K-State Research and Extension

Family and Consumer Sciences

Make our homes and families happier and healthier.

May 2017 Stories

• Grilling Tips: Safety first will help keep the fun in outdoor eating
  Meat thermometer is the best defense in keeping food safe

March 2017 Stories

• Aging With Attitude workshop scheduled for April 28
  Inspiration, health-care fraud prevention and pain management through exercise will be featured

February 2017 Stories

• Rural Americans at higher risk of death from five leading causes than urban dwellers
  Programs available locally to help prevent challenges such as heart disease and diabetes.

• Grab your shoes: Walk Kansas starts March 19
  More than 14,000 a year participate in accessible program.

November 2016 Stories

• Navigating the world of student loans
  Outstanding student loan debt was more than $800 billion in 2010, overtaking credit card and auto loan debt for the first time.

September 2016 Stories 

• Bite by tasty bite: New program aims to help cut diabetes risks 
  1 in every 10 adults in Kansas has been diagnosed with the disease that can lead to stroke, blindness and kidney failure. 

August 2016 Stories 

• Take the challenge: Plan ahead to keep food safe with Prepare Kansas starting Sept. 1
  K-State Research and Extension’s Prepare Kansas program runs through the month of September – this year focusing on food safety and it’s all on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KStateRE/
  

• Navigating landlord-tenant agreements
  Information to help in the quest for finding a home to rent, including phrases to watch for. 

July 2016 Stories

• Preserving fresh food? New resources available in English and Spanish
  K-State and MU collaborated on tips for preserving fresh food.

• Christmas in July: Start saving now so holidays don't take a bite out of your budget
  Advance planning and shopping can reduce stress when the holiday season starts.

June 2016 Stories

• Improving food access requires innovation
  Rural grocers and community partners find unique ways to provide for citizens.

• Across the globe, elder abuse is top-of-mind June 15
  A K-State aging specialist describes types and signs of abuse in older populations.

• New food label changes aim to better inform consumers
  Changes to the Nutrition Facts label will include more relevant information, such as calories per serving and added sugar.

May 2016 Stories

• Physical activity provides cognitive and emotional benefits in children
  As children wrap up another year of school, a K-State specialist shares tips on how to get them physically active over the summer, which is necessary for their full development.

• 'Positive Aging' event hosted in Wichita June 21
  The educational event is for older adults, their families and caregivers.

• K-State symposium to focus on food production, security in urban areas
  Conference is June 22-25 at the Olathe campus

April 2016 Stories

• Make way for spring cleaning
  A K-State specialist shares tips on how to successfully spring clean, which often starts in the kitchen.

• Stay Strong, Stay Healthy: K-State rolls out new program for Kansans
  The eight-week program for older adults is designed to boost health and quality of life.

March 2016 Stories

• ‘Active Aging Expo’ planned in Paola May 5
  The educational event is for older adults, their families and caregivers.
  

• What's happened during the past six years of the Affordable Care Act?

• A step further: First Walk Kansas 5K for the Fight set for May 7
  A 5K run/walk and 1.5-mile fun walk will benefit the Johnson Cancer Research Center at Kansas State University.

• Insuring against wildfires, earthquakes and other disasters
  Information to help protect your home and financial well-being

• Barbecue 101 workshops planned in four Kansas locations
  Grilling and smoking basics, plus the science of barbecuing will be covered.

• 'Full Circle...an Aging Expo' April 22 in WaKeeney
  The educational event is for seniors and their families, as well as professionals who work in the aging industry.

• 'Aging with Attitude' Regional Expo April 29 in Pittsburg
  The educational event is for seniors, their families and caregivers.

• Walk Kansas starts April 3
  New Walk Kansas 5K for the Fight is planned in Manhattan.

• Advance health care directives important to all adults
  A K-State adult development and aging expert explains the need to plan ahead for future health care needs.

• Kansas State University specialist is part of new regional center for food safety training
  K-State’s Nwadike will join Iowa State in business-focused effort

• Now you see them: Brown recluse spiders become active in March
  Kansas State University scientists have conducted a multi-year study.

• Walk Kansas lasts eight weeks, but benefits can go much longer
  This year's program runs April 3-May 28.

• Being mindful in eating habits can contribute to a healthier lifestyle
  A K-State Research and Extension specialist discusses the benefits of being attentive toward eating habits and learning to avoid negative messages.

February 2016 Stories

• Health insurance enrollment numbers higher overall in Kansas
  More consumers are enrolled in the Health Insurance Marketplace for 2016 compared to previous years.

• Small savings can yield big results
  The 10th annual America Saves Week will take place Feb. 22-27.

• Part 1: Should I go gluten free?
  Gluten-free diets can be helpful but must be managed properly to be healthy.

• High-tech toys could stagnate babies’ communication skills
  A child’s verbal development relies on interaction among peers and adults.

January 2016 Stories

• Convenience for families: Experts share healthy slow-cooker tips
  Slow-cooker meals are perfect for the cold winter months.

• Put your game face on
  Board games can help connect family and friends in ways that video games can't.

• Build a radon-resistant new home
  January 2016 is National Radon Action Month

• Season of giving extends past the holidays: Food donations needed year-round
  Give the gift of health by providing nutrient-rich, non-perishable foods to people in need.
  

• Radon professionals in Kansas are trained, certified
  January 2016 is National Radon Action Month
  

• Understanding Alzheimer’s disease
  A K-State aging expert discusses 10 early signs and symptoms.

• Testing your home for radon
  January 2016 is National Radon Action Month
  

• Health risks due to radon exposure are preventable
  January is National Radon Action Month
  

December 2015 Stories

• Still time to enroll in health insurance for 2016
  Marketplace open enrollment closes Jan. 31.

• Free phone app can be as important as a winter survival kit for travelers
  App can locate car, contact 911, and alert family and friends

• Let's get tappin'
  Tap to Togetherness focuses on positive family development with tap dance instruction.

• Holiday time means cookie time
  Expert tips on safely preparing, baking and storing treats for the holidays

• From gifts to food: Shop for the holidays without blowing your budget
  Make that holiday shopping list, and check, check, check it again.
  

November 2015 Stories

• Holiday foods: Tips on storage and shelf life

• Holiday foods: Homemade and mail order gifts are welcome
  A Kansas State University food safety specialist provides tips.

• Holiday foods: Heeding the labels on food gifts
  A Kansas State University food safety specialist provides tips.
  

• Filling the gaps for our service members
  This Veteran’s Day, thank a veteran and understand ways to assist them and current active military families.
  

October 2015 Stories

• K-State expert joins statewide team to understand and prevent adverse childhood experiences
  Research shows that negative experiences children face influence their health and well-being later in life.

• Are all yogurts created equal? Not exactly, a nutritionist says

• Ground meat safety from pasture to plate
  Safety protocols in place during processing and tips for ground meat safety in the home.

• Plan now for health insurance open enrollment
  Marketplace open enrollment for 2016 begins Nov. 1.
  

September 2015 Stories

• Energy Savings Through the Seasons
  Tips for cutting cooling costs in the summer months are similar to those for winter heating savings.

August 2015 Stories

• Helping Children Cope After a Disaster
  A new publication provides adults information on how to assist the youngest among us following a natural disaster.
  

• Prevent Falls Among Seniors in Four Steps
  A K-State aging specialist speaks on the dangers of falling and how older adults can protect themselves.

• Extension Helps Create 'Strong People'
  Many extension community programs, including one provided by the Central Kansas District, help strengthen individuals physically and mentally.

June 2015 Stories

• Keep Your Barbecue Safe for Everyone to Enjoy
  Food safety means looking past the end result and taking precautions as you prepare your favorite grilled foods.

• Supreme Court Health Care Subsidies Decision: What Kansans Should Know

• Health Insurance Options Outside Open Enrollment
  When the marketplace is closed, people might want to know the health insurance options available now.

May 2015 Stories

• Farmers Market Resource Available
  Publication Designed to Help New and Veteran Kansas Vendors
  
  
• Stretching Dollars at the Meat Counter
  K-State Specialist Discusses Flavorful, but Less Expensive Cuts
  
  
• After a Flood, Think Food Safety
  A new publication provides information consumers should consider after a flood has affected their homes or businesses.
  
  
• Plan for a Safe Canning Season
  Prevent food safety issues using proper food preservation procedures.
  

April 2015 Stories

• Behind the Words: What Meat Labels Mean
  Consumers should understand marketing claims on meat products to make informed purchasing decisions.
  

• Breastfeeding is Best, but what if Breast Milk is Limited or Unavailable?
  K-State specialists warn against buying breast milk online from unknown sources.

• Understanding Adolescent Health Needs
  Research at Kansas State University examined the health risks pre-teens, teens and young adults experience in Kansas to determine opportunities to improve adolescent health.