K-State Research and Extension - Health and Wellness

Workshops Planned to Help Communities Prepare for Agriculture-Affected Disasters

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

LIBERAL, Kan. -- K-State Research and Extension is teaming up with the Extension Disaster Education Network to host two Strengthening Community Agrosecurity Planning (S-CAP) workshops in Wichita, March 22-23 and Liberal, March 25-26 for individuals in Sedgwick, Seward and nearby counties.

WHOLE GRAIN BENEFITS...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Grain Nutrition Focus of First Centennial Lecture

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kansas State University’s Department of Grain Science and Industry will kick off its Centennial Celebration Lecture Series with a renowned expert in grain foods and nutrition on Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. in the Hale Library Hemisphere Room.

FIGHTING CANCER WITH A KNIFE AND FORK...

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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.

K-State Specialist Says Now Is Good Time to Test Homes, Businesses for Radon

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Mid-winter has settled over the nation’s heartland, and there’s no better time to test for radon in homes and businesses than right now, said Bruce Snead, Extension residential energy specialist with Kansas State University’s Engineering Extension Service.

THE BENEFITS OF WALK KANSAS...

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Dates for Walk Kansas 2010 Announced

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- With wintery weather still in the forecast, many in Kansas will be pleased to know that Walk Kansas 2010 is scheduled March 7-May 1.

Words are Important, So is Body Language

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- The choice of words is important to effective communication, but body language can send a message that is just as, if not more important, than the words themselves, said Charlotte Shoup Olsen, Kansas State University Research and Extension family systems specialist.

MAKING SMALL HEALTHY CHANGES...

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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.

DEALING WITH PAIN...

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Over 76-million Americans suffer from chronic pain. And out of all those millions, more than half are not receiving adequate treatment. The Pain and Policy Studies group puts together a regular report that ranks state policies that either encourage or detract from pain care. In its most recent report, the state of Kansas is one of five states that received an “A” for balanced pain policy. Experts say most people have no idea just how widespread and debilitating chronic pain can be.

Kansas Profile - Now That's Rural - Dan Abitz - ViroCon

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Let’s go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, to a high-tech laboratory facility which was commissioned by a company out in Kansas. What does “commissioned” mean? It’s not like paying for a painting. In this case, it is a process of testing and preparing the critical operating systems in a building to make sure they work properly. This remarkable Kansas company has made commissioning of key facilities one of its specialties. It’s today’s Kansas Profile.

STAYING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE THIS WINTER...

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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.

In New Year, Don't Let Relationships Gather Dust

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Holiday gatherings bring families together, and two Kansas State University specialists are encouraging families and friends to build on the spirit of the season in the new year.

Caregivers Need TLC

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- In 2009, 31.2 percent of American households queried included one caregiver, said Debra Sellers, Kansas State University Research and Extension specialist on adult development and aging.

Use Caution When Gauging Ice Thickness

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- With the recent extremely cold weather, ice has begun to form on Midwest lakes, ponds and even rivers and streams. Often that tempts people to use the surfaces as impromptu skating rinks.

In New Year, Aim to Improve Eating Habits, Family Meals

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

New Year's resolutions can fade quickly, yet taking stock of the family's eating habits and making even small changes in meals and snacks can improve one’s health, a Kansas State University nutrition specialist said.

Reducing Solvent Emissions is Topic of Jan. 20 Workshop in Olathe

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas State University Pollution Prevention Institute will host a free workshop Wednesday, Jan. 20 in Olathe, designed to help small businesses reduce solvent emissions. The workshop is planned from 7:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. at the Johnson County Sunset Drive Office Building at 11811 S. Sunset Dr. in Olathe.

Kansas Climatologist Reviews Winter Weather Terminology

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Like the terminology in many businesses, the words used among weather forecasters can be confusing. What is the difference between an ice storm warning and a winter weather warning? What triggers a blizzard warning?

Weather Wonders: Climatologist Explains Wind Chill Index

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – In the summer, forecasters and weather watchers refer to the heat index. But there is the other side to that in the wintertime. It’s what is known as the wind chill, according to Mary Knapp.

K-State 4-H specialist Carol Fink...

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

K-State 4-H specialist Carol Fink talks about helping youngsters maintain a healthy lifestyle through the holiday season.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HOLIDAY...

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As holiday parties and gatherings get into full swing, we’ll eventually come face-to-face with a variety of food that tastes great, but isn’t necessarily good for us. How we deal with all those tasty temptations will most likely determine whether we ring in the New Year having to lose a few pounds…or a few too many pounds. On today’s Sound Living: K-State Research and Extension nutrition and physical activity specialist Tanda Kidd discusses how managing stress, making good food choices, eating in moderation and being physically active are the keys to a healthy holiday.

Poor Bone Health

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Poor bone health is common and costly.

Bone Fractures

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Caring for bone fractures due to osteoporosis costs America $18 billion yearly.