July 2013
Prevent
exposure to poisonous plants
Now that summertime
is here, most of us will be spending more time enjoying the great
outdoors. But many a great summer day can be ruined by exposure to
poisonous plants such as poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac.
All three plants contain oil called urushiol that causes an allergic
skin reaction to humans. Prevention is the key to avoiding the rash
and uncomfortable itching caused by exposure to these plants.
Plant identification
is half the battle to preventing exposure. Poison ivy has three
leaves on each stem. The leaves are shiny with smooth or slightly
notched edges. Poison oak looks similar but has larger leaves with
rounded notches and a textured leaf. Like poison ivy, each stem can
have three leaves, but the stems can have clusters of five or seven
leaves as well. Both can be found growing as vines or shrubs. Poison
sumac leaves grow in groups of seven to 13, but each stem will
always have one leaf at the end. It grows as a shrub or a tree.
You should carefully
remove any poisonous plants found on your property, getting as much
of the root as possible. The oil continues to be active even after
the plants are dead so be sure to cover all exposed skin and wash
your hands and clothes afterward. Dispose of the plants in a trash
sack. Do not burn the plants as the oil will be released into the
air and can irritate your skin, eyes, nose and respiratory tract.
If you accidentally
come in contact with one of these plants, a red, itchy rash may
appear anywhere from four to 48 hours after exposure. You may also
have bumps or blisters on your skin or swelling around the irritated
skin. The rash could last from one to three weeks, depending on how
much your skin was exposed to the oil.
If you are knowingly
exposed to poisonous plants, wash your hands with lukewarm water and
soap. If a rash develops, keep it cool, dry and clean. Anti-itch
lotions or creams, over-the-counter medications and home remedies,
such as bathing in oatmeal or baking soda, can help relieve the
itching. Wash your clothes and clean any shoes and garden tools that
came in contact with the plant.
Seek medical
attention if the rash is widespread on your body, doesn’t go away
with home treatment, is around your eyes or if a severe allergic
reaction occurs including swelling of the tongue or throat, chest
tightness, nausea, fever, extreme soreness around the rash, swollen
lymph nodes or difficulty breathing.
For more information
on staying healthy and safe this summer check out the pictures of
poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak are available online at
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/poison-ivy-oak-and-sumac-leaves.
Summer is in Full
Swing!
County Fair:
Enter your exhibits on Monday, July 1! Be watching for the Fair
Catalog to check out what you will enter. If you didn’t take the
opportunity to see the exhibits at the Henry County Fair Exhibit
Hall last year you missed seeing the biggest and best display we
have had in years. There were hundreds of top quality arts, crafts,
home baked goodies and produce entered by over 100 different
individuals. The Exhibit Hall will be open to view On July 1 and 2
from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m.
Adult Crochet
Classes start in July: For those of you who are interested in
learning to crochet we have a series of classes starting on July 9
and running through August 13. The class will be taught here at the
Extension Office on Tuesday afternoons for six weeks from 3:00 to
5:00 p.m. There will be a $5.00 fee and your supplies will be
provided. The class is limited to 8 people so call us at 845-2811 to
register.
Antique Class
Offered: This is an 8-week course taught by R. E. Wells, a noted
antique authority from Versailles, Kentucky. The class will be
taught at the Shelby County Extension Office on Mondays from July 8
to August 26. The fee is $50.00. Class size will be limited. Make
checks payable to: Jefferson County Extension Council and return to:
Jefferson County Extension Service, %Valerie Holland, 810 Barret
Avenue, Louisville, KY 40204-1782. Deadline to register is June 28
but the class may fill up before then. There are two sessions one
from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and the other from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (be sure to
mark on your check which session you are signing up for). The Shelby
County Extension Office is located at 1117 Frankfort Road (US 60),
Shelbyville, KY. For more information contact Valerie at
502-569-2344. Topics are as follows: July 8-Introduction to
Antiques; July 15-Antique Perfume and Scent Bottles; July
22-Staffordshire Trinkets; July 29-Art Glass; August 5-American
Sliver; August 12-Pressed Glass; August 19-Kitchen Pottery; August
26-Road Show. In addition to the classes you are also permitted to
bring one item each week to have appraised before class begins and
you can bring 4 items to the Road Show!
Harvest Showcase:
Mark your calendars now for the Henry County Harvest Showcase on
Saturday July 27! The event is from 9:00 to 3:00 at the Henry County
Fairgrounds but come early for the wonderful local breakfast served
by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce and plan to stay all day for
a fun filled local festival! Be watching for more details.
Biggest Loser:
Be gathering your team for the next Biggest Loser program that will
run from July 28 through October 7! Get your team together (3 or
more); choose an exercise and nutrition plan that suits you; come to
the initial weigh in and registration to be held at the Henry
Christian Church and pay your $20 entry fee. North Central District
Health Department will be conducting blood sugar and blood pressure
screenings at the initial and ending weigh-ins at the church. The
Henry County Extension Office will also be a weigh in location after
the initial weigh in and registration. In our last program we had 50
enroll in 13 teams in the 10 week Program. The total amount of
weight lost was 715.7 pounds. The Biggest Male Loser lost 58.8 and
Biggest Female Loser lost 47.4. The 1st place team lost a total of
106 pounds or 12.92%, the 2nd place team lost 96.2 pounds or 12.16%
and we had 10 people who lost 20 pounds or more!
You be the Judge:
Judging Quilts for Competitions- Wednesday, August 14, 2013 from
10 a.m.-Noon at the John Black Center located at 1551 N Hwy 393, La
Grange, KY 40031. Linda Luggen has spent over thirty years sharing
her knowledge of quilts and quiltmaking. Her quilts have won awards
nationally and has been published in Lady’s Circle Patchwork Quilts
and Great American Quilts. Her home and quilts were featured in
Romantic Homes. Her article on judging was published in NQA, and she
is a National Quilting Association Certified Judge. Linda will give
an overall insight into the process of quilt judging. She will
answer questions about what a judge looks for in quilt design,
piecing, appliqué, etc. Tickets $10.00 per person or Tables of 8:
$50.00. Call (502) 222-9453 for more details and tickets.
Checks may be mailed
to the Oldham County Extension Office at 1815 North Hwy 393,
LaGrange, KY 4003. Sponsored by Oldham County Extension Homemakers.
Farmers Market
Now Open: The Henry County Farmers Market is now open on
Saturday mornings and will be open on Wednesday afternoons later in
the season as more produce becomes available. The location is of
course on the front lawn of the Henry County Courthouse in New
Castle.
June 2013
Homemakers 75 Years and
Counting: The Original Social Network
A cable is
defined as a group of wires bundled together for the purpose of
transmission; Extension is the cable that has been Extension
Homemakers connection to Henry County for 75 years!
You’ll find them
around every corner: Extension Homemaker volunteers who make a
difference each day in local churches, community organizations,
neighborhoods, senior centers and other organizations. In total,
these unsung heroes are making a bigger impact than ever as
local budgets evaporate and community needs escalate. About half
of U.S. seniors (52 percent) volunteer their time through unpaid
community service and nearly 20 percent of senior volunteers in
a national survey started volunteering when they reached the
traditional age of retirement – 65 or older. Furthermore, 20
percent of seniors who volunteer say that their community
service is the most important thing they do. Seniors who
volunteer give an average of 15 hours a month in unpaid service.
It’s also a way for developing important social connections –
meeting new friends or volunteering with current ones. In
addition, it’s a great way to learn new things – whether a skill
or just something about an issue in which they have an interest.
Volunteering is just a great way to expand horizons. Since
Americans will live a third of their adult lives after the
traditional age of retirement it becomes more of an opportunity
to give back and make a difference.
The Henry County
Extension Homemaker’s celebrated their 75th anniversary this
last week and the organization continues to evolve to meet the
needs of local families. While the organization has changed over
the years, the Extension Homemakers have always emphasized
family, community and leadership. Extension Homemakers have
donated items and money to a lot of worthy causes over the years
including UK ovarian cancer research, the Kentucky Academy in
Ghana and scholarships to students pursuing a degree in the UK
School of Human Environmental Sciences and 4H Youth.
The first “Home
Demonstration Agent” in Henry County was Bina Baird Foree. As
she was being considered for the position of County Home
Demonstration Agent the county was also debating which it needed
most-Foree or a furnace stoker for the courthouse. At that time,
it cost $500 to get an Extension Agent for the county and that
was the same price as the stoker. The Fiscal Court was trying to
decide whether to hire an Agent or buy the stoker for the
courthouse! According to the story, Jimmy Thomas, County
Attorney at the time tried to persuade the Fiscal Court to
choose hiring an agent instead of the stoker. Ultimately Bina
was hired and the report is that Jimmy Thomas called her
‘Stoker’ from then until the day he died.
The first
homemaker clubs were organized in Henry County in the fall of
1939 and their first Annual meeting was held in January of
1940-it was 19 below zero and they still had 89 members in
attendance! Franklinton was the first club organized. They had
about 11 or 12 members and were a very close knit group since
they were all related! After Franklinton the Jericho Club was
the second club organized and is currently the largest club in
the county and was the recipient of the “Club of the Year Award”
in 2013.
The Mattress
project was the first program started by Bina in 1939. This
program was in cooperation with USDA to help southern farmers
find a market for their cotton. Farm families who made less than
$600 per year were eligible to participate. They paid $1.00 and
got the ticking and instructions on how to make their mattress
tick at the Extension Office. Then they returned and each
mattress was filled with 50 pounds of cotton and “tufted” with
large needles. There were 700 mattresses made in Henry County.
We have a display case with newspaper photos and an original
tufting needle at the Extension Office.
Special guests
at our 75th Annual meeting included Katie Sue Brumagen Yount who
served as Agent from 1964-1970, Jerri Cockrel who served as
Agent from 1973-1985, and Alice Thompson, Extension Secretary
from 1978-1988. The program was a slide show of 75 years of
photo memorabilia and a 75 page memory/recipe booklet. Reading
Awards were presented to 25 members, Perfect Attendance pins
were presented to: Iva O’Nan (5 years); Carol Bryner (5 years);
Pat Gray (5 years); Bea Fitzgerald (5 years); Helen Coombs (10
years); and Gin Wells (45 years). The Town and Country Club was
honored for their outstanding recognition at the State Cultural
Arts competition with Yvonne Clark bringing home 5 blue ribbons;
Ruth Earl Harrod with 2 blue and a champion; and Malissa Beatty
with a champion. For more information on Extension Homemakers
contact County President Saundra Smith or the County Extension
Office.
SUMMER EVENTS START SOON!
Adult Crochet
Classes start in July: For those of you who are interested
in learning to crochet we have a series of classes starting on
July 9 and running through August 13. The class will be taught
here at the Extension Office on Tuesday afternoons for six weeks
from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. There will be a $5.00 fee and your
supplies will be provided. The class is limited to 8 people so
call us at 845-2811 to register.
You be the
Judge: Judging Quilts for Competitions- Wednesday, August 14,
2013 from 10 a.m.-Noon at the John Black Center located at
1551 N Hwy 393, La Grange, KY 40031. Linda Luggen has spent over
thirty years sharing her knowledge of quilts and quiltmaking.
Her quilts have won awards nationally and has been published in
Lady’s Circle Patchwork Quilts and Great American Quilts. Her
home and quilts were featured in Romantic Homes. Her article on
judging was published in NQA, and she is a National Quilting
Association Certified Judge. Linda will give an overall insight
into the process of quilt judging. She will answer questions
about what a judge looks for in quilt design, piecing, appliqué,
etc. Tickets $10.00 per person or Tables of 8: $50.00. Call
(502) 222-9453 for more details and tickets.
Checks may be
mailed to the Oldham County Extension Office at 1815 North Hwy
393, LaGrange, KY 4003. Sponsored by Oldham County Extension
Homemakers.
Farmers
Market Now Open: The Henry County Farmers Market is now open
on Saturday mornings and will be open on Wednesday afternoons
later in the season as more produce becomes available. The
location is of course on the front lawn of the Henry County
Courthouse in New Castle. And don’t forget both the Henry County
Fair the first week of July (Monday, July 1 will be the day to
enter your exhibits) and the Harvest Showcase will be held on
Saturday, July 27.
Biggest
Loser: Be watching and gathering your team for the next
Biggest Loser program that will start in the next month or so!
In our last program we had 50 enroll in 13 teams in the 10 week
Program. The total amount of weight lost was 715.7 pounds. The
Biggest Male Loser lost 58.8 and Biggest Female Loser lost 47.4.
The 1st place team lost a total of 106 pounds or 12.92%, the 2nd
place team lost 96.2 pounds or 12.16% and we had 10 people who
lost 20 pounds or more!
YARD SALE SEASON
Yard sale season
has arrived! Late spring and early summer are popular times of
year for yard sales. Yard sales can often be a win-win for both
the buyer and the seller. As people transition from winter to
summer by cleaning out closets and spring cleaning they often
notice the amount of stuff that has accumulated in their house
over the last several months (or years). It is also a time when
people begin to anticipate the items that they might need to
purchase for the summer, such as children’s clothing or sporting
equipment. Hosting a yard sale is a great way to eliminate
unused items from your household, while also earning a little
extra cash. Another bonus to yard sale shopping is that you can
find the items you need at bargain prices!
If you are
considering hosting a yard sale consider the following tips:
• Plan well in
advance. Preparing for a yard sale takes time. Start by
organizing the items that you want to include in the yard sale
in one spot.
• Sort items into similar groups (household goods, children’s
clothing, women’s clothing, shoes, toys, baby items, etc.)
• Consider your location. Will buyers be able to easily access
your sale? If your location is not ideal, talk with friend or a
family member about hosting a joint or multifamily sale at their
location.
• Price all items before the sale. A few weeks before your sale,
attend other yard sales in your area to get ideas about how to
price items. In determining a price, consider what you would be
willing to pay for a similar item.
Consider
the condition (new, like-new, good-used, or used) when pricing
the item. Be realistic with yourself; understand that even
though you may have sentimental attachment to an item that does
not make it worth more to customers. You can use masking tape or
small stickers for pricing. Remember buyers like to negotiate
prices, so be flexible.
Carefully
consider time of day, week, and month. Yard sale shoppers tend
to be early birds, definitely start your sale by 8:00 am, but
realize people may be knocking on your door as early as 7:00; be
completely ready the night before. Fridays and Saturdays are the
most popular days of the week to host a yard sale. People tend
to have more disposable income at the beginning of the month
compared to the end, so consider having your sale the first
weekend of the month.
• Advertise!
Spread the word through friends who may be interested in the
type of items you have. Identify your target customers. For
example, if you have lots of baby clothes and gear take a flyer
to a local mom’s club or play group. Check with your local
newspaper about classified ad rates and deadlines. If the price
is not too high, a classified ad is a great way to promote your
sale. Use social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Craig’s
List. Also, ask friends and family to share the information.
Place signs in key locations at major intersections and street
corners that will help people find your home.
• On the day of
the sale, make certain you have either another family member or
friend to help run the sale. Have a dedicated cash box and never
leave it unattended. Start the day off with plenty of change.
Consider pricing items in $0.25 increments to make it easier to
make change.
And if you have
nice left over clothing (especially for children) please call
the Family Resource Center and donate it to the Hearts of Grace
free yard sale to be held the week of July 15 at the New Castle
Christian Church.
May 2013
MAKE A CAREGIVING PLAN
We plan for
major life events and transitions such as education,
celebrations, vacations and retirement, but, according to AARP,
we often set aside thoughts of caregiving until there is a
problem. Yet caregiving affects everyone and we all know
someone, regardless of age, who is or will become sick, disabled
or in need of some kind of help. What we don’t think about is
how the failure to have a plan can make it more challenging for
the care recipients, who might lose their decision-making voice
due to the crisis, and the caregivers, who were not expecting or
prepared for the job. AARP also recommends that talking about
caregiving and making a plan before a crisis can help eliminate
some of the stress, tension and last minute scrambling. Plans
allow the eventual care recipient to play an active role in
his/her future. AARP’s “Prepare to Care: A Planning Guide for
Families”, provides detailed instruction and worksheets on how
to a) Prepare to talk, b) Form your team, c) Assess needs, d)
Make a plan, and e) Take action.
Prepare to talk:
A conversation about caregiving should take place over time as
it can be difficult to acknowledge and talk about decline. While
it is important to be straightforward, when approached with an
open mind and positive attitude, it is easier to respect
everyone’s feelings and hear the various perspectives. This
conversation does not only have to focus on a caregiving plan,
it can also provide insight into a person’s values, beliefs and
wishes.
Form your team:
Caregiving is a two-way street between caregivers and the care
recipient. It is important to think about who wants, needs and
should play a role in the caregiving plan. It is also important
to have a team leader who can help keep the process going and
help others understand what is being done.
Assess needs:
Assessing needs can be difficult to do ahead of time, but you
can start by understanding your loved one’s beliefs, wishes and
priorities. Such insight can help determine future information
and resources.
Make a plan:
A plan doesn’t have to be “fancy, formal or long,” according to
the AARP. But it should include a general outline of your ideas
and list who is in charge of each particular task or step.
Again, the care recipient should play the most significant role.
It is also important to occasionally re-evaluate and adapt the
plan as circumstances and relationships can change.
Take action:
With a plan in place, you are more prepared for life’s
challenges or the unexpected.
For more information about AARP
and the Prepare to Care curriculum, visit:
www.aarp.org/foundation/preparetocare or contact:
Benefits Outreach Program
AARP Foundation 601 E Street NW
Washington, DC 20049
Tel: (888) 687-2277
Email:
beneftisoutreach@aarp.org
REFERENCES: AARP
(2010). Prepare to care: A planning guide for families. Retrieved
from
http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info-04-2010/prepare-to-care.html
April 2013
Keeping your skin
healthy
We all want
beautiful and healthy skin, but some of us tend to equate
beautiful, vibrant skin with tanned skin. Tanning is actually
your body’s reaction to skin damage from ultraviolet rays.
Both the sun and tanning equipment release two types of
ultraviolet rays. UVB rays reach the top of the skin and are the
likely cause of many types of sunburn. UVA rays penetrate deeper
into the skin. When your body is unprotected against UVA rays,
it releases melanin, a pigment that darkens the skin.
Many people have the misconception that indoor tanning equipment
is safer than sunbathing, but tanning beds use mainly UVA rays
at a higher concentration than sunlight, so they can cause just
as much, if not more, damage to your skin. In addition, indoor
tanning facilities are open most days of the year, making them
more accessible than sunlight.
Indoor tanning equipment has been linked to two types of skin
cancers: melanoma, the deadliest form, and squamous cell
carcinoma, as well as eye cancer. A 2009 study conducted by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer, found people’s risk
of developing melanoma increases by 75 percent if they begin
visiting tanning beds before the age of 35. The American Cancer
Society reported that melanoma is one of the most common types
of cancers in those younger than 30 years old, especially women.
Exposure to UV rays from sunlight and tanning equipment also can
cause premature aging, immune system suppression, eye damage and
allergic reaction.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the
following tips to help you protect yourself from UV exposure:
• Wear sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of at least
15 and UVA and UVB protection.
• Stay in the shade, especially during the middle of the day.
• Cover as much skin as possible with clothing.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face, ears, neck
and head.
• Wear sunglasses with as close to 100 percent protection from
UVA and UVB rays as possible.
• Avoid indoor tanning.
March 2013
Understanding
Your Risks for Ovarian Cancer
Sources: Ingrid
Adams, UK assistant extension professor for nutrition and weight
management
Kim Henken, assistant to the director of UK’s School of Human
Environmental Sciences
Ovarian cancer is often
considered a silent killer, because many times, women do not know
they have it until it is too late. Ovarian cancer accounts for 3
percent of all cancers diagnosed in women and is the deadliest
gynecological cancer. This year, The American Cancer Society
estimates that doctors will diagnose more than 22,000 cases of
ovarian cancer in the United State and 15,500 American women will
die of the disease.
Fortunately, when found in the
early stages, treatment can be effective and chances for recovery
are improved. Knowing the risk factors, signs and symptoms of
ovarian cancer can help you protect your loved ones and yourself.
Women with an increased risk of
developing ovarian cancer include those over 50 years old, a family
history of ovarian, being diagnosed with breast, uterine or colon
cancer, no children or trouble conceiving.
Since ovarian cancer symptoms are
similar to the symptoms for many different diseases, you should pay
close attention to your body. If you began experiencing any of the
following signs and symptoms for longer than two weeks, you should
talk with your doctor about possible causes.
-
Pain below your stomach
and/or between your hips
-
Back pain
-
Being constantly tired
-
Bloating
-
Difficulty eating or
always feeling full
-
Abnormal vaginal
bleeding or discharge
Since 1977, the Kentucky
Extension Homemakers Association has raised funds for ovarian cancer
research at the University of Kentucky. The program was started by
Virginia McCandless, an officer in the association who lost her fi
ght with ovarian cancer. To date, Extension Homemakers have raised
nearly $1.2 million.
Funds raised by Extension
Homemakers also help fund a free ovarian cancer screening program at
UK. Women over 50 or 25 with a family history of ovarian cancer can
participate. For more information, visit UK’s Ovarian Cancer
Screening Program website at
http://ovarianscreening.info/. In Henry County, Extension
Homemakers raise funds for ovarian cancer programs by donating at
least $1 per member.
Feb. 2013
Preventing Falls
Anyone can fall, but the
risk of falling and being seriously injured by a fall increases with
age. One in three adults over the age of 65 falls each year, causing
the majority of injury and injury-related deaths among seniors.
National Falls Prevention Awareness Day is the first day of fall,
Sept 22. This day brings attention to the seriousness of falls and
the ways to prevent them.
Four simple ways to reduce
the risk of a fall include exercise, healthy vision, safe home
environments and smart medication usage.
Exercise, especially an
activity that improves balance and coordination such as tai chi, is
a key in preventing falls. Lifting weights can reduce the risk of a
fall as it strengthens muscles and bones and helps you feel better
and stronger. It’s important to consult with a physician or health
care provider before starting an exercise program to find one that
is right for you.
It is normal for vision to
change with age, but poor vision increases the chances of falling.
You can minimize poor vision by having annual eye exams, maintaining
and wearing the correct prescription glasses and contacts, and
controlling your exposure to glare and changes in light.
More than half of all falls occur at home. Living in an unsafe or
cluttered environment increases the risk of falls. To avoid
accidents, make sure tripping hazards, such as a grandchild’s toy or
an extension cord, are off the floor. Proper lighting and
appropriate shoes with non-slip soles and low heels are also
helpful. It is also wise to wear an emergency alert button or keep a
cell or cordless phone with you at all times in case of an
emergency.
Finally, medication or a
combination of medicines can sometimes have adverse effects that can
make you feel dizzy or drowsy. It is important to have a physician
or pharmacist review all prescription and over-the-counter
medications to help reduce the risk of falling.
The fear of falling is also
a risk factor for falls. Sometimes people become inactive or
socially isolated because they fear falling. If you find yourself in
this situation, let your physician know. Your physician may help you
get to the root of your fear or even refer you to a physical
therapist who can design an exercise program to meet your needs.
The University of Kentucky
Cooperative Extension Service offers two fall prevention programs,
Stand Up to Falling and A Matter of Balance. These programs aim to
educate participants about the risk of falling and teach ways to
prevent falls and the fear of falling in order to help older adults
stay safer and more independent as they age. Our Living Well program
which starts October 1 will be covering the materials from “A Matter
of Balance” this fall. For more information about fall prevention
education or UK fall prevention programs, contact Henry County
Cooperative Extension Service at 845-2811 or just come to the first
class at 10:30 on Monday, October 1 at the Extension Office located
at 2151 Campbellsburg, Road.
9/12/12
To can
or to freeze?
Many vegetables and fruits
are ready for harvesting, and many gardeners have more produce than
they can readily eat. Those who want to preserve fresh, summer foods
for later consumption will consider either freezing or canning the
harvest. But is one way of preservation better than the other? The
answer depends on the type of food you want to preserve.
If proper techniques and
correct temperatures are used, frozen foods retain greater amounts
of their vitamin content, natural color, flavor and texture.
Freezing foods preserves
them by stopping or slowing the growth of microorganisms that cause
food-borne illnesses and spoilage.
Freezing is perhaps the
easiest food preservation method, but not all foods freeze well.
Some vegetables with high water content are not well suited for use
as raw vegetables after freezing, but work well as ingredients in
cooked dishes, like soups. Green, leafy vegetables like lettuce,
cabbage and celery can become limp and watery. They may also develop
an oxidized flavor when frozen. Foods containing eggs or milk may
separate water from solids or become tough, frothy or watery
depending on the other ingredients. Freezing fried foods can cause
them to lose their crispness and become soggy.
Like freezing, canning, when
done correctly, can stop the growth of microorganisms that cause
food-borne illnesses and spoilage. Canning is a safe and
cost-effective way to preserve foods. Many fruits and vegetables
begin losing their nutritive value once harvested, so it’s best to
can foods at the peak of freshness. This is usually within six to 12
hours after harvesting or purchasing from a farmers market.
You should know the acidity
of the food you are canning. Foods high in acid can be prepared in a
boiling water canner while low-acid foods must be preserved using a
pressure canner to minimize food-borne illnesses.
If you’re canning for the
first time or have previous experience but want to can a new food,
check that the food has recommended canning guidelines from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. These guidelines can be found in USDA’ s
Complete Guide to Home Canning available online at http://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/publications_usda.html.
The University of Kentucky also offers extension publications on the
correct way to freeze and can foods. For more information on food
preservation, contact your Henry County Cooperative Extension
Service at 845-2811. But do not can foods lacking USDA guidelines,
as the absence of guidelines for a particular food is likely due to
a safety or quality concern.
The amount of freezer space
or access to canning supplies and equipment are additional factors
to consider when choosing the best way to preserve fresh summer
produce. As food consumers become more familiar with food
preservation, the question of freezing or canning becomes a choice
based on taste, food preferences, convenience and available
resources.
8/20/12
Middle age dilemma: caring for your kids, your parents
and yourself
Many middle-aged
adults are finding themselves caring and supporting two generations-
their children and their aging parents. While caregiving can be very
rewarding, it often can bring additional emotional, physical and
financial stresses for caregivers as they try to balance a career,
parenting and elder care.
According to the
Family Caregiver Alliance, 520,000 Kentucky informal caregivers
provide 570 million hours of care each year. The estimated value of
this care is worth more than $5.4 billion. This support is most
often geared toward seniors by middle-aged daughters, who are
balancing a full-time job on top of their other daily
responsibilities.
Here are a few tips
for handling the physical and emotional stresses related to
caregiving:
• Recognize how you
handle stress and what is stressing you. Put your stressors into
perspective and make time for what is really important.
• Remember you also need to take care of yourself.
• Take physical and emotional breaks from caregiving, such as going
for a walk or reading a book.
• Ask for help, including professional support.
• Remember that the example you set by handling your stress is a
model for the rest of your family.
Reducing financial
stress requires honesty between all parties involved in the
caregiving process (your parents, your children and yourself). You
should analyze your financial situation and be honest with your
parents about how much financial support you can provide to them now
and in the future. Your parents need to be honest with you about
their monthly expenses. Reviewing your parents’ expenses may help
you find ways where they can cut costs, such as buying generic
products, seeking government assistance or moving in together to
share monthly expenses. You should be honest with your children
about the effects of caring for your aging parents and make sure
they know their needs come first. You may also want to seek support
and advice from geriatric care managers, elder care lawyers and
financial planners.
Additional online
resources for caregivers include AARP’s website http://www.aarp.org/
and eXtension’s Family Caregiving website
http://www.extension.org/family_caregiving.
8/1/12
Try this wonderful
summer creation using fresh grown Kentucky Basil and Kentucky Cherry
Tomatoes!
Herbed Pasta with
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
½ pound whole wheat pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 medium chopped onion
4 chopped garlic cloves
1 medium chopped red bell pepper
6 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F.
3. Score each of the cherry tomatoes with a small X. Toss the
tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and roast in oven for 10-15
minutes, until they burst.
4. Sauté onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil for 5 minutes.
5. Add garlic and red bell peppers. Sauté for an additional 5
minutes.
6. Add fresh and dried herbs, salt and oven roasted cherry tomatoes.
7. Toss with drained pasta.
Yield: 6, 1 cup servings.
Nutrition Analysis:
230 calories, 8 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 210 mg
sodium, 35 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 6 g protein.
7/25/12
Getting Away
On What You Can Afford
As the end of the
school year approaches, many people are looking forward to a family
vacation. They offer a time to rest, rejuvenate, and spend quality
time together. However, increasing prices for gasoline, airfare,
lodging, and entertainment may make this year’s summer getaway more
difficult. Instead of cancelling, there are several ways to trim the
travel budget.
Reduce the
number days of your trip. Depending on your destination,
reducing the trip from seven to five days could save several hundred
dollars in lodging, food, and entertainment expenses. If you have
not yet selected your destination, consider off-peak locations.
For example, ski lodges tend to offer great summer deals. You won’t
be able to hit the ski slopes, but you can still enjoy the outdoor
atmosphere, restaurants, and tourist attractions. If your plans are
flexible, look for last minute deals or specials.
Airlines and hotels offer discounts to fill vacant seats and rooms.
However, if you are searching the Internet for deals, be certain you
are dealing with a reputable travel company.
Finally, instead of
planning a big family vacation, consider becoming a tourist in
your own area. Call a local visitor’s bureau and inquire
about special summer events which may be happening locally, such as
county fairs or summer festivals. Involve your children in planning
family events, such as a trip to the zoo that includes a picnic
lunch.
Regardless of your
vacation destination or activities, don’t forget the importance of
staying within your budget. Set a daily spending limit for meals,
entertainment, and souvenirs. Make certain that everyone in the
family is aware of the limit and then allow family members to help
set the day’s agenda based on the budget. As a family, decide if you
want to purchase tickets to the aquarium or theme park or if
everyone would rather spend the day sight-seeing and followed by a
nice dinner out.
Planning a
“Staycation”
To save money, consider planning
a staycation instead of a vacation by taking advantage of the unique
opportunities for family fun that Kentucky has to offer. Be sure to
enlist the help of your adolescent or teenager in the planning
process! Using the Internet or resources available at your local
library, challenge your teen to search for interesting things to do
in your community, nearby towns, or across the state.
Kentuckytourism.com is a helpful starting point. From state parks
and caves, to historic homes and birth places, to museums and
battlefields, to zoos and horse tracks, the possibilities are
endless! Also, encourage your teen to consider working a college
visit into the family’s vacation plans. State universities and
private colleges offer free, scheduled daily tours to interested
future students. Not only will planning a staycation save your
family money, it will help your teen understand that exciting and
educational opportunities are sometimes just outside of your
backdoor!
Environmentally friendly Traveling Tips
Whether you’re planning a day
trip, a weekend get-a-way, or a week-long vacation, go green and
save green by following these simple environmentally friendly
traveling tips:
Before you go:
• Unplug any unnecessary appliances, such as TVs, DVD players,
coffee pots, and microwaves. These items can still use energy in
their off mode. Also adjust thermostat and water heater settings to
conserve energy.
• Investigate environmentally friendly hotels in the area you will
be visiting. Look for hotels that have an environmentally friendly
certification, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design), or a membership in a green industry association, such as
Green Seal. Before making reservations, ask about recycling and
energy- and water-saving programs the hotel participates in.
While traveling:
• Pack your own reusable water bottle.
• Take only maps and brochures you plan to use. If you are traveling
in a large group, share brochures to reduce waste.
4/20/12
Navigating a farmers
market
Farmers markets
provide a chance for us to get high-quality, fresh foods and
support the farmers in their community. Selling at the markets
gives farmers a chance to tell others about their operation and
agriculture in general.
In the past few
years, people’s interest in farmers markets has climbed. The
renewed interest is likely due to people trying to improve their
diets and increasing awareness about the environmental benefits
of buying foods from local farmers. Because of this, people, who
have never been to a farmers market before, may be planning to
go to a farmers market this year.
If you’ve never
been to a farmers market, you should know that at the Henry
County Farmers Market all of our vendors are locally based right
here in Henry County. When you buy from them, you’re
contributing directly to our local economy. Most of these
vendors have small operations and because of their operation’s
size, don’t sell their produce to large commercial wholesalers.
Additionally, many producers incorporate sustainable measures
into their agricultural practices to preserve the quality of
their soil and water and minimize the use of chemicals on their
products.
When you buy
from a farmers market, you are likely buying produce that is at
the peak of its freshness and picked within a day or two of
coming to the market. Look for produce that is in-season. Some
examples of in-season produce are as follows:
• Spring:
asparagus, blackberries, lettuce, peas, spinach and strawberries
• Summer: blueberries, cherries, cucumbers, green beans, melons,
okra, sweet corn, tomatoes and zucchini
• Fall: apples, broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens, pears,
pumpkins, squash and sweet potatoes
• Winter: beets, cabbage, carrots, onions, winter squash and
turnips
Good produce
doesn’t mean it is without aesthetic flaws. High-quality fruits
and vegetables are crisp and brightly colored. For some fruits,
like a peach or melon, a strong scent means they’re perfectly
ripening. Produce that is limp, soft or not crisp is likely over
ripe and beginning to lose some of its nutritional value,
texture and flavor.
If you aren’t
going to use the produce immediately, make sure it’s safely
stored to maintain its quality and freshness. You should store
fresh fruits and vegetables for as little time as possible as
they will lose nutrients and quality over time. Potatoes, onions
and winter squash should be stored in a cool, dark place,
unwashed. Keep all other vegetables refrigerated at temperatures
at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Place peeled or cut produce
in tightly covered containers within two hours.
The Henry County
Farmers Market will be opening on Saturday, April 28 this year.
They are located on the Courthouse Lawn in New Castle on
Saturday mornings and on Wednesday afternoons when we get into
the peak season. We currently have 12 paid members of the market
and expect that we will have about 8-10 more join as we get into
the season. Dues are $25.00 per year. For more information about
farmers markets, contact the Henry County Cooperative Extension
Service.
4/17/12
A Green Spring-Cleaning
up those Financial Records:
With what
appears to be an early spring, many people may have already
started spring cleaning. As you prepare your house by dusting
and cleaning, remember that spring cleaning should not be
limited to only the physical space of your house.
Take time to
“clean” up financial records. Sort through financial paperwork,
identify old statements which can be shredded or thrown away. It
is always a good idea to shred any paperwork that contains
personal information, especially bank account, credit card, or
other financial information. Are old utility and credit card
bills cluttering your house? In general, you can shred utility
statements, ATM receipts, and cancelled checks after one year.
Before shredding, be certain you have verified payment or
posting to the account and there are no billing issues.
Typically, you
can shred pay stubs and bank statements after one year. However,
if you apply for a loan in the near future remember that lenders
now ask for more financial documentation to verify income. You
may want to maintain two years’ worth of documentation.
Tax returns and
all supporting documentation should be maintained for a minimum
of three years, but no more than six years.
Once you have
cleaned up all of the paperwork, take time to get organized.
Create a filing system. This is also a good time to review other
important documents. Have you experienced any life changes in
the last year? If so, you may need to update life insurance
policies, will, or estate plan.
As you spring
clean, consider updating your insurance records. Proper
documentation of household goods is always helpful in the event
that you need to process a claim. Make a list of valuable items;
be certain to note manufacturer, model, and serial numbers.
Carry a camera with you and take pictures.
This year why
not go green as you clean? Here are few simple tips to
incorporate into your cleaning routine.
• Save money by
making your own “green” cleaning products using common household
items, such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. For
example, to clean and shine glass, mix ¼ cup of ammonia, 2
tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 cup of water.
• As you reorganize and declutter areas such as closets and
drawers, collect items such as clothes, toys, and books that you
no longer want. Donate these to a local charity such as Goodwill
and receive a tax deduction.
• Host a swap party with family, friends, and neighbors. Ask
guests to bring gently used items they no longer want, such as
accessories, purses, book, toys, or even clothing if guests wear
the same size. At the event, trade items you brought with items
your friends brought. Walk away with a like-new purse, necklace,
or pair of jeans.
• Use items such as torn clothes or old sheets and towels that
cannot be donated as rags for cleaning.
And Finally Help Your
Children Go Green
April 22 will
mark the 42nd celebration of Earth Day. Encourage your children
to go green! Visit
http://www.epa.gov/pick5/ and together with your , take part
in the Pick Five for the Environment Program where you can
pledge a simple act to help the environment. Many acts can save
your family money too, such as pledging to turn the water off
when brushing your teeth, or to turn off or unplug electronic
devices when not in use. Brainstorm with your children other
ways you can work together to save money by going green. What
can you reduce, reuse, repurpose, or recycle? For more ideas on
how to save money and the environment, and to learn of Earth Day
events in your area, visit
http://www.epa.gov/earthday/.
3/23/12
Protecting yourself from
scam artists
While we were
lucky this time many Kentuckians have lost a lot as a result of
the March 2nd tornadoes. As those hit the hardest begin to piece
together their lives and rebuild, they should be on the lookout
for those who may want to prey on their misfortune. Many times,
after an area has been hit by a natural disaster, it will see an
influx of scam artists and fly-by-night contractors, so take
heed and keep these pointers in mind in case we are ever hit
again.
Consumers can do
several things to prevent becoming the victim of a scam or
unscrupulous contractor. The Kentucky Office of the Attorney
General says you should be weary of anyone who asks for cash for
the entire job up front as this is a common practice among scam
artists. Oftentimes, they will take your money and leave before
starting or finishing a job. Another red flag is contractors who
drive vehicles with out-of-state license plates and ask
extremely low prices for repair work.
The attorney
general’s Disaster Fraud Task Force suggests that communities
recovering from tornados implement a registration program for
potential contractors. Such a system would include contractors’
information, require them to display a registration certificate
at the work site and publicize the program so consumers know to
require their contractor be registered. This can help decrease
the number of unscrupulous operators in your area.
You can use
these tips from the attorney general’s office to further protect
yourself against scam artists and fly-by-night contractors:
• Use local
companies or repairmen.
• Check out unfamiliar companies through the Better Business
Bureau.
• Demand a written contract.
• Get estimates for repair work from several contractors.
When deciding on
a contractor, make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and
insured. The contractor needs to have proof of liability
coverage and workers’ compensation coverage in case any workers
are injured on the job. Workers’ compensation coverage is
required by state law for companies with even one part-time
employee, but many companies still do not have this insurance,
as carrying both it and liability insurance can be expensive for
employers. If a company doesn’t have workers’ compensation
coverage, and one of its employees is injured on your property,
the employee can sue you.
To protect
yourself, ask a potential contractor to give you the name of
their insurance company and contact the insurance company to
make sure the contractor is covered for both liability insurance
and workers’ compensation. Ask the insurance company for a
certification that shows the contractor’s coverage. The
certification will have the policy number on it in the event of
an accident. Homeowners can contact the Security and Compliance
Division of the Kentucky Labor Cabinet at 1-800-731-5241 for any
workers’ compensation related questions.
If you suspect
someone is a scam artist or fly-by-night contractor, you should
contact local law enforcement. You can also call the Disaster
Fraud Hotline at 1-855-450-5645 to report price gouging or
fly-by-night contractors.
3/16/12
New Web page
links Kentuckians to local foods
In an effort to provide more
opportunities for consumers to access local foods, Kentucky first lady Jane
Beshear and University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Dean Scott Smith
unveiled the Kentucky and Local Food Resources Web page today at the
American School Health Association meeting in Louisville.
“We were delighted to join first lady
Jane Beshear, the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy and others in
this effort,” Smith said. “We expect this will enhance community access to
healthy, fresh food while also increasing economic opportunities for
Kentucky farmers.”
Beshear has worked to increase
awareness about the benefits of locally grown food to people across the
state. She approached Smith about creating a one-stop, online location for
Kentuckians to find local food producers in and near their communities.
“The average meal in the United States
travels 1,200 miles from the farm to the dinner table,” Beshear said. “By
purchasing locally grown food products, we can fuel our regional economies
and decrease our carbon footprint while also improving the nutritional value
of our diets. This website will be an exceptional resource to connect
Kentuckians to easily accessible and locally grown food. Thank you to UK’s
College of Agriculture and GOAP for their dedicated work and support of this
effort.”
Janet Mullins, UK associate extension
professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, works to increase
Kentuckians’ access to local, healthy foods and was involved with the
development of the page.
...
“An array of local food resources is
available across the state, but this site gives us one centralized location
to direct consumers,” said Roger Thomas, executive director of the
Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy. “We value the UK College of
Agriculture’s leadership on the first lady’s initiative, and we look forward
to continuing the coordinated effort to educate consumers on the
availability of local food resources.”
The Web page is available on the UK
College of Agriculture website at http://www2.ca.uky.edu/foods.
Water is a
Valuable Resource, Conservation Suggestions:
On average Kentuckians use anywhere from
100 to 150 gallons of water per person, per day. To eliminate any excuses,
here are some of the no-cost water-saving suggestions you can start doing
today:
• Run the dishwasher only when full
(saves 2 gallons)
• Turn off water in between rinsing dishes or brushing teeth (saves 5
and 8 gallons)
• Shorten showers; fill bathtub only half-full (saves 5 and 18 gallons)
• Do not use the toilet as a garbage can (saves 2 gallons)
• Reduce laundry by one load a week; wash full loads only (saves 5
gallons)
• Start a compost pile for food waste (saves 4 gallons)
• Capture water in a rain barrel for irrigation (saves 5 gallons)
• Sweep sidewalks and driveways with a broom rather than spraying with
hose (saves 22 gallons)
• Limit and reduce lawn and garden irrigation (depending, can save 20-80
gallons)
• Mulch two to three inches around trees and plants (saves 25 gallons).
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Second Wind Dreams Founder P.K. Beville
(center) came all the way to Henry County from Alpharetta Georgia to meet
with our local Second Wind Dreams Committee (left to right) Margaret Hayden,
Carol Bryner, Wanda Thurman, Saundra Smith, P.K., Sue Barnett-Committee
Chair, Maryellen Garrison-Henry County Extension Agent, Edith Tennill and
Eleanor Sharp. Our group has granted 104 dreams of residents living at
Homestead Nursing Center. The goal of Second Wind Dreams is to enhance
quality of life for Seniors and to change the perception of aging.
VISIT THE SECOND
WIND DREAMS PAGE...
and the video
Second Wind Video
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Celebrating The History of
Extension in Henry County
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4H Agent Cathy Toole displays the
4H Apron made by Rose Barmore in 1935 at the Celebrating Extension
Memories program held this past Sunday at Twin Oaks Assisted Living.
The apron was an amazing piece of stitchery with French seams and
handmade buttonholes and will be used as a learning tool at the
current 4H sewing classes being taught.
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Over 100 past, present and future
Extension Volunteers enjoyed reminiscing over the many 4H Scrapbooks
and memorabilia displayed at the Celebrating Extension Memories
Program. The purpose of the program was to recognize the many
faithful Extension Leaders who have made a proud history for
Extension in Henry County. The first Extension Agent in Henry County
was Carl Malone who started in 1925 thanks to forward thinking of
J.C. Helburn the President of the Eminence Chamber of Commerce who
talked the Chamber and our local banks into providing the funding to
get Extension started. The Henry County Local provided Carl with
office space and a desk and the rest is history!
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Attending the Celebrating
Extension Memories program were Jerri Cockrel (Home Ec Agent
1973-1985), Maryellen Garrison (Home Ec Agent 1986-present),
Steve Moore (Extension Agent 1974-present), Alice Thompson
(Extension Secretary 1978-1988), Katie Sue Yount (Extension
Agent 1964-1972), Jim Prewitt (Ag Agent 1967-1983), Cathy
Toole (4H Agent 1997 to present). Not pictured but present
is Sheila Atchison (Extension Secretary 1973-1978), also not
pictured is current Secretary Annmarie Ivers (Extension
Secretary 1988 to 2011). This group represents 172 years
of Service to the Cooperative Extension Service!
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Your chance to
help Second Wind Dreams: Many of you know about the Second Wind
Dreams program that grants dreams of residents of nursing homes! Here is
an easy one! Homestead would like to have some CD’s and DVD’s donated
that the residents might enjoy (they do not want VCR or cassettes). Music
from the 30’s through the 70’s would be great (ex; Frank Sinatra, Big
Band, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Old time Country, Semi-Classical, Old
Standard Blues). And movies that might be appropriate! If you have any
you can either drop by the Extension Office and we will get them to
Homestead or take them directly there! Vicki Atha (activity Director at
Homestead) needs some volunteers to assist residents when they play
Bingo-right now they are playing at 2:30 on Mondays, 10:30 on
Wednesdays, and 10:30 on Saturdays. Vicki also needs some volunteers to
help residents remember how to knit and crochet give her a call
at 845-2861. In the 1940's, everyone pitched in to win the war, so
fulfilling dreams for elders nationwide is our way of thanking the
Greatest Generation.
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Zelma Winchester
granted a Second Wind Dreams wish for another Zelma who is a
resident at Homestead and wanted a CD player and some gospel music,
as Don Dalger, Administrator watched. If you or your group is
interested in granting a dream of a resident then give us a call at
the Henry County Extension Office or call Committee Chairperson Sue
Barnett. The Second Wind Committee has granted almost 90 dreams so
far and all of those who have granted a dream have reported that
they have received far more than they gave.
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The Second Wind Dreams program is working
on providing individual shadow boxes for each resident at Homestead Nursing
Center. They will be hung at the resident’s door and will include a small
life history of the resident letting visitors and staff know a little more
about the individual. Pictured are Helen Davis, Pat Gray, Saundra Smith and
Alvin Roberts working to stain the 64 boxes that were purchased thanks to an
anonymous donor. For information on how you or your group can participate in
Second Wind Dreams contact Vicki Atha or Don Dalger at Homestead, Sue
Barnett-Second Wind Dreams Chairman or the Henry County
Extension Office. |
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