more... > Parishes > Orleans > Family & Consumer Sciences > 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. LSU AgCenter agent addresses safe shopping online (Distributed 04/01/09) When you go on a Web site, you need to be a detective and do a background check before shopping. Childcare Provider Training Flyer April, May & June 2009 Flyer of trainings being offered for childcare providers in the Crescent Region for April, May and June 2009 King cake OK in moderation (Radio News 01/26/09) You can have your king cake and eat it too; just do it moderation, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)  more articles... 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. Follow egg safety advice for holiday treats (Distributed 11/21/08) The holidays abound with tasty treats such as eggnog, cream pies and other dishes containing eggs. Eating raw or undercooked eggs is a risk for foodborne illness, warns LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. 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. Skipping breakfast impairs student (Distributed 07/11/08) Although most parents tell their children that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, many kids don't listen. Surveys show that as many as 48 percent of girls and 32 percent of boys do not eat breakfast every day. Watermelon's belly can indicate ripeness (Radio News 07/07/08) Watermelon is a refreshing summer treat, and Louisiana farmers produced melons on 3,000 acres last year. LSU AgCenter county agent Henry Harrison of Washington Parish says most watermelon producers grow a handful of varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds) LSU AgCenter class teaches about saving, investing (Distributed 07/03/08) With the average credit card holder owing $9,000 and paying $1,200 a year in interest, consumers can benefit by learning tips on managing money provided in an LSU AgCenter financial program. 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. 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.” Financial Security in Later Life [Image: USDA logo] Preparing for retirement and potential long-term care costs takes planning, saving and debt control.