Kids need at least 1 hour of physical activity a day, and adults should strive for 150 minutes of physical activity each week. All sorts of activities count, and you’ll find that time will fly when you choose activities that you and your family enjoy. If your family enjoys swimming, hiking, or playing basketball spend time as a family getting active those ways. If your family prefers walking, soccer, or tennis chose those activities. Remember that your kids look up to you as a role model, so if you’re active they’re more likely to be active too.
Category: 2022
Reporting Medicare Fraud
If you think there is something wrong with a bill for a Medicare service call your doctor, provider or the facility first to check if there was an error. You may want to speak to the billing department as well.
If you are still concerned and have Original Medicare, you can contact the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). The MAC is the company that processed your Medicare claim, and their information can be found on your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). Alternatively, you can call 1-800-633-4227.
If you are still concerned and have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact your plan directly. Your plan’s phone number should be listed on the back of your benefit card and on your Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
To report fraud, contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227, the Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center 877-808-2468, or the Inspector Generals fraud hotline at 1-800-447-8477. Medicare will not use your name while investigating if you do not want them to.
By: Brenda Langdon
When to Pick a Watermelon
Have you ever struggled to tell if your watermelons were sweet and ripe? Watch this video for more tips on when to pick a watermelon
By: Cassie Homan
How to Pick a Ripe Melon
Telling when a melon is ready to be harvested can be a challenge, or it may be quite easy. It all depends on the type of melon. Let’s start with the easy one. Muskmelons are one of those crops that tell you when they are ready to be picked. This can help you not only harvest melons at the correct time but also choose good melons when shopping.
As a melon ripens, a layer of cells around the stem softens so the melon detaches easily from the vine. This is called “slipping” and will leave a dish shaped scar at the point of stem attachment. When harvesting melons, put a little pressure where the vine attaches to the fruit. If ripe, it will release or “slip.”
When choosing a melon from those that have already been harvested, look for a clean, dish shaped scar. Also, ripe melons have a pleasant, musky aroma if the melons are at room temperature (not refrigerated).
Watermelons can be more difficult and growers often use several techniques to tell when to harvest.
- Look for the tendril that attaches at the same point as the melon to dry
and turn brown. With some varieties this tendril will need to be completely dried before the watermelon is ripe whereas others it will only need to be in the process of turning brown. - The surface of a ripening melon develops a surface roughness (sometimes called “sugar bumps”) near the base of the fruit.
- Ripe watermelons normally develop a yellow color on the “ground spot” when ripe. This is the area of the melon that contacts the ground.
By: Cassie Homan
Scammers and Cybercrime
Cyber scammers attack email, phone and social media. Most cybercrimes involve identity theft. Criminals steal personal information to hack various accounts and access funds. Awareness is your best defense against scammers and hackers who want to steal your information. Here are some common scams.
- Phishing – Scammers impersonate legitimate entities using malicious
emails and texts to trick you into giving them your information. - Form jacking – Cyber scammers hack a legitimate website to steal user information. Each time a customer fills out a form, a duplicate of the entered information is sent to the scammer.
- False Quizzes – Surveys and quizzes are used to access personal data. Launching a quiz app may give permission to pull information from your social media profile or phone, giving hackers an opening to steal your identity.
- Public Wi-Fi – Using public Wi-Fi puts you at risk for having information stolen. Avoid storing sensitive information on your phone and never share personal information over public Wi-Fi.
By: Brenda Langdon
Let’s Fire Up The Grill!
July is grilling month! Many people are capitalizing on the warm weather to fire up their grills to spend family time outdoors. Before you grill, take a look at the steps below to ensure your family’s grilling will lead to a happy and nutritious experience!
- Always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before handling food.
- Keep separate utensils, cutting boards, knives, etc. for raw meats and ready to eat foods such as vegetables and fruits that you will not cook.
- Never serve grilled food on the same unwashed platter that held raw meat. If you want to use the same platter, wash the platter thoroughly with soap and water before reusing.
- Never thaw meat at room temperature. Visit “The Big Thaw” for safe defrosting methods.
- Always use a food thermometer to ensure food has reached a safe internal temperature. Cook poultry (whole or ground) to 165 F. Cook beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops and roasts to 145 F. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming. Cook ground beef, pork, lamb and veal to 160 F. Cook fish to 145 F.
- Don’t forget that vegetables are delicious grilled! Large vegetables such as corn on the cob can be placed directly on the grill. Wrap chopped vegetables such as squash and onions, asparagus, and potatoes in aluminum foil before grilling.
See You at the County Fair!
We look forward to seeing you at your local county fair! Individuals of all ages are encouraged to exhibit an item, creation, and/or skill in Open Class. The fair is a great place to see local talent on display, receive feedback to improve your skill, and to enjoy entertainment with your friends and family. Contact your local Post Rock District Office for the complete fair schedules and exhibiting guidelines. You can also visit www.postrock.k-state.edu.
Post Rock District Fair Dates
Jewell County (Mankato): July 7-10
Smith County (Smith Center): July 14-18
Lincoln County (Sylvan Grove): July 20-23
Mitchell County (Beloit): July 20-23
Osborne County (Osborne): July 27-30
