Putnam County to host leader lesson conference

By Jennifer Cannon

Purdue Cooperative Extension

Are you currently in a club or organization, or an individual that would like more information about different topics focusing on Health and Human Sciences?

The Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences Educators from nine counties in Indiana would like to invite you to attend our annual education lesson conference. This year, Putnam County will host the leader lesson conference on May 5 at Greencastle Middle School, 400 Percy L. Julian Dr.

The conference consist of two sessions of presentations. The first session runs from 5-6 p.m. The second set of sessions will run from 7-8 p.m. Between each session, we will provide dinner for conference participants.

Conference topics include:

Session 1

* Snap out of it! Success is an Attitude: All great success in life starts out with the mastery of one fundamental -- the right attitude. Have you ever had one of those days? A day when despite your best efforts, you are crabby and cranky? You know you need to snap out of it but aren't exactly sure how?

Everyone in your organization can benefit from this program and discover how to efficiently manage their attitudes to pave the way to success and happiness.

Presented by Brooke Wilkinson, Clay and Owen Counties.

* What do you mean "POTS" are going away?: You may feel that everything is going to pot, but did you know "Plain Old Telephone Service" is going away? Learn how telephone service is changing and what that may mean for computer/cable bundling, 911 emergency calls, home security systems and medical alert systems.

Presented by Polly Gettinger, Greene County.

* The Cost of a Broken Arm: An increasing number of American citizens and legal residents are expected to enroll or re-enroll in health insurance plans during open enrollment periods.

Research shows the vast majority of people in the United States are uncomfortable, overwhelmed and intimidated when it comes to making decisions about health insurance coverage. Yet those who have health insurance get access to care leading to better health than those who do not.

This lesson will share information for participants to learn about the Smart Choice Health Insurance workshops currently offered across Indiana by trained Extension Educators working with health navigators; where consumers learn key health insurance terms, how to estimate costs for health care and what questions to ask, and how to find information to choose a health plan.

Presented by Lori Bouslog, Sullivan County.

* What is quality childcare? How do we find it?: Childcare opportunities can be found in a variety of different settings such as licensed center, licensed home, home, licensed ministry and ministry.

With so many options, parents and caregivers are faced with not only which one is best suited for their family, but also cost, qualifications of providers, licensure, meal plans/nutritional content of food served, staff to children ratios and the list goes on and on.

This lesson will provide important information on the importance of all the before mentioned, the importance of high quality child care and the resources to use for finding a childcare facility. Information will also be shared on the importance of government backing and legislation to support quality child care affordability and how the community can encourage and support these initiatives and the Paths to Quality rating system used to assess facilities.

Children may have to be placed in child care for a wide variety of reasons, and knowing how to select the most suitable one for a family can make things easier on everyone involved.

Presented by Emily Roth, Monroe County.

Session 2

* Keep Life Tasty: Chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease don't have to get you down. They also don't have to turn your meals bland.

In this lesson we will talk about identifying risk factors for disease, how to interpret all those lab numbers as well as actions you can take to prevent or manage disease with a special emphasis on healthy recipe modifications.'

Presented by Tonya Short, Vermillion County.

* Get Active Stay Active: Setting aside time each day to exercise can be difficult. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine is easier than you think.

This lesson will help you get on track, stay motivated and keep your eye on the prize. Each participant will come away with information and tips to consider before making physical activity a routine habit, how to set realistic goals and how to create an exercise plan that will help you motivated and having fun.

Presented by Jay Christenson, Vigo County.

* Membership 102: Gaining the Momentum: Are you looking to gain momentum in your club or organization? Do you want to reach more people but struggling to find them? Do you have questions about social media? If you answer yes to any of the questions listed above, this lesson is for you.

Membership 102: Gaining the Momentum will focus on areas of gaining and retaining members, and navigating through various social media outlets.

Presented by Jennifer Cannon, Putnam County.

* Cultural Awareness: We'll talk about ways to increase our awareness and capabilities in a diverse and changing world. We'll discuss ways to facilitate successful intercultural communication and foster greater understanding across intercultural differences.

Presented by Karenlee Spencer, Parke County.

Interested participants may register for the conference by printing a registration form from the Purdue Extension-Putnam County website or stopping by our office to fill out a registration form.

A registration fee of $10 is associated with the conference. This fee includes conference material, and dinner.

Should you have any questions, contact Jennifer Cannon, Health and Human Science Extension Educator, at 653-8411.

It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events

April 5 -- Putnam 4-H Junior Leaders, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

April 5 -- Annual Cherish the Children Candlelight Vigil,

April 12 -- Small Farms Clinic, Parke Co. Fairgrounds, 6-8 p.m. $5 per family. Register at 653-8411

April 13-24 ­-- Putnam 4-H Paper Clover Campaign at Greencastle TSC

May 5 -- Leader Lesson Conference, Greencastle Middle School 5 p.m.

May 15 -- Due date all online 4-H livestock enrollment (except poultry, rabbit meat pen, steers).

May 15 -- Last day to drop or add a 4-H project for 2016.