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Food Safety Webinars for Food Business

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety and lodging program will offer monthly online webinars on food safety issues. The free webinar series will cover a variety of food safety issues that are of interest to food business operators, managers and workers. Monthly online webinars will cover a variety of food safety issues that are of interest to food business operators, managers and workers.

Each 30-minute webinar will consist of a presentation by food safety and lodging inspectors from across the state, followed by an opportunity for participants to ask questions of the presenters and other KDA-FSL staff. There is no cost to participate, but you must register below to receive the login access information.

Webinars begin at 3:00 p.m. Central.

February 22    Choosing the Right Practice: Cooling and Reheating of Foods

March 29        Food Safety on the Go: Food Trucks, Trailers, Tents and Carts

April 26          Staying Ahead of the Game: What Food Service Managers Need to Know

May 24           Dealing With Pests in a Food Establishment

June 28          Limiting the Spread of Germs: How Employees Can Make a Difference 

By: Ashley Svaty

 

2021 New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

After health, Americans’ top resolutions in 2021 are self-improvement, money and family.

“Lack of self-control is the most reported reason for individuals not reaching their goal.  Here are some suggestions to increase the chance of success.

  • Reduce the goal to something that is manageable. As an example, if your goal is to do 100 push-ups a day – but you haven’t done push-ups for years – perhaps start by doing five push-ups each day.
    Implement a plan. Determine when progress toward the goal can be fit into your daily life. Exercise may be easier in the morning, or perhaps during a lunch break. Find a routine and stick with it.
  • Celebrate accomplishments. Take the time to recognize success or progress, and do something that makes you happy about what you’ve been doing.

Some of the most common or suggested resolutions are:

  • Review legal documents, such as the Power of Attorney for health care; a Living Will; and financial documents.
  • Get up-to-date on vaccinations, including a yearly flu shot.
  • Make an inventory of current medications. Get rid of old medications, including expired over-the-counter medications.
  • Try or learn something new. Technology is one option, and may allow older adults to spend more time with their children or grandchildren.
  • Get rid of clutter around the house. Reduce your possessions so that you’re not passing that chore on to the next generation. Removing clutter also reduces the risk of falls around the house.

Making goals throughout the year is a smart idea because we need to remind ourselves that we can’t accomplish everything immediately. Keeping something in mind, or working toward something, can be really valuable for you and your mental health and well-being. It gives you purpose and motivation to keep doing things.

By: Brenda Langdon

Caring for Valentine’s Day Flowers

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

If you are gifting or receiving Valentine’s flowers this year, follow these tips to keep them fresh:

  1. Keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with warm water. Add fresh, warm water daily. If possible, recut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife.
  2. Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72°F), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or near radiators.
  3. If a rose starts to wilt, remove it from the arrangement, and recut the stem under water. Submerge the entire rose in warm water. The rose should revive in one to two hours.

By: Cassie Homan

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

Celebrate Jeanne Bristol’s Retirement

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Jeanne Bristol is retiring from the Post Rock Extension District team after serving 20 years as the Office Professional in our Osborne Office. Jeanne has been a valuable asset to our team, exemplifying the mission of extension each and every day. Please help us celebrate her career with a card shower. While she will most certainly be missed, we wish her the best as she begins a new chapter!

By: Nora Rhoades