Extension Rural Health & Nutrition

Take a Walk in the Pee Dee: Easy Ways to Stay Active Close to Home

A beautiful walking trail located in Williamson Park in Darlington, South Carolina. Photo Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank  Why We Should Walk   Staying active can look different for everyone, and for many people, walking is one simple and accessible option. In the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina, a broad area in the northeastern part of the state that includes multiple counties, […]

Exercise for Persons with Low Mobility

Yoga is an accessible form of balance and flexibility training that can be performed standing, seated in a chair, or on the ground. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Physical activity is an essential part of maintaining health, independence, and quality of life, but for individuals with low mobility, traditional exercise advice can often feel […]

Walking for Wellness

Walking is an effective activity for improving overall health. Even modest increases in daily steps can provide significant physical and mental health benefits. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Walking Overview Walking is a simple, free, and safe activity that most people can realistically do. It requires no fitness equipment beyond a comfortable pair of […]

The Glycemic Index: A Helpful Tool for Blood Glucose Management

Carbohydrates and the Human Body All foods provide the human body with at least one of three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Of the three macronutrients, the human body prefers carbohydrates as its primary source of fuel for supplying the body’s cells, tissues, and organs with energy. Carbohydrates can come from many different foods, including: […]

Strength Training

Strength training is not limited to lifting weights. There are many ways to apply resistance against your muscles, including using bodyweight and other types of fitness equipment such as bands, kettlebells, and medicine balls. Working against your own bodyweight is a great strength training option for beginners or those who have not been physically active […]

Nutrition to Support Physical Activity

The way you eat affects how your body feels during physical activity, how well you recover afterwards, and how your body adapts over time. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Why is Nutrition Important? Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting physical activity by providing the necessary energy and nutrients for muscle repair, growth, and […]

Fueling Your Body for Physical Activity

Fruit (carbohydrates) with yogurt (protein and carbohydrates) is a great snack choice to support energy levels before physical activity. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank When people begin increasing their physical activity, whether through walking more regularly, participating in group fitness classes, or squeezing movement breaks into their day, questions about nutrition often follow. “What […]

Ask a CLC Blog- Infant Feeding and Sleep

Newborn feeding and sleep can be quite a mystery for new parents. Both are essential for infant wellbeing and are closely connected. In this article, we will look at the connection between infant feeding and sleep, patterns and cues to watch for, the importance of safe sleep, and the power of a bedtime routine. How […]

A Flavorful Path to Better Health

Flavoring Without Salt Salt has always been known for being a simple, go-to ingredient for boosting flavor in home-cooked meals. However, relying on it consistently can have a negative impact on health. Most Americans consume more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day, which is significantly above the recommended daily limit of 2,300 milligrams. This […]

Stress and the Autonomic Nervous System

Everyone experiences periods of stress throughout their life. When stress levels remain high, they can cause elevated blood pressure and increased glucose (blood sugar) levels, both of which are risk factors for chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Stress can also lead to unhealthy coping behaviors, including overeating and excessive alcohol consumption, which further […]