more... > Parishes > Orleans > Family & Consumer Sciences > 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)  more articles... 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. Summer activities for 'tweens' (Radio News 06/02/08) Summer is here, and many parents are wondering what to do with their tweens – children between the ages of 10 and 13 who aren’t quite teenagers yet but are old enough to want some independence. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser has some ideas. State consumer credit scores near bottom (Distributed 02/15/08) Louisiana consumers have an average credit score of 672. At 20 points below the national average of 692, Louisiana ranks near the bottom nationally, with 48 states having higher average credit scores, according to the Experian National Score Index. 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.” Nutritionist Looks At Good And Bad Mold On Food [Image: Cheese Tray] When you see mold on food, is it safe to cut off the moldy part and use the rest? For most foods the answer is no, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Be On Guard When Shopping For Holiday Gifts Online Online shopping in the United States rises approximately 30 percent each holiday season, because it can save time, money and effort. But sizing up your finds on the Internet is a little different from checking out items at a mall or shop, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Plan Holiday Spending To Avoid Seasonal Stress It's that time of year when stores are luring holiday shoppers. But before you get caught up in the frenzy, you should take stock of how much money you have available for holiday spending. Policies That Exclude Sick Children Protect Others [Image: pediatrician with baby] Typically, providers require that children be kept from care for a minimum of 24 hours or until symptoms disappear. Reading To Infants Prepares Them For Success In School (Radio News 11/19/07) Parents are a child’s most important teacher. LSU AgCenter’s family and child development expert Dr. Becky White is encouraging parents to read to their infants. Research shows that this could have a lasting effect on the child. (Runtime: 60 seconds)