Extension in Kansas introduced a new way of sharing educational programs during the pandemic. While we were not doing face-to-face presentations, people of all ages found webinars recorded by Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) professionals from across the state to be an effective way to learn about a variety of topics.
Dubbed as Living Well Wednesday, the topics touched on a wide variety of essential skills that empower you and your family to live, work, and thrive. The webinars were held over the lunch hour on the second and fourth Wednesday, throughout much of 2021 and during the first three months of 2022. The neat thing is that each session is recorded and available to listen to on your schedule. Just go to the KSRE website and in the search type in living well Wednesday.
The first presentation in 2022 was titled, “Parents Guide to Social Media.” A guest presenter, John Calvert, Director of Safe and Secure Schools Unit, shares his expertise about the apps to be aware of on a child’s phone. It was an eye-opening presentation that concerns me when I think of my four grandchildren, aged 7 to 14. Besides the recordings there are links to excellent handouts and additional resources to refer back to.
There are three upcoming Living Well Wednesday presentations that I want to highlight today. The three webinars will be provided in Spanish only. “Connecting Cultures – Celebrating our Diversity” is the title of the September 28th webinar. Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, Family Life and Resources Agent in Sedgwick County, is the presenter.
Guest presenters from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will be sharing “Chronic Illness – Prevention and Management” on October 12th. The discussion will cover the leading causes of chronic illnesses for the Latino population. Participants will learn strategies and efforts that one can do to reduce or prevent chronic illnesses.
The final Spanish webinar, on October 26th is titled, “Survive, Strive and Thrive.” This presentation, shared by Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, will help parents gain confidence in their ability to be a good parent and to gain the skills and attitudes necessary for rearing healthy, positive children.
The three Spanish only webinars are set for 12:15 – 1 p.m. each of the dates I mentioned. I’m happy to share the flyer with information about registering for the webinars.
And finally, plans are being made to offer another series of Living Well Wednesday in English in 2023. I look forward to sharing the topics with you as soon as they are announced. So, stay tuned!
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.
