Get and Stay Healthy with Michigan State University Extension

This Newaygo County Community Collaborative interview is with Naomi Hyso, Michigan State University Extension Health Educator. Learn more below about her upcoming classes to help manage chronic disease, support caregivers, and more.

Hello Naomi, please tell me about your work at Michigan State University Extension (MSUE).

I began my role as a MSUE Health Educator based at the Mason County Extension office on the West Shore Community College campus in Scottville in 2018. I teach a variety of chronic disease prevention related programs. I am usually on the road a lot since I cover several counties on the west side of the state. However, due to the pandemic, I have been working from home for the past year now. Last spring when all my classes shifted to online workshops, it was challenging in the beginning getting everyone acclimated to this new virtual environment. At the same time, I believe it has really been beneficial in terms of reaching more people across Michigan; especially in terms of accessibility for those that are homebound or in rural areas were transportation may be lacking. It is incredible that we were able reach folks like never before right from the comfort of their own home.

Most people know MSUE as the home of 4-H and classes. What else does MSUE do?

Well, there is a saying among our staff, “We are MSU’s best kept secret.” BUT, we don’t want to be, right? There is a MSUE office in almost every county in Michigan. We are comprised of four institutes: Health & Nutrition, Children & Youth, Agriculture & Agribusiness, Community, Food & Environment. MSUE helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of Michigan State University directly to individuals, communities, and businesses. There is so much to explore at MSUE! Please visit our site to learn more. MSUE Main Page link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/

Tell me about upcoming classes that you are working on.

I have two upcoming PATH workshops planned for this summer- Chronic Pain PATH & Diabetes PATH. I will also be holding two informational sessions on the program. Health professionals may also attend the presentations to learn more about PATH and other MSUE health related workshops. Please see the registration links below for PATH

(promotional flyers are at the end of this blog):

Discover the Chronic Pain PATH Informational Sessions

Friday, April 30th at 11:30-12:00PM: https://events.anr.msu.edu/ChronicPainInfoApril21/

Thursday, June 3 at 1:00-1:30 PM:

https://events.anr.msu.edu/CPPATHInfoJune21/

Chronic Pain PATH series, Thursday, June 17 from 1-3PM: https://events.anr.msu.edu/ChronicPainJune21/

Diabetes PATH series, Tuesday, June 15th from 1-3PM: https://events.anr.msu.edu/DPATHSUM21/

· Another great program offered this spring geared specifically to help caregivers take better care of themselves is called “Powerful Tools for Caregivers”(see attached flyer & registration link below).

Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Wednesday, May 5th 11:00-12:30PM: https://events.anr.msu.edu/PTCSPRING21/

· I am very excited to take part in piloting the newly developed SLEEP (Sleep Education Program for Everyone). SLEEP is a six-week online program designed to help adults get more and better sleep. Several SLEEP workshops are planned for this spring and summer. If you are interested in this program, please contact me directly: Naomi Hyso, hysonaom@msu.edu

· I have been working with my colleagues to develop the online modules for a self-paced version of our diabetic cooking program “Dining with Diabetes”. This project is in the final stages of completion and will be piloted this summer and available at no cost to Michigan residents.

· I am also a newly trained Tai Chi instructor. This exercise program meets virtually twice 16-week. If you are interested in joining one of our upcoming virtual classes, you can register here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/tai-chi-for-arthritis/

I understand that you are bilingual. What types of upcoming classes do you have for people who speak Spanish? I am very passionate about reaching underserved populations. One of my current initiatives focuses on diabetes education/outreach for the vulnerable migrant farm-worker population. Among my plans for Spanish-speaking audiences this spring are two virtual PATH workshops: Diabetes PATH (Programa de Manejo Personal de la Diabetes) & Chronic Pain PATH (Programa de Manejo Personal del Dolor Crónico. I able to offer presentations on chronic disease related topics of interest in Spanish as well. This can be a difficult population to reach so I am always looking for partners to help with program referrals and recruitment.

Where can we find out more about classes at MSU Extension or how to register? Please visit our Remote Learning and Resources site. We offer a variety of programs, presentations, and articles geared towards families, youth and adults on a wide range of topics.

MSUE Remote Learning and Resources: https://www.canr.msu.edu/rlr/

Click HERE to narrow your search by categories:

Contact Information: Naomi Hyso, hysonaom@msu.edu, office: 231-845-3362