Category: June 2016

Farmers Market Information

Farmers Market

K-State Research and Extension has recently updated the Food Safety for Kansas Farmers Market Vendors: Regulations and Best Practices publication. This publication discusses which foods are or are not to be sold at farmers markets, if labeling is required, food safety regulations, licensing, and much more.

If you are interested in selling at a local farmers market or if you make purchases from a farmers market, you are encouraged to read this updated publication.

The publication can be accessed at http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3138.pdf.

-Ashley Goudey

You Asked It!

You Asked It! is a monthly newsletter that contains articles based on questions received, current food safety issues, or information based on the time of year developed by the Rapid Response Center.

In the June edition you will find articles on:

  • Celebrate Summer with a Picnic!
  • Food Preservation Classes in June
  • USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning
  • Put It Up! Curriculum
  • Commercial Jerky Recall
  • Safe Convenience Food Preparation
  • Safe WATCH
  • Xylitol and Your Dog
  • Eliminating the Gray
  • KDA Egg Grading Workshops

Access You Asked It! here:http://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter/index.html

– Ashley Goudey

Sun Tea Safety

Think twice before you brew your sun tea. Using the sun as a method to brewing tea is highly discouraged. The sun tea will not get hotter than 130°F, which is not hot enough to kill bacteria. The CDC recommends the following when making tea:

  • Brew tea bags at 195°F for 3-5 minutes.
  • Brew only enough tea that can be consumed in a few hours.
  • Wash, rinse, and sanitize tea-making equipment regularly.

View the full article at http://bit.ly/1sCmrgX

-Ashley Goudey

Great time to try Papaya!

Have you ever eaten papaya? June is papaya month so try papaya on the grill, in a smoothie, dried, or in a salad! Papaya is a good source of potassium and folate and is an excellent source of Vitamins C & A. Did you know that papaya range in color from pale yellow to deep orange and their tiny black seeds are edible and slightly peppery?

Remember that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables help keep your body working at its best and is one of the best ways to five your body a strong defense against disease.

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/papaya

– Ashley Goudey

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Some people believe only individuals diagnosed with a mental illness need to pay attention to their mental health. In reality, all people need to pay attention to their mental health. Mental health is a valuable part of a person’s wellness throughout every stage of life, from early childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

It is not necessary to wait until you are in a crisis to reach out for help. Many people discover great benefits from seeking professional help and utilizing community services on a regular basis.

Build strategies into your daily routines and rituals that promote positive mental health. Outlined below are a few strategies that can help you take care of your mental health.

• Connect with others. Developing and maintaining connections with others provides assistance when you need an extra hand. Connections also provide emotional support, perspective, advice, and validation when you need to process an experience or develop a plan-of-action.

• Stay positive. Everyone experiences stressors throughout day-to-day adventures. Approaching life in an optimistic fashion doesn’t mean you ignore danger signs and run from problems. Choosing to have a positive outlook helps you focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the issue. It also increases gratefulness and promotes recognizing strengths as tools to achieve goals.

• Create joy and satisfaction. Identify a special interest that makes you happy. Maybe it is spending time with family at the supper table, playing a sport, or reading a good book. Maintaining positive mental health is achieved when you take time to have a little fun, laugh, relax, and put creativity to work. Activities that incorporate joy and satisfaction into your daily routines encourage flexibility, offer a break from life’s stressors, and boost confidence.

• Take care of your spirit. The spiritual dimension of mental health provides a connection to whatever helps a person recognize their meaning and purpose. Many people choose to care for their spirit through a religion, interaction with nature, volunteer service, or by practicing meditation and art. Whatever you focus on, spirituality can improve your mood, help set and accomplish goals, and provide a sense of belongingness.

To learn more strategies, visit Mental Health America at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/

-Nora Rhoades

Healthy Road Trip Snacks

  • Fresh fruit such as apples, bananas, and little mandarins are go-to’s-they are fresh & easy to pack. Make sure that you have a bag to throw away the peels and cores.
  • Make your own trail mix with whole grain cereal, unsweetened dried fruit, nuts. Store in snack sized zip lock baggies.road trips
  • Low-fat cheese sticks
  • Sandwiches on 100% whole grain bread
  • Water bottles are essential, pack them and you won’t be tempted to buy a sugary drink when you stop for breaks.

-Ashley Goudey