PURDUE EXTENSION HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES

Purdue Extension in the College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) is a network of county-based Extension Educators that serve all 92 Indiana counties. These Educators draw upon research and expertise from Purdue University to educate communities and help identify practical solutions to local needs. HHS Extension delivers educational programs, applied research and resources to your community, with a focus on issues related to food, family, money and health. Every year, Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences reaches more than 1 million residents with our educational programs– improve quality of life for individuals and families across Indiana.

Connect with a Purdue Educator Near You

Through cooperation with the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, IEHA offers a wide range of lessons at no charge. Program areas include:

  • Foods and Nutrition
  • Human Development
  • Family Resource Management
  • Health
  • Special Interest Lessons

FIND A PURDUE LESSON TO SHARE WITH YOUR CLUB

Eating Well for Your Eyes

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

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.

Safe Disposal of Unneeded Medications

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

Learn assembly and safety tips for different mixes in a jar, including creative ways to decorate a jar.

Tips for Preventing Dementia

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

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 Just Been Scammed

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.

Let’s Get Outside

Time spent outdoors is good for our health, so why are we not spending as much time outdoors? According to the National Wildlife Association, the amount of time spent outside for adults and children alike is alarmingly low-only minutes per day-while screen time is at an all-time high. All the while, there are many health benefits of green time and connecting with nature. Feeling sluggish? Let’s get outside.

Financial Preparedness for a Natural Disaster

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.

Make the Nutrition Facts Label a Tool You Know How to Use

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

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.

 

OTHER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Kraft Foods

Choose the “How-To Videos” tab to see short videos on specific recipes. They can be informative about techniques, dress, use of knives, etc.

If you choose “Step by Step Recipes”, there are slide-illustrated recipes. You may not choose that recipe, but good techniques are illustrated.

Under “Charts and Guides”, there are sections on Grilling Secrets illustrated with slides and Knife Skills has a printable one page quide and a video to watch.

In addition to Knife Skills, the Kitchen Basics videos offer some other technique helps.


Better Homes and Gardens

At the Better Homes and Gardens website under Food & Recipes category, there are slide shows to help with specific techniques.

Under Cooking Techniques, there are Steaming Basics, Stir-Fry Basics, Frying Basics, etc.

There are cutting tips for all kinds of foods with step-by-step directions illustrated with close-up slides.


Southern Living

Find videos here with basic techniques demonstrated.