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Category: May 2022

Sun Safety

Posted on by djbechard

Sunscreen is an important part of sun safety but sunscreen alone isn’t enough to keep you safe from the sun. When used as directed, sunscreen is proven to decrease your risk of skin cancer and help prevent premature skin aging. Wearing sun protective clothing and sunglasses will also increase your protection from the sun. Use the following tips this summer (and year-round) to protect yourself from the sun.

  • Look for Broad spectrum: This sunblock Protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Use SPF 30 or higher: Necessary for extended outdoor activities, including distance running, hiking, swimming and outdoor sports. SPF 30 is a must if you work outdoors.
  • Use water resistant and very water-resistant Sunscreens: Sunscreens labeled water resistant are tested to be effective for up to 40 minutes of swimming, while very water-resistant sunscreens stay effective for up to 80 minutes in the water.
  • Wear dark colors: Dark or bright colors keep UV rays from reaching your skin by absorbing them rather than allowing them to penetrate.
  • Choose loose clothes: Tight clothing can stretch and reduce the level of protection offered.
  • Look for a UPF label: Some clothing makers provide UPF labels, which indicate exactly how much of the sun’s rays the garment can shield.
  • Cover up: The more skin your outfit covers, the better your protection. Choose long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts.
  • Wear sunglasses year-round: Sun damage to the eyes can occur any time of year. Adults and kids should wear sunglasses year-round and choose shades that block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB light.
  • Wear a hat: Choose a hat with at least a three-inch brim and tightly woven fabric (no holes) to protect your face and the top of your head.
  • Be aware of clouds: The sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds, so eye protection is important even when there is cloud cover.
  • Take care near water, snow and sand: 80 percent or more of the sun’s rays reflect off of these surfaces, so that they hit your eyes and skin a second time.
  • Seek shade: Whenever possible, especially during times when the sun is most intense (typically 10 AM – 4 PM).

Source: skincancer.org

By: Ashley Svaty

Simpler Living

Posted on by djbechard

The recent increases in prices for many Americans’ everyday expenses may motivate a return to simpler living. All of us have fixed monthly costs such as housing and variable costs such as food and fuel.  The variable costs are the ones in the short run that we can modify.

Here are some ideas for decreasing costs:

  • Buy products in bulk – especially non-perishable items.
  • Use only as much laundry detergent as required for a load.
  • Seek lower-cost substitutes for products you are already buying.
  • Do it yourself – save costs by taking on home projects yourself.
  • Cook more from scratch.
  • Plant a garden, which can be an opportunity to increase your access to fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits.
  • Avoid impulse buying by having a list at the grocery store. Your budget may not have much flexibility for impulse purchases. Focus on what your needs are.

Save on gas by planning ahead to run several errands on the same trip.

By: Brenda Langdon

Don’t Miss Out On Your Simply Produce Basket!

Posted on by djbechard

If you have not ordered a Simply Produce basket from either Gene’s in Smith Center, Girard’s in Osborne, or Kier’s in Mankato, now is your chance! We will take a break after each location’s June distribution so be sure you order your fresh produce basket for $15.00 before it’s too late! Each location’s ordering and distribution details can be found on our website under “Events” https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/. You can also call our Lincoln office at (785) 524-4432 for details.

By: Ashley Svaty

The Affordable Connectivity Program

Posted on by djbechard

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a discount up to:

  • $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households
  • $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands

Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. To qualify for this one-time discount, households must contribute more than $10 and less than $50 towards the purchase price.

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if a member of the household participates in one of these assistance programs:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
  • Lifeline

Go to Affordable Connectivity Program | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov) to learn more and apply.

By: Brenda Langdon

Reducing Your Grocery Bill

Posted on by djbechard

We’ve all noticed that prices at the grocery store have been going up, but there are things that we can do to help reduce our costs. Below are tips to help you and your family continue to eat healthfully while not bursting your grocery budget.

  • Only purchase what you need. Oftentimes, the “wants” add unnecessary costs to your cart.
  • Shop store brands when possible. You may find your family will not even notice any difference. Brand name foods are often selected because of advertising or packaging.
  • Check unit pricing. The larger quantity size may not be a bargain. Check the unit pricing located on the tag on the shelf.
  • Watch for sales on fresh, canned, or frozen fruits and vegetables and purchase those.
  • Properly store fruits and vegetables. Make the most of what you buy and use it in a timely manner. See our guide Safe Food Storage: The Refrigerator and Freezerand Safe Food Storage: The Cupboard for more information.
  • Use ripe fruit in other ways such as a smoothie, quick bread, cobblers or crisps. This helps reduce food waste.

By: Ashley Svaty