Living Well Wednesday is a virtual learning series hosted by K-State Research and Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) professionals from across the state of Kansas. The Fall 2023 series kicks off in October and we invite you to join us!
Webinars will be offered the first Wednesday of each month, from 12:10-1 pm. There is no charge to participate, however, registration is required. All webinars will be recorded and posted below along with supporting resources.
Register for all webinars in this series here:
Registration Link
2023 Fall Webinar Series (October – December)
October 4: “It’s not so Kool to JUUL”
Presenter:
Donna Gerstner, LiveWell Finney County CDRR Grant Coordinator and the E- Cig Prevention Grant Coordinator
Vaping is the new epidemic among youth. Twenty-five percent (25%) of Kansas High School students currently vape or have vaped. What do we know about Vaping? We’ll also cover what vaping looks like, who is behind this epidemic, and why. How can we help educate the public and youth? We have learned many things about vaping in the past few years -- it causes depression, is very addictive, and hard to quit. Kansas has several programs that are available to help combat this vaping problem among our youth. These topics will be discussed as well as the work going on in prevention.
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November 1: “Teen Stress and Anxiety: How Worried Do Parents Need to Be?”
Presenters:
Christine D. Perez, EdS, LCPC; Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Director of Crisis Services @ Crawford County Mental Health Center
Erin Tynon, M.S; Family Consumer Science Agent, Pottawatomie County
This program will examine the current state of teen mental health and decipher for parents what is normal teen stress versus when professional help maybe needed. Parents want to say the right thing when their child talks about their stresses, but sometimes it is hard to find the words. This will give parents scripts and strategies to talk about these tricky topics. Christy Perez, a licensed clinical counselor, will be available to answer any of those hard questions parents may have.
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December 6: “Rapid Development of Baby Brains and Why it Matters”
Offered in Spanish on Thursday, December 7 at 11 a.m.
(Please check back for a registration link to this offering in Spanish)
Presenters:
Dr. Bradford Wiles, Kansas State University Child Development Specialist
Monique Koerner, Community Wellness Extension Agent, Cottonwood District
Tristen Cope, Family and Youth Development Agent, Chisholm Trail District
Presenter for Spanish: Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, Family Life & Resource Management Agent, Sedgwick County
This session will describe the importance of early experiences for babies because of their rapid brain development. Discuss the effects of stress and trauma on brain development and actions that provide protective factors for healthy brain development in babies.
2023 Webinar Series (January – March)
January 11: A Brief Review of Radon Indoor Gas
Presenter: Brian Hanson, K-State Radon Programs Coordinator
Have you tested your home for radon gas exposure in the last 5 years? Brian Hanson explains what radon gas is; health effects associated with chronic exposure to indoor radon; why homes have radon issues; how to measure your home for radon; and what can be done to reduce elevated levels of radon in homes.
January – March is the ideal time for those living in Kansas to test for radon. Reliable do-it-yourself test kits are available from your local Extension Office. https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html
Link to webinar recording:
Presentation: A Brief Overview of Indoor Radon Gas
Additional Resources:
Kansas Radon Program:
https://kansasradonprogram.org/home
800.693.5343
Links to radon news stories:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKlRZ452S7M
https://www.wibw.com/video/2023/01/03/radon-could-put-you-risk-heres-how-know-if-its-your-home/
Link to evaluation survey:
January 25: Legal Documents You Need
Presenter: Dominic Cavicchia, Staff Attorney, Kansas Legal Services
Link to the webinar recording:
"Estate Planning Essentials: A Matter of Life and Death" - As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "nothing is certain except death and taxes." While no one really enjoys thinking too much about either of these unavoidable certainties, good Estate Planning now can ease the future burden of loved ones facing tough end-of-life and post-mortem decisions.
In this presentation, Kansas Legal Services Staff Attorney - Dom D. Cavicchia, will explain the essential documents everyone should have, including: Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, and Living Will.
Link to evaluation survey:
February 8: Fighting Back Against the Silent Killer
Sara Sawer, Nutrition, Health & Wellness Agent - Sedgwick County; Stephanie Gutierrez, Extension Program Coordinator – KSU
Hypertension (otherwise known as High Blood Pressure) is often called the silent killer because while there may not be any obvious symptoms, it can cause major damage to your blood vessels and lead to serious health conditions or even death. You can reclaim your health by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and making changes that matter. Join us to learn how you can begin your heart-healthy journey today!
Link to Webinar recording:
Presentation: Fighting Back Against The Silent Killer
Handout: Consequences of High Blood Pressure
Handout: AHA Blood Pressure Log
Handout: How Excess Sodium Affects Your Health
Handout: Seasoning with Herbs and Spices
Video link: Learn key steps to taking your blood pressure accurately
calmpak, to promote better sleep, health, focus + performance
Link to evaluation survey:
February 22: Declutter Your Mind: Tools to Tame Your Anxiety and Overthinking
Rachael Clews, Family and Consumer Sciences Regional Specialist – Southwest
Jennifer LaSalle, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent -- West Plains District
Do your thoughts keep you up at night? Do you imagine worst-case scenarios or routinely second-guess your decisions? These are things you might experience when you overthink. Learn some tools to declutter your mind and tame your anxiety and overthinking.
Link to the Webinar recording:
Presentation: Declutter Your Mind: Tools to Tame Your Anxiety and Overthinking
Everyday Mindfulness Fact Sheet
Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas Map with contact information
Link to evaluation survey: https://bit.ly/3IJEzQD
March 8: Stretching Your Food Budget
Julie Smith, Family Resource Management & Entrepreneurship Agent, Wildcat District; Cassidy Lutz, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Southwind
Rising costs at the grocery store affect all of us. Join us as we discover ways of stretching those dollars...from reducing food waste to bargain shopping.
Link to the Webinar recording:
Presentation: Stretching Your Food Budget
Handouts:
FoodKeeper App for food/beverage storage
Meal planning tips and healthy recipes
Link to evaluation survey:
March 22: Nutrition and Skills to Get You Started on Family Meals
Monique Koerner, Family and Community Wellness Agent, Cottonwood District; Tristen Cope, Family & Youth Development Agent, Chisholm Trail District
Link to the Webinar recording:
Presentation Family Meals - Nutrition and Skills to Get You Started
Additional Resources:
Link to evaluation survey:
2022 Webinar Series (September – December)
December 14, 2022: “Healthy and Prepared for the Holidays”
▪ Join us for tips on how to keep your menu simple and fun during this busy holiday season. The presenters will share how to prepare meals ahead of time, healthy modifications to recipes, and how to repurpose leftovers.
▪ Presenters: Christina Holmes, Extension Specialist; Ashley Svaty, Extension Specialist; and Melinda Daily, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent.
Link to the Webinar recording in English:
Link to the Webinar recording in Spanish:
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November 30, 2022: “Coping with Loss and Loneliness During the Holidays”
Link to the Webinar recording in English:
“Lidiando Con Perdida y Soledad Durante Las Vacaciones”
Link to the Webinar recording in Spanish:
▪ The holiday season is a joyous time for many, but not for everyone. The presenter shares “you have permission to feel how you feel” and more in this helpful webinar.
▪ Webinar presenter: Melissa Atchison, Pastor, Manhattan Mennonite Church (English); Milka Janet Cartagena Ortiz, Directora de Recursos, Humanos enla Camara de Representantes de Puerto Rico (Spanish)
Handouts | Presentation | Additional Resources
https://kdads.ks.gov/kdads-commissions/behavioral-health/community-mental-health-centers
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▪ Please complete the following survey upon viewing the “Coping with Loss and Loneliness During the Holidays” recording above.
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November 9, 2022: “Simplify Your Holiday – Focusing on What Matters”
Link to the Webinar recording:
▪ As the holiday season nears, are you looking forward to it or do you dread the time, money and energy involved? Understand what makes the holiday special for you, then plan to celebrate according to your holiday values. View the webinar for more ways to focus on what matters.
▪ Webinar presenters: Dr. Elizabeth Kiss, Professor and Extension Specialist; Joy Miller, Johnson County Extension Agent.
▪ Please complete the following survey upon viewing the “Simplify Your Holiday” recording above.Presentation
Handouts | Presentation | Additional Resources |
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October 26: “Survive, Strive and Thrive!”¡Sobrevive, Lucha Y Prospera
▪ This session will help parents gain confidence in their ability to be a good parent and to gain the skills and attitudes necessary for rearing healthy, positive children (ages 3-16). Link to registration: https://bit.ly/KSRE-Programas
▪ Webinar presenter: Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, Extension Home and Family Agent, Sedgwick County.
¡Sobrevive, Lucha Y Prospera!: Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena hablará de métodos para ayudar a los padres a ganar confianza en su capacidad para ser buenos padres. Padres aprenderán las habilidades y actitudes necesarias para criar niños sanos y positivos.
Registro para el enlace del programa: https://bit.ly/KSRE-Programas
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October 12: “Chronic Illness – Prevention and Management”
▪ What are the leading causes of chronic illnesses for the Latino population? This session will discuss these issues and offer strategies and lifestyle changes that can help reduce or prevent chronic illnesses. Link to registration: https://bit.ly/KSRE-Programas
▪ Guest presenters: Isla Alvarez and Crystal Rodriguez, Public Health Educators through the Community Health Workers program at eh Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
Enfermedades Crónicas: Dos educadores de salud pública de Departamento de Salud y Medio Ambiente del Estado de Kansas (KDHE)
hablaran sobre la prevención y el manejo de enfermedades crónicas. Obtenga más información sobre las principales causas de enfermedades crónicas para nuestra población Hispana. Aprenda estrategias y esfuerzos que pueda hacer para reducir y prevenir las enfermedades crónicas para mejorar su salud. Registro para el enlace del programa: https://bit.ly/KSRE-Programas
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September 28: “Connecting Cultures” Conectando Culturas
▪ During this webinar, the presenter will explore ways to help you keep your cultural roots alive as you start a new beginning in a new country. Link to registration: https://bit.ly/KSRE-Programas
▪ Webinar presenter: Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, Extension Home and Family Agent, Sedgwick County.
Conectando Culturas: Únase a este programa virtual donde exploramos métodos para mantener vivas nuestras propias culturas y tradiciones mientras comienzamos un nuevo capitulo en un nuevo país. Registro para el enlace del programa: https://bit.ly/KSRE-Programas
2022 Webinar Series (January - March)
January 12, 2022: "Parents Guide to Social Media"
Note: Due to the content discussed this webinar is intended for an adult audience.
Do you know what phone apps are the most popular in the United States? Join John Calvert, Director of Safe and Secure Schools Unit as he teaches us about what apps to be aware of on our child's phone.
Please complete the following survey upon viewing the "Parents Guide to Social Media" recording above.
Handouts | Presentation | Additional Resources |
January 26, 2022: "Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude"
Was your New Year's Resolution to become more positive? Do you wnt to enhance your personal and professional life? Join us to learn how to change your attitude into a grateful one. You will learn the art of practicing gratitude, the benefits of practicing gratitude, and the impact it has on our lives.
Webinar presenters: Jennifer LaSalle, County Extension Agent, West Plains District; Mirna Bonilla, Nutrition and Health Agent, Chisholm Trail District; and Gayle Price, Extension Specialist, Southeast Region.
- Please complete the following survey upon viewing the "Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude" recording above.
Handout | Presentation | Additional Resources |
February 23, 2022: "The MIND Diet and Walk Kansas 2022"
- Learn the benefits of the MIND Diet and hear first-hand the updates for the health and wellness program Walk Kansas 2022.
- Guest Presenters: Lori Wuellner, Extension Agent, Wyandotte County and Sharolyn Jackson, Extension Specialist, Northeast Region
- Please complete the following survey upon viewing "The MIND Diet and Walk Kansas 2022" recording above
Handouts | Presentation | Additional Resources |
March 9, 2022: "Preparing Your Finances for Times of Disaster"
- If you think your household finances are not vulnerable to disaster, think again. Just one flood, fire, earthquake, or tornado can wipeout a lifetime of savings. Learn steps you can take to help protect your family and business finances from unexpected events of nature.
- Guest Presenters: Debra Wood, Extension Agent, Central Kansas Extension District and Joy Miller, Extension Agent, Southwind Extension District
Handouts | Presentation | Additional Resources
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March 23, 2022: "Consumers Beware: Avoiding Identity Theft & Scams"
- Today’s technology leaves the door open for intrusions from the ever-crafty marketers and even criminals. This program will cover some of the common approaches to the invasions of our personal privacy. Tools and information will be shared to help prevent these types of activity from happening to you.
- Presenters: Barbara Stockebrand, Extension Agent, Southwind District and Janae McNally, Extension Agent, Frontier District
Handouts | Presentation | Additional Resources
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Holiday Series 2021
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