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Category: February 2022

Carbon Monoxide

Posted on by djbechard

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal when breathed. It is produced when combustion equipment is not working properly. Sources include unvented fossil-fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, blocked chimneys or flues, gas dryer vented into the room, cars or other engines left running in garages, and cracked combustion chamber in the furnace.

It is sometimes difficult to determine if a person is experiencing carbon monoxide symptoms or if they are experiencing symptoms of the flu, food poisoning, or allergies.  Low levels of carbon monoxide can cause nausea, dizziness, weakness and muscle aches. Higher doses can impair judgement, cause paralysis or coma, and death.

 

Carbon monoxide alarms alert you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. It is important to choose and place an alarm wisely and maintain it to assure accurate sensing of carbon monoxide. Experts recommend having your combustion heating systems inspected by a trained professional every year.

By: Brenda Langdon

Free Self-Management Workshop: Living with Chronic Conditions

Posted on by djbechard

If you are living with an ongoing health condition (such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, or depression) or you are a caregiver of someone who is, this is for you!

 

Free workshop series led by trained leaders to help you:

  • Learn decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • Communicate effectively with family, friends and health professionals
  • Manage fatigue
  • Learn new ways to eat healthy
  • Control pain
  • Increase physical activity
  • Set and accomplish goals
  • Deal with anger, depression, and difficult emotions
  • Better manage your health

 

Dates: Tuesday evenings March 1-April 15th (skipping March 22)

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Sylvan Grove Public Library, 122 S. Main St., Sylvan Grove, KS

Registration: Call (785) 524-4432 by February 22 or email Ashley Svaty at asvaty@ksu.edu

By: Ashley Svaty

Importance of Soil Testing

Posted on by djbechard

Most gardeners think that soil tests are done only to find out what nutrients are deficient. However, it is just as important to know if you have adequate levels of nutrients so you don’t add unneeded fertilizer. The most basic soil test checks pH and the levels of phosphorus and potassium. Most of the lawn and garden soil tests that come out of our soil-testing lab show more than adequate levels of both phosphorus and potassium. If those nutrients are not needed, applying them is a waste of money and can be a source of pollution. In extreme cases, excess phosphorus can interfere with the uptake of micronutrients. So, if you haven’t taken a soil test in several years, take one this spring.

Begin by taking a representative sample from a number of locations in the garden or lawn that goes from the surface to 6 to 8 inches deep. Mix the samples together in a clean container and select about 1 pint of soil.

Take the soil to your local K-State Research and Extension office to have tests done at the K-State soil-testing laboratory for a small fee. A soil test determines fertility problems, not other conditions that may exist such as poor drainage, poor soil structure, soil borne diseases or insects, chemical contaminants or damage, or shade with root competition from other plants. All of these conditions may reduce plant performance but cannot be evaluated by a soil test.

 

Soil Testing Information: https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/soiltesting/index.html

By: Cassie Homan

Now Hiring – Lincoln Office Professional

Posted on by djbechard
Post Rock District is taking applications for a full-time Office Professional to be located in the Lincoln, KS Office. The office professional provides general administrative support to the local K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) educational program. 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.