“Raise Your Guard, Kentucky” urges Kentuckians to boost health, combat effects of COVID-19 pandemic
Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and Cabinet for Health and Family Services partner to encourage Kentuckians to improve immunity and overall health
The effects of the pandemic are still being felt across the Commonwealth, but new campaign, “Raise Your Guard, Kentucky,” encourages Kentuckians to boost their overall health and immunity to combat chronic conditions and COVID-19. Data shows the prevalence of chronic conditions – such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease – have increased since the start of the pandemic, especially amongst African Americans in Kentucky. The partnership between Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky (FHKY) and Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) encourages Kentuckians to adopt habits to improve and reverse negative health impacts.
“Kentuckians have long struggled with chronic conditions, but the pandemic has certainly made it worse,” said Ben Chandler, president and CEO, Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. “We don’t have to accept this as status quo. We can take action to help our bodies be in better condition to fight off the next virus – whether that’s a new COVID-19 variant, the flu, or another illness, as well as combat chronic disease.”
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“Raise Your Guard, Kentucky” encourages people to:
Eat well.
Emphasize fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy. Limit saturated fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.Move more.
Physical activity is one of the most important aspects of overall health.Stay up to date on all immunizations.
Children and adults need protection from vaccine-preventable diseases including measles, shingles, flu, and COVID-19.Schedule annual check-ups and screenings.
Preventative check-ups with your health care provider and dentist can catch potential issues in the early stages. Get recommended screenings, including mammograms, colonoscopies, bone density and lung cancer screenings.Maintain a healthy weight.
Excess weight can affect how your body functions. It can also lower vaccine effectiveness for numerous diseases including influenza, hepatitis B and tetanus.Drink lots of water.
Getting enough water every day is important to prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, mood change, your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones.Get enough sleep.
Studies show not getting enough sleep can negatively affect the immune system and is linked with many chronic diseases and conditions.Quit smoking and vaping.
Smoking and vaping harm the immune system and can make the body less able to fight off disease.If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation.
Overtime, excessive alcohol use can weaken the immune system and lead to various short- and long-term health impacts such as heart disease, cancer, and increased risk of getting sick from a cold or virus.Try to minimize stress.
Long-term, stress promotes inflammation and an imbalance of immune cell function. Learning to cope with everyday stressors and challenges is vital for success in life, school and work.Wash your hands.
Good personal hygiene can prevent the spread of infection.
“Small healthy choices add up to a big positive impact to ensure that every Kentuckian has the opportunity to reach their full human potential,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health. “Working together, we can create the conditions that enable every Kentuckian to thrive.”
The “Raise Your Guard, Kentucky” campaign includes a video series featuring everyday people from across the Commonwealth who share why and how they stay healthy. Dr. Lacretia Dye, Ph.D., an associate professor at Western Kentucky University, is one of the Kentuckians highlighted.
“Even small steps can make a big impact on overall health,” Dr. Dye said. “Just a 1-percent improvement, over time, can add up to life-changing results.”
With a heart for improving the health of her neighbors, Dye hosts a community yoga class each week. Other videos feature:
Fannie Callahan: A Beattyville retiree who walks every day to prevent diabetes and improve her overall health.
Kota Young: As Caldwell County Judge-Executive, Young has a passion for his community. He shares how he stays healthy so he can better serve.
Harlan Holmes: A Bowling Green man who, at age 25, learned his blood pressure was alarmingly high. Holmes began a “couch to 5K” program, reduced his blood pressure to healthy levels, and has continued running to maintain his health.
Bethany Pratt: An urban farmer, Pratt teaches others how to grow their own food, even with limited space.
Mike Wilkinson: A Lexington man who visits Red River Gorge to climb and hike for physical and mental stress relief.
Kentucky organizations are encouraged to download the videos, graphics, and other educational materials to share with their contacts and use on social media. Materials may be downloaded for free here. Additional videos will be added.
Over the past year, FHKY has engaged with nearly 2,000 Kentuckians through focus groups, surveys and polls to learn their perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, as well as the pandemic, in general. “Raise Your Guard, Kentucky” messages and delivery vehicles reflect the insights gleaned from this input and are culturally relevant and responsive to the audience.
“Raise Your Guard, Kentucky” resources are available in English, Spanish and Swahili. Learn more at RaiseYourGuardKY.org.
This campaign and related materials is supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,060,234 funded by HHS. The contents are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS, the U.S. government, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, or the Commonwealth of Kentucky.