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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 ksrenews@ksu.edu. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State Uni ...
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Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman and produced by K-State Research and Extension
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Kansas State University Extension adult development and aging specialist, Erin Martinez, says retirement is one of life’s most stressful events – and it’s not all tied to how much you’ve saved. Researchers have been focusing on more than just managing retirement accounts and are exploring retiree’s life experiences and they’ve found several distinc…
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Living Well Wednesday: Making Our Lives better
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The fall K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Living Well Wednesday webinar series will cover how to distribute personal possessions without harming relationships, reducing the risk of falls, and ways to declutter and downsize. Sharolyn Jackson, the family and consumer sciences specialist for the northeast region, has an over…
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Regardless of the price of an item or product, there’s nothing more frustrating than being a disappointed consumer. This is especially true if it’s difficult to get any kind of satisfaction from the retailer or seller. However, consumers have rights, and K-State Research and Extension family resource specialist Elizabeth Kiss (kish) says she’s on a…
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A national report on the state of mental health in the United States indicates that Kansas has made significant progress – moving from 51st in the 2022 rankings – essentially last among all 50 states and the District of Columbia – to 22nd in the 2024 rankings. Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Heal…
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Bonding with Children Through Daily Activities
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Like any relationship, the bond between a parent and child can be made stronger. K-State Research and Extension child development specialist, Bradford Wiles, says it starts with being intentional about spending quality time together. He says that can include eating together, talking about your day, working on projects or playing together. Sound Liv…
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The Seriousness of Falls for Older Adults
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Statistics show that nearly 30% of older adults in Kansas experience at least one fall every single year – often resulting in serious injuries. Kansas State University Extension aging specialist, Erin Martinez, says Extension invests a great deal of its resources on programs to help older adults increase their confidence in maintaining their balanc…
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Routines Help Youth Manage Stress and Anxiety
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With fall classes getting underway, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, says there are a lot of things that can create anxiety and stress for students. Elaine Johannes says the way middle school and high school students do school today is different from what she did many years ago w…
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The Changing Dynamics of Becoming a Grandparent
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When it comes to being a grandparent, Kansas State University aging and adult development specialist, Erin Martinez, suggests trying not to take the grandparent “fun card” too far. Instead, stay within the boundaries and expectations of the parent and spend time with grandchildren in a meaningful and purposeful way. Martinez says there are some uni…
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The first-ever Kansas Local Food Summit, an event highlighting the state’s challenges in accessing nutritious foods, is being held August 27th and 28th in Wichita. According to K-State Research and Extension Local Food System program coordinator, Amanda Lindahl, this summit is designed to help Kansas communities fill gaps in local food systems by e…
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Back-to-School Budgeting: Ways to Avoid Overspending
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Summer has nearly come-and-gone and for students of all ages it’s time to start purchasing the required school supplies. While not required, new clothes, backpacks, lunch bags, and technology are often part of the back-to-school expenses. The National Retail Federation reports that families of kindergarten through 12th grade students are expected t…
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Time, Money and Talent: Teaching Children About Finances
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Teaching children about earning, spending, sharing, borrowing, and saving helps them learn about the ways their time, money and talents are valued. K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles and family resource management specialist Elizabeth Kiss (kish) have co-authored the publication, Through a Child’s Eyes: Helpi…
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey shows the American diet – once given a grade of ‘F’ – has improved to a ‘D’ but there is still a lot of work to do to improve our diet. K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness educator, Priscilla Brenes, says we need to increase our consu…
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Extreme Heat and its Impact on Mental health
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The American Psychological Association has done quite a bit of research on what extreme heat does to us and how we respond to extreme heat. Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, says the findings show that extreme heat puts mental health at risk. She says prolonged ex…
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An abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables make summer 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 ways to prepare meals that 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…
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When summer boredom starts to set in and kids are getting restless, it’s time to find something new for them to do – but what? K-State Research and Extension has some ideas. In a series of publications called, Suddenly in Charge, Extension family and consumer science agents created a resource that parents and caregivers can turn to for quick recipe…
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Estate planning is defined as the process of arranging your affairs to meet your objectives regarding the use, conservation, and disposal of your property. However, a K-State Research and Extension family resource management and wellness agent says it’s also a gift that you can give your family. Renae Riedy is working on new Extension publications …
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According to a 2023 annual report by the March of Dimes, Kansas received a low grade in care before, during and after birth. The report found that 45.7% of Kansas counties are defined as maternity care deserts – indicating a lack of obstetric providers, and lack of hospitals and birth centers with obstetric care. Elaine Johannes, Kansas Health Foun…
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Walk Kansas Participants Logged the Miles
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The goal of Walk Kansas is to keep moving – and that’s what the coordinator of the K-State Research and Extension health initiative is doing. Walk Kansas 2024 wrapped up May 25th and Sharolyn Jackson is already looking ahead to programs for 2025 – the program’s 25th year. During this year’s eight-week program, participants logged enough minutes to …
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A Men's Health Guide: Defending Against Cancer
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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men, accounting for one in every four deaths. After that, according to the CDC, are lung, prostate and colorectal cancers. The good news is that these health threats men face are largely preventable. However, a K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences agent says early detection is ke…
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After receiving a lot of questions about what hospice care is, K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Sciences developed a four-page Fact Sheet, Understanding Hospice. K-State Extension specialist in adult development and aging, Erin Martinez, one of the authors of the Fact Sheet, says it helps answer the questions people have about how…
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Whether it’s in a physical location, remote or hybrid, work can be stressful. A 2024 report from Lyra (leer-uh) Health concluded that people in remote work situations are facing a post-pandemic surge in serious and complex mental health conditions. Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health and a sta…
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Having to pay higher prices for goods and services affects families in many ways, often straining a family’s budget. When this occurs, paying attention to your finances and making cuts where necessary can help combat higher prices. When your income, for whatever reason, isn’t meeting your needs or financial goals, K-State Extension family resource …
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Keeping Fruits and Vegetables Fresh; Preparing for Canning Season
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There’s nothing more frustrating than purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables – especially at today’s prices – and having to throw some of them out because they went bad before they could be eaten. Kansas State University food scientist and coordinator of the university’s Rapid Response center, Karen Blakeslee, has tips for safely storing fresh frui…
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Multiple studies suggest there is a science to happiness. Participants in this year’s Walk Kansas, an annual eight-week challenge that encourages people to exercise and live more healthfully while working toward a common goal, had access to a webinar that focused on the benefits of being happy. Michelle Lane, the senior director of community wellne…
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Is Your Skin Protected from the Sun's Harmful Rays
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Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers – and it’s been on the rise over the past few years. According to the American Cancer Society, more than five million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States – that’s more than all other cancers combined. K-State Extension Northwest Regional Specialist for family and consumer sciences,…
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The arrival of warmer weather is an opportunity for parents to spend more time outdoors with their children. K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles says there’s just all kinds of really cool activities and opportunities to support our children’s development in a conscientious and forward-thinking way. He discusse…
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Extreme heat often results in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters. In most of the U.S., extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees – and it’s becoming more of a health risk. Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Ka…
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Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22nd to raise awareness and support for environmental protection. The first Earth Day was held in 1970, and it’s now observed by millions of people in over 190 countries around the world. Kansas State University family resource management specialist Elizabeth KIss (kish) says it’s also an opportunity to m…
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Developing positive lifestyle habits, such as exercising regularly and eating healthful foods, often require just a little nudge – not a lot of effort or willpower. Walk Kansas 2024 is focusing on how simple shifts can help positive habits stick. State leader for Walk Kansas and the K-State Research and Extension family and consumer science special…
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What is Too Much Screen Time Costing You?
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TV, smartphones and tablets are part of our culture. That doesn’t mean we should spend every waking minute staring at a screen. In fact, research shows both adults and children benefit from limiting screen time to just a few hours a day. K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles says not establishing rules for scree…
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No More Excuses: Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam
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According to the National Institutes of Health, even if you feel fine, you should still see your health provider for regular checkups because these annual wellness exams can help you avoid problems in the future. For example, the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly, and regular blood tests can check …
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National Nutrition Month: Eating a Variety of Foods
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MyPlate, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s dietary guidelines for daily health, recommends one-half of your plate at any meal should include fruits and vegetables; one-quarter each for grains and proteins, and one serving of dairy. March is National Nutrition Month and K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness educator, Priscilla Bre…
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Are You Prepared for Severe Weather Events?
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Kansas experiences a variety of spring and summertime severe weather events, including tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, lightning and flash flooding. Severe Weather Preparedness Week is March 4-8. Kansas State University climatologist and manager of Mesonet, a network of environmental monitoring stations across the state, Chip Redmond, sugges…
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Some studies have shown that eating nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day could reduce a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease by as much as 60%. An eating style that’s becoming more popular, the Mediterranean Diet, focuses on a holistic approach to incorporating healthy protein and healthy fats, eating more fruits, vegetables and whole g…
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The Importance of Routine Blood Pressure Checks
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High blood pressure – also known as hypertension – is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it may show no symptoms until there are greater problems. The Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, Elaine Johannes, says Extension agents are being trained as Healthy Heart Ambassadors …
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Walk Kansas, an annual K-State Research and Extension health initiative that promotes personal health and well-being by helping participants adopt healthful lifestyle habits over an eight-week period, begins March 31st and runs through May 25th. Walk Kansas State Leader and Northeast Area Family and Consumer Science Specialist, Sharolyn Jackson, sa…
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Valentine’s Day typically involves roses, chocolates, dining out and lots of romance. However, Kansas State University child development specialist Bradford Wiles says it can also be a time for kindness. He says Valentine’s Day celebrates love and kindness is a key component of love. Wiles discusses how parents can show kindness toward their childr…
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Assistive Technology Basics for Making Daily Tasks Easier
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Assistive technology can help everyone, but it’s especially beneficial for people with disabilities or older adults. Without assistive technology, Kansas State University Extension specialist in adult development and aging, Erin Martinez, says people may feel excluded and isolated, which increases the impact and risk of disease, disability, and men…
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Science shows a connection between getting a good night’s sleep – night after night – and the impact it has on our body and mind. The K-State Research and Extension Living Well Wednesday webinar series for January, presented by Michelle Lane, senior director of Community Wellness at North Kansas City Hospital, focused on the benefits of sleep – wha…
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Living Well Wednesday Begins in January with Sleep is a Superpower
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Not getting a good night’s sleep can result in more than feeling tired the next day. Science proves sleep directly affects life expectancy, relationships, libido, cardiovascular health and the immune system. The first Living Well Wednesday series of 2024, hosted by K-State Research and Extension, focuses on sleep being a superpower. In addition to …
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Often when it comes to goal-setting, Kansas State University family resource management specialist Elizabeth Kiss (kish) says we think it’s all or nothing…”We think ‘I have to do this or ‘I have to be focused…’ However, that’s not necessarily the best or most successful way to achieve what your goals. Instead, Kiss says to take the long view on goa…
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Candy can be as much of a holiday tradition as decorating the tree, putting up the lights and exchanging gifts. However, some holiday candy, such as fudge, peanut brittle, toffee and peanut butter balls, are a lot more difficult to make than people realize. In fact, K-State Research and Extension food scientist Karen Blakeslee says making candy is …
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Building a Career Pathway for Childhood Care and Education
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Child Care Aware of Kansas reports a lack of educators is one of the primary barriers to filling childhood care openings in Kansas. As part of a grant-funded project, Kansas State University is working to rebuild the state’s early childhood care and education work force. Associate dean for academic and faculty affairs in K-State’s Department of App…
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A New Plant Hardiness Zone Map Expands Options
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The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which is used for nearly all aspects of agriculture, horticulture and natural resources research and Extension recommendations, has been updated. Kansas State University nursery crop and marketing specialist, Cheryl Boyer, was on a USDA technical review team that helped develop the map. She discusses the process f…
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The Benefits of Intergenerational Connections
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Intergenerational connections can help both older adults and children feel cared for and valued. Research shows that intergenerational programs increase self-esteem and feelings of well-being for both older adults and children. K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles says intergenerational connections can reduce l…
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No matter what you’re making, having a list of ingredients makes any task much easier. The same is true when you’re trying to build a better body and mind. In this case, the list of ingredients – all starting with the letter “B” – is just three. Johnson County Extension nutrition, food safety and health agent, Chelsea Reinberg, is offering a progra…
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Because it’s easy to eat too much and be less active, the holiday season is sometimes jokingly referred to as belt loosening and elastic waistband season. However, modifying some favorite dishes to reduce sugar, fat and salt, being mindful while eating, staying active and following our normal routine as much as possible can make the holidays more e…
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Transitioning from fall to winter creates a variety of weather conditions across Kansas. This might include above average temperatures, frosts and freezes, rain, snow, ice and winds that can create dangerous wind chills. Kansas State University meteorologist Chip Redmond says we need to be for rapidly changing conditions. For example, he says this …
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Facilitating Community Conversations in Southeast Kansas
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K-State Research and Extension recently held its annual conference on the K-State campus in Manhattan. Three agents from the Southwind Extension District, Tara Solomon-Smith, family and community wellness agent for the Erie office, Amanda Clasen, community vitality agent for the Erie office and Cassidy Lutz, family and consumer science agent for th…
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With leaves beginning to fall and form a thick layer on the lawn, it’s a good idea to have a strategy for removing those leaves before they cause long-lasting damage. Leaf removal is just one of many lawn and garden tasks that should be tackled this fall. K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent for Johnson County, Dennis Patton, discusses…
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