Home > Communications > AgCenter Leads > Vow Not to Gain Weight over the Holidays The holiday season brings eating and drinking temptations galore, and many people gain a pound or two – but usually not any more. The problem is that any weight gained during the holidays tends not to come off the rest of the year, unless you make a commitment to weight loss. Diet can help prevent breast cancer Pink abounds in October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States. ‘Wired for Wind’ theme for National 4-H Week, Oct. 2-8 [Image: kids flying kite] During the week of October 2-8, 4-H members across Louisiana will celebrate National 4-H Week with lessons and activities focus on science and technology. The week will feature 4-H students from across the country engaging in science competitions with the chance to win prizes such as an Apple iPad or $10,000 from Toyota. Jazzman competes well in aromatic rice market [Image: Jazzman in bags] If you drive by a field of Jazzman rice, its pleasant, nutty aroma is unmistakable. For farmers, the pleasant fragrance is the smell of money. The LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station developed Jazzman rice varieties to compete with Thai Jasmine.  more articles... Mosquitoes pose threat: Keep their numbers down [Image: mosquitoes in dish] Mosquitoes buzz around Louisiana every day of the year. More than 60 species inhabit the state. While many are benign, some are carriers – or vectors – of several worrisome diseases. It's everyone's responsibility to keep their numbers down. Blueberry Blitz in Louisiana [Image: blueberries] Blueberry bushes across Louisiana are heavy with dark, plump berries. This time of the year consumers can find ripe, fresh blueberries at grocery stores, farmers markets and u-pick farms. The sweet berries can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, but their claim to fame is the health benefit they provide. 4-H University June 21-23 [Image: vermilionparish] More than 1,600 4-H’ers and volunteer leaders from Louisiana's 64 parishes will converge on the LSU campus to participate in competitive activities and learning experiences June 23-26, 2009. The Mighty Termite: Scientists work to corral the spread [Image: French Quarter] LSU AgCenter scientists continue to add weapons to their arsenal as they battle the spread of the Formosan subterranean termite. And they’re making headway. This pest voraciously consumes wooden structures and woody plants and causes millions of dollars in damages. Kids Learn Magic of Agriculture [Image: checkingoutgoldfish] The LSU AgCenter’s interactive journey through Louisiana agriculture, AgMagic, returns to Parker Coliseum on LSU’s campus April 19-25. Children and families that visit will learn the many facets of farming and where their food and fiber comes from. Spring 2011 Louisiana Super Plants [Image: Serena lavender] Four plants carry the distinction of Louisiana Super Plant for spring 2011 – Serena angelonia, Frostproof gardenia, Butterfly pentas and Shoal Creek vitex. Tax Time Again [Image: tax forms] Taxpayers have three extra days to file their federal tax return this year. The deadline was extended to April 18. LSU AgCenter extension specialists suggest those still waiting to file, file electronically. Iberia Research Station serves coastal Louisiana [Image: cows at Iberia] The LSU AgCenter’s Iberia Research Station conducts research on sugarcane, cattle, row crops and energy cane. A field day will be held April 9 to highlight the facility’s key areas of research. Agriculture means $9.9 billion to Louisiana economy in 2010 [Image: pines] Louisiana agriculture contributed $9.9 billion to the state’s economy in 2010 – up 20 percent from the year before, according to the latest figures compiled by the LSU AgCenter in its annual Ag Summary. Louisianians need to follow new dietary guidelines The 2010 Dietary Guidelines, which are issued every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, call for some drastic changes in the American diet.