Cooperative Extension Service Henderson County

3341 Zion Road Henderson KY 42420

270-826-8387 Fax: 270-826-8616

extension.ca.uky.edu

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES NEWSLETTER AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Watch, Listen, Read, and Follow

Tune into Lifestyles on Channel 25 the second Tuesday of each month at

11:30 a.m. Listen on WSON Thursday mornings at 6:45 a.m. and look for the Lifestyles column each Sunday in the Gleaner or online.

Follow us on Facebook—Henderson County Extension-Family and

Consumer Sciences and on Twitter—amandahardy@amandahardy

April 10 & 17—Estate Planning at 5:30 p.m. Call to reserve your space. Class is free. Regardless of net worth, estate planning is important to protect, and help ensure, your personal and financial goals are realized after death. Unfortunately many people fail to properly plan for transfer of their possessions and property at the time of death. A properly executed estate plan can reduce family stress, reduce federal and state tax obligations, and allow the estate to be settled in an expedient fashion saving both time and money. Many individuals perceive estate planning as complicated, costly, and unpleasant; thereby, leaving their family, farming operation, or small business at risk. The estate planning programming addresses this need. Emphasis is placed on the estate planning process, including steps to develop an estate plan, establishing goals for an estate plan, specific estate planning tools (Power of Attorney, Trusts, and Wills), the probate process, and gift and estate tax laws. Light supper provided.

April 16—Basket Weaving Class from 10

a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost for the class is $20 per

person. Taught by Jinger Wilson. Make an

Easter basket for your children or

grandchildren. Space is very limited.

Please call the Extension Office to reserve

your spot 270-826-8387.

April 30—Spring Cooking (Air

Fryer) Class at 11:15 a.m. or 5:15

p.m. at the Henderson County Expo

Center. Come out and learn how to

use an air fryer. Will have recipes and

sampling of cooked food items. Class

is free but you must call to sign up!

April 27 (Saturday)—OVAL Kitchen Tour- from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Program put on by Ohio Valley Arts League. Amanda will be a featured chef serving samples.

Amanda Hardy County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences

Pets Have the Power to Heal

When you adopt or rescue a pet, it might really be the pet who rescues you. The healing power of pets includes the joy, smiles and sense of purpose they can bring to a person’s daily routine. Pets provide touch, laughter, and unconditional love which contributes to physical,

psychological, and social benefits in people of all ages and abilities.

A patient at the Mayo Clinic who was not expected to live through the night, did. He later told his doctor, Edward Creagan, that Max was his reason to get home. Expecting Max to be a child or a friend, Creagan was surprised to learn that Max was a 95 pound German shepherd. This story made Creagan and others appreciate the tremendous healing power of pets. As a result, Creagan began writing the names of patients’ pets in their medical history because it helped hospital personnel when talking to patients. Doctors and staff report that patients and families smile when talking about Spot, Rudy, Buddy or Bella. Even more powerful is the way a patient’s attitude can change

making the atmosphere one of healing, peace, and serenity.

Research shows that when you look into the eyes of an animal, or stroke or hold a pet that a surge of hormones are released that create calm and harmonious feelings. These hormones also lower blood pressure, slow pulse, lessen depression, and reduce stress and anxiety. Studies show that if you have a heart attack, you have a greater chance of living one year after the attack if you have a dog. Another study proved that elderly people are more likely to eat and gain

weight if they eat in front of an aquarium versus by themselves.

Pets are powerful across our life spans. They can cheer up stressed and tired parents, serve as companions to children or older adults, and work as service dogs for those with disabilities. Animals provide a level of social support for those who are mentally ill, living in institutional care, or aging in place. Like with Dr. Creagan’s patient, pets also provide people with a sense of purpose as animals need to be fed, walked, groomed, and loved. If a pet is not possible because of cost, allergies or safety concerns, plants or fish can also produce positive

effects.

Dogs, cats, and rabbits are most commonly used for therapeutic purposes with older adults. But dolphins and horses have also been used with children with mental health issues, epilepsy, physical disabilities and autism. In addition to improving communication skills, some pet therapies also help children and adults build core strength,

body awareness, and muscle memory.

Lastly, pets can benefit a caregiver. Caregiving can be a lonely job, but having a companion who loves you unconditionally and greets you at the door with a wagging tail, can be just what the doctor ordered. Because of the prolonged stress that caregiving can cause, caregivers are twice as likely as the general public to develop chronic illness. Therefore, interacting with an animal can help you smile more, increase your exercise, lower your blood pressure and contribute to your overall

well-being.

References: Alzheimer’s Association. (2012). How caregivers can use pet therapy to care for their loved one. Retrieved June 17, 2014, from http://blog.alz.org/how-caregivers-can-use-pet-therapy-to-care-for-their-loved-one/ Pet Partners. (2014). Human-animal bond resource center. Retrieved June 17, 2014, from http://www.petpartners.org/learn/benefits-human-animal-bond/ Source: Amy Kostelic,

Associate Extension Professor Advanced Development and Aging

Avocados

Avocados are fruits that have gained recent popularity for their high amount of oleic acid – a heart healthy monounsaturated fat. Avocados are known as a super food because of their richness in vitamins, minerals, and potassium. A single serving can meet 40 percent of your daily requirement. An average avocado contains 160 calories, 2 grams of protein, 15 grams of healthy fats and 7 grams of fiber. Avocados are usually eaten raw and most popularly as guacamole. They are a common addition to salads and often served as a side with scrambled

eggs or toast.

When buying avocados select ones that are dark in color – almost black. Gently squeeze them to see if they’re soft. They should be soft yet slightly firm. If they’re really soft and don’t spring back when squeezed, don’t buy it. It’s beyond ripe. Avocados will continue to ripen on the counter. Keep them in the refrigerator to slow down ripening if they are purchased at

their peak.

To safely prepare an avocado follow these steps.

Wash under running water

On a cutting board or other flat surface, cut the avocado in half lengthwise. Slice until you hit the pit, then rotate your

knife to cut around it. Twist the two halves apart.

Remove the pit from the half it is stuck in. You can do this by hitting the pit with the knife so that it sticks. Twist the pit

with the knife in it to loosen it and then pull out.

Using a spoon, loosen the skin around the flesh and then

scoop out. Flip it upside down for cleaner slicing or dicing.

If you’re only eating half the avocado, brush the other side with lemon juice before storing in the fridge in order to keep

it from turning brown.

Explore the many uses of avocados by experimenting with them as toppings for burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas. They’re also great in smoothies and additions to salad dressings, baked

goods, and desserts.

References: https://www.unh.edu/healthyunh/blog/nutrition/2014/12/avocados-are-packed-nutrients-your-health Source: Annhall Norris, Extension

Associate

Download this and past issues of the Adult, Youth, Parent and Family Caregiver Health Bulletins: http://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/content/health-bulletins

A P R I L 2 0 1 9

DISTRACTED DRIVINGApril is Distracted Driving Awareness

Month, which recognizes that it is possible to eliminate and prevent deaths from distracted driving. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention away from the primary task of driving. Distracted driving can increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash.

Each day in the United States, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. In addition, on any given day, around 660,000 people are on their cell phones or other electronic devices while driving.

Many distractions exist while driving, including dashboard infotainment

Written by: Natalie JonesEdited by: Alyssa SimmsDesigned by: Rusty ManseauStock images: 123RF.com

systems, eating in the car, and children or animals in the back seat, but cell phones and texting, in particular, are a top distraction because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distraction. Visual distraction is taking your eyes off the road, manual distraction is taking your hands off the wheel, and cognitive distraction is taking your mind off driving.

Almost everyone has seen a driver distracted by a cell phone.

It is estimated that one in four car crashes involve cell phone use. Many people know that using cell phones to text while driving is dangerous, but many underestimate the danger it puts you in. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that is similar to driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

Follow these four tips to help eliminate distracted driving:

• Put aside your electronic distractions. Do not use cell phones while driving — including text messaging, phone calls, email functions, video

games or social media. Avoid temptation by turning off or putting your device away before driving.

• If another activity demands your attention, like children in the backseat or a phone call, instead of trying to attempt it while driving, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place.

• Snack smart. If possible, eat meals or snacks before you get in your car, not while driving. When on the road, avoid foods that are difficult to manage if you need to eat while driving.

• When driving with passengers, have them help you focus safely on driving by letting them be in charge of the navigational system or GPS, climate controls, and sound system.

SOURCES:• https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/Distracted_Driving• https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/get-involved/

distracted-driving-awareness-month• https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/distracted-driving

Do not use cell phones while driving. Avoid temptation by turning off or putting your device away before driving.

At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road

for 5 seconds is like driving the length of a football field with

your eyes closed.

Homemakers Only!!

OTHER GROUPS & CLUBS

Diabetes Support Group—Will resume Third Thursday of each month beginning April 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the Extension Office Meeting Room (this is a location change)

Happy Knitters—Every Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Education & Expo Center Conference Room

Hooks and Needles—Third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Education & Expo Center Project Room. Bring brown bag lunch.

We continue to accept donations for Redbanks and the FCS Classroom at

Henderson County High School. Please bring items they can use to

the Extension Office.

April Roll Call:

What is your favorite volunteer activity?

April Thought for the Month:

“Every problem that the country faces is being solved in some community by some group or some individual. The question is how to get connected so that the whole nation can solve problems. A volunteer is a person who can see what others cannot see; who can feel what most do not feel.

Often, such gifted persons do not think of themselves as volunteers, but as citizens—citizens in the fullest sense; partners in civilization.”

—President George H.W. Bush, Founder, Points of Light

CLUBS

Afternooners—April 17, 2019 meet at 11:30 a.m. at Judy Billings residence.

Anthoston—April 11, 2019 at 10 a.m. in the Main Extension Office.

Central—April 11, 2019 at 11 a.m. in Expo Project Room. Bring your own lunch. Lesson Leaders Andrea Wilson & Gisele Purdy. Please bring your favorite pictures of your family—vintage pictures if you have some available. The craft lesson will be flower pot projects for the Derby Tea craft table.

Niagara—April 17, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Cash Creek Baptist Church; Mary Ann Thomas, Lesson Leader; Bobbie Willett, Hostess.

Town & Country—April 15, 2019 at 6 p.m. in Expo Kitchen; Barbara Thurby, Lesson Leader; Marilyn Watson & Betty Middleton, Hostesses

April 16—Area Homemaker Council

Meeting—at 6 p.m. in Daviess Co.

May 9—County Annual Day—at 5:30 p.m. in Expo

Building. Potluck-bring your favorite side dish, salad

or dessert. Meat will be provided for this

meal. Collecting individually wrapped

snacks for 4-H camp, please remember

not peanut butter due to nut allergies.

Henderson County 3341 Zion Road Henderson KY 42420 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID

HENDERSON KY PERMIT 564

The University of Kentucky is committed to a policy of providing opportunities to people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. The University of Kentucky is an equal

opportunity university. Questions concerning

compliance with regulations may be directed to

the Institutional Equity & Equal Opportunity

Office, 13 Main Building, University of

Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0032, (859)

257-8927 or at http://www.uky.edu/evpfa/eeo

Uplifting stories from Kentucky farm women about life on the farm. Stories can be funny, insightful, or spiritual-but always with a positive outcome. One to two double-spaced typed pages. To be included in a “stress relief” booklet for Kentucky farm women.

Contact Debbie Reed by email at dbreed01@uky.edu for more infor-mation.

APRIL

2 Taking Ownership of Your

Diabetes (Class 1)

9 Taking Ownership of Your

Diabetes (Class 2)

10 Estate Planning (Series 1)

16 Area Homemaker Council

Meeting

16 Basket Weaving Class

17 Estate Planning (Series 2)

17 AARP Smart Driving Course

(See Flyer)

23 Taking Ownership of Your

Diabetes (Class 3)

26 Derby Tea

27 OVAL Kitchen Tour

30 Taking Ownership of Your

Diabetes (Class 4)

30 Spring Cooking Class