Are you eligible for Medicare because you are turning 65 years old or reaching the 25th month of long-term disability? Figuring out when to enroll in Medicare and which parts to enroll in can be daunting. There’s Part A, Part B, Part D, medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. And what the heck is a doughnut hole, anyway? A virtual New to Medicare workshop will be held January 27th to help you get the answers to all of these and more, but where else can you find reliable information about Medicare? 

The ‘Medicare and You’ handbook is the official U.S. government Medicare handbook.  The handbook is a summary of Medicare benefits, coverage options, rights and protections, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.  You can order a paper or Braille handbook by calling 1-800-633-4227. Other electronic versions of the handbook include PDF, e-book, and audio, all are available at medicare.gov under resources.  

Another reliable resource is the Kansas Insurance Department. On the website, insurance.kansas.gov/medicare/, you will find a Medicare Supplement Shopper’s Guide in PDF format and an online Medicare supplement comparison tool.  This is a great way to price compare a variety of Medigap plans, companies, and estimated prices to narrow down decisions.  

Social Security handles enrollment for Original Medicare (Parts A and B).  There is a variety of publications online to help guide you through Medicare Benefits at ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/.  

Each state has a health insurance assistance program to provide free help to Medicare beneficiaries who have question. The Kansas program is administered through the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability and is called SHICK, Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas.  Certified volunteers provide free one-to-one counseling and educational programs to help Medicare beneficaries gain the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about health insurance.  SHICK does not sell insurance or endorse any insurance company, product, or agent.  To find a counselor near you, call 1-800-860-5260.    

New to Medicare workshop through Zoom will be held Wednesday, January 27th at 6 p.m. The program is free, registration required: http://bit.ly/SouthwindMedicare.  The program will walk you through the basics of Medicare to provide a foundation of information to help you navigate the decision making process.  The workshop is taught by Joy Miller, Certified SHICK Counselor. For more information, call 620-223-3720 or e-mail [email protected]. 

Program to be Offered to Support Family Caregivers

A couple of months ago I wrote an article on supporting family caregivers. You might remember that I mentioned family caregivers, often referred to as informal caregivers, provide 90% of the long-term care offered in America. The value of the unpaid care they provide runs into the hundreds of billions of dollars.

Caregivers frequently experience the need to ‘do it all’. ‘Doing it all,’ from the caregiver’s perspective, may not include caring for themselves so they can thrive, and not just survive during their caregiving experience.

The Southwind Extension District is joining the Wildcat Extension District and also Sedgwick County Extension in offering Powerful Tools for Caregivers. This educational program is designed to support family caregivers in taking better care of themselves while caring for a relative or a friend. The program can benefit participants who are helping a parent, spouse, child, friend or someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country.

The 6-session course will be offered virtually on Thursdays, January 14 – February 18, 2021, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. A $5.00 registration fee covers the postage for sending out the Caregiver Helpbook. The helpbook includes topics on: Hiring in-home help, helping memory impaired elders, making legal, financial, and care decisions, understanding depression, and making decisions about driving.

Caregiver tools provided as part of the sessions include: Helping the caregiver reduce stress; communicating effectively; encouraging ways for the caregiver to take care of themselves; reducing caregiver guilt, anger and depression; helping the caregiver to relax; making tough decisions; setting goals and problem solving.

Register online by going to https://bit.ly/tools4care or call the Yates Center Southwind office at 620-625-8620. Class size will be limited. Registering early will allow staff to help participants be able to participate virtually and to receive the Caregiver Helpbook prior to sessions beginning.

The program is being offered at a reduced cost thanks to partial funding by the K-State Research and Extension Adult Development and Aging Program Focus Team and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

By Clara Wicoff, Nutrition, Food and Health Agent

With 2022 on the horizon, you may be thinking about setting goals for the new year. However, research indicates that most Americans fail to achieve their New Year’s resolutions. So, how can you set yourself up for success? Be SMART about your goals for 2022 by setting set goals which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-framed.

Specific goals include exactly what you want to achieve. For example, “I will make half my grains whole grains” is a more specific goal than “I will eat healthier.” This sample goal also has the added benefit of aligning with MyPlate recommendations!

Measurable goals state how you will determine your success. To make your goals measurable, ask yourself: How will I know if my goal has been achieved? Let’s say you want to be more active in the upcoming year. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults do muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days per week. This includes activities such as bodyweight exercises, lifting weights, shoveling snow, mowing the lawn with a push mower, and even gardening and weeding! “I will do muscle-strengthening activities on two days each week” is an example of a measurable goal which aligns with this physical activity recommendation.

It is also crucial to make your goals achievable. Achievable goals are realistic for you personally. Take into consideration all internal and external factors, including your skills, resources, and time. When making health-related goals, recognize that small steps add up over time. If completing moderate-intensity physical activity for 150 minutes each week (as recommended by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans) isn’t realistically achievable for you right now, then start smaller and set a goal which you can accomplish!

Next, make your goals relevant. Setting goals which match what really matters to you will increase your motivation to achieve them. If you have children and enjoy cooking, one example of a relevant goal may be to cook a meal together at least once each week.

Finally, your goals should be time-framed. Creating a timeline or setting a deadline encourages you to stay on track. “I will increase my physical activity by participating in Walk Kansas from March to May in 2022” is just one example of a time-framed goal!

SMART goals are a well-established tool which can be used to help you set and achieve objectives. As an extension agent, I seek to provide research-based educational programs which help people improve their lives, livelihoods, businesses, and communities. These programs, as well as those provided by my fellow agents, may help you achieve your SMART goals! To learn more about the programs we offer or to get more information about setting SMART goals, contact me at [email protected] or by calling 620-365-2242.

 

Starlite FCE held its December meeting on the 17^th at the Yeager building on the fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  The eleven members in attendance reported twenty-five and a half volunteer hours and that they had recycled 115 pounds of paper.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Glenda Miller announced that Helen Carson will be one of our County Counsel representatives, she also informed us of information she had received from Joy Miller.

 

It was announced the Marge Stringer had passed and that her visitation will be on Sunday.  Karen Peery moved that we donate $25 to her Memorial Fund and do the same for any other member that passes.  Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried.

 

Before the meeting, the members assembled gift bags decorated as reindeer for Tri-Valley.  Each bag contained a pair of socks, gloves, a Christmas mug, an ornament, fruit snacks, rice crispy treats, popcorn a candy cane, and a Christmas card.  Cards were also signed for Clarice Russell and Nolene Whiteside.

 

Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Helen Carson seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

Club members enjoyed a variety of finger food provided by members.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

 

 

Just because COVID-19 continues to plague our communities, does not mean the good work done by community organizations and clubs needs to come to and end. It is suggested we avoid face-to-face gatherings, and the Southwind Extension District is making it possible your group to convene and continue important community activities.

K-State Research & Extension in the Southwind District would like to offer virtual meeting hosting and collaboration services to any business, club or organization. We will establish your meeting through Zoom and be as involved as you choose. We respect your privacy and understand this is your meeting.

The basic zoom license gives you unlimited time for one-on-one meetings, but group meetings are limited to 40 minutes. The Southwind District utilizes the pro license with unlimited group meetings up to 100 people and can collaborate as long as you need, without worrying about time limits or having to start another meeting. Recording options are also available at your request.

My zoom meeting experience has grown immensely over the past year, and I have found it to be a useful way to collaborate with groups and individuals from across the state and in my own community. Our 4-H club has meet by zoom several times, and the members have found fun and creative ways to practice parliamentary procedure, sing songs and even play games in recreation! Sometimes just seeing someone’s face is just as important as hearing their voice, and with zoom you can do both.

I have helped a wide variety of organizations meet via zoom, and I can assure you that it gets easier each time you use it. Smartphones, tablets and computers with webcams work best, but if you only have a phone, a number is always provided to call into the meeting.

With a vaccine making its way across the country as I write this column, I am hopeful the pandemic is nearing an end. However, until we receive the all-clear from health officials it is our responsibility to remain diligent about our health, wear masks and practice social distancing whenever possible. Social distancing doesn’t mean the good work your businesses, clubs or non-profit organizations must come to an end and that is why I hope you will consider the offer to help you meet through virtual means.

If you are interested in this free service offered by the Southwind Extension District, please give me a call at 620-365-2242 or send an email at [email protected]. For more information about programs and services offered by the Southwind Extension District, go to our website at www.southwind.k-state.edu.

I wish you the very best during this holiday season, and may the 2021 prove to be a year of recovery, peace and prosperity for all.

Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749

…

Barbara Stockebrand

Southwind Extension District –Yates Center

Family and Consumer Sciences

Carrying on Traditions Through Holiday Foods

Knowing this Christmas season may look a lot different from Christmas past, we may be struggling to find ways to carry on some of our traditions. Previously, I had written about simplifying our holiday festivities this year, and that may involve starting some new traditions.

Traditions help to explain our family stories. They give meaning to our family culture and explain where we came from. Those stories need to be passed on.

Our sense of smell can often bring back memories in a matter of seconds. What better way to activate our sense of smell, and recall some of those memories and stories, than with food?

Specific foods are closely tied with family traditions. Those foods, of course, will be different for each of our families. I mentioned last week that some of those favorite foods might be able to be sent through the mail to family members to help maintain some traditions this Christmas.

Keep food safety in mind when shipping homemade food gifts through the mail. Why is this an issue? Foodborne pathogens grow faster between 40°F and 140°F, potentially doubling every 20 minutes, in what is often referred to as the temperature danger zone.

Food products requiring refrigeration should be frozen solid and packed with a cold source prior to shipping. Double-check the shipping method is adequate for your gift to arrive timely, ideally overnight. Make sure the recipient knows a perishable item is coming their way, so it can go straight to the refrigerator. It’s important to take the extra precautions to ensure recipients of your food package feel the love and not the effects of food poisoning when they receive their gift.

Sending only non-perishable foods through the mail is a good set of rules to follow. Non-refrigerated foods stay fresher longer and are safe at room temperature. Some examples of non-perishable foods include: Dried meats, dense and dry baked goods such as fruitcakes and biscotti. Chocolates, hard candies and homemade sweets, such as pralines and toffee, are safe to send either cold or at room temperature.

Cookies and crackers are safe to mail, but should be shipped in airtight packaging. Non-perishable ingredients that are already measured can be sent for specific food products. Food items such as cookies, hot teas or drink mixes, favorite dip mixes, and snacks, like trail mix, can easily be shipped through the mail. Don’t forget to include the recipe!

While you don’t need to worry about the temperature of non-refrigerated foods, you should protect the original packaging. Sturdy packaging helps keep it undamaged for the bumpy ride ahead.

If you would like to add a new twist to your holiday traditions involving food, choose one or two favorite family recipes that everyone can make. Set a time when you can meet by Zoom or some other virtual option, have the food prepared ahead of time, and let everyone enjoy that favorite dish or snack while on the virtual meeting. Conversation always goes better with food!

A virtual process of sharing foods from different locations reminds me of the progressive dinner concept that is a lot of fun. In that process, participants all enjoy the same meal, but travel from house to house to consume a different part of the meal. We may not be able to physically travel to other homes this year, but technology gives us options to still ‘visit’ each other’s homes.

For more information on food products that ship well, contact the Southwind Extension Office in Yates Center at 620-625-8620. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

 

 

It’s the season where we are looking for all things to be merry and bright. However, this holiday season is likely to look differently from previous years for all of us.

The focus on family and togetherness during this time of year can leave anyone not able to participate in their traditional customs feeling isolated or unhappy under “normal” circumstances. With our current environment, additional feelings of gloom can be expected, especially for older adults.

Isolation makes the holidays hard. A lot of changes may have taken place over the past year. Older adults inevitably suffer losses, even if they are relatively healthy. Friends may have become ill, the neighborhood may have changed, decreased energy levels – all resulting in feelings of lost independence and opportunities.

While we may have to work at adapting our own holiday plans and traditions, we need to remember what the holiday season is truly about. Some things may need to be simplified, yet we can still focus on what is really important: the people that matter in our lives. Here are some thoughts to brighten the darker winter days for those who remain at a distance.

–Be an active listener. Talk about what your loved one wants to talk about, even if the conversation tends to be negative. An empathetic listener can help them work through what is troubling them. Conversations might help them realize why they feel down and help find ways to improve their spirits.

–Remind them they are a significant part of your life. They may feel useless or burdensome if they cannot fully participate in festivities. Encouragement to do what they are capable of doing and showing them they are loved is important.

–Ask family members to send cards, photographs and drawings to help keep seasonal mail cheerful. The traditional Christmas cards don’t always bring good news of updates from life-long friends and acquaintances, especially for older adults. Looking forward to receiving those cards and then not receiving one here and there can create concern for those friends.

–Help family members understand that you are trying to simplify your holidays to focus on what matters with the celebrations. Remind them that family and friendships are what is most important.

–If a virtual get-together is possible, plan a time for all family members to join. It doesn’t have to be on a particular holiday. If a loved one is in a care facility, see if arrangements can be made where the staff would arrange for a virtual visit. Interactions with younger generations can be most uplifting for older adults.

–Send easy-to-use decorations that can be hung in smaller living areas, such as removable window clings or artificial wreaths to help create a festive atmosphere. Then phone or video call to follow up with the decorating process. Be prepared to listen to reflections on past holidays.

–Make some traditional baked goods or treats that can be safely sent through the mail and send those to family members. If several family units are involved, but cannot gather, consider each family taking a traditional recipe and sending some of that product to all family units usually involved in the gathering. Traditions based around food and certain recipes can be continued but in a new way.

–Remember, spending time with older adults speaks volumes in helping them feel included and letting them know they are loved. We may need to do that in a safe way through social distancing, wearing masks, sending notes and things through the mail, or meeting virtually. However you go about your holiday traditions this year, any time you can share is a precious gift.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

The Kansas Forest Service is offering low-cost conservation tree and shrub seedlings for purchase again this year. These seedlings are to be used in conservation plantings, such as home/livestock windbreaks, living snow fences, Christmas tree plantations, firewood lots, habitats for game birds and wildlife, barriers to reduce noise pollution, blocking ugly views, marking property lines and creating habitat for songbirds.

These plants are 1 or 2 years old, and their sizes vary from 5 to 18 inches, depending on species. Most of the trees are bare-root seedlings, however some are available as container-grown seedlings such as Ponderosa pine and Southwestern white pine. Some of the deciduous trees that are available include: bald cypress, black walnut, bur oak, cottonwood, hackberry, redbud, and sycamore. Shrubs available include American plum, chokecherry, lilac, and sand hill plum. This is not a complete listing of available trees and not all trees are recommended for this area.

The Kansas Forest Service also offers tree “bundles” for purchase. The Quail Bundle offers a variety of shrubs designed to attract quail, including American plum, fragrant sumac, golden current and chokecherry. It was created in cooperation with Quail Forever to provide excellent food and habitat for upland bird species in eastern Kansas.

A popular favorite that was introduced last year is the pollinator bundle. Designed to improve the habitat for a diverse array of pollinating insects, it primarily focuses on native bees, honey bees, butterflies and moths. This bundle is composed of seven species of shrubs and small trees – American plum, chokecherry, golden currant, false indigo, elderberry, buttonbush and eastern redbud.

Not certain what you would like to order? Then stop by the Extension office and pick up a brochure that has color pictures of various trees and shrubs at maturity. Orders for conservation trees are accepted now through the first full week of May, with shipments beginning in March. However, I recommend that you order early to ensure availability of trees. Order forms and price sheets are available at the Southwind District Extension Office in Erie, Iola Fort Scott, and Yates Center or can be mailed or e-mailed.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

There has been a lot of buzz about Zoom meetings. In many households, it has become an everyday term in describing how someone was going to go about their work or school day, or meet with family or friends.

With the holiday season here, many families may be opting to connect through Zoom rather than having the large family gathering.

If you are one of those who would like to learn how to be a part of a Zoom meeting, whether for educational purposes or just for fun with others, a hands-on practice session is being offered through Southwind Extension District.

Barbara Stockebrand, Southwind District Agent will be offering two opportunities for a little experience with the Zoom program format.

The sessions will take place December 8 at 10:30 a.m. and December 10 at 3:30 p.m. Both sessions will cover the same information.

Participants can register for either session by calling 620-625-8620 or emailing [email protected]. Sessions will be limited to six participants each.

Participants need to have an email address as well as a laptop or desktop with a web cam, or an iPad or smartphone. Instructions will be sent prior to the sessions on how to download the app. If responses require more sessions, we will be glad to set them up!

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District Director 

 

The Southwind Extension District Iola Office is currently in the process of relocating from the Allen County Courthouse to 1006 N. State Street in Iola. While the move was unexpected, the new building is more visible and accessible to the public and we are looking forward to possibilities.

Moving is good for cleaning and each day brings a new discovery of informative and historical Extension publications. Most recently, the 1966 National 4-H Club Foundation “Game of Democracy” surfaced and I can’t help but be amazed at how relevant the information is today.

The forward states “Every phase of our daily life and the lives of those about us is touched by government. We ask our government to protect our well-being and it demands that we insure the well-being of others.” Additionally, “The 4-H program is often referred to as a democracy in action. 4-H teaches citizenship responsibility to its members in a democratic climate. Everyone is born a citizen, but citizenship needs to be learned.”

While the box, cards and instructions are more than 50 years old, the ideology of the game remains steadfast with 4-H. The Game of Democracy is intended to simulate learning experiences to help adolescents learn about our democratic society, and Kansas 4-H currently offers leadership and citizenship opportunities through work in 4-H clubs and project learning experiences.

If you want your family to explore ways to be involved with the community while gaining valuable hands on life skills then now is the time to join 4-H in the Southwind Extension District.

There are 21 4-H clubs in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties with club leaders who are motivated to teach your kids science, technology, engineering and math skills while involving them in club and project meetings that demonstrate leadership.

The Southwind District is currently celebrating our annual 4-H achievements and I continue to be impressed by the volume of community service that our clubs give back to local communities.

We have all been affected by the global pandemic, and sometimes I’m not even confident in where my workday or week will lead me. However, I know for certain that the 4-H program in the Southwind District is a strong and vibrant program with much to offer for families with rural or urban backgrounds and families who are interested in contributing to more vibrant local communities.

4-H really is a game of democracy – and while it has changed since 1966, 4-H continues to equip our youth with the skills it takes to lead our communities into a future full of hope and promise.

For more information about joining 4-H, visit www.southwind.k-state.edu and find the Southwind Extension District on Facebook.