Tag: Rural Health

Health Extension for Diabetes is a 16 week, research-based program designed to equip participants with the tools and support they need to better manage their diabetes. The program focuses on seven key self-care behaviors including healthy eating, physical activity, monitoring, medications, reducing risks, problem solving, and healthy coping.

Rural Health and Nutrition Agent Elizabeth Josey is currently wrapping up another cohort, with participants graduating this month after completing the full 16 week series.

Health Extension for Diabetes is offered both online and in person, providing flexibility for busy schedules and transportation needs. The online option allows participants to participate in interactive lessons and receive ongoing support from the comfort of home.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the next session, contact Elizabeth Josey at (864) 986-1623 for more information or to register.

A new opportunity is available for parents and caregivers seeking guidance with breastfeeding. The Ask a CLC program, offered by the Rural Health and Nutrition team, provides one-on-one support with a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) to answer questions, offer tips, and provide practical guidance.

Sessions are designed to be flexible and supportive, helping families feel confident and informed about breastfeeding.

For more information or to register, visit the Eventbrite page: Ask a CLC – Breastfeeding Support.

This is a great chance to get expert support and have your questions answered by a professional in a friendly, accessible setting.

Elizabeth Josey | parker4@clemson.edu

By: Camilla Herndon, Rural Health and Nutrition Agent

According to a 2024 South Carolina Department of Public Health Report, 20.3% of South Carolina adults eat less than one serving of vegetables per day. In addition, approximately 6 in 10 adults in South Carolina have a chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. Substantial evidence affirms that diets rich in fruit and vegetables reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, research suggests that gardening improves fruit and vegetable consumption by increasing access to fresh produce and fostering positive attitudes for eating fruits and vegetables.

In an effort to address nutrition through gardening, Greenville County Clemson Extension hosted three Growing Health classes during the spring, summer, and fall growing seasons in 2025. The Growing Health program, jointly facilitated by the county Horticulture Agent and Rural Health Agent, provided gardening and nutrition education to beginner gardeners at no cost. Each class focused on one of three vegetables: tomatoes, leafy greens, and broccoli. During the class, participants learned about the vegetable’s planting dates, fertilization practices, pest and disease management, how to harvest the vegetable, and recipes for cooking with the vegetable.

Participants left the class with a booklet on the vegetable, a 5-gallon grow bag, seedlings or transplants of the vegetable, and a kitchen measuring cup to aid their gardening and nutrition efforts at home.

Harvard School of Public Health’s Healthy Eating Plate visually communicates evidence-based nutrition information. To create healthy, balanced meals at home, consider using the plate method:

• Fill ½ of your plate with colorful vegetables and fruits: leafy greens, bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, berries, apples, peaches
• Fill ¼ of your plate with whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, oats, whole wheat pasta or bread
• Fill ¼ of your plate with lean proteins: fish, poultry, chickpeas, or beans
• Use oils in moderation: vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil, and others
• Drink water and avoid sugary beverages

If you’d like to participate in the 2026 Growing Health classes, sign up on Eventbrite here.

Margaret Estridge
Rural Health & Nutrition Agent
Cherokee, Spartanburg, & Union Counties

Hello! My name is Margaret Estridge and I am excited to be able to work with the Spartanburg, Union and Cherokee communities as a Rural Health & Nutrition agent.  As a Clemson graduate, I am thrilled to return after working in health education and coaching in both health systems and corporate wellness. My passion lies in empowering individuals and communities to take charge of their health through nutrition and prevention.  When not working, I love to hike and ride my bike so I hope to see you out on the trails of this beautiful region!

The first Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) cohort in Union County was a community success! The cohort started in September 2023 and graduated in December 2023, with approximately a 90% graduation rate (adjusted)! We are recruiting for a second Health Extension for Diabetes cohort at the Union County Library for HED in-person programing. Registration is open from 02/13/24-03/12/24, please contact me if you are interested in participating!

• HED is a free diabetes support program recognized by the ADA as a practice-tested diabetes support program. The main goal of this program is to help participants better manage diabetes to prevent or delay complications. HED is 4 months long and includes a series of 8 education sessions and intermittent support sessions. Each session is designed to help participants learn more about diabetes and provide them with necessary skills and support to successfully self-manage diabetes. Participants will receive bi-weekly materials and weekly follow-up to help navigate resources and reach healthy lifestyle goals. A Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis is required for enrollment.

February is American Heart month; If there is an upcoming event or group meeting that you are looking for a guest speaker and a timely topic, I would love to attend and hold the Know Diabetes by Heart (KDBH) program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any opportunities or questions.

• KDBH is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA). It is a free education session offered in-person or online. The program aims to help participants better understand the link between diabetes and heart disease. By participating in this one-hour session, you will learn more about risks related to diabetes and heart disease, how to take control of your risks, and learn about community and clinical resources.

Julia’s Contact Information:
Office – 864-424-8275
Email – Janewso@clemson.edu

Julia Newsome, Rural Health & Nutrition Extension Agent

Union & Cherokee Counties

I have promoted extension programs and recruited participants at various events/health fairs across Union County this summer. If you see me at a local event, feel free to stop by and ask any questions regarding Clemson Cooperative Extension programing!

I started two “Health Extension for Diabetes (HED)” cohorts for Union residents: one online and one in-person. Registration is open for the in-person cohort until Tuesday 09/19/23, please contact me if you are interested in HED programing.

• HED is a free diabetes support program recognized by the ADA as a practice-tested diabetes support program. The main goal of this program is to help participants better manage diabetes to prevent or delay complications. HED is 4 months long and includes a series of 8 education sessions and intermittent support sessions; Each session is designed to help participants learn more about diabetes and provide them with necessary skills and support to successfully self-manage diabetes. Participants will receive bi-weekly materials and weekly follow-up to help navigate resources and reach healthy lifestyle goals; A Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis is required for enrollment.

In July, I spoke at the Union County School District’s (UCSD) Opening Day Professional Development event for UCSD staff. I provided “Know Diabetes By Heart (KDBH)”. If there is an upcoming event or group meeting that you would be interested in me speaking at, I would love to attend. Please feel free to contact me if you have any opportunities or questions.

• KDBH is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA). It is a free education session offered in-person or online. The program aims to help participants better understand the link between diabetes and heart disease. By participating in this one-hour session, you will learn more about risks related to diabetes and heart disease, how to take control of your risks, and learn about community and clinical resources.

It is important for me to be a part of the Union community, so I became a member of the Union County Rotary Club this April. I’m looking forward to upholding the Clemson Extension standard of service!

Julia’s Contact Information:
Office – 864-424-8275
Email – Janewso@clemson.edu

Please click here to see what the local York County Extension Agents are doing: York County Winter 2022 Newsletter