Fort Scott Tribune: Columns: Ann Ludlum

Improvements in food, physical activity yield big benefits (03/17/10)
The Walk Kansas program started last week. 300 individuals in Bourbon County are using the eight-week program to help them start or continue making some healthy lifestyle changes by getting more physical activity and eating more fruits and vegetables. The individuals are not expected to make big changes to their lifestyle, but to take some small steps that can help them live a healthier life...

Just a pinch of salt -- less salt in diet advised (03/09/10)
A key to healthy eating is choosing foods lower in salt and sodium. Most Americans consume more salt than they need. Many people frequently eat meals on-the-go and do very little cooking from scratch, making it difficult to control the amount of sodium in their diets. As a result our taste buds have grown accustomed to a higher level of salt than is needed for good health. In fact, some scientists believe that some of us are almost "addicted" to the pleasurable effect of salt...

Getting a tax refund? Buy a savings bond (03/02/10)
If you are getting a federal tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service, you can choose to use that money to purchase U.S. savings bonds. A refund may seem like extra money to spend as you wish. But, it's also a good opportunity to put some dollars away for future major purchases, unexpected expenses, or a college education. Everyone can use an "emergency" cushion for auto repairs, medical bills, or unexpected events...

Good relationships need attention (02/09/10)
Personal relationships take hard work. They don't just happen; they require attention. Couples seem to take center stage in February, but all relationships can benefit from a little extra attention. People often think that being married for a long time, or having a life-long friend, means little effort and work goes into that relationship. ...

Walk Kansas program encourages healthy lifestyle habits (02/04/10)
The Walk Kansas program will be starting in a few weeks, which means spring must be just around the corner! In the meantime, winter weather has made it difficult to be outside for the physical activity we all need. Hectic schedules also make it hard to find time to get those recommended 30 minutes a day of activity...

Radon in the home poses health risk, free test kits offered to the public (01/19/10)
Most people do what they can to keep themselves and their families healthy and safe. We bundle up in warm clothes during cold weather, buckle seat belts, and change the smoke alarm batteries periodically. There's a potential danger that exists in some homes that often goes undetected. ...

Make a smart start on the new year (01/12/10)
It's January...that wonderfully hopeful time of year when we resolve to do better. We vow to get in shape, to lose weight, and to ditch all the other bad habits we have been accumulating for decades. If you're like many folks, you may be looking at the exact same list of resolutions that you had last year...

Scientists and farmers make food supply affordable and plentiful (01/05/10)
As we gathered with family and friends during the holidays, we probably gave little thought to how the food, fabrics, and holiday décor came to be. But, research and scientists have a large role in the food, fiber, and plants we've been enjoying. We can thank science and technology -- and American farmers -- for providing the cheapest, most abundant food supply in the world. ...

Good techniques lead to successful baking (12/29/09)
At our house, we've done a lot of baking the past couple of weeks, turning out some tasty treats. Sometimes taking shortcuts and making substitutions in baking can lead to less than desirable results. While time may be saved, quality can be sacrificed. Here are some tips to remember for successful baking:...

What to do with the food when guests don't show (12/22/09)
You've planned the holiday gathering, decorated the table and prepared the food. Then some or all of the guests are delayed or weather cancels the whole gathering. Holiday meals and other celebrations require careful planning to ensure that everything goes "just right." When guests encounter emergencies and the meal must be delayed or cancelled, food must be handled "just right" to remain safe...

Involve all the family in holiday preparations (12/01/09)
In the holiday rush, parents can miss opportunities to build memories with their children and family. Adults know that it can be easier to say "I'll do that,'' rather than to encourage children to get involved in preparing foods and getting ready for gatherings during the holidays...

Start the countdown to a safe and easy Thanksgiving dinner (11/17/09)
I really enjoy preparing for a family Thanksgiving dinner, but there's a lot to be done before the meal is on the table. Some planning and preparation ahead of time can make the process go more smoothly. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food safety specialists offer the following countdown to help ensure a safe and successful holiday celebration...

Take time to enjoy family during the holidays (11/10/09)
Holidays can generate many enduring memories. They can also be stressful and tiring times when calendars fill with many activities and time for work, family, community and self must all be balanced. Discussing the expectations and sharing responsibilities for a gathering or other event can lighten the load for hosts, as well as share the expense and the pride in a successful event when all goes well...

Tips on holiday spending (11/03/09)
With the holidays approaching and the economy struggling it's important to be watchful of spending. Families can budget their money, monitor spending and avoid getting in too deep with credit card debt, and still have a happy and memorable holiday season...

Bring the generations in family together with activities, rituals (10/21/09)
The winter holiday season is a time when grandparents and grandchildren may have more opportunities to spend time with one another. Intergenerational activities can do a lot to bring families closer together. The national Legacy Project is a community service initiative that offers grandparents and parents information, activities and contests to bring the generations in a family closer together. Here are some ideas for bridging the generations...

Helpful tips to stay healthy as you grow older (09/29/09)
We baby boomers are aging! My birthday this week is a reminder of that fact. With the oldest members of that baby boom group (not me!) now approaching their 65th birthday, the need to understand how we grow older is becoming more important to both individuals and society...

Kids who eat with family less likely to smoke, drink, use drugs (09/22/09)
More than a decade of research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University has consistently found that the more often kids eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs...

The Icecream scoop: America's favorite dessert (08/04/09)
Ice cream rates as America's favorite dessert and leading comfort food in 2009, according to The Food Channel. Ninety-eight percent of all households purchase ice cream -- vanilla being the most popular flavor and chocolate syrup the favorite topping...

Gather up all that loose change and use it (05/05/09)
Don't lose your loose change We all have some--in a jar on the dresser, in a desk drawer, in the car, maybe even in the cushions of the couch. Loose change accumulates in various locations of our household. It's money saved, but it is not working for us...

Save money at supermarket by changing habits (04/21/09)
It is possible to save money shopping for groceries without cooking everything from scratch, packing your purse with coupons, or purchasing foods in season. Alice Henneman, an Extension educator with the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, figured the savings consumers can make just by changing some of their consumer habits. ...

Area residents take steps to improve health, wellness (03/17/09)
The 2009 Walk Kansas community fitness challenge began last week with 51 teams participating. More than 300 individuals in our community are taking important steps to improving their health and well-being by becoming more physically active and improving their diets by eating more fruits and vegetables. More than an eight-week program, the goal of Walk Kansas is that people will be motivated to make some life-long healthy lifestyle changes...

Prepare to live in a global world (03/10/09)
We only have to go to the grocery store and notice where our food comes from, or look at the "made in..." label on products we purchase to know that we do live in a global society. When my husband and I visit our daughters in Washington DC it is very evident that America really is a melting pot. The variety of ethnic restaurants, the different languages one hears spoken, and the diversity within neighborhoods reflect the many different nationalities and cultures that call the city their home...

Getting enough good sleep (02/10/09)
Waking in the morning feeling refreshed, renewed and invigorated is a good indicator of having had enough good quality sleep. For some people, however, adequate sleep is selSleep is an important part of good health for all ages of persons. It is both restorative and protective. Individuals who do not have adequate sleep are more likely to experience attention and memory difficulties, daytime sleepiness, lack of energy, and are at higher risk of falling or having a traffic accident...

Starlite F.C.E. Club learns about sleep (01/21/09)
On Jan. 15, 14 Starlight F.C.E. members joined 21 ladies from Cavalry Crossing for a lesson called, "Sleep: Want It, Need It, Get It." This lesson was presented by Nancy Schuster, Anderson County Home Extension Agent, while dressed in her stylish nightwear...

Energy saving light bulbs (01/20/09)
Consumers have more options when shopping for light bulbs for their home. Switching from traditional light bulbs (incandescent) to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) is an effective, simple change everyone can make right now. Making this change will help to use less electricity at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global climate change. Lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of the average home's electric bill...

Advice on a healthier New Year for you, your family (12/24/08)
Whether or no you're one who makes new year's resolutions, here are some things to think about to make the new year a healthier one for you and your family. H -- Health. Ralph Waldo Emerson said "The first wealth is health." Make your own health a priority this year. Health should be more than the absence of disease. Read on for tips to help you really feel good...

Pawnee 4-H Club has meetings, Fall celebrations held (11/20/08)
PAWNEE 4-H held their monthly club meeting on Oct. 24 at the home of club members Michaela and Caden Webb. The Webbs hosted a Halloween party and Hayride for the club. Members played games, roasted hotdogs, enjoyed refreshments and were scared silly on the spooky hayride through the countryside...

How-To's on safe online shopping (11/12/08)
The Internet has become a popular place to shop. While it may be a convenient way to shop, there are precautions consumers should follow when shopping online. The Federal Trade Commission encourages taking the following steps to make sure transactions are secure and personal information is protected...

Healthier alternatives for Halloween trick-or-treaters (10/22/08)
Halloween usually involves lots of candy and sugary treats -- more than children need. All the sweet treats can be especially hard for children who have food allergies or have food limitations because of a chronic health condition, such as diabetes...

FCE studies meal rituals, elects officers (10/21/08)
Starlite Family and Community Education (F.C.E.) met Oct. 16, at the home of Betty Ruddick. Lois Williams was the co-hostess. Special guest, Ann Ludlum, Bourbon County Extension Agent, presented the lesson, "Everybody at the Table, It's Time to Eat!" Routines and rituals of mealtimes were discussed by several members. ...

Global Handwashing Day Oct. 15 (10/15/08)
Washing your hands seems like such a simple thing to do, yet the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says hand washing is the single most important thing we can do to keep from getting sick and spreading illness to others. Proper handwashing has been promoted heavily in recent years. ...

Think pink, tell a friend lesson for FCE (10/15/08)
The monthly meeting for Thursday Nite Live FCE was held at the home of Jeanne Kalm Refreshments were served by hostess Jeanne Kalm. Joyce Davenport, president, presided over the meeting. Officers were elected for the coming year and will take office in January 2009. Joyce Davenport will remain as president, Teri Campbell will serve another year as treasurer, and Alice Helton will serve again as secretary. Joyce Sinn and Sally Brock will serve on the Bourbon County Council...

4-H offers numerous activities for youth to participate in (10/01/08)
Next week will be National 4-H Week. As the largest youth development program, aside from public schools, 4-H involves 6 million youth nationwide. In Bourbon County, 160 youth participate in 4-H activities. Youth between the ages of 7 and 19 may join 4-H anytime, but October is a good time to get started, since it is the start of a new 4-H year. ...

Family meals provide much more than just nourishment (09/17/08)
Family meals provide much more than the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients children need to grow up healthy. Research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University consistently finds that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs. ...

Freeze extra garden produce for later use (09/10/08)
As the end of summer nears, many gardens are still producing abundant supplies of vegetables. The following information may help you preserve some of that produce for later use. Raw tomatoes can be quickly frozen without blanching them first. They may be frozen without their skins or frozen whole with their skins. Frozen tomatoes are best used in cooked foods such as soups, sauces and stews as they become mushy when thawed...

birthday celebration with family (09/04/08)
All of the children, grand-children and great grand children were at the farm to help their mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Beverly Geiger celebrate her August 17 birthday. Becky Brown made lasagna and chicken Tetrazinni for the main course, while others brought carry in dishes. ...

Balance school, family time (09/04/08)
Children of all ages have many opportunities to participate in community and school activities. For families, deciding which activities to participate in can be a difficult decision. Charlotte Shoup Olsen, Kansas State University Research and Extension family systems specialist, suggests that reclaiming some family time can strengthen the family and add value to family life...

Use shopping list to save time, money (08/27/08)
Using a shopping list can be an easy way to save some money. The average shopper spends 40 percent more on impulse purchases when shopping without a list. If that's the case, for $70 spent at the grocery store, there's a good chance that $20 of those purchases are unplanned. That adds up over a year's time! A shopper is also likely to spend 50 cents more for every minute in the grocery store beyond the first 30 minutes. The saying "time is money" may well be true...

How to make laundry tasks more enviroment friendly (08/20/08)
Make laundry tasks environmentally friendly. Many liquid laundry detergent containers -- as well as dishwashing detergent containers -- are smaller than they used to be. These "ultra" detergents are concentrated, so they come in smaller packages, yet offer the same cleaning power as similar products in larger packages...

How to make a healthy breakfast quick, easy, cheap (08/13/08)
Skipping breakfast to save a few minutes, or a few calories, isn't likely to do either. Food and nutrition researchers have observed that people who skip breakfast usually consume more calories in a mid-morning snack and during meals later in the day. Breakfast is essential because it breaks the fast after a good night's sleep and provides the energy needed to begin the day...

Kelmr celebrates 100, Akins performs for congregation (07/24/08)
Beverly Davis, Lavone Page, Dora Page, Clara Brewer and Pastor Mary Akins enjoyed attending a brunch at the Farlington W.M.C., on July 10. Judy Tripp gave a birthday offering and Joe and Ann Ludlum and Mabel and Elmer Miller gave anniversary offering at worship July 13. Pastor Mary's sermon was titled "Knock knock." Scripture was read from Psalm 37 and Samuel 3:1-20...

As the weather gets hot, take precautions in the heat (07/16/08)
Summer is here and the temperature is rising, which must mean it's time for the county fair! Kansas weather in July and August tends to be on the hot side. Heat can not only be uncomfortable; it can be deadly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each year more people die from "excessive heat events" than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined...

Bourbon County Fair coming soon, numerous activities (07/09/08)
It's hard to believe that it's almost fair time. Dates for the Bourbon County Fair are July 20-26. A volunteer fair board of community members organizes the fair. The Extension office is involved with the 4-H activities of fair week. While 4-H exhibits are a large part of the fair, anyone may exhibit in open class...

Making healthy beverage choices is important to health (07/02/08)
Beverage choices are plentiful. Just as with the foods we eat, making healthy choices in beverages is also important. Many people drink too many high-calorie, nutrient-poor beverages, such as soft drinks, sweetened teas and fruit drinks, sports drinks, and so-called "energy" drinks. Over-consumption of these sugary beverages may contribute to weight problems, since liquid calories don't seem to register very well in our brains...

Secrets to finding happiness in life (06/25/08)
Last week I watched several of the television specials about the life of Tim Russert, moderator of Meet the Press. While he was acknowledged to be a great journalist, everyone also mentioned his attitude toward life and his constant smile. Most of the stories which were told were not about his interviews with famous people, but about his concern for and interest in other people and his positive attitude...

Ideal Chapter 369, Hiattville U.M.W. (06/19/08)
Faith Heaton of Holly Springs, N.C., recently spent some time in the area visiting with friends. John Slater took four 4-H kids to Lawrence June 8, to a sheep show. Ann Ludlum accompanied 12 4-Hers to Manhattan, last week, for Discovery Days. Visitors at church, June 9, were Shayma and Alyssa Meisenheimer, Emma Vender, The Kevin Davis family, Austin, Christopher, and Aubrey. ...

Local 4-Hers attend camp (06/18/08)
Nine Bourbon County 4-H members attended county 4-H camp at Rock Springs 4-H Center June 11-14. Almost 300 youth, along with 70 teen and adult counselors and Extension agents from 10 counties, attended the camp south of Junction City. Amanda Brown, a member of the Hiattville 4-H Club, was recognized as one of six distinguished counselors who will have the opportunity to attend Buckeye Leadership Workshop in Ohio next March. Amanda was the counselor for a group of 8 girls at the camp...

Tips on produce handling, salmonella (06/18/08)
The recent outbreak of Salmonella in fresh tomatoes should be a reminder that government agencies are doing a good job of protecting our food supply. Fresh produce, including tomatoes, can become contaminated at any point along the supply chain, from the field or greenhouse where it is grown to distribution points to food preparation in restaurants and homes...

Helpful ways to reduce screen time for families (06/11/08)
We used to talk about the amount of time children spent watching television, but now the concern has spread beyond the television screen. Screen time now also includes non-school or non-work-related computer and Internet use, video games, and DVD use. Time spent in front of a screen is time when children are not being physically active. It's not just children who need to get away from the screen. A sedentary lifestyle is not healthy for adults either...

How to spend food dollars wisely at the store (06/03/08)
It can be difficult to feed a family on a budget. Even with rising food costs, it is possible to trim food costs and still eat well. Mary Meck Higgins, an Associate Professor of Human Nutrition in the College of Human Ecology at K-State offers some tips to make the most of food dollars...

We all scream for ice cream, how to make it homemade (05/28/08)
The cold, sweet taste of ice cream is a summertime favorite. A fun activity for 4-H camp for many years has been making ice cream in a coffee can or a plastic bag. Whether you shake a bag, roll a can, or crank an ice cream maker, nothing beats the taste of homemade ice cream. Here are some tips for making ice cream with a smooth, creamy texture...

Healthy lifestyle improves quality of life for older adults (05/21/08)
The United States is nearing the start of a huge shift in the age of its citizens. It's being referred to as the "silver tsunami." This year the first of the baby boomers are turning 62. With 78 million baby boomers (people born between l946 and l964) in our country, the number of elderly people in the United States will be increasing for some time...

Healthy moms are good role models for their families (05/14/08)
Mothers are busy people with multiple respomsibilities for their families, their jobs, and their communities. One of moms' most important roles is as front line health educators for their families. Just think of all the important health advice we learn from mothers, or have given as a mother -- "Hold hands and look both ways when you cross the street. Wash your hands after using the bathroom. Eat some breakfast--it's the most important meal of the day. Drink your milk. Eat your veggies…."...

Use economic stimulus payment to improve finances (05/07/08)
Many people are anxiously waiting for their economic stimulus payment. More than 130 million households will begin receiving their payments this month. The amount people will receive depends on the information contained in their tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a plan to issue the payments based on the last two digits of Social Security numbers. ...

Drink up without filling out, beverage guidelines (05/01/08)
The latest data show that more than two-thirds of all American adults are overweight or obese. The fact that we consume 21% of our calories from beverages may be a major factor in the creeping incidence of obesity. Not only are we drinking more servings per day of sweetened beverages, but the portion sizes of these beverages have increased over the years...

Vitamin D: Important at every age of life (04/23/08)
Vitamin D has been recognized for a long time as being very important, along with calcium, for healthy bones. Known as the "sunshine vitamin," it is made in the body after sunlight, or ultraviolet light, hits the skin. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption. Only 10-15 percent of the calcium taken into our bodies is absorbed without Vitamin D...

Use caution with over-the-counter ointments (04/09/08)
Acne, cough due to a cold, athlete's foot, hemorrhoids, itching from insect bites, and minor aches and pains of muscles and joints -- these are among the conditions that people treat by applying over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments to their skin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urges consumers to keep safety in mind when using such treatments...

Gift of love, friendship Ideal Chapter O.E.S. theme (04/08/08)
I want to apologize to everyone whose name was misspelled in my last bunch of items, I promise I will try to do better. Easter Sunday was a busy time for the Hiattville Methodist Church. Cindy Schwalm was in charge of the early sunrise service. She had decorated the church using various sizes of crosses, also 2 beautiful lilies graced the Altar...

Hiatville 4-H Club members meeting (03/27/08)
At the Regular meeting of the Hiattville 4-H club, Tanner Howard shared his expeiences about his trip to the CIA. That is Citizens in Action, trip to Topeka on Feb. 17 and 18. Mr. Howard said, "I enjoyed meeting new people from other clubs the most." He also enjoyed his very first formal dinner with State Representative Shirley Palmer and Extension Agent Ann Ludlum...

Research improves nutrients in the food we eat (03/25/08)
People say that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"--but that's only part of the story. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which are the most current recommendations for what we should eat to be healthy, recommend consuming a variety of different fruits, as well as vegetables, whole-grains, low-fat or fat-free milk products, and lean meat and beans...

Look past myths, get nutrition facts (03/19/08)
March is National Nutrition Month, a nutrition education and information campaign created by the American Dietetic Association. Each year, the campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits...

Thursday Nite Live social April 10 (03/14/08)
Thursday Nite Live FCE met recently at UMB Bank conference room for the monthly meeting. President Joyce Davenport conducted the meeting, Secretary Alice Helton read the minutes of the last meeting and Treasurer Teri Campbell reported the financial status of the unit. There were two guests attending Arlene Koester and Margaret Needham. They were given a friendly welcome and encouraged to attend again...

Be mindful of eating habits, portion sizes (03/12/08)
In some parts of the world, people eat to satisfy hunger. Most Americans, however, do not stop eating when their stomachs are satisfied. Each day we make more than 200 food-related decisions, according to Brian Wansink, PHD, director of the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab and author of Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think. ...

Diet and lifestyle habits can reduce risks of cancer (03/05/08)
A new report published by the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund International offers some recommendations to reduce the risk of cancer. A panel of the world's leading scientists reviewed over 7,000 studies to develop a list of ten recommendations of diet and lifestyle habits people should follow to lower their chances of getting cancer...

Personal savings help prepare for emergencies, other needs (02/27/08)
This week is America Saves Week, to focus on the importance for consumers saving part of their income. Whether saving to repay debt, to be prepared for emergencies, for home ownership, education or retirement, those families that have a plan are more likely to be able to save...

Hiattville social life centers around church, worship (02/22/08)
Visitors at Hiattville United Methodist Church on Feb. 3 were Jonathan Gauthier and Judy Tripp and great grandchildren, Makenzie, Nicholas and Austin. Pastor Andy Smith's sermon was titled "Listen to Him." Scripture was read from Exodus 24:12-18 and Matthew 17: 1-9. Joe Ludlum assisted the pastor in serving communion. The altar candles were lighted by Hannah and Gavin Fry...

Got the winter blues? Try some of these remedies (02/20/08)
Call it cabin fever, winter blues, or holiday let -- down--the effect is the same. Some people will experience fatigue, apathy, and irritability during the winter months. There is a medical term to describe those feelings -- Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD...

Save some green by going green with your grocery shopping (02/13/08)
"Going green" is a topic discussed from the local level to national politics. There are many things we can do daily to promote a "greener," more environmentally friendly household. Following are some steps consumers can take with the routine task of grocery shopping. Besides helping the environment, you will also save some money, adding a little extra green to the wallet!...

Physical activity important for maintaining good health (02/06/08)
Researchers are continually learning more about the relationship between regular exercise, good nutrition and good health. They tell us that deaths from such causes as heart disease and stroke to colon cancer and diabetes could be greatly reduced if people were physically active and ate a nutritious diet...

Hiattville pastor back in pulpit after return from Africa (02/05/08)
Retta Smith was again the speaker at worship Jan. 20 at the Hiattville United Methodist Church in the absence of pastor Andy Smith. Her sermon was titled "Discouraged But Not Defeated." Scripture was read from John 1:29-42 and Isaiah 49:1-7. She encouraged the congregation to keep on pushing, "praying until something happen." Her husband was a welcome visitor...

Nobody is immune to identity theft, so reduce your risk (01/30/08)
Identity theft is a crime which is on the rise. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in the U.S., more than 10 million people experienced identity theft in 2005. I recently was at a workshop led by Marilyn Bischoff, Extension family economics specialist at the University of Idaho, Boise. She stated that nearly 30 million people have been affected by identity theft in the last five years...

Organize household records for safety, convenience (01/23/08)
The start of a new year is a good time to take stock of all the papers and documents which are a part of our lives. Canceled checks, receipts, insurance policies, deeds…the list goes on and on. And as years pass, storing all those papers takes up a lot of space in our homes...

Nutrition expert shares tips on how to lose weight in 2008 (01/09/08)
Tips can make healthy resolutions a reality New Year's resolutions may have been made with good intentions, but they often do not last long. Over time, it may just be too difficult to actually carry through on what seemed like a good idea. Weight loss and eating more healthy foods are common resolutions made at the start of a new year. Sandy Proctor, Kansas State University Research and Extension nutrition specialist, encourages making change gradually to build on those good intentions...

Be prepared when bad weather strikes (01/02/08)
The early round of wintry weather in our area was a reminder of the need to plan ahead to handle emergencies that may occur without much warning in our state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers some tips to help people prepare for bad weather...

Tiny tastes can total big calories over the holidays (12/26/07)
The extra calories sometimes sneak up on us over the winter holidays. They don't always arrive in the form of large portions of calorie-laden food. Rather, they may tiptoe in through many tiny tastes throughout the day. Here's how those bites can add up during the day. Calories are approximate...

UMW, 4-H, OES keep Hiattville area residents busy (12/24/07)
Payton Vogelbacher spent the weekend with her grandparents Charles and Paula Brewer. The 4-H club presented a Christmas program of music and reading at the Fire Station Wednesday evening, Dec. 12. Thursday Dec. 13, the ladies of the church served lunch at the church for the family of Goldie Koppa...

Holidays should be a time of joy, not unneeded stress (12/20/07)
Television and magazines depict the holiday season as a time when everything is perfect and everyone is happy. We tend to try to make this "the best holiday ever." But in reality, things don't always turn out as picture-perfect as we might hope. Planning ahead can help make the holidays more enjoyable and happier. ...

Use caution, know what you're buying when shopping online (12/12/07)
Online shopping continues to be popular and experts predict that consumers will spend more online this holiday season than ever. But, shoppers won't be the only ones online--scammers will be there too. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) offer the following tips to make online shopping as safe as possible...

Here are tips for ensuring safe holiday meals, leftovers (12/10/07)
Turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie -- all are essential parts of a holiday meal. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about preparing these traditional favorites. Can a turkey be cooked overnight? The method of cooking a turkey overnight at a low (200-250 degree) temperature, then holding it until serving time later in the day can result in two problems...

Strong families share certain characteristics (11/30/07)
Last week I wrote about the importance of healthy, strong families in our communities and in society. For many years researchers in the field of family studies have asked "What makes a strong family?" "What are the qualities that make for success in families?"...

National Family Week emphasizes family's importance (11/20/07)
Nov. 18-24 is National Family Week. It is a week to call attention to the important role families play in communities and society. I recently heard a researcher, Dr. John DeFrain, speak at an extension conference about the importance of strong families in a society...

FCE Fall Follies Wednesday (11/09/07)
The Family and Community Education (FCE) Council and the Bourbon County Extension office will sponsor the annual Fall Follies at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday starting in Tom Armstrong Hall, Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton, Fort Scott. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. There is no cost to attend and no pre-registration is needed. ...

Turkey cooking recommendations have changed (11/08/07)
The Thanksgiving Day menu -- turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans--typically stays pretty much the same. But some of the recommendations for preparing the meal have changed this year. The United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service has eliminated the recommendation for washing raw meat and poultry, including raw turkey, before placing it in the oven. ...

A few changes can make convenience foods more nutritious (11/01/07)
Busy schedules often do not leave time for preparing meals. We often don' t even have time to think about what we' ll eat until we feel hungry. According to a recent survey, about 70 percent of adults in the United States don' t decide what to eat that night until 4 p.m. or later...

Lifestyle choices help prevent breast cancer and other illnesses (10/26/07)
The survival rate among women who have had breast cancer is now up to 96 percent with an early diagnosis and five years of remission. Regular annual mammograms, improving lifestyles, and advancements in cancer care, medications and treatment have contributed to the rise in survival rates...

FCE Council reviews service, plans Fall Follies program (10/17/07)
The Bourbon County Family and Community Education Council met Sept. 26 to plan future educational programs for FCE members and the public. A note from Mercy Health Center thanked the Council for coordinating and assisting with the cardio risk assessment and the blood pressure screenings at the 2007 Bourbon County Fair...

Bullies now doing it online (10/11/07)
For some students, the enthusiasm about a new school year may be tempered by fear of the school bully. A bully can make life miserable for another student in face to face encounters. Now, in the age of technology, harassment can continue long after the school day has ended...

Area 4-Hers to celebrate National 4-H Week Oct. 7-13 (10/04/07)
Next week, Oct. 7-13, is National 4-H Week. One may think of 4-H as green clovers and county fairs. These are important parts of the 4-H program, but there's much more. As one of the largest youth programs in the United States, 4-H provides many activities in which youth can grow and learn...

Family meals provide more than just physical nourishment (09/20/07)
Growing children need regular meals for growth and development. But family meals provide much more than the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients children need to grow up healthy. Research continues to show that the more often teenagers eat meals with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use illegal drugs. ...

Tips to remember to keep fun in the sun safe (06/12/07)
It's fun to be out in the sun. But the sun can be dangerous to skin.

Famiily and Consumer Sciences (05/15/07)
Wet weather, such as we've been experiencing recently, provides a good opportunity for mold to grow in homes. Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds break down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. ...

Family and Consumer Sciences (04/24/07)
For several years health professionals have advised that we should eat less fat, sugar, and salt, and eat more fiber. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the new food pyramid, MyPyramid, reflect those recommendations. Many recipes today are targeted towards healthier eating. Some recipes in magazines and cookbooks now include nutrition information, which is helpful. Family favorite recipes can often be modified to make them more nutritious...

Family and Consumer Sciences (04/03/07)
Eggs are a popular food item in the spring. Whether it's colored Easter eggs, deviled eggs for a picnic, or the first homemade ice cream of the season, eggs must be handled carefully to prevent foodborne illness. Even eggs with clean, uncracked shells may occasionally contain Salmonella bacteria that can cause an intestinal infection. ...

Ann Ludlum
K-State Research and Extension