Agricultural Wellness: Advancing Heart Health Through Research and Extension

According to the Centers of Disease Control, in 2022, one in every five deaths in the U.S. was caused by heart disease. Access to nutritious foods, opportunities for physical activity, health education and community support all play a role in reducing cardiovascular risk. 

Across the country, Land-grant Universities are addressing these factors through NIFA-funded research and Extension projects that translate science into obtainable, everyday solutions for individuals and families.  

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Efforts Across the Nation: 

• Colorado State University Extension offered a one-hour webinar that explained the Mediterranean diet, demonstrated how to incorporate it into everyday meals, and highlighted money-saving strategies to make this eating pattern more affordable. The session covered nutrient-dense foods, healthy fats (such as olive oil and nuts), the benefits of omega-3-rich fish, and the importance of limiting processed foods, refined grains and excess sodium. Participants also learned practical skills, including how to create weekly meal plans and shopping lists and how to substitute healthier options (e.g., whole grains and plant proteins) into familiar meals. 
• University of Idaho researchers reviewed and updated analyses of previously published reviews and studies examining dairy intake and cardiovascular and bone health outcomes in adults. The analyses showed that higher intakes of total dairy, milk and yogurt were associated with modest reductions in overall cardiovascular disease risk. Total dairy and especially low-fat dairy were associated with a lower risk of hypertension, and total dairy and milk were associated with reduced stroke risk. 
• West Virginia University Extension implemented the “Grow This Challenge” to address the state’s chronic illnesses like obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. This program focused on increasing awareness of and interest in home gardening for food production and low-cost activity that could improve health and wellness of participants. Throughout the growing season, information was regularly posted through social media to assist participants with planting, growing, managing pests and a variety of other gardening topics. Because of the Grow This Challenge program, 84% of online participants increased their knowledge on gardening topics. Additionally, 15 counties established a total of 54 seed libraries and harvested over 5,000 pounds of food. Participants said the challenge helped them increase their food supply and become self-sufficient by growing what they need. 
• StrongPeople Classes through University of Alaska’s Fairbanks Extension are supporting Alaska’s senior individuals’ efforts to maintain muscle mass. StrongPeople is a nationally recognized nutrition and moderately intensive physical activity program developed and tested by scientists and exercise physiologists.  The low-impact, slow-motion StrongPeople workout helps build bone and muscle strength and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease.  
• The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan is recognized as an effective component of hypertension management. The University of Maryland Extension’s DASH-Plus program takes the existing DASH diet and tailors it to those aged 55 and older. Its goal is to establish an effective platform for research, education and Extension to help older adults manage hypertension. The program includes three key components: DASH-Plus educational sessions – a five-week series combining the DASH diet with exercise and hypertension self-care skills; increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables through partnership with local farmers; and self-measured blood pressure monitoring stations in participating senior centers.