For up to date program information visit the links on the right hand side.
Family and Community Health (FCH) in Washington County helps Texas better their lives through science-based educational programs designed to improve the overall health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities.
Programs are developed by subject matter experts and delivered locally by educators and volunteers. Family & Community Health focuses on topics such as child and adult health, nutrition, childcare, financial management, passenger and community safety, and building strong families.
The goal of Family and Community Health in Washington County is to encourage lifelong health and well-being for every person, every family, and every community.
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Family and Community Health
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs offer research based and practical information for families and individuals on financial management, strengthening family relationships, life skills, housing/home environment, nutrition & wellness.
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The Family and Consumer Sciences component of the Cooperative Extension Program recognizes that strong families are important to a prosperous and productive society. The family is the major provider of joy, security, values and goals. The Extension staff works to plan and deliver research-based family focused programs in health and well being, parenting, life skills and nutrition to underserved clientele, but, not excluding other audiences, that will serve as a catalyst to improve the quality of living.
Upcoming Programs
Programs
Health, and Wellness
Each year, millions of Americans suffer—and thousands die—from foodborne illnesses. This is a preventable problem that is damaging to both individuals and the economy, but many of these illnesses can be prevented. This program provides technical and educational information to limited resource families and individuals to help them understand the importance of food safety. Additionally, it heightens awareness of the relationship between basic sanitation practices when handling food reduces waste, conserve nutrients and prevent foodborne illness.
Major programs offered:
- Avoid Foodborne Illness Program
- Food Safety Workshops
- Get The Facts
The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically in the United States since the mid-1970s. If trends are not reversed, more people will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives. Others will face chronic obesity-related health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma. This program provides research based information on improving diet, exercise and overall health by consuming nutritious fruits and vegetables, while reducing foods that are high in fat and sugars.
Major programs offered:
- Step Up and Scale Down Program
- Balanced Living
- Media Smart
- Diabetes Education
- Chronic Disease Prevention
- Smart Moves
Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. A healthy diet is the foundation for overall health and well-being. Making informed food choices, in addition to being physically active, can help people attain and maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and promote health. This program provides technical and educational information to limited resource families and individuals to help them understand the importance of nutrition and diet. Additionally, it heightens awareness of the relationship between high calorie food consumption and lack of exercise to health status.
Major programs offered:
- A Taste of African Heritage
- Choose Health: Food, Fun, and Fitness Program
- Healthy Food Preparation
- Food Protection Management
- Food Challenge
- Let’s Move
- My Plate
- Smart Moves
Fostering Strong Families
