Community & Economic Development

The Community and Economic Development program helps communities resolve locally determined problems with objective information and educatinal assistance.  The program also develops community leadership potential and assists communities determine long-range programs of action on such issues as economic development, community services, community planning and visioning, land use, and community resource management. 

 Wednesday  Wellness Walks

           When Shad Baker, County Extension Agent for Agricultural/Natural Resources read the November 25^th, 2009 issue of the Mountain Eagle describing that Letcher County leads Kentucky in obesity, and that we tied for third-highest in the number of residents with Type 2 diabetes he knew that this was the greatest threat to our county and something had to be done.  The first question is, “How active are the people in Letcher County?”  “I think most of our people have tended towards sitting and riding everywhere they go.  When I was a kid, everyone walked.  Hunters hiked to good spots, they didn’t ride ATV’s.  Kids ran around the yard and climbed the hills, they didn’t sit and play games or watch TV.  Watching TV back then was actually punishment. Mom’s were constantly on the go -  getting groceries, going to work and shopping with friends.  All of this involved a lot of walking“

          All these things have led to us having many more health problems and we just don’t have the energy or feel as good as we would if we were healthy.  I’d like every person in Letcher County to ask themselves some personal questions like, ‘Do I sit too much (more than 2-3 hours a day)?’  ‘How far do I walk each day (most folks should be walking at least a mile or two)?’ Our biggest hurdle to good health is our lack of activity.  In our effort to  promote good health ,the Letcher County Extension Office led by Shad J. Baker, will be hosting Wellness Walks on Wednesday Mornings at 8:00a.m. at the Riverside Park walking track in Whitesburg. 

          Walker’s will start with a goal of 7 laps which equals a mile, and increase one lap each Wed. morning until we are at 3 miles at the end of October.  Everyone that participates will receive a log to record walking and a pedometer.  The program is open to everyone, fancy clothing and equipment are not needed.  However, proper walking shoes can protect you from getting hurt.