Herd Health Beef producers who applied comprehensive herd health programs have reaped returns of 200 to 500 percent. Master Gardeners Texas now boasts more than 4,600 Master Gardeners who are certified to teach gardening and related topics. The Partners for Parenting program provides education for some 80,000 parents annually. More than half of these parents have adopted two or more positive parenting practices in communications, discipline and guidance, money management and health and nutrition. The Food Protection Management Program has trained more than 1,400 food service managers on food safety and sanitation management practices.
Extension programs focus on healthy lifestyles, including proper nutrition.
BLT has helped raise fruit and vegetable intake, lower fat intake and improve food shopping and preparation skills. In 1999, almost 13,000 Texans in 101 counties walked more than 931,000 miles in eight weeks, thereby significantly increasing their physical activity levels. Participants reported less stress, weight loss, reduced need for medications and increased family time. Diabetes Education Educational programs focusing on diet, lifestyle and self-care are helping individuals and families cope with diabetes. In collaboration with the Texas Association of Counties, some 21,300 county employees were trained to use a medical self-care book written for consumers regarding the appropriateness of home care versus hospital or doctor visits.