Category Archives: K-State Extension

Internet and Phone Safety

Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

 

According to a study by Rawhide Youth Services, teens spend 9 hours each day consuming some form of digital content. Furthermore, parents know their children are online, but are unaware of what they have access to and how much of their time is tied to it. On average, parents guessed 3 hours.

The rapid generation of new and trendy apps, games, and websites can make it hard to keep up with all the things kids have access to. Children often don’t understand the dangers of the online world and the consequences of certain actions. They need adult help to navigate it with them.

But where do I start? This might be what you’re asking yourself if you have never approached the subject before. Establish guidelines with your kids on what sites and apps they are allowed to use and talk through why certain ones are off limits. Setting guidelines that both parent and child feel comfortable with and understand is critical to establishing healthy boundaries. You can also create electronic-free times and spaces in your home. Examples could include at the dinner table to help encourage family conversations or in bedrooms after a certain bedtime to ensure quality sleep.

Although kids might not like it, parents should also monitor online activity by regularly checking devices like computers, tablets, and phones. To help your child understand this seemingly overstepping action, talk through why it is important to keep them safe as opposed to control them. The goal here is to create open, honest conversations with your kids to help them understand the potential risks of online activity.

Kids love when parents take an interest in the things that they do. Before your child is allowed to download a new app or game, download it together and go through it with your child to see how they intend to use it and what content they are exposed to. There might be some apps that sound kid-friendly but really aren’t.

If you want to learn more about how to protect your child from online dangers, join Cassidy Lutz for What the Tech?! Phone Safety for Parents. This program will be offered in Yates Center on May 22nd, Iola on May 24th, Fort Scott on May 31st, and Chanute on June 5th. There is no fee to attend. Call the office at 620-625-8620 or email [email protected] to register.

 

Setting Boundaries to Ease Stress

Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

May is mental health month and there are some great events coming up to assist self-care.  While it may not be an obvious part of your self-care action plan, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we are doing in setting boundaries with relationships, work, and even social media.

Not always an easy task, think of setting boundaries as a way to practice self-care, gain self-respect, and to honor your closest relationships.  Here are some simple ways to get started.

  • Recognize your feelings/wants/needs and write them down.Take some time to identify your feelings as they come and what causes your reaction.  What specifically causes you stress or frustration?

You might try a boundary circle exercise in which you write down inside a circle the things you need to be supported and what you want in relationships.  Place items that distract from this on the outside.

  • Recognize what boundaries need to be set. Once the above is identified, you can work to resolve any issues by setting a boundary.  Set your limits and stick to them.  For example, if answering work items in the evening is interfering with family time, let your co-workers know you will be responding to items between 8am-6pm, Monday through Friday.
  • Make boundaries clearly known.Kindly, honestly, and directly let others know your boundaries so they may be respected and understood.  Assertive language can help by not allowing room for debate and not blaming who you are communicating with. Use “I” statements, active listening, and eye contact for a more positive interaction.
  • Practice and take care of you. Fear and guilt are natural feelings and barriers to boundaries.  Learning to say ‘no’ at times will be challenging. Practice with a safe friend.  Remember that working on your boundaries can lead to a healthier, happier lifestyle and is not a selfish attitude.

Today’s article was adapted from Michigan State University Extension’s Tips for Setting Boundaries, and University of Arkansas Research and Extension’s Boundary Setting Worksheet.

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 620-244-3826.

 

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

Freeze Injury to Corn and Soybeans

Chad Guthrie
District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management
Southwind District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Cell: 308-991-8415
[email protected]

As soil temperatures have heated up throughout April, producers in the Southwind District have been hard at work planting corn and early soybeans. This past week, we experienced unusually cold, and even freezing temperatures, leaving producers wondering how this could affect any planted corn and beans.

Corn

Cold temperatures can result in injury to the germinating seed as it is absorbing moisture – a problem called imbibitional chilling injury. Germinating seeds can be damaged when soil temperatures remain at or below 50 degrees F after planting.

Soil temperatures at the 4-inch depth during the first 24-72 hours after planting are critical. It is during this window that the kernels imbibe water and begin the germination process. Kernels naturally swell when hydrating – taking in water. If the cell tissues of the kernel are too cold, they become less elastic and may rupture during the swelling process, resulting in “leaky” cells. Injury symptoms may include swollen kernels that fail to germinate or aborted growth of the radicle and/or coleoptile after germination has begun.

Chilling injury can also occur following germination as the seedlings enter the emergence process. Chilling injury to seedlings can result in:

  • Reduced plant metabolism and vigor, potentially causing stunting or death of the seminal roots
  • Deformed elongation (“corkscrewing”) of the mesocotyl
  • Leaf burn
  • Delayed or complete failure of emergence, often leafing out underground

Chilled seedlings may also be more sensitive to herbicides and seedling blights.

Soybeans

For this crop, a similar impact could be expected but depending on the planting time and overall plant growth. The most susceptible stage is as the plants are emerging (recently planted). The most typical sign of the impact of freezing temperatures on soybeans can be visualized in the stem and mainly with the yellowing of the cotyledons. If soybeans were advanced in growth, with unifoliate, then the overall impact of a freeze on the cotyledons will be very minor, with most likely no yield loss. If there is a large impact on cotyledons (without having unifoliate leaves unfolded), then there is a lower chance for those soybeans plants to survive.

For some of the fields scouted in the last days, most of the damage is cosmetic and even when some yellowing was present in cotyledons, this effect is minor and most likely will not produce any impact on yields.

Producers should consider all these factors when deciding on the planting time. Before making any decisions, fields should be scouted 4-7 days after the cold occurred as the extent of the damage and potential for new growth will be evident during this time.

If you suspect your crop may be showing symptoms of freeze injuries, it is important to contact your insurance agent prior to making any management decisions. For more information on freeze damaged crops, contact Chad Guthrie, crop production and forage management agent, at any Southwind Extension District office.

 

Input Needed on Access to Child Care in Bourbon County

 

Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

K-State researchers are looking for respondents to a brief survey (less than 10 minutes) to help understand the need for access to quality, affordable child care in Bourbon County. If you are looking for care, have care, provide child care, or are simply a resident of Bourbon County, we want to hear from you!  To participate, simply go to https://bit.ly/BBCOkids!  For questions about the survey, please contact Holly Connell at [email protected] / 319-538-4761.  For questions about the child care coalition in your county, please contact Rachel Carpenter at [email protected] / 620-215-2562

 

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

Practice Mindfulness During Stress Awareness Month

 

Clara Wicoff. Submitted photo 2023

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

 

April is Stress Awareness Month! Did you know that stress can affect your physical health? According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, chronic stress can lead to a risk of health problems such as digestive issues, elevated blood pressure, headaches, insomnia, and more.

 

So, what can you do to combat stress throughout the rest of April and beyond? One practice you can consider adopting is mindfulness. What exactly is this? Mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn defines the term as “awareness, cultivated by paying attention in a sustained and particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”

 

While this should not be considered a “cure-all,” research suggests that practicing mindfulness can reduce chronic stress. Consider starting simply by committing to an uninterrupted time each day to focus on your breathing and practice a mindful meditation. This is a busy time of year for many people, so know that you can start by doing this for as little as five minutes (although you may benefit from increasing the time to 20 minutes or longer). Once you’ve committed to this time, find a quiet place away from technology. Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down. Then, focus on your breathing and let negative thoughts float away like clouds. There are resources online which can help lead you through a guided mindful meditation if desired.

 

For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or chatting online at 988lifeline.org.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

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

Sun Safety

Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

 

As the days get longer and the temperatures get higher, many of us will likely spend more time outside enjoying the sunny spring days.

Although there are many health benefits tied to spending time outdoors, there is one potentially dangerous side effect of sun exposure that can be dangerous – skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 3.3 million Americans have some type of skin cancer. Most diagnoses are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and can be prevented. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps.

As much as we all love being outside during the spring and summer months, it is important to keep your skin healthy.

The best place to start would be to reduce sun exposure, especially during the peak time of day for high UV index, which is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are planning to be outside for extended periods, wear protective gear such as hats, long sleeve shirts, pants, and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen daily, regardless of the season or weather forecast. UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause sunburns even when it’s cloudy.

Some individuals are more sensitive to UV rays and need higher SPF sunscreens. Make sure to read the labels of sun lotions, gels, oils, and sprays to ensure it is the right fit for you. Apply sunscreen to all uncovered areas thirty minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours. Spots like the back of the neck, the tops of ears, and the back of the hands are easy to overlook but are usually the areas with the highest exposure. If you work up a sweat or go for a swim, make sure to apply it more often as sunscreen is not waterproof.

When choosing a sunscreen, avoid spray cans as they can be accidentally inhaled. They are also less likely to be applied in adequate amounts and can leave missed spots. Look for sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as the active ingredient. These chemicals are generally safer for children because they aren’t absorbed into the skin. Avoid products that contain the chemicals oxybenzone, octinoxate (octylmethoxycinnamate), or retinyl palmitate/retinol/vitamin A. All have higher toxicity concerns associated with them. Always read and follow all label directions and precautions on sunscreen products. Some have specific warnings regarding the use on children.

If you notice a spot on your skin that changes in size, shape, color, or is itchy or painful, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. A yearly check up with a skin doctor can help with early detection and prevention, especially for those with a family history of skin cancer.

Follow these tips to ensure you are enjoying your time outside safely and in a way that won’t cause major health concerns now, or in years to come. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

 

Container Gardening Is For Everyone

Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

 

The popularity of container gardening has dramatically increased in recent years. As we live in a world of limited time and space for gardens, container gardens seem to be a practical fit. Residents of apartments, long term care facilities or houses with small lots can still enjoy gardening. Poor soil or no place to put plants in the ground is no longer an excuse for not enjoying plants.

 

Building a container garden is really quite simple. However, they tend to need a bit more attention than a garden in the ground. Careful attention needs to be paid to the potting media, watering and fertilizing.

 

Garden soil is great for growing things in the ground but when using containers, the soil needs to be changed. Container soils need to be well aerated and well drained but yet still be able to retain moisture. This is why a soil substitute, or potting mix (media), is often used. These mixes may contain soil (called a soil mix) or no soil at all (called a soilless mix) and may also contain other ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. You can also your own mix by using one part soil, one part peat moss and one part perlite. The same potting media can be used from year to year if the plants in the containers were healthy during the growing season with no major disease issues.

 

What about the contain itself? Containers come in many different styles and sizes. Containers can be made from clay, plastic, ceramic or wood. I personally use empty cattle supplement lick containers and they actually work quite well. The only essential thing is that the container must have drain holes in the bottom.

 

As for the size of container, it depends on the type of plants to be planted. Small plants can be grown in fairly small, shallow containers while larger plants will need more space. Most annual flowers and small vegetables do best in 12 inch pots. Larger vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes or peppers will require a 16-24 inch container.

 

When choosing plants – most of the standard varieties of vegetables will grow well in containers. However, there are some cultivars bred specifically for small spaces. Lettuce, spinach, radish and onion are all early season vegetables that can be easily grown in containers. For the more warm season vegetables – sweet, hot and banana peppers do well in large containers. Tomatoes, dwarf varieties such as Patio, Pixie, Tiny Tim or Tumbling Tom, are a good choice. If you like a small vine tomato, consider Mountain Belle (cherry), Mountain Glory or Sunmaster.

 

We have a very useful publication titled “Growing Vegetables in Pots.” It gives complete information on planting, care, fertilization, and variety selection. Visit www.southwind.ksu.edu to download.

 

If you have gardening questions, I can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 620-244-3826.

 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. 

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

 

 

Reduce Food Waste for the Earth and Your Wallet

Clara Wicoff. Submitted photo 2023

 

 

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

 

Earth Day is coming up, which makes it the perfect time to consider how you can reduce food waste. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that 30% to 40% of the food supply in our country goes to waste. This waste has many negative impacts, including on the environment and on your wallet.

 

How does food waste affect the environment? Consider all of the resources that go into producing food and getting it to your plate. Those resources include energy, labor, land, water, and more. When we waste food, we aren’t just wasting the food itself; we are also wasting all of the resources that went into growing, processing, and transporting that food. Food waste has further negative impacts on the environment once we send it to the landfill. Why? Food rotting in landfills produces methane, which is a greenhouse gas. In addition to helping the environment, reducing food waste can also save you money. The USDA estimates that households can save $370 per person each year by reducing food waste.

 

So, what can you do? K-State Research and Extension has developed a fact sheet (available at bit.ly/FoodWasteFactSheet) which details steps that consumers can take to reduce food waste. Some of those steps include:

  • Shop your refrigerator first.
  • Shop from a list to reduce impulse purchases of food you won’t end up eating.
  • Store food properly to reduce spoilage. Make sure you have a thermometer in both your refrigerator and in your freezer to ensure these appliances are in good working condition. For quality and safety, the temperature in your refrigerator should be 40°F or less and the temperature in your freezer should be 0°F or less.

 

When working to reduce food waste, it is also important to remember the following rule: When in doubt, throw it out! If you aren’t sure if food is safe to eat, throw it away.

 

Want to learn more about how you can prepare food plans to reduce food waste? Join Nutrition, Food and Health Agent Clara Wicoff for a free educational program at the LaHarpe City Hall on April 17th at 6 PM or at the Neosho County Community College Student Union Cafeteria on April 27th at 1:30 PM. Topics covered will include meal planning, reducing a recipe, strategic grocery shopping, proper food storage, and more. Contact Clara with questions at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

 

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

Aging with Attitude Regional Expo Set for April 28th

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Southwind Extension District…
Aging with Attitude Regional Expo Set for
April 28th
It’s taking place every day, for everyone….aging that is, and it is an opportunity! Let’s come together to learn and ensure we can all thrive as we age, on Friday, April 28th, for the Aging with Attitude Regional Expo.
The expo aims to promote positive attitudes about aging and educate on issues that support physical, mental, and financial health. K-State Research and Extension along with community partners invite you to connect with others for information and resources on April 28th. The event includes presentations, breakfast, activities, prizes, and a resource fair from 8:00 to 11:30a.m. at Foursquare Church, 98 Main Street, Parsons, KS.
Registration fee is $15 per attendee.
Register online at https://bit.ly/2023AWAexpo or by calling 620-625-8620.
 
Keynote Presentations include:
Affordable Day Trips
SEK Living Magazine will provide the inside scoop on fun, affordable day trips in Kansas!
Planning for Life Panel
Hear from financial, legal, and funeral professionals on estate planning essentials and get your questions answered!
Make the most of your life by attending this year’s regional expo!  For more information you may contact me at [email protected] or 620-625-8620.

2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing School in Bronson May 5-6

Chad . His email is [email protected]
District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management
Submitted photo.

 

The Southwind Extension District, in partnership with the Kansas Forage and Grassland Council and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, is hosting the 2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing School in Bronson, Kansas on May 5 and 6.

The 2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing School will be two-day workshop for beginning and experienced grazers, focusing on management-intensive grazing (MiG). MiG is a flexible approach to using a rotational grazing system where paddock size, stocking density, and grazing timing is adjusted based on available forage. Attendees will learn how MiG could benefit their operation, and how to implement MiG to their farm.

Day 1 topics will focus on agronomic principles to maintain healthy pastures using MiG. Attendees will learn how to correctly calculate stocking rates, how to match animal needs to available forages, and how to properly manage their grass pastures.

Day 2 topics will focus on using modern technology to build the infrastructure needed to practice MiG. Attendees will learn how to build and use electric fence, how to implement and manage water resources, and will get a glimpse of how using E-collars on grazing cattle could work in Southeast Kansas.

The 2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing Schools will focus on sound grazing practices that can be implemented into any grazing operation, regardless if rotational grazing is being practiced. The program will focus on grazing cattle, but practices can be easily adjusted for any grazing animal.

Register now! The 2023 Eastern Kansas Grazing Schools is limited to 35 farms/location. To register, contact the Southwind Extension District at 620-223-3720, or check out our website at www.southwind.k-state.edu/agriculture and click on the “Events” tab.

 

 

Protect Yourself Against Current Scams

Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

Anyone can fall victim to a scam and many have.  We all need reminders now and then on how to detect and react to questionable inquiries.  There are a few items of concern I’d like to make you aware of and provide general reminders on how to protect yourself.

 

Please be aware of the following current events:

Letter offering millions of unclaimed life insurance policy

Letters circulating in Kansas claim to be from an attorney with law firms located in Canada, and state there are millions of dollars in an unclaimed life insurance policy available. The sender asks the recipient to partner with them to claim these monies.

This is a scam.  There are legitimate ways to check for both a life insurance policy benefit and unclaimed property through valid sources. Kansans can locate a life insurance policy using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Life Insurance Policy Locator at eapps.naic.org/life-policy-locator. To check for unclaimed property in your or a loved one’s name, visit the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property division at kansascash.ks.gov/up_main.html or call 785-296-4165.

 

Plastic Medicare Card Marketing

A company called Platinum Marketing & Design is offering plastic cards for a fee.  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) advises to be aware and guard your Medicare card and number like a credit card! Don’t share your number, laminate it, make copies, or let anyone else make a copy. If you need an official replacement card, you can print or order one at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

 

Flex Card Scam

Some Medicare Advantage (not Original Medicare) plans offer prepaid debit cards, also known as flex cards, to eligible members to cover some health-related expenses, which may include groceries.  False advertisements claim that Medicare is giving out flex cards containing several hundred dollars to apply toward food and other items.  It involves someone impersonating a Medicare representative who tries to encourage you to purchase a Medicare flex card.

The scam directs people to a website, where they’re asked to provide personal information that can be stolen, such as a Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account information.

 

 

The Federal Trade Commission Provides These Four Signs that It’s a Scam

  • Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know
  • Scammers say there is a problem or a prize
  • Scammers pressure you to act immediately
  • and Scammers toll you to pay in a specific way

 

Trust your gut.  Always trust your gut.  If you feel uncomfortable or are unsure, get yourself out of the situation or ask for help from a trusted family member or friend.  For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 620-244-3826.

 

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

Promote Empathy and Kindness in Kids

Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

 

Over the past several weeks, I have offered a program called Gray for a Day to several Family and Consumer Science high school classes across the Southwind District.

The main goal of this program is to teach participants how to have empathy and show kindness to those that struggle with sensory and functional challenges due to aging. At the beginning of the first session, one participant asked me why empathy is so important. I paused to think about that answer as opposed to stating the obvious.

The most notable reason would be that all individuals seek kindness, comfort, love, and support. If you were struggling to reach the top shelf at the grocery store, you would hope that a passer-by would notice and offer to help you. But it goes much deeper than that surface-level answer.

Empathy is the ability to notice, share, understand, and consider how others feel. It is a large part of social behavior and establishing healthy relationships. Being able to empathize creates stronger social connections as it drives you to help others. There are ways to establish this skill throughout a lifespan, but it is extremely critical to start at a young age.

For young children, this is a complex set of emotions they begin to learn and develop while sharing toys and spaces and reacting to others’ feelings. One important thing to note is that children are impressionable and will model the behavior of those around them. By providing a good example for them to mimic, adults can help establish a behavioral pattern in young children.

To help support the development of empathy in children, adults can make examples out of others as they see them displaying positive behaviors. If they see unkind interactions, point that out to them and share how that might feel to others. Use verbal affirmations when you see a child do something kind and avoid giving treats or toys as a reward. This will diminish their motivation to engage in such acts. Let them make mistakes and learn from them. Help them understand how to correct their behavior so they can be better in future situations.

Empathy and kindness are critical skills for human development and healthy relationships at all ages. We can all work on enhancing this valuable skill. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.