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| Offer a healthful gift for Father’s Day (Distributed 06/12/09) This Father's Day, let your father know how much you care by helping him choose and eat a healthy diet. |
| Statewide extension group presents awards, installs officers at annual meeting (Distributed 06/03/09) The Louisiana Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences presented its highest award along with others at its annual conference in Lafayette May 6. New officers also were chosen. |
| Home-buyer educators win top award (Distributed 05/29/09) A team of nine LSU AgCenter educators recently won top honors for their home-buyer education program at the Louisiana Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences annual meeting. |
| Celebrate your child care provider May 8 (Distributed 04/28/09) The Friday before Mother's Day each year honors child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children. |
| Outdoor summer play important for children (Distributed 04/14/09) This is one in a series of four articles in observance of the national 38th annual Week of the Young Child, April 19-25. |
| Advocate for children through political process (Distributed 04/14/09) This is one of a series of four articles in observance of the national 38th annual Week of the Young Child, April 19-25. |
| Start reading habit during Week of the Young Child (Distributed 04/14/09) This one in a series of four articles in observance of the national 38th annual Week of the Young Child, April 19-25. |
| Week of the Young Child observed April 19-25 (Distributed 04/14/09) This is one in a series of four articles in observance of the national 38th annual Week of the Young Child, April 19-25. |
| Reduce urban stormwater (Distributed 02/20/09) Urban and suburban areas can create heavy loads of pollutants in their water runoff from the concentrations of people, vehicles, homes, parking lots, streets, small and large businesses, industry and sewage. This water runoff is referred to as urban stormwater. |
| ‘Sunny’ is newest addition to Knock Out rose family (Distributed 02/17/09) Knock Out roses have changed the way home gardeners perceive roses. With the debut of the original Knock Out roses in 2000, the emergence of shrub roses for landscape gardening has taken Louisiana and the nation by storm, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. |
| [Image: crape myrtle]Get crape myrtles off to a good start (Distributed 02/13/09) Crape myrtles are the most popular of our flowering trees, and questions abound about their proper care and cultural practices. Keys to crape myrtle success include abundant sunlight, ideal soil pH and drainage, proper pruning, regular fertilization, proper mulching and insect control. |
| Consumers could not have prevented peanut illness (Distributed 02/06/09) Normal food safety practices at the consumer level could not have prevented the recent outbreaks of food-borne illness caused by eating certain peanut products. The conditions that caused the unsafe products occurred before the products reached the public, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. |
| Nuts, popcorn may lower, not raise diverticular risk (Distributed 02/06/09) Many people with diverticular disease pass up nuts and popcorn in fear that eating these will aggravate the condition and lead to complications. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says, however, such fears may be unfounded. |
| Think ahead when choosing landscape plants (Distributed 02/06/09) The spring gardening season is upon us, or will be shortly, and it is time to begin purchasing new trees, shrubs and related plant materials for our landscapes. When selecting ornamentals, think how they will look when they mature as well as how they look now. Consider size, form, texture and color. |
| Take preventive steps during heart month (Distributed 02/02/09) LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames observes February as American Heart Month by stressing the importance of taking steps to prevent heart disease. Coronary heart disease is the nation’s single leading cause of death, according to the American Heart Association. |
| Many low-maintenance roses now on the market (Distributed 01/30/09) Growing roses in Louisiana has been a challenge for home gardeners, mainly because of diseases brought on by our environment. Heat and humidity adversely affect the many rose varieties we grow. |
| Take financial control for peace of mind (Distributed 01/26/09) People who feel a sense of control over life’s events are often happier, cope better and are more resilient in times of stress than others, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. One of the best ways to take charge of your finances in today’s uncertain economy is to set a savings goal, Tucker says. |
| Select garden style, then make plans (Distributed 01/23/09) When it comes to home landscaping, many gardeners remain confused about how to create what they want. Efforts at landscaping can be disappointing despite spending a substantial amount of money. The important thing to remember is that developing an attractive, properly functioning landscape is best done using a process. |
| [Image: pinkpromise]AARS winners for 2009 announced (Distributed 01/16/09) Three new roses representing three classes of roses are the 2009 All-America Rose Selections winners. The three are Pink Promise, a hybrid tea; Cinco de Mayo, a floribunda; and Carefree Spirit, a landscape shrub. |
| Do heating bills give you a chill? (Distributed 01/16/09) When the cost of heating your home gets uncomfortable, you can do a lot to control how much energy you use to stay warm, according to LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel. The housing expert offers her top choices to save energy in a southern climate. |
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| Soil pH, bed preparation important for landscaping (Distributed 01/16/09) Whether you’re renovating an existing landscape or developing a new one, keep in mind the importance of soil pH and proper bed preparation. These two factors are essential for the success of your ornamental plants. |
| Yard care may endanger waterways (Distributed 01/09/09) An important part of LSU AgCenter educational programs focuses on environmental issues. This includes teaching Louisiana gardeners that our yards and neighborhoods are channels to our waterways. |
| Social Security raise good news in bleak times Social Security recipients may be one of the few groups with happy news during the recession. They started their New Year with their largest raise since 1982, a 5.8 percent increase. This cost of living adjustment (COLA) affects some 50 million Americans. |
| Herbaceous perennials offer easy care and beauty to landscape (Distributed 12/18/08) Perennials are plants that live for three years or more and often require two years or more from seed to flower. Technically, trees, shrubs and lawn grasses are all perennials, but gardeners use the term perennial as an abbreviation for “hardy, herbaceous perennial” – a group of nonwoody plants that reliably survive winter cold and grown for their attractive flowers or foliage. |
| Winter soil test good strategy (Distributed 12/18/08) Knowing what nutrients are in your soil and what nutrients are needed is a basic step towards good plant health. Soil nutrient balance must be managed for best plant growth, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. |
| Enjoy flowering trees in late winter and early spring (Distributed 12/12/08) Flowering trees add color and beauty to our landscapes in late winter and early spring. These great trees add flower color at a time when many of us think we have to wait for spring. Most of these trees also are low-maintenance and reliable for long-term performance. |
| Landscaping with pine trees (Distributed 12/05/08) Pines are one of our many great native tree species. They, along with baldcypress, southern magnolias and oaks, are typically associated with Louisiana. |
| Comparison shop during Medicare Part D enrollment period (Distributed 11/26/08) Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 each year is the open enrollment period for Medicare’s Part D prescription drug plans. Because these drug plans can change from one year to the next, it is important for seniors to comparison-shop annually for the best deal and the best coverage for their own personal prescription needs, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye. |
| Plant native shrubs this fall (Distributed 11/26/08) Many of us think about planting shrubs in the spring, but fall is the best time to plant shrubs in Louisiana. There are advantages to planting woody ornamentals, such as trees and shrubs, at this time. |
| Live Oak Care Important, Fall Through Winter (Distributed 11/21/08) Southern live oaks, known by the scientific name Quercus virginiana, are one of the most popular trees found in Louisiana landscapes. They certainly are considered to be a signature tree in many public places across the state and are widely used in home landscapes. |
| Encore azaleas provide multiseason blooming (Distributed 11/13/08) Not so long ago, nursery and landscape professionals, along with the vast majority of home gardeners, were not fully aware of the multiseason blooming potential of many azalea varieties. |
| Thanksgiving dinner costs rise this year (Distributed 11/13/08) When Louisiana cooks shop for their Thanksgiving meal, they’ll find the cost of the basic dinner items cost more this year but remain affordable, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. |
| Prepare safe Thanksgiving foods (Distributed 11/13/08) The color of cooked poultry is not always a sure sign of its safety. Turkey can remain pink even after cooking to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. The meat of smoked turkey is always pink. |
| Make holiday desserts safe to eat (Distributed 11/13/08) The holidays are time to enjoy special desserts that you might make only once a year. Some of these foods require special care to prevent foodborne illnesses, warns LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. |
| Landscape fruit options abound in Louisiana (Distributed 11/06/08) The late fall and winter months in Louisiana are great for planting fruit trees and shrubs. Ones that work well in our landscapes include fig, citrus, blueberry, pawpaw, pomegranate and persimmon. Most can be easily grown, are low maintenance, have appealing forms, good texture, attractive colors and provide wildlife benefits. These characteristics “fit the bill” for a sustainable landscape. |
| Become financially secure in tough times (Distributed 11/05/08) “First, don’t panic.” That’s the advice of LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye regarding the current turmoil on Wall Street. |
| Diabetes epidemic continues to grow (Distributed 11/04/08) Diabetes is growing to epidemic proportions and is the biggest public health crisis of the 21st century, according to the American Diabetes Association. This answers, “Why should you care about diabetes?” the theme of this year’s diabetes awareness campaign through November. |
| Enjoy pansies for many months (Distributed 10/31/08) Pansies continue to be the most popular cool-season bedding plant in Louisiana. They have long been relied on for their consistent outstanding landscape performance. |
| Avoid common tree-planting mistakes (Distributed 10/24/08) Fall through winter is the recommended tree-planting season in Louisiana. Often, poor tree performance in residential, commercial and municipal landscapes can be traced to improper planting techniques, but common mistakes in planting, establishment and follow-up care of trees can be avoided by following easy guidelines. |
| Identity theft prevention strategies offered (Distributed 10/21/08) More than 8 million identity thefts have occurred in recent years, according to the Federal Trade Commission. How does this crime happen? Thieves steal wallets, steal or open your mail, go through your trash, steal information from where you work or do business or complete a change of address form to divert your mail, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye. |
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| New activity guidelines good for everyone (Distributed 10/21/08) New Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are designed “so people can easily fit physical activity into their daily plan and incorporate activities they enjoy,” said LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. |
| Time to enjoy tasty, healthful sweet potatoes (Distributed 10/17/08) Fall is a perfect time to enjoy sweet potatoes. The Louisiana yam is an exceptional type of sweet potato that is sweet and flavorful with a soft, moist flesh. |
| Halloween and nutrition do go together (Distributed 10/16/08) When asked what Halloween means, kids usually put candy at the top of their list before goblins or costumes. Even so, nutrition can play a role on Halloween, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. |
| Landscape problems may take year-round care (Distributed 10/16/08) The LSU AgCenter has been promoting research-based best management practices in the home landscape for several years to educate residents on how to manage their lawns, gardens and landscapes to minimize nonpoint pollution, insects, weeds and diseases. |
| Plant Wave petunias in fall (Distributed 10/10/08) Petunias are one of the best-performing plants in the spring landscape, but for top-notch performance they should be planted in fall, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. |
| Maintain perspective in troubled times (Distributed 10/10/08) As our country endures economic crisis, consumers are worried about the safety and security of their jobs, homes, retirement and financial futures. The current stock market plunge has triggered a dramatic chapter in Wall Street’s history. |
| Top 5 home landscape problems in Louisiana (Distributed 10-09-08) A survey of LSU AgCenter county agents reveals five major landscape problems in Louisiana yards and gardens. These problems are improper or inadequate landscape bed preparation, not knowing soil fertility and pH, improper ornamental plant selection, winter damage to plants and shade tree care. |
| Baldcypress and relatives are naturals for Louisiana landscapes (Distributed 10/01/08) Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) is Louisiana’s state tree, and it is one of our featured trees at LaHouse on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. As one of our most distinguished native trees, it is one of the top five tree species planted in Louisiana landscapes. |
| Knock Out series lives up to its name (Distributed 09/26/08) One of the most exciting new plants for home gardeners released in the past few years has been the Knock Out rose. It is receiving a lot of attention, and rightfully so. More than 6 million plants are being sold every year across the country. This rose fits perfectly into a sustainable, low-maintenance landscape. |
| Mulch excellent for landscape when used properly (Distributed 09/15/08) If you don’t include mulches in your gardening efforts, you really should give them a try. You will be amazed by how much they spare you from weeding and how nice they can make your yard and garden look. |
| Prepare for ‘Gustav spots’ in lawns (Distributed 09/10/08) One sure vestige of a hurricane or bad blow is a large, dead area of the lawn. It usually is located near curbside where yard debris is piled up for many days. |
| Age groups react differently to calamity (Distributed 09/08/08) Children's reactions to disaster depend on their age and maturity. Their responses also are affected by how close they are to the event, their level of exposure to it through TV and how they see their parents react. |
| Emotional recovery part of disaster aftermath (Distributed 09/08/08) Those who survive hurricanes and other natural disasters are at risk for behavioral and emotional readjustment problems. Most child and adult survivors experience one or more normal stress reactions for several days after a natural disaster. |
| Expect to endure stages of grief after hurricanes (Distributed 09/08/08) After a crisis like Hurricane Gustav, your life may never be the same. Many of us survived this natural disaster, but much of what we care about may be lost, according to LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser. |
| Sustainable, green landscapes possible (Distributed 08/29/08) Sustainability and “green” are commonly used words in mainstream media. We think of gardening and yard care as green activities, but many of our practices are not green at all, such as overusing pesticides and fertilizers. |
| Prepare an evacuation to-go kit for your child (Distributed 08/29/08) Adults are urged to assemble a “grab-and-go” box of important papers in case of a hurricane evacuation. How about making a “to-go kit” for your child? Assembling a few treasured items can help your child in times of disaster, according to LSU AgCenter family development professor Dr. Rebecca White. |
| Tailgate food safety ‘coach’ lays out game plan for football season (Distributed 08/28/08) If you're planning to tailgate this football season, a strong defense is your best protection against foodborne illness, says LSU AgCenter food safety “coach” Dr. Beth Reames. Microorganisms that cause foodborne illness are all around and, given the right conditions, can grow in foods and make us sick. |
| Why is my neighbor’s yard greener? (Distributed 08/27/08) A commonly asked question LSU AgCenter extension agents face every year is, “Why is my neighbor’s yard greener?” The answer can be simple or quite complex, depending on what's wrong. “If there are many issues interacting, sometimes it's just better to kill it all off and start all over,” said Tom Koske, LSU AgCenter turfgrass specialist. |
| Good time to check cholesterol level (Distributed 08/27/08) If you don't know your cholesterol number, now is a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. September is National Cholesterol Education Month. |
| Grill safely over Labor Day (Distributed 08/26/08) Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, with outdoor grilling a popular way to celebrate the occasion. Cookouts require extra care to prevent foodborne illness, and LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames offers several extra-care steps. |
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| Financial educator victim of security breach, despite precautions (Distributed 08/26/08) Note: LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker was among the thousands of victims of a recent massive cyber theft of Louisiana and Mississippi restaurant databases. Here is her story and the actions she took. |
| Action ‘rush’ takes away blahs (Distributed 08/08/08) If your child slips into the blahs, take him or her to an online activity called VERB, recommends an LSU AgCenter nutritionist. The site contains fun games and interesting facts that help kids become active. |
| Stay away from trans fats (Distributed 07/30/08) Trans fats are in the news. And like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, they raise low-density lipoprotein – LDL or “bad” – cholesterol levels in our bodies, which increase the risk of coronary heart disease, says Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter nutritionist. “Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States today,” Reames said. |
| Hydration especially important for seniors (Distributed 07/25/08) Hot summer weather signals the importance of getting enough fluids to stay hydrated and prevent heat-related illnesses – especially for senior citizens. Older people are at high risk for developing heat-related illness at this time, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. |
| Crape myrtle varieties and their care described (Distributed 06/17/08) The LSU AgCenter has conducted a considerable amount of evaluation research on crape myrtles over the last 10-plus years, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. “Probably 40-50 varieties are worthy of being grown and sold in Louisiana,” Owing says. |
| LSU AgCenter horticulturist teaches growers how to be fruitful (Distributed 03/25/08) BOSSIER CITY – A soil analysis is the first thing to consider when planting fruit trees, said Dr. Charles Graham, research horticulturist, at the monthly Lunch and Ag Discovery talk at the LSU AgCenter’s Red River Research Station March 18. |
| Savings are key to financial security (Distributed 02/08/08) One of the most powerful ways to increase your financial security and grow wealth over time is to develop a savings habit. Form that habit by “paying yourself first” and saving regularly. |
| Build safer, stronger, smarter expert says (Distributed 01/31/08) Whether you’re house hunting or having a house built, consider the many options available that help protect the structure against severe weather and related disasters. LSU AgCenter Disaster Programs Coordinator Pat Skinner explains a few basic techniques. |
| All-America Rose Selections named for 2008 (Distributed 01/18/08) With the New Year come announcements of ornamental plant winners. One popular competition is the All-America Rose Selections. AARS winners for 2008 are Mardi Gras and Dream Come True. |
| Spouse’s poor credit score could lower yours (Distributed 01/15/08) You’ve taken good care all your adult life to pay bills on time and maintain a high credit score. You expect your high rating to continue after marriage, but it could drop if your new spouse has a low credit score. |
| Financial tips offered for marital harmony (Distributed 01/15/08) The church and reception hall are reserved, the dress is selected, the invitations are addressed, the photographer and caterer are ready. You might even have your new residence “ready-to-go.” |
| Common Sense Prevents Spread Of Staph Infections (Distributed 12/05/07) A certain type of staph infection (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus – MRSA) can easily be prevented with proper hygiene and heal with treatment, according to Terri Crawford, Northeast region nutrition agent with the LSU AgCenter. |
| Toys Make Good Halloween Treats, Too (Distributed 10/26/07) Halloween is a favorite holiday for many children, but candy is not necessarily the kids’ favorite treat, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Research reveals that youngsters enjoy nonfood treats, too. |
| Take Precautions Against Termites (Distributed 09/24/07) Among the many natural threats homeowners face is termite infestation. Precautions can minimize that threat. |
| Build Food Safety Into Tailgating Game Plan (Distributed 09/06/07) Tailgating in Louisiana gets in full swing with the kickoff of football season. To prevent food-borne illness, build your game plan around the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Partnership for Food Safety Education’s food safety steps, says Dr. Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter food safety specialist. The four steps in the plan are clean, separate, cook and chill. |
| LSU AgCenter Nutritionist Explains What’s Safe For Microwaving (Distributed January 2005) Consumers often ask about the safety of using plastic wrap or plastic containers in microwave ovens. According to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, only plastic containers or packaging labeled "microwave safe" should be used in microwave ovens. |
| Be Child Care Aware: Quality Early Care Essential For Healthy Development (Distributed July 2004) An increasing body of research shows that quality child-care and educational programs early in a child’s life has a profound impact on their development, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. |
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