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Small Change, Big Opportunity

Administrator — Sat, 22 May 2010 18:22:44 +0000

Around the House

By Martha Yount CEA for Family & Consumer Sciences

Small Change, Big Opportunity

Source: Robert Flashman, extension specialist family resource management

Treasure can be found in the most unlikely places and, according to the U. S. Treasury, Americans have about $15 billion dollars worth currently hiding in sock drawers, piggybanks, on automobile floorboards and under the sofa cushions. It is estimated that the average household accumulates $50 worth of change every month. It may seem like a bit of a stretch to think of pocket change as an investment opportunity, but in 20 years at 5 percent interest, that $50 in change would yield more than $20,000.

Saving change at the end of each day or week can contribute to your financial goals. Quarters, dimes, nickels and even pennies can go into personal savings to help build a college or retirement fund. You also can use accumulated coins for short term goals such as an evening out, a weekend getaway or an upgrade for the family’s computer, television or other recreational equipment.

Many supermarkets and banks have machines that encourage people to cash in their coins. Consumers can bring in their jars of coins and empty them into the machine. The machine counts the coins and gives the consumer a voucher that can be exchanged for cash or used to pay for groceries. Another option is to donate the value of your coins to a favorite charity. Some machines will count your coins and automatically deposit the amount with your designated charity.

So, consider saving your change. It’s a great start to a savings plan or a way to pay for other short-term and intermediate financial goals you never had the funds for. For more information about how to make the most of your financial resources, contact the Breathitt County Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Small Change, Big Opportunity

Administrator — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:59:42 +0000

Around the House
By Martha Yount CEA for Family & Consumer Sciences

Small Change, Big Opportunity
Source: Robert Flashman, extension specialist family resource management
Treasure can be found in the most unlikely places and, according to the U. S. Treasury, Americans have about $15 billion dollars worth currently hiding in sock drawers, piggybanks, on automobile floorboards and under the sofa cushions. It is estimated that the average household accumulates $50 worth of change every month. It may seem like a bit of a stretch to think of pocket change as an investment opportunity, but in 20 years at 5 percent interest, that $50 in change would yield more than $20,000.
Saving change at the end of each day or week can contribute to your financial goals. Quarters, dimes, nickels and even pennies can go into personal savings to help build a college or retirement fund. You also can use accumulated coins for short term goals such as an evening out, a weekend getaway or an upgrade for the family’s computer, television or other recreational equipment.
Many supermarkets and banks have machines that encourage people to cash in their coins. Consumers can bring in their jars of coins and empty them into the machine. The machine counts the coins and gives the consumer a voucher that can be exchanged for cash or used to pay for groceries. Another option is to donate the value of your coins to a favorite charity. Some machines will count your coins and automatically deposit the amount with your designated charity.
So, consider saving your change. It’s a great start to a savings plan or a way to pay for other short-term and intermediate financial goals you never had the funds for. For more information about how to make the most of your financial resources, contact the Breathitt County Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Think green this holiday season

Administrator — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:15:29 +0000

Source: Ashley Osborne, extension associate for environmental and natural resource issues

Think Green

During the five weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, Americans produce an extra one million tons of trash per week compared to any other time of the year. Thinking green this holiday season can include more than just boughs of holly. Whether it is shopping, choosing a gift or entertaining, small changes in your holiday habits can make big differences. Here are a few ideas and suggestions on how to have a wonderful, gift-giving holiday season and still be earth friendly.
Green Gift Ideas

Consider nonmaterial gifts. Tickets to a sporting event, movie, play, or concert are a real treat, or make a charitable donation in someone’s name.
·         Make a photo album, scrapbook, or frame a favorite picture.
·         Everyone appreciates a home-cooked meal or baked goodies. Fill a basket with homemade jellies, muffins and cookies. Include the recipe. Dried fruits, drink mixes and roasted nuts are always appreciated. Package gifts from your kitchen in reusable tins, baskets or jars.
·         Shop locally. Give honey from a local beekeeper, a painting by a local artist, or handcrafted gifts from other merchants in your community.
·         Think durable. Consider how long an item will last before you make a purchase. Often a cheaper item will wear out long before its more durable equivalent.
Eco-friendly Entertaining
Host a create-your-own-decorations party. Invite family and friends to create and use holiday decorations such as popcorn and cranberry garlands, ornaments made from old greeting cards or cookie dough, wreaths made from artificial greens and flowers, and potpourri made from kitchen spices such as cinnamon and cloves.
Make gift-giving occasions festive by preparing punch and serving it in beautiful bowls and pitchers rather than using beverages in cans or plastic bottles.
Use your best china, glassware and cloth napkins for entertaining. It requires a little more work but reduces waste from paper plates, napkins and disposable utensils.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
·         Thousands of paper and plastic shopping bags end up in landfills every year. Reduce the number of bags thrown out by bringing reusable cloth bags for holiday gift shopping. Tell store clerks you don’t need a bag for small or oversized purchases.
Wrap gifts in recycled holiday paper or funny papers. Use old Christmas cards for tags and hand deliver whenever possible to save energy. Remember to save and recycle used wrapping paper and ribbons from gifts received.
Approximately 33 million live Christmas trees are sold in North America every year. After the holidays, look for ways to recycle your tree instead of sending it to a landfill. Check with your county solid waste coordinator to find out if they collect and mulch trees. Your town might be able to use chippings from mulched trees for community landscaping projects or hiking trails.
Remember always to look for items made with recycled content. When buying gifts, check product labels to determine an item’s recyclability and whether it is made from recycled materials. Buying recycled encourages manufacturers to make more recycled-content products available.
For more information about how to enjoy an environmentally friendly and festive holiday contact the (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Around the House

Administrator — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:56:46 +0000

By Martha Yount, Breathitt County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Science

Protecting Yourself Against Consumer Fraud
Reports of consumer fraud have risen in these tough economic times. In 2008, more than 1.2 million cases of consumer fraud were reported to various government agencies across the United States. This figure is five times higher than the number of complaints filed in 2000. It’s important for you to know about different types of consumer fraud and ways to avoid them.
Identity theft is the most common reported type of consumer fraud. By some estimates, as many as one in five families are affected by this crime. Your social security number and mother’s maiden name are all that’s needed to steal your identity most of the time. Too many people are fooled into giving out personal information to complete strangers, especially over the phone. Unfortunately, most people are unaware they are victims of identity theft until debt collectors start calling their home or they’re turned down for credit.
Identity theft may take some victims years to straighten out, especially if not caught early. Luckily, there are many good practices that can help you avoid becoming a victim. Keep your social security card in a safe place rather than carrying it in your wallet. Shred any items that contain personal information before discarding them. Keep your mail secure. Contact your banks, credit card companies and other financial institutions and ask to “opt out” of the company sharing your personal information. Remove your name from national mailing lists and financial institutions that send out pre-approved credit offers. Thoroughly check bank and credit card statements when they come in and report any unusual purchases to your credit agency. Annually request a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus, TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. If you suspect fraud, contact your local law enforcement, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Trade Commission.
Credit card fraud is one of the most common causes of identity theft. Individuals can obtain your credit card information several ways but over the phone is the most common. Be leery of callers that claim you’ve won a large prize, such as a car or trip. Many times thieves will ask you to verify your social security number to claim the prize and then ask for your credit card information because you have to pay taxes on it. Another warning sign of a scammer is if the person on the phone claims they will have to find an alternative winner if you don’t immediately give them personal information. Most legitimate promotional firms will give you at least 24 hours to check out the company. Do not give out your credit card number over the phone until you check with the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office to see if the company has any unresolved complaints. Odds are if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
In the past couple of years, reports of home repair scams, another type of consumer fraud, have risen in central and eastern Kentucky. Most often these con artists strike in older neighborhoods and tend to prey on the elderly. Be cautious of any repairman that just shows up at your home saying “he was just in the neighborhood” and would like to provide you with a service. A common scam involves the con artist saying he just finished a paving job and has some left over to repave your driveway. He could put it on your driveway at a discounted price, but it turns out not to be a bargain after all. In another scam, a con artist offers to seal your driveway but the “sealant” washes off after the first rain. Another warning sign is a contractor that claims his business is certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA does not certify or endorse any private contractor. Always ask for references from any person or business in home repair. Get a couple of estimates from different businesses before having any work done to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Do not sign any contract related to home improvement until you’ve entirely read it.
For more ways you can protect yourself from consumer fraud, contact the Breathitt County Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Around the House

Administrator — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:44:39 +0000

By: Martha Yount, CEA for Family & Consumer Sciences

Get 0ut, Get Moving on Second Sunday
Come join your neighbors in a day of fun, physical activity in the midst of your beautiful county during the Second Sunday event on October 11.
This is the second year for the statewide event that promotes physical activity for all ages and abilities. Cooperative Extension family and consumer sciences agents coordinated Second Sunday partnerships and petitioned their local government officials to close a portion of a county road for four hours during this day, opening the road for people to engage in all forms of fun-filled activities. In 2008, more than 12,000 Kentuckians from more than 70 counties participated in the first Second Sunday. This year, attendance is projected to grow as nearly 100 counties are expected to close a section of road in order for their fellow Kentuckians to take advantage of a statewide day for physical activity and commit to making health lifestyle changes.
Activities and events will vary among counties. In Breathitt County, we are planning a joint project with Perry County at Buckhorn State Park. Call the park at 606-398-7510 or either the Breathitt or Perry Extension Office for more details.
In addition to being a fun, exciting event, Second Sunday provides us with a unique opportunity to show the nation that we are working to change some unfortunate statistics and improve our overall health. For many years, Kentucky has had one of the highest rates of obesity in the nation. In a new study released by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Kentucky has the seventh highest obesity rate in the nation at 29 percent and the fourth highest percentage of overweight youth at 37.1 percent. Obesity has been linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
The past year has been an exciting one for Second Sunday with the initiative receiving resolutions from both the Kentucky House of Representatives and the Senate as well as from Governor Beshear. UK Healthcare has joined with the Cooperative Extension Service as a partner in this initiative.
For more information on Second Sunday, contact the Breathitt County Cooperative Extension Service at 606-666-8812. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Around the House

Administrator — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:34:38 +0000

By – Martha Yount, CEA for Family & Consumer Sciences

Acidity of Food Determines Which Canning Method to Use
An upsurge of interest in locally-grown foods, food safety issues and tough economic times has led to resurgence in food preservation in the past few years. Canning is a great way to have fresh produce year round, but if it’s not done correctly, it could lead to the growth of bacteria or toxins in the food, which could cause botulism– a deadly foodborne illness. By using USDA research-based recipe and methods, you can lower the risk of foodborne illness.
The acidity of a food determines the canning method you should use. Acidity occurs naturally in foods like fruits or may be added as in pickled foods. The addition of lemon juice, citric acid or vinegar increases a food’s acidity.
The acidity of food is measured by its pH level. If the food has a pH of 4.6 or below, it’s considered a high-acid food. Some examples of high-acid foods include fruit, pickles, sauerkraut, jams, jellies, barbeque sauce and salsa. You may can these foods in a boiling water bath. The acidity helps keep the botulism bacteria from growing. Foods with pH levels above 4.6 are considered low-acid foods. Examples of low-acid foods include red meats, seafood, poultry, milk and all fresh vegetables. You must preserve these items with a pressure canner to destroy the toxins that cause botulism.
While high-acid foods contain enough acidity to block the growth of botulism bacteria when heated to 212 degrees Fahrenheit for the designated amount of time on the recipe, foods with low acidity must be heated under pressure to reach a temperature of 240 degrees Fahrenheit or above for the appropriate amount of time.
It’s difficult to get rid of botulism spores using only boiling water. When preserving a low-acid food, a pressure canner is needed to ensure toxins do not develop. To sterilize these foods, maintain a temperature of 240 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for the designated amount of time. To achieve this, make sure the gauge on your pressure canner is set between 10 to 15 pounds per square inch or follow the pressure recommended on your recipe. Processing low-acid foods in a boiling water bath or oven canning is not recommended.
In addition to proper time and temperature, headspace, or the amount of space between the top of the jar and the food is very important. This allows the air to vent from the jar and a strong bond between the jar and the lid. Equally important is venting the pressure canner, a process of getting rid of the air in the canner before you build up pressure.
If you have any questions or would like to attend a food preservation class to learn more information or gain experience, don’t hesitate to contact the Breathitt County Cooperative Extension Service at 666-8812 or stop by the office at 1155Main Street, Jackson, Kentucky. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Around the House

Administrator — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:14:54 +0000

By Martha Yount, CEA for Family & Consumer Sciences
When Prices Rise: Living on Your Income
Prices are noticeably higher. What do I do first? Jot down how you spend your income. If you do not already have a good idea of how you spend your money, track your spending for a month or two. This process will give you a good idea about where you will be able to make changes in your spending habits. Separate your family living expenses into fixed expenses and flexible expenses.

Save Money

Examples of fixed expenses include mortgage payments or rent, installment credit payments, deposits into emergency savings, medical and/or life insurance payments, and utility payments (if on an equal payment plan). Examples of flexible expenses include gasoline, recreation, leisure, food, clothing and personal care spending.   Examine flexible expenses; look for areas where cuts can be made when times are tough. Perhaps family members are meeting wants instead of needs. Can less expensive brands or items be used?
            If you are unsure how to plan for your expenses on a short-, medium- and/or long-term basis, the Family Money Manager publication (www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/yf/fammgmt/fe222w.htm) has worksheets, suggestions and additional resources that may help.
            Communication is a family affair. Many people try to hide financial problems from themselves or family members. Hiding financial difficulties from the rest of the family for long is nearly impossible, and it’s not emotionally healthy to try. Not facing up to problems prevents you from taking positive steps forward.
            Because financial decisions affect the whole family, talk with others about the present situation. Let them know about the need to change spending priorities. Involve all family members, regardless of their ages. Include your family in decisions that must be made. As a family, discuss how income is spent, what is important, and what is not so important. What must the family have in the next week? In the next month? In the next two months? You may need to alter plans for taking a vacation or scale back the number of people with whom you plan to celebrate a family event.
            Communication is sharing. Don’t burden family members with unnecessary worry, but do involve them; they may offer solutions or ideas you haven’t considered.
Communication is listening. Actively listening includes giving full attention to understanding the feelings of another person. Accusing another family member of being responsible for the current economic situation won’t help anyone.
            For more information call the Extension Office at 606-666-8812, or stop by the office at 1155 Main Street, Jackson, KY   41339. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

Around the House

Administrator — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:05:41 +0000

by Martha Yount, CEA for Family & Consumer Sciences
Learning and fun during the summer for children and parents
Even though school is out for most of Kentucky’s young people, learning thrives through play during the summer. You can do many educational and fun activities with your children to keep their minds working and imaginations flowing during the summer.
An easy way to keep your child’s mind sharp is to encourage play. Studies show playtime has an important role in child development. Independent play can help children learn critical thinking and life skills as well as develop creativity.
Play is not only for your children. Studies show that parents who participate in unscheduled playtime with their children are seen as more supportive, nurturing and productive.
Play includes many different facets, and not everyone will fit all children. Children of various ages and genders enjoy different things. Older children may enjoy playing board games or cards. Younger children may like playing with dolls or cars and trucks. Some children may want to participate in organized activities like camps or sports teams while others are more interested in free play activities, such as hopscotch, running through a sprinkler or creating sidewalk art. Many children enjoy quiet activities like writing, reading, drawing and construction toys, and yet others like more physical activities like tag and hide-and-go seek.
Embark on family projects together. The projects not only are educational for your child, but you may learn something new in the process. Some examples of projects include growing a garden, reading a book, teaching outdoor skills or preparing a meal. Children can learn responsibility, time management, mathematics, science and improve reading skills through these projects.
Get outside of the house and enjoy the environment around you. Take your child on a nature walk and identify the insects, trees and plants you see. Talk about the role of each in the ecosystem. In addition to being educational, this type of activity will help your child develop an appreciation for the natural environment. Also, it’s a great chance for physical activity. Teenagers may be interested in exploring various volunteer opportunities in your community. They can develop responsibility and leadership skills while bettering their community.
Children also need social interaction with their peers. In fact, a great deal of learning occurs when children play together. You can provide your child with an opportunity for social interaction by letting them attend camps that may explore some of their interests or hobbies. 4-H offers some great summer camps for young people who are interested in learning about nature, science, technology and life skills. In addition to camps, 4-H offers several projects and clubs throughout the year that young people can participate in at the county and state levels.
While it’s good to involve your child in activities, you should understand that too many events can overwhelm some children. Every child is different. Some may thrive with hectic schedules, but many become anxious or stressed out and prefer quiet, less-structured activities. It’s important to find the balance in scheduling activities for your child. Children learn best when they are allowed to freely choose play activities that engage their imaginations.
Give your children the gifts of free play time and your attention to their interests. By doing so, you are nurturing your relationship with them and their summer learning at the same time. For more information on ways to make summertime learning enjoyable for your child, contact the Breathitt County Cooperative Extension Service at 606-666-8812, or stop by the office at 1155 Main Street, Jackson, KY. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Around the House

Administrator — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:12:43 +0000

By Martha Yount, Breathitt CEA for Family & Consumer Sciences

Raising an Active Family
Most parents know children are like sponges, constantly absorbing our words and actions. By practicing healthy habits with your children, you can set them on the right course for a healthy life. One way to do this is to encourage family physical activity.
It’s not hard to be active. Simple activities, such as playing in the backyard or walking, can get family members moving and enjoying time together. Set aside a daily time to play with your children. An hour is ideal, but any amount of time you can devote would be beneficial to you and your children. Be sure to pick an activity that all or most family members enjoy doing. Change activities daily so everyone can do something they like. Creating your own ideas or games is part of the fun and will help create life-long memories.

Family

Here are some simple ways to incorporate physical activities into family time:
· Mark off a hopscotch court on the driveway or sidewalk. Teach your children how to play and then do it together.
· Visit a farmers market. Walk and talk about the foods. Buy something to prepare at home with the children.
· Keep low-cost toys around the house that you can pick up at a moment’s notice. Flying discs, jump ropes and balls of various sizes give many choices of games to play.
· Make a kite out of items you have and go fly it. Figure out together how to make it work better if necessary.
· Plan a “wash day,” where you wash wagons, bikes, outdoor toys – and even the family dog.
· Turn up the music and dance.
· Work in a garden. Teach children how to start and take care of flowers or vegetables.
· Set limits on the amount and quality of television and video games you permit family members to watch.
· Teach your children activities you enjoyed as a child.
These are only a few ideas out of thousands of possibilities that can make your family more active and closer. Many physical activities provide an opportunity for family members to discuss their days and get to know each other better.
For more information on physical activity ideas and other healthy lifestyle choices, contact the Breathitt County Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Around the House

Administrator — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:42:39 +0000

by Martha Yount, Breathitt County CES Agent for Family & Consumer Science

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Physical activity is safe – and essential – for people with diabetes. Talk to your health care team about ways to safely increase your daily physical activity. Being physically active can help people with diabetes improve their blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight. It also helps improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Start by setting small goals until you reach at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Brisk walking is a good way to move more.

Help fight Diabetes

Five Facts About Diabetes
With so much health information readily available, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Below are five facts about diabetes provided by the National Diabetes Education Program.
Fact #1: Diabetes is a serious disease. It can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations. People with diabetes can take steps to manage it and lower their risk for complications.
Fact #2: The only way to know for sure what your levels are is to check your blood glucose. The absence of symptoms of high blood glucose is an unreliable guide for judging glucose control, since symptoms do not occur until blood glucose reaches high levels.
Fact #3: Small amounts of foods that contain sugar can be part of a healthy meal plan. If you choose to eat sweet foods, just have a small amount at the end of a healthy meal, not every day, or have a piece of fruit rather than a sugary snack.
Fact #4: A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is a healthy meal plan for everyone. Eat foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. Ask your health care team for a healthy meal plan.
Fact #5: Physical activity is safe – and essential – for people with diabetes. Talk to your health care team about ways to safely increase your daily physical activity.
For more information about diabetes contact the Breathitt County Extension Office at 666-8812, download or order the free Tips to Help You Stay Healthy tip sheet developed by the National Diabetes Education Program at www.YourDiabetesInfo.org or call 1-888-693-NDEP (6337); TTY: 1-866-569-1162.