive and easy to follow. She will follow the ideas in the class for herself. She was impressed by the presentation and Cynthia’s ability to connect with every participant. The presentation of physical activity was also very good. The way it was presented took away the fear of starting a new program. The idea that we can start slowly and work up to where we need to be and that it doesn’t have to cost money took the stress off the participants. Many report increased walking and some have check out exercise videos to use at home. We are planning this class again in the beginning of 2017.

Outcomes: All 5 participants have lost some weight and four of them have reported their blood sugar has remained steady. None were there to learn to lose weight. All wanted to learn better ways to eat. The change has produced quick results that support the changes that will help the changes stick. The big success is how pleased the doctors are with the changes the participants have made.

Affect on others: All participants have changed how they eat and how they feed their families. The changes are also being shared with extended family, friends, and coworkers. None report much complaining from children and all report including the kids more in the food shopping and meal planning with a reduction in complaints about “what’s for dinner.”

Story 2

“Cynthia (educator) is using the CATCH Kid’s Club curriculum at Kid’s WORLD. The first class was the Go, Slow, and Whoa class. She talked about different Go, Slow, and Whoa foods and showed the kids pictures of the different foods. The next month, she started the class with a review of the last class. Every age group, including the kindergarten kids, remembered the Go, Slow, Whoa process and every age group remembered that even 100% fruit juice is a slow food.  All kids were able to come up with examples of Go and Whoa foods and some were able to explain how to make a Go food a slow food."

Outcomes:  The youth are looking at the food they eat and talking to their parents about Go, Slow, and Whoa foods. While they don’t want to give up their favorite whoa foods, they understand now, why they are whoa foods and are willing to reduce how often they eat these foods while looking more often for the Go alternative.

Affect on others:  These youth are talking to their friends about the Go, Slow, and Whoa foods and are asking parents to be award of the differences as well.  The idea that they can eat the Whoa foods periodically reduced stress about avaoiding the foods all together.  They are more willing to reduce how often they eat those foods and are able to express to family and friends whey they may forgo the food sometimes.