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Preserving winter squash
Winter squash keeps well for several months in cold storage, but canning and freezing helps us enjoy them any time of year.Because the growing conditions for squash create the perfect environment for surface bacteria, it is necessary to wash the squash thoroughly before taking a knife through the skin. Scrub squash with a vegetable brush under cool running water before cutting and cooking. Do not use soap or detergent.
Nutritional supplements
The use of dietary supplements has grown dramatically over the last decade. How are we supposed to know which supplements to take? Which ones may be a waste of time and money?
Foods for Father’s Day
Neckties may be a popular Father’s Day gift, but wouldn’t it be nice to give Dad the gift of a long, healthy life? In honor of Father’s Day, here are some of the most important foods for protecting men’s health.
Men’s health
It has been well-known for some time now that women enjoy longer life spans than men all around the world. Many studies have examined why and whether men can do anything about it.
Strength training for older adults
As we age, many of us start to worry about our ability to perform everyday tasks like putting groceries away, mowing the yard or sweeping the floor. Muscle mass diminishes with age, contributing to such concerns.
What you need to know about sunscreen
LAMAR, Mo. — Selecting the right sunscreen involves more than picking the product with highest SPF number, notes a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.“Many of us use sunscreen, but the options can be confusing,” said Tammy Roberts.
Stroke: Time lost is brain lost
Every year more than 600,000 Americans experience a stroke. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. Like heart attacks, brain attacks can be preventable, and quick treatment can reduce death and disability.
Reduce risks to prevent falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury and death in adults age 65 and older.
Grilling meat may increase cancer risks
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Grilling meat over open flame can produce tasty meals. But it can also produce harmful chemicals, especially if the temperature is above 300 degrees Fahrenheit.These chemicals are known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), says Lydia Kaume, a nutrition and health education specialist for University of Missouri Extension. Broiling, charbroiling and pan frying can also produce…
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship offers opportunities
MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – Five to 10 percent of dairy farms close each year, in part because of a lack of skilled laborers, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Ted Probert. To help the dairy industry survive, a national nonprofit organization has created an apprenticeship program to fill positions currently held by farmers whose average age is 59.
Prevent falls and maintain independence
Each year more than one-third of adults 65 years and older fall. Of these falls, 20 to 30 percent result in injuries that reduce mobility.
Winter power outages can lead to generator concerns
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Severe winter weather can bring widespread power outages, which means many Missouri families might be firing up their generators. University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist Eric Evans urges people to use common sense when using a generator.
Do you know your cholesterol numbers?
It is important to be aware of cholesterol numbers because high cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. There’s no better time than right now to know your numbers.When you get the results of your cholesterol blood test you should know your total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The desirable total cholesterol level is 200 mg/dL or below.
Belly fat is linked to health risks
People with a lot of belly fat are at a higher risk for health problems than people who carry fat in other areas. Some of those health problems include diabetes, some types of cancer, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease and dementia.
Waist size can be indicator of prediabetes
Even in the 21st century, a tape measure may be quite telling. The past few years have seen the emergence of useful and powerful electronic devices equipped with sophisticated sensors that check our heart rate, blood pressure, steps, etc. These tools help us keep our health in check. The tape measure is not as widely used but it can reveal a lot.
Live like your life depends on it
You can improve your health and prevent or lessen the effects of chronic diseases through diet and exercise. By investing a little time in your health, you can live a longer, healthier life.
Walking is the best medicine
Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (known as the father of Western medicine) once said, “Walking is man’s best medicine.” What a relatively simple and inexpensive “pill to take” to make such a big impact on maintaining and improving our health.
Small steps to heart health
February is National Heart Month, so it’s a great time to make a change for better heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with stroke coming in fifth, according to the American Heart Association. Both of these conditions result when blood flow is reduced or stopped altogether. But there are steps people can take to reduce the risk.
Healthy habits help you live longer
Longevity appears to be more about healthy lifestyle than genes. It is 25 percent genes and 75 percent lifestyle, according to Steven Austad, author of the book, "Why We Age." A study from the University of Cambridge in England, which followed 20,000 middle-aged men and women for 11 years, found that nonsmokers with the healthiest eating and exercise habits lived longer than people with the worst habits.
The gift of time
“The best thing parents can spend on their children is time, not money.” — Anonymous
Quality heifers inspire strong bids; average price $2,427 at Fruitland
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers averaged $2,427 with a top price of $3,500 at the spring sale at Fruitland (Mo.) Livestock Auction, Saturday, May 7.“This sale was quality over quantity,” said Erin Larimore, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist, Jackson.Half of the 121 heifers were registered stock. Of those, 111 carried fetal sexed calves. The spring sale sells replacements that will calve this fall…
Balancing the parent role with relationship needs
It’s challenging for new parents to manage their new parenting role and their couple relationship. The joy of having a baby leads to a transition for couples that can strain even the best relationships.
Happy relationships good for health
Why do healthy relationships matter? Research has shown that there are physical health benefits from healthy relationships and marriages. For instance, married people have longer life expectancies than single people, especially married men.
Balancing responsibilities
Do you ever feel as if you are trying to juggle too many items at the same time? Do you care for your kids, go to work, attend school activities, take care of aging parents, help with social events, attend meetings, maintain the car, keep up with the house or apartment, do the shopping, fix the meals and...? The list goes on and on. And when is there time in the day to take care of you?
Business aims to link autistic workers with tech jobs
COLUMBIA, Mo. —Teacher Teri Walden and physician Becky Llorens met a couple of years ago and bonded over a common concern. Each has an autistic young adult son seeking work. While helping their sons find jobs, the two Columbia women did something they never dreamed they would do. They started a business, with guidance from University of Missouri Extension.