COLUMN: New Year, new Purdue Extension programs offered

The hustle and bustle of the holidays has drawn to an end, and we are now embarking on a new year. There are many slogans out there such as "New Year, New You," "New Year, New Beginnings," "Seize the New Year" and "This is the Beginning of a New Chapter."

Each year individuals set out to make this coming year better than the last. They set goals, or resolutions, for what they would like to accomplish. They give themselves a word to live by or an expectation to live by that year. Many times, only to give up before we even hit summer. This year I was reading an article called "Tips for managing New Year's resolutions and staying mindful in 2025," written by Samantha Harden in the Virginia Tech News. She explains that when we make a resolution it is usually something so extreme that we set ourselves up for failure. She suggests that instead of making a resolution you do an honest evaluation of yourself and focus on one area that you would like to make a change in.

Harden suggests, "The most important thing is to change your mindset about where you are, what's feasible, what's realistic, and what environmental support you need to get you there." The article goes on to say, "To help keep these goals feasible and realistic, Harden recommends honing in on what aspect of your life needs improvement most: mental health, hobbies, finances, social interactions, spiritual well-being or physical health? When you focus on that area of improvement, you can set short-term goals for something soon and long-term goals for something this time next year and find the 'why behind your why.'"

We want you to have a successful New Year here at Purdue Extension, and we will be ushering in some programs that might be able to help you do that. I have some programs that I would like to get started, so if you are an organization or individual that would be interested in any of these programs please reach out and let me know.

Our Strengthening Families Program: for Parents and Youth ages 10 to 14 is an evidence-based parent, youth and family skills-building curriculum that reduces teen substance abuse and other behavior problems, strengthens parent/youth communication skills, increases academic success in youth and reduces violence and aggressive behavior at home and at school. If you, as an organization or individual families, would like to be a part of this wonderful program please let me know.

Another program that I am working on is a Get Walk'IN coming up in the spring. This will be a program/challenge that we will do around the courthouse from noon to 1 p.m. Anyone is welcome. Stay tuned for more information.

Here are some programs that I already have on the schedule for this winter and heading into spring:

Safe Sitter – Jan. 25 at Patricksburg Elementary School, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $30/person, and we will have CPR certification included in this class. This is for children in grades 6 to 8. This program is designed to prepare students to be safe when they're home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises. Students even get to use mannequins to practice rescue skills like choking rescue.

Dining with Diabetes – Jan. 21, Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 and Feb. 11, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Heritage Baptist Church in Coal City. This is a free program sponsored by the Owen County Health Department. Nutrition and physical activity are keys to managing your Type 2 Diabetes. But where do you start? The Dining with Diabetes program can help! Dining with Diabetes consists of four sessions and a reunion. Adults with Type 2 Diabetes (or who are at risk) are invited to participate as well as family members, caregivers, and support people. You must pre-register for this class at https://cvent.me/N0aody. If you have any questions or need help registering, please call the office at 812-829-5020.

Parents Forever – Feb. 13 from 1-5 p.m. at the Owen County-Purdue Extension Office. This is an educational program for families experiencing divorce, separation, a change in child custody or who are just wanting to learn how to parent better together. Please pre-register for this event by calling 812-829-5020 or emailing lowder0@purdue.edu.

Matter of Balance – Weekly from Feb. 25 to April 15 – Matter of Balance – from 10 a.m. to noon at Heritage Baptist Church in Coal City. Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning evidence-based fall prevention program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. This is a free program for those 60 and older thanks to the Area 10 Agency on Aging. For those younger than 60 who would like to participate there is a $25 fee. There is limited seating available for this program and pre-registration is required. The link for this program is https://cvent.me/9x5RwV. If you have any questions or need help registering, please call the office at 812-829-5020.

If there is a program that you would like to see in the areas of food, finance, family and/or health please reach out to me and let me know what you are interested in: lowder0@purdue.edu.