more... > Parishes > Terrebonne > Family & Consumer Sciences > Blueberries are at the top among health foods (Distributed 06/25/08) It's time to enjoy Louisiana blueberries. Luckily, blueberries are nature's No. 1 source of antioxidants among more than 50 fresh fruits and vegetables tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. Safety First When Using Tomatoes At the time of the writing of this news column, the nation is experiencing a salmonellosis outbreak in certain raw tomatoes. This includes raw plum tomatoes, raw Roma tomatoes, and raw round tomatoes. Knowing Your Blood Pressure Can Save Your Life [Image: Blood pressure check demonstration] Are you one of the 30% of adults who is not aware of your high blood pressure? May is National Blood Pressure Awareness Month and is a good time to find out if you are. Spring Cleaning Helps Rid Home of Bedbugs [Image: Bed Bug] A clean home is a happy and healthy home. This year while doing your spring cleaning, watch out for bedbugs.We may think of bedbugs as happening somewhere else, but that notion can’t be further from the truth. Bedbugs can appear right under your nose or, more correctly, right in you own bed!  more articles... Bell Peppers: The Christmas Ornament of the Summer Garden [Image: Picture of Bell Peppers] At this time of the year, bell peppers are the delightful Christmas ornaments of the vegetable garden. Their beautifully shaped glossy exterior comes in a wide array of vivid colors ranging from green, red, yellow, orange, purple, brown to black. Although available throughout the year, they are most abundant and tasty from June through mid July. Cherries [Image: Cherries] Fresh cherries are a nutrient dense food, in that for a relatively low number of calories, the consumer receives a significant amount of quality nutrients and phytochemicals. They are loaded with several types of key antioxidants, but are especially rich in an antioxidant called anthocyanins, the natural pigments also responsible for the glorious red color. Have The Right Answers Before Storm; Take ‘Hurricane Quiz’ Now This test of 20 questions can help you determine whether you and your family will be prepared if a hurricane comes your way. Fluids Important To Everyone, Especially Seniors, In Hot Weather [Image: Person drinking water] Drinking enough fluids is important during our hot summer weather – especially for senior citizens. Using Generators for Emergency Power Emergency generators are popular after disasters, but they can be dangerous if not used properly. Strawberries -- Good For The Body And Good For The Heart [Image: Closeup Photo of strawberries] With strawberry season in full swing, choose Louisiana strawberries for a nutritious, healthy treat. Using Food Thermometers to Keep Food Safe The answer to the hungry question, "Is it Done Yet?" is the basis of a national campaign to encourage the use of food thermometers when preparing meat, poultry and egg dishes to prevent foodborne illness. Raw or Cooked, Pears are Tasty and Nutritious [Image: Photograph of pears] In observance of January as Pear Month, the LSU AgCenter recommends eating pears. That's because they are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C when eaten raw with the skin on. Follow Food Safety Guidelines For A Worry-free Thanksgiving [Image: Photograph of Thanksgiving table] The LSU AgCenter offers some advice to make sure your Thanksgiving feast is delicious and safe. Follow these food safety guidelines for a worry-free and tasty Thanksgiving meal.