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LaToya J. O'Neal

Specialist

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LaToya J. O'Neal

Orcid ID0000-0003-4092-9220

Specialist

state program leader, health and wellness Extension; and associate professor, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences

UF Research Profile

Publications

thumbnail for publication: Nutrition for Health and Fitness: Sodium in Your Diet

Nutrition for Health and Fitness: Sodium in Your Diet

Samara Purvis, Linda B. Bobroff, and LaToya J. O’Neal

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Nutrition and Food Systems

thumbnail for publication: Florida Cooperative Extension Service Framework for Health and Well-Being

Florida Cooperative Extension Service Framework for Health and Well-Being

Shannon J. Horrillo, LaToya J. O’Neal, and Dreamal Worthen

The purpose of this publication is to share with Florida Cooperative Extension Service faculty and staff Florida’s adapted version of the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health and Wellness — the Florida Cooperative Extension Service Framework for Health and Well-Being. The adapted framework focuses on improving population health and ensuring that all individuals and communities can achieve optimal health. Furthermore, the adapted framework highlights Florida Cooperative Extension’s role in addressing non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. Written by Shannon J. Horrillo, LaToya J. O’Neal, and Dreamal Worthen, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, August 2025.

thumbnail for publication: Roles and Responsibilities of the Florida Extension Specialist

Roles and Responsibilities of the Florida Extension Specialist

Matt Benge, Karlibeth Leitheiser, Saqib Mukhtar, Karla P. Shelnutt, LaToya O’Neal, Maia McGuire, Shannon J. Horrillo, and Peyton N. Beattie

This publication was created to help Florida Extension specialists and their mentors in understanding their roles and responsibilities and the way their expertise fits within the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (FCES). Written by Matt Benge, Karlibeth Leitheiser, Saqib Mukhtar, Karla P. Shelnutt, LaToya O’Neal, Maia McGuire, Shannon J. Horrillo, and Peyton N. Beattie, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, September 2024.

thumbnail for publication: Factors Preventing Widespread Vaccine Uptake among Adults

Factors Preventing Widespread Vaccine Uptake among Adults

Alissa V. Katsaras, Kathryn A. Stofer, Helen Yates, and LaToya J. O’Neal

This publication is part of the Adult Vaccination in Florida series. This document explores the prevailing factors preventing widespread vaccine uptake by adults in the United States and outlines the most relevant trends and patterns that are seen in direct connection to vaccine uptake among adults. Written by Alissa V. Katsaras, Kathryn A. Stofer, Helen Yates, and LaToya J. O’Neal, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, October 2024.

thumbnail for publication: The Role of Coalitions in the Health and Well-Being of Farmworkers

The Role of Coalitions in the Health and Well-Being of Farmworkers

Ashlyn Michael, LaToya O’Neal, Reagan Anderson, Beatrice Pierre, and Tracy Irani

Farmworker coalitions provide an informal, non-governmental path for farmers and farmworkers to assemble and advocate for their rights in a safe and accessible manner. This publication aims to educate established entities such as Extension on the importance of farmworker coalitions and their role in the facilitation and development of these coalitions. Written by Ashlyn Michael, LaToya O’Neal, Reagan Anderson, Beatrice Pierre, and Tracy Irani, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, September 2022.

thumbnail for publication: Reducing Your Risk for Diabetes: A Resource Guide

Reducing Your Risk for Diabetes: A Resource Guide

Linda B. Bobroff, Marcia Brown, and LaToya J. O’Neal

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Nutrition and Food Systems

thumbnail for publication: Healthy Living: Changing Your Lifestyle to Improve Your Blood Pressure

Healthy Living: Changing Your Lifestyle to Improve Your Blood Pressure

Samara Purvis, Karla P. Shelnutt, Linda B. Bobroff, and LaToya J. O’Neal

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Nutrition and Food Systems

thumbnail for publication: Pandemic Impacts on Florida Farmworkers: Emerging Takeaways to Inform Outreach and Policymaking

Pandemic Impacts on Florida Farmworkers: Emerging Takeaways to Inform Outreach and Policymaking

Colby Silvert, Whitney A. Stone, John M. Diaz, and LaToya J. O’Neal

This publication aims to synthesize emerging takeaways from reporting and literature on the challenges experienced by US farmworkers during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting examples from Florida, when possible.

thumbnail for publication: Adult Vaccine Confidence and Disparities in Florida

Adult Vaccine Confidence and Disparities in Florida

Kathryn A. Stofer, Alissa V. Katsaras, Skye Dougan, and LaToya O’Neal

This first document in the Adult Vaccination in Florida series provides an overview of expert medical perspectives towards recommended vaccinations for adults in Florida as well as areas of recognized disparities. Written by Kathryn A. Stofer, Alissa V. Katsaras, Skye Dougan, and LaToya O’Neal, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, June 2024.

thumbnail for publication: Resources and Suggestions to Support Black Women’s Maternal Health

Resources and Suggestions to Support Black Women’s Maternal Health

Tyler S. Nesbit, Karen Awura-Adjoa Ronke Coker, Sarah McKune, Larry Forthun, and LaToya O’Neal

This publication is intended to support Black women in navigating the healthcare system before, during, and after pregnancy. Written by Tyler S. Nesbit, Karen Awura-Adjoa Ronke Coker, Sarah McKune, Larry Forthun, and LaToya O’Neal, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2022.

thumbnail for publication: Living Well to Keep Your Pressure Down

Living Well to Keep Your Pressure Down

Linda B. Bobroff, Lori Wiggins, and LaToya J. O’Neal

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Nutrition and Food Systems

thumbnail for publication: Food Insecurity and Obesity

Food Insecurity and Obesity

Rachel Savelle, Marcia Brown, and LaToya J. O'Neal

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Nutrition and Food Systems

thumbnail for publication: Resources and Strategies to Build Vaccine Confidence among Adults

Resources and Strategies to Build Vaccine Confidence among Adults

Kathryn A. Stofer, Alissa V. Katsaras, Skye Dougan, Miranda Jones, and LaToya J. O’Neal

As Extension continues to expand its purview in adult immunization education, it should provide strategies for communicating one-on-one and in smaller and larger groups, as well as links to resources to build confidence and promote access for adults who have lower confidence in or who may face barriers to vaccination in Florida. This publication is part of the Adult Vaccination in Florida series which examines the general trends in and reasons behind adult perceptions of vaccination. Written by Kathryn A. Stofer, Alissa V. Katsaras, Skye Dougan, Miranda Jones, and LaToya J. O’Neal, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, April 2025.

thumbnail for publication: Healthy Living: Diabetes Warning Signs

Healthy Living: Diabetes Warning Signs

Kimiko Griffin, Linda B. Bobroff, Marcia Brown, and LaToya J. O’Neal

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Health and Wellness

thumbnail for publication: A Community-Based Approach to Supporting the Mental Health of Rural Youth

A Community-Based Approach to Supporting the Mental Health of Rural Youth

Ashlyn Michael, LaToya O'Neal, Erin Kersey, Angela Nielsen, Karen Coker, and Larry Forthun

This publication highlights the role the established presence of UF/IFAS Extension in rural regions can play in the dissemination of community-based professionals into these areas. The integration of these professionals and the various programs and services they offer will serve as a buffer to the many stressors faced by rural residents, the complexities of which often lead to overall poor mental health. Written by Ashlyn Michael, LaToya O’Neal, Erin Kersey, Angela Nielsen, Karen Coker, and Larry Forthun, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2022.

thumbnail for publication: Social Networks and Obesity

Social Networks and Obesity

Kellie Cooper, Megan A. McVay, and LaToya J. O’Neal

Social networks play a very important part in successful weight management. This publication discusses social networks and ways these connections may support or hinder weight management. Written by Kellie Cooper, Megan A. McVay, and LaToya J. O’Neal, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, September 2022.

thumbnail for publication: Substance Use and Rural Populations

Substance Use and Rural Populations

Erin Kersey, LaToya J. O'Neal, Ashlyn Michael, Beatrice Pierre, Tyler Nesbit, and Larry Forthun

This article aims to describe the impact of substance use on rural communities, to share knowledge of the unique challenges rural populations face, to highlight the need for prevention efforts geared towards adolescents, and to inform Extension professionals about current UF/IFAS initiatives. Written by Erin Kersey, LaToya J. O’Neal, Ashlyn Michael, Beatrice Pierre, Tyler Nesbit, and Larry Forthun, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, February 2023.

thumbnail for publication: Women and Diabetes

Women and Diabetes

Marcia Brown, Linda Bobroff, and LaToya J. O’Neal

This document is about the importance of diabetes awareness and care among women. It highlights that women, often primary caregivers, may neglect their own health, leading to undiagnosed diabetes and severe complications. The document emphasizes that diabetes affects women differently than men, with higher risks of heart disease, blindness, and depression. It also notes that women from certain racial and ethnic groups are more at risk. The Take Time to Care campaign by the FDA aims to educate women on diabetes risk factors and encourage testing. Additionally, it provides resources from the CDC, American Diabetes Association, and other organizations for further information and support. Original publication date February 2008.

thumbnail for publication: High Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know

High Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know

Kimiko Griffin, Linda B. Bobroff, and LaToya J. O’Neal

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Health and Wellness

thumbnail for publication: Symptoms and Self-Treatment of Low Blood Glucose

Symptoms and Self-Treatment of Low Blood Glucose

Linda B. Bobroff, Marcia Brown, and LaToya J. O’Neal

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Health and Wellness

thumbnail for publication: Healthy Living: Diabetes Care During Sick Days

Healthy Living: Diabetes Care During Sick Days

Jennifer Hillan, Emily Minton, Linda B. Bobroff, and LaToya J. O’Neal

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Health and Wellness

thumbnail for publication: Fall Prevention: Staying Active

Fall Prevention: Staying Active

Sergio Romero, Linda B. Bobroff, and Wendy W. Lynch

This publication discusses exercises that can help readers maintain or improve balance, strength, and flexibility. Written by Sergio Romero, Linda B. Bobroff, and Wendy W. Lynch, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised April 2023.

thumbnail for publication: Fall Prevention: Solutions for Your Home

Fall Prevention: Solutions for Your Home

Emily Beardsley, Leigh Nova, Linda B. Bobroff, and Wendy W. Lynch

One in three adults 65 and older experience a fall each year. 60% of falls occur in the home. There are changes you can make to reduce your personal fall risk while meeting your personal needs. A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s).

thumbnail for publication: Fall Prevention: How to Handle a Fall

Fall Prevention: How to Handle a Fall

Leigh Nova, Linda B. Bobroff, and Wendy W. Lynch

After a fall, panic is often the first reaction. It is important to stay calm and remain still so you can think clearly and take the appropriate steps to get help if needed. A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

thumbnail for publication: Prevención de Caídas: Soluciones para su hogar

Prevención de Caídas: Soluciones para su hogar

Emily Beardsley, Leigh Nova, Linda B. Bobroff y Wendy W. Lynch

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Health and Wellness

thumbnail for publication: Prevención de caídas: ¿quién está en riesgo?

Prevención de caídas: ¿quién está en riesgo?

Sergio Romero y Linda B. Bobroff

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).

thumbnail for publication: Fall Prevention: Who's at Risk?

Fall Prevention: Who's at Risk?

Sergio Romero, Linda B. Bobroff, and Wendy Wood

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s).