Health experts agree grains should be part of every diet…and it’s important that at least half our grains be whole grains. But what is a whole grain? And, why are they so good for us? On today’s Sound Living: understanding the benefits of whole grains.

There’s nothing that can prevent cancer, but there are some lifestyle changes we can make that will reduce the risk of cancer. Avoiding the use of tobacco is the best way to prevent cancer. K-State Research and Extension human nutrition specialist Mary Meck Higgins says you should also get recommended cancer screening tests, be physically active for 30 or more minutes on most days of the week, follow certain dietary practices that can help prevent cancer and stay at a healthy body weight. On today’s Sound Living: fighting cancer with your knife and fork: diet and cancer.

More than half the people living in Kansas do not reach the minimum goal for physical activity…2-and-a-half hours a week. In addition, only 19% eat enough fruits and vegetables each day, and chronic disease is responsible for more than 70% of health care costs in Kansas. Walk Kansas is a team-based program that helps people lead a healthier life by being more physically active, making better nutrition choices, and learning positive ways to deal with stress. The program has provided the motivation many people needed to start living a healthier lifestyle. Walk Kansas begins in March, but now is the time to start forming teams. On today’s Sound Living: the benefits of participating in Walk Kansas.

After suffering through a very cold December and a bitterly cold start to January, many homeowners are reminded that their homes could be more energy-efficient. In Kansas, the Weatherization Assistance Program and the new Efficiency Kansas Loan Program may provide help for many homeowners. On today’s Sound Living: information on how these two programs can assist Kansans in making their homes more energy-efficient.

The beginning of a new year is typically filled with resolutions to lose weight, eat better or get more exercise. But, we should also be making a resolution to get financially fit. On today’s Sound Living: K-State Research and Extension financial management specialist Carol Young has advice for getting the most out of our paychecks.

Most New Year’s resolutions involve making some type of healthy eating change or increasing physical activity. However, we often set goals that are unattainable. On today’s Sound Living: understanding that achieving a healthy lifestyle includes making lots of small changes over a long period.

The fact that winter is here shouldn’t keep us from getting exercise. A K-State Research and Extension exercise scientist says there’s a variety of ways to be physically active when it’s cold…without joining a fitness club or being trapped indoors for the next few months. On this week’s Sound Living: exercising your mind and body in cold weather.

If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution, K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist Sandy Procter suggests setting a goal to have more family meals. Research shows eating family meals has developmental, nutritional, social and financial benefits. On today’s Sound Living: improving our nutritional intake by eating at home more often.

The four biggest holidays for candy sales are Halloween…which probably comes as no surprise…followed by Easter, Christmas and Valentine’s. Not only do we buy a lot of candy this time of year, we also make a lot of candy. And, just like anything that involves several ingredients and varying degrees of heat, there are a few tricks for making the perfect fudge, brittle, toffee or candy canes. On today’s Sound Living: tips to help you make homemade candy everyone will love.

If you’re like most, your calorie intake increases with each passing day during the holidays. But, K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist Mary Meck Higgins says we can reduce the calories and fat in our diet by making some modifications to our holiday recipes and the way we prepare food. On today’s Sound Living: healthy holiday cooking.