Lessons
Find a Purdue Extension Contact
Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences provides education to individuals and communities in each of Indiana’s diverse counties. We bring university information to the local level – both in person and online – to help people strengthen relationships, eat smart, improve health, and achieve financial wellness.
INTERIM ASSOCIATE DEAN OF AGRICULTURE AND DIRECTOR OF PURDUE EXTENSION
Angie Abbott
Ag Administration, Room 214
615 Mitch Daniels Blvd.
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2060
Extension Educator Liaison
Shelby County Extension Office
Health & Human Sciences Staff Purdue University - Operations Specialist
Christina Swathwood
Matthews Hall, Room 110
812 Mitch Daniels Blvd.
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2060
Health & Human Sciences Staff Purdue University - Associate Executive
Michele Baker
Matthews Hall, Room 110
812 Mitch Daniels Blvd.
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2060
Find a 2024-2025 Purdue Extension Lesson
Aging in Place Danielle Scott
Aging in place is defined as growing older in your own home. The national Association of Home Builders explains aging in place as “remaining in one’s home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”
Anticipating Joint Replacement Gail Wright
According to the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, over 1 million total hip and knee joint replacement surgeries take place in America every year. Increased mobility and decreased pain are benefits that anyone at any age can appreciate. As soon as surgery is scheduled, rehabilitation is discussed. This exercise and therapy program is part of the plan that a patient is committed to follow for up to three months after the surgery. But, what if there was a way to improve outcomes of surgery and speed recovery?
Gift Giving on a Budget
Holidays are definitely the time for giving and spending! As the holiday season approaches, do you find yourself looking forward to the festivities, but concerned about the impact on your wallet? For many, holidays are also a season for taking on too much debt.
Got Milk AlternativesKaren Richey
Not all kinds of “milk” are created equal. This program will take a look at what is out there in the dairy and plant-based milk alternative world. Discover the unfamiliar of the increasingly popular dairy alternatives for other products as well.
Impact of Screen Time on Children's EyesSonya Mitchell
Understanding the Impact of Screen Time on Children's Eyes and Strategies to Mitigate Negative Effects
Medicare Scams
Angie Ray & Jennifer Stefancik
Medicare scams are becoming more and more prominent. Scammers are aware of how complex and confusing Medicare is for the average Hoosier, and they use this to manipulate citizens and the government out of billions of dollars. Learn how to spot fraud, protect yourself from being a victim, and how to report fraud should you experience it.
Notes of Positivity - A Musical Wellness Experience Notes of Positivity: A Musical Wellness ExperienceAngela Sorg
As we grow older, we often face unexpected challenges that can make daily life more difficult. These challenges may include serious illnesses, limited income after retirement, concerns for the well-being of our loved ones, mobility issues, or difficulties with hearing. It's no wonder that anxiety can become more prevalent as we age. In fact, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition among older adults, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. It is estimated that around 14% to 17% of individuals aged 65 and older have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, although many cases go unnoticed. However, incorporating practical stress-relieving techniques, such as listening to music, can have a positive impact on our mood, reduce pain and anxiety, and provide opportunities for emotional expression. Research has shown that music can have numerous benefits for our physical and mental well-being.
Protecting Yourself from Respiratory Illnesses
With season changes, many of us are often affected with respiratory illnesses. As people get older, or if they are living with chronic diseases, some respiratory illnesses can affect some people more than others. Today, we are going to talk about protecting yourself from respiratory illnesses, namely, the common cold, flu, RSV, and COVID.
Find a 2023-2024 Purdue Extension Lesson
Eating Well for Your Eyes
Molly
Marshall
In this lesson you will learn what is
age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the two types of AMD and the most
common risk factors. This lesson contains a simple test to screen for vision problems
and emphasizes the importance of seeing your eye doctor for regularly scheduled
eye exams. Lastly, a focus on eating well for your eyes with particular
attention to vitamins and nutrients that may reduce vision loss will be
highlighted.
How to Make Healthy Choices While Dining Out
Gail
Peitzmeier
How does
your portion size measure up to the recommended? The truth is our portion sizes
have increased over the years along with our waistlines! Step one is doing a
reality check on what a portion size should really look like. Learn to manage
how much you eat and feel the benefits of eating less. Learn tips to navigate
while dining out and how to choose healthy menu items.
Safe Disposal of Unneeded Medications
Molly
Marshall
Do you have medication that has expired, gone
unused or is unwanted and are unsure of how to dispose of it? During this
session, participants will learn how to dispose of medication immediately and
properly. Practicing secure medication storage and proper disposal helps
prevent accidental poisoning, prescription drug abuse or drug diversion in your
home and community. Taking medication as prescribed also helps you keep track
of current medications. We all have a part to play in building healthier and safer
communities. Do your part by storing your medication safely, then when the time
comes, properly disposing of medications.
Healthy and Delicious Mediterranean Cooking
Janet
Steffens
Learn which countries use delicious Mediterranean eating
patterns and why they are healthy. Learn about the variety of colorful foods
included and how to cut costs with Mediterranean cooking. Participants will get
a small map of Mediterranean countries, a tip sheet for eating in the
Mediterranean style, and two easy recipes to try at home.
Supporting
A Loved One with Cancer
Jo
Gilreath
The lifetime probability
(for American adults) of being diagnosed with cancer is 1 in 3. As a result, most people are impacted by
cancer at some time, in some way. You may be the one with a cancer diagnosis,
or you may have a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker going through a
cancer journey. There are many resources
locally and nationally, for the person with cancer, and for their family
members and friends. Regardless of if
you live near your loved one, or at a distance, you can provide support in many
ways: Physical, Emotional, Spiritual,
Financial, and/or Logistical.
Reverse Mortgages – What are They and What Do I Need to Consider?
Jennifer
Stefancik
Get Lesson
In the news lately, you see many ads about getting reverse
mortgages and money so that you can stay in your home. However, do you really
know what that means? The Consumer Protection Bureau has developed some
guidelines for us to explore. In this lesson, we will examine:
- What is a Reverse Mortgage?
- What do I need to consider?
- How does this affect my children/grandchildren?
- Talk to a Housing Counselor
- Will this affect my Social Security?
How Financially Prepared Are You?
Lori
Bouslog
Who handles the finances for your household?
If you are the money manager of your household, would your partner be able to
manage the budget and bills without your guidance? If you don’t usually handle
the finances, would you know where to begin? Although it is common for a
household to have a system for managing the finances, there is the possibility
that the responsibility may unexpectedly shift. The past several months has
quickly changed the financial responsibilities for many households. This lesson
will help you prepare for unexpected financial responsibilities and consider
what plans should be in place when there is a change in who manages the
household finances.
How Stress Affects Health
Mandy
Gray
We all struggle with stress from time to time, but for
some, it’s a constant problem. It is important to understand the toll stress
can have on our overall health. We need to identify our own stress triggers,
understand the effects stress has on our health mentally, physically, and
socially and learn how to reduce stress in helpful ways such as exercise, diet,
and mindfulness.
2020-2025 New Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Amanda Bullion
Every five years the United State Department of
Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Health and Human Services (HHS) team
together to review the dietary guidelines for Americans. Over the years, we
have seen this switch from a pyramid with grains and bread on the bottom, to a
pyramid with a human figure running up the side, to a plate with labels such as
“dairy”, “protein”, and “vegetables”. In late December of 2020 new guidelines
were released with some new science and nutrition information for Americans.
Mixes in a Jar
Amanda Bullion
Learn assembly and safety tips for different mixes in a
jar, including creative ways to decorate a jar.
Tips for Preventing Dementia
Esmeralda
Cruz
The word ‘dementia’ describes a
set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking,
problem-solving or language. Dementia is caused by a number of diseases that
affect the brain. The most common is Alzheimer's but diseases also include
vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and Pick's disease.
Planning
for Unexpected Life Events
Jane
Horner
We never truly know what tomorrow will bring but being
prepared for an unexpected life event can reduce the stress if one should
occur. Planning ahead gives you control and options for your situation. It can
relieve stress of decision-making from family members. It saves money and helps
you avoid financial disaster or setback. You now have time for gathering
information, comparing options, and determining which options help achieve what
is most important.
Oh
No! I Think I’ve Been Scammed
Brock
Turner
Have an issue with a product or service? Not sure whom
to contact or what questions to ask? Not sure, what your rights are
concerning financial products or services? This lesson will outline steps
to take when you are dissatisfied with a product or service. Explain your
rights and provide contact information for a complaint.
Financial
Preparedness for a Natural Disaster
Brock Turner
Participants will learn how to financially prepare for
natural disasters, including understanding insurance coverage, creating a
financial inventory, budgeting and saving, seeking professional advice, and
accessing relevant resources in Indiana. Practical guidance on reviewing
insurance policies, documenting finances, creating emergency budgets, and
protecting finances will be provided, helping participants mitigate the
financial impacts of disasters.
Staying
Healthy While Traveling
Emily
Christ
When it comes to traveling, the excitement tends to take over what
we should and shouldn’t be doing in order to remain healthy during our time
away from home. We begin to think about the new adventures that lie ahead
versus what could happen if we don’t take care of ourselves in the process.
During this lesson, you will learn some tips and tricks on how to start,
maintain, and continue a healthy lifestyle while traveling. There may be some
ideas that you don’t think about when getting ready to travel.
Make
the Nutrition Facts Label a Tool You Know How to Use
Abigail
Creigh
The Nutrition
Facts label is an important tool to use. Consumers
are more likely to make healthy
food & beverages choices, if the Nutrition Facts label is understood. In this lesson, the U.S. Food & Drug
Administration will: help consumers better understand
the Nutrition Facts label, identify nutrients we need less of & those we need
more of, and give 3 tips
to make healthier choices.
Take
Time for Your Health
Molly
Hoag
Do you often find yourself saying “I don’t have time for
this?” Does your family, job, volunteer
work, housework, responsibilities and hobbies make it seem impossible to live a
healthy lifestyle. Is your calendar too
full to work out for 60 minutes a day?
Do you lack motivation and energy for exercise? At the end of the day, do you feel too tired
to fix a healthy meal? No time for
sickness? If you answered yes to any of
these questions this class might be what you need to make healthy choices
without a huge time commitment.