K-State Research and Extension

search

Category: Uncategorized

Stay Hydrated This Summer

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

What you drink plays a major role in all bodily processes. Your body needs water to help with nutrient delivery, waste disposal, temperature regulation, and more! Water is the drink of choice for maintaining a healthy body. Most of your fluid intake should come from water. Sugar sweetened sodas or pop provide empty calories and few or none of the vitamins and minerals bodies need. Diet Drinks don’t have extra sugar, but they also provide few, if any, nutrients.  Sports drinks are high in carbohydrates and should only be consumed after 60 minutes or more of a high-intensity workout.

 

Below are tips to increase your water consumption. Which water habits will you adopt?

  • Carry a water bottle and refill throughout the day and keep it handy.
  • Serve water at events and meetings. Make it visible and convenient.
  • Set a reminder on your phone.
  • Drink a glass of water when waking up or with breakfast.
  • Don’t stock the fridge with sugar-sweetened beverages. Instead, keep a jug or bottles of cold water in your fridge.
  • Drink a glass of water with each meal and snack.
  • Make water more exciting by adding slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, watermelon, or drink sparkling water on occasion.
  • Add a splash of 100% juice to plain or sparkling water for a refreshing, low-calorie drink.

By: Ashley Svaty

Farmer’s Market / Direct to Consumer Regulations Guide

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Do you want to sell goods direct to consumers or at farmer’s markets but aren’t sure if a license is required? K-State Research and Extension has resources to help!

View our food safety regulations and best practices document http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3138.pdf  or visit our user friendly website which will be updated each year https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/farmers-market-app/.

By: Ashley Svaty

Presto Digital Pressure Canner

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Many questions have been received about the Presto Digital Pressure Canner. Here is advice, shared with permission, from the University of Georgia National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Presto is a well-respected and conscientious name in the industry. The University of Georgia has not independently verified their marketing statements for you at this time. If someone wants to use this canner, they have to be willing to trust the manufacturer at this time.

Presto has carried out the research on their own to make the claim that the appliance meets USDA guidelines for processing, and so it is up to the company to stand behind it.  The type or extent of research Presto has done is not available.

It does seem like Presto is aware that they have to meet a minimum temperature inside the canner, not just a pressure, which is a positive indication.

The Presto instruction booklet does not contain at least two USDA low acid processes that have special canner and water level requirements in the canner different from other low acid canned foods in the USDA manual.  Therefore, follow the Presto instruction manual and not directions from other sources including the USDA book or the NCHFP if you are going to use it.  They do put full instructions for preparing and processing foods in their user manual, which is also a positive approach.

One can read through the online instruction manual to see how the canner operates and the features built into the appliance.

Other questions about their research will have to be directed to Presto at this time.

The National Center for Home Food Preservation does not recommend or approve any specific brand of canners.  The USDA also does not approve specific home appliances or canners.  If you have noticed the little USDA round seal on some of the Presto promotional materials, that symbol was developed by Presto and is not an official USDA seal. It does not indicate USDA approval. (Even official USDA symbols, which this is not, are not allowed to be used by anyone to imply or endorse a commercial product or service.)

Source: The National Center for Home Food Preservation, March 2021

By: Ashley Svaty

We’re Hiring a 4-H Program Coordinator

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

​We are taking applications for a full time 4-H Program Coordinator to be located in the Beloit and Lincoln, KS Offices. The motivated professional is responsible for coordinating and managing the comprehensive 4-H Youth Development program in the Post Rock District, with a focus on Mitchell County and Lincoln County. Visit www.postrock.ksu.edu for position description and application procedure. Position is open until filled. K-State Research and Extension Post Rock District is an equal opportunity provider and employer. A criminal background check is required.

By: Nora Rhoades

Make Time for a Financial Checkup

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Taking the time at least once a year to think about your financial and life goals, and how your actions are helping to make those come true, is important. If you know where you are regarding your financial health, you can then make a plan for where you want to be.

By doing nothing, you will never know if you are making progress toward your goals or if you are ever going to be able to retire. Establishing a baseline understanding of your financial health will help you identify areas of improvement and where action needs to occur.

A financial checkup once a year is usually enough, but you might need to have a checkup more than once a year when there has been a significant event in your life, such as a death, birth or marriage.

A financial check should look at two key areas: protection and investments.  Are you and your family protected in the case of an unforeseen emergency?  This can be through car and home insurance, life insurance, having a will or through establishing an emergency fund. These are all critical items that help ensure that you’ll be okay when ‘life happens.’

Are you setting aside money, whatever amount it might be, on a regular basis? Are you taking advantage of an employer’s retirement savings matching opportunities? If you changed jobs, do you know where your old retirement accounts are?

It is always important to have a good picture of what is going on in your financial life, regardless of your age.

By: Brenda Langdon

Walk Kansas 2021: Save the Date!

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

This year we are moving back the start date for Walk Kansas a bit and beginning our 8 week healthy living challenge on March 28th and will wrap up on May 22nd. Look for more information in our March Knowledge to Action newsletter and start gathering your motivating team members now! Before Walk Kansas begins, move your way and have fun exploring your local parks and trails.

By: Ashley Svaty

America Saves Week

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Since 2007 America Saves Week has been an annual celebration as well as a call to action for everyday Americans to commit to saving successfully.  It is a widely recognized national campaign to encourage communities to focus on their individual financial wellness.  America Saves Week 2021 is the week of February 22-26.  Each day has a daily theme. 

Save Automatically – The easiest way to save? Automatically!  It doesn’t matter how much or what your saving for, when you make the decision to have a portion of your income automatically deposited into a savings account you have increased your chance of success.

Save for the Unexpected – This past year has taught us that we have to be as prepared as possible for the unexpected. Having an emergency fund to support present unaccounted for needs, like a car breakdown, dental bill, or even a last minute fun treat should be a top priority.

Save to Retire – It’s never too soon to prepare for retirement. The earlier you start to prepare the easier it is to save.

Save by reducing debt – Actively reducing your debt means you’re saving on interest, avoiding late fees and maintaining or increasing your credit score.

Save as a family – It’s important to teach good money and savings habits at a young age.

By: Brenda Langdon