A Seasonal Change to Eating Habits
Sound Living
With an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables now available, it’s the perfect time to add something we rarely get enough of in our daily diet. We can also fight the summer heat by using alternative methods to prepare meals and reduce the heat in the kitchen. And, we can combat the boredom that’s setting in for kids by getting them involved in preparing healthy meals and snacks. K-State Research and Extension northwest region family and consumer sciences specialist, Ashley Svaty, (swat-ee) says if families use summer as an opportunity to change their normal eating patterns, that healthy...
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Bolstering Local Food Systems
Sound Living
More people are investing time, energy and resources into expanding local food systems and supporting local food system growth. The Kansas Local Food Summit, July 29th and 30th in Salina, provides an opportunity to learn about bolstering local food systems through workshops, tours and presentations. Kansas State Local Food System program coordinator, Amanda Lindahl, says the summit covers a wide range of food system interests, including food access, food waste and recovery, farm to school, incubator kitchens, farmers markets, rural grocery and community engagement. Sound Living is a weekly...
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The Importance of Neighborhood Parks
Sound Living
Neighborhood parks are more than a place for kids to play. They provide kids and adults a place to make new friends, appreciate nature and be physically active. A K-State Research and Extension family and child development agent in the Wildcat District is involved with a project to renovate two Kiwanis pocket parks in Pittsburg. Michelle Broxterman says the goal is to encourage intergenerational play and build relationships among neighbors. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares...
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HELPING OLDER ADULTS STAY STRONG AND HEALTHY
Sound Living
The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program offered by K-State Research and Extension is designed to improve health and quality of life for older adults. The hour-long sessions meet twice each week and over the course of eight weeks, participants learn exercises to improve their strength and balance. Northeast area family and consumer sciences specialist, Sharolyn Jackson, and Northwest area family and consumer sciences specialist, Ashley Svaty (swat-ee), discuss the program and how it provides participants with the knowledge, confidence and desire to continue the exercises on their own or as...
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Avoiding Boredom and Keeping Kids Engaged
Sound Living
When summer boredom sets in and kids start getting restless, it’s time to find something new for them to do or try. K-State Research and Extension has a series of publications, Suddenly in Charge, that family and consumer sciences agents created as a resource to help parents and caregivers. The series includes 11 publications. Tristen Cope, family and consumer sciences agent for the Chisholm Trail District, discusses the publications and activities to keep kids engaged this summer, such as backyard camping, DIY sidewalk chalk and making healthy summertime drinks and snacks. Sound Living is...
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The Connection Between Diet and Mental Health
Sound Living
You’ve probably heard the phrase ’you are what you eat’ and according to K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness specialist Priscilla Brenes (bren-us) says there i’s a connection between diet and mental health. She also says there are specific nutrients that relate to mental well-being. Brenes discusses two diets, the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet, which can help prevent mental health issues. She also explains the importance of good gut health and why the gut is often referred to as our second brain. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program...
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Expanding Maternal Education and Support
Sound Living
According to the 2024 March of Dimes Report Card, the preterm birth rate in Kansas was 10.5% in 2023, slightly above the U.S. rate of 10.4%. The infant mortality rate was 5.8 per 1,000 live births, compared to the U.S. rate of 5.6. Both ratings put Kansas in the bottom half of U.S. states. K-State Research and Extension family and community wellness agent, Monique Koerner, (kerr-ner) has been offering two maternal health and wellness programs in Ellis County that provide prenatal education, support and guidance. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to...
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Making Ends Meet When Your Income Drops
Sound Living
A Kansas State University publication, When Your Income Drops: Making Ends Meet, discusses five “C’s” – Control, Claim, Communicate, Confer, and Change – that can help when income decreases, or becomes uncertain, but the bills remain the same. K-State professor and Extension family resource management specialist, Elizabeth Kiss, (kish) author of the updated publication, says making ends meet under those circumstances often requires many changes and adjustments and that reducing expenses can be a major change. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related...
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How to Protect Your Skin from Harmful Rays
Sound Living
While anyone can get skin cancer, some people should be extra careful. This includes those with fair skin, natural blond or red hair, freckles, those who spend a lot of time outdoors, have had multiple sunburns, and a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma. The American Cancer Society reports more than five million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States – that’s more than all other cancers combined – and it has been on the rise over the past few years. K-State Research and Extension’s northwest area family and consumer sciences specialist, Ashley Svaty,...
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Reducing Food Waste and Cutting Food Costs
Sound Living
According to a report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Estimating the Cost of Food Waste to American Consumers, over one-third of food in the United States is never eaten. The report also estimates the annual cost of food waste for each U.S. consumer is $728. K-State Research and Extension northeast area specialist, Sharolyn Jackson, says planning your meals and shopping list, storing food properly, using leftovers creatively, and freezing food when appropriate are just a few ways to reduce food waste. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to...
info_outlineWith an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables now available, it’s the perfect time to add something we rarely get enough of in our daily diet. We can also fight the summer heat by using alternative methods to prepare meals and reduce the heat in the kitchen. And, we can combat the boredom that’s setting in for kids by getting them involved in preparing healthy meals and snacks. K-State Research and Extension northwest region family and consumer sciences specialist, Ashley Svaty, (swat-ee) says if families use summer as an opportunity to change their normal eating patterns, that healthy way of eating will become a habit.
Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more.
Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected].
K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.