Libraries with Heart Initiative Expands Access to Blood Pressure Monitoring Across Southeast Kansas

Nearly half of all Americans have high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke.  In a collaborative effort to improve community health, five local libraries have launched the Libraries with Heart initiative, a program designed to increase access to blood pressure monitoring and education.

This initiative is made possible through a General Funds Basic Human Needs grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, in partnership with K-State Extension – Southwind Extension Education Foundation, the American Heart Association, and participating libraries.

Libraries with Heart empowers individuals to take control of their health by providing tools and resources to monitor and manage blood pressure effectively.

Program Highlights:

• Validated Blood Pressure Monitors for Check Out:  Patrons can borrow monitors through the Library of Things catalog.
• Educational Materials: Staff and community members are equipped with easy-to-understand resources on how to use the monitors, understanding blood pressure, and how to take steps toward better heart health.
• Healthcare Connections: Resources of local healthcare providers for further support and follow-up care.

“This initiative is a great example of how libraries truly serve as hubs for community wellness,” said Tara Solomon-Smith, Healthy Heart Ambassador and Extension Agent with K-State Extension. “By making blood pressure monitoring more accessible, we’re helping individuals take proactive steps toward healthier lives.”

The Libraries with Heart initiative reflects a shared commitment to public health, education, and community empowerment. Each participating library brings its own unique approach, while maintaining core elements that ensure consistency and impact across the region.

For more information about the program or to find a participating library near you, contact Tara Solomon-Smith at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Embrace Winter this Season

Do you find yourself ready for bed as soon as supper is over this time of year? You’re not alone—many of us feel that way after the time change. But winter doesn’t have to be something we dread. With a few simple strategies, we can make the most of the season and enjoy it!

Brighten Your Days with Light Therapy

Light therapy can help combat the winter blues by mimicking natural sunlight. Light boxes or lamps produce bright white light that signals your brain, much like daylight does. When choosing a light box, Harvard Health Publishing recommends:

• Look for 10,000 lux exposure. (Lux measures light intensity; a sunny day is about 50,000 lux.)
• Position it correctly. Keep the box in front of you or slightly to the side, about a foot away. Don’t stare directly at the light—read, meditate, or watch TV instead.
• Use it consistently. Aim for about 30 minutes of exposure daily. You can break this into shorter sessions.

Lifestyle Tips for a Positive Winter

Oklahoma State University Extension suggests creating a plan to boost your mood long-term:

• Bundle up and spend 15–30 minutes outdoors for sunlight and exercise.
• Maintain a healthy routine of sleep, movement, and nutritious meals.
• Take medications as prescribed if managing depression.
• Limit alcohol, as it can worsen symptoms.
• Stay connected—make plans and follow through.
• Practice self-care and kindness toward yourself and others.

Find the Bright Side of Winter

Psychologist and author Kari Leibowitz encourages focusing on what you enjoy about winter. Make a list of things you look forward to—like lighting candles. Leibowitz notes that when you light candles with the intention of celebrating the darkness, it can transform your experience and give winter a new meaning.

Wishing you a wonderful season filled with new ways to embrace winter! For more information, please contact Tara Solomon-Smith at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

Vitamin A Matters: Supporting Reproduction, Growth, and Immunity in Cattle

Vitamin A deficiency in cattle can manifest through a range of clinical signs, including reduced feed intake, growth issues, night blindness, and reproductive failures like low conception rates and stillborn calves. Calves born to vitamin A-deficient cows can exhibit signs of a depressed immune system, making them more vulnerable to disease. Recent concerns about the rising incidence of stillborn and weak calves across the United States have led some nutritionists to emphasize the critical importance of vitamin A supplementation in beef cattle production.

All animals require a dietary source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is typically provided to animals in plant products through its precursor, carotene.  Cattle convert beta carotene from green vegetation into vitamin A. In a normal pasture season, the daily intake of carotene that is converted into vitamin A is three to five times the requirement. Cattle can store up to four months of vitamin A in the liver during this period. Under ideal conditions cattle fed good quality hay during the winter will maintain adequate vitamin A status.

Green, lush pastures are an excellent source of vitamin A, primarily due to their high beta-carotene content, the pigment found in these plants. During winter months or periods of drought, vitamin A deficiencies can arise because dormant plants contain significantly less beta-carotene compared to fresh forages. Cows grazing on dry, brown grass or consuming hay made from drought-stressed forages are likely to have low vitamin A. Even hay from good green forage may not maintain adequate vitamin A levels over time, as carotene is unstable and can degrade, even when stored properly. This degradation can result in a loss of one-third to one-half of beta-carotene levels each year. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep mineral supplementation sources fresh to ensure adequate vitamin A intake, as feed grains and concentrates typically have low beta-carotene content.

Luckily, adding vitamin A to cattle diets is both simple and budget-friendly. It’s best to provide this supplement in winter since summer pastures offer plenty of green grass. By the end of summer, cattle typically store ample vitamin A in their livers, but without supplementation during winter, deficiencies can develop. If dietary vitamin A is not adequate, a good time for injection in pregnant cows is at least two months prior to calving to build up stores in the cow and ensure that adequate amounts of vitamins are present in the colostrum. For cows deficient in vitamin A, a single injection may not be enough. These cows have a diminished capacity to store vitamin A in their liver, which means they might require more injections until their vitamin A reserves are sufficient or until adequate oral supplementation can be established. Calves have minimal vitamin reserves at birth and are highly dependent on an adequate supply of vitamins from the dam through colostrum and milk.

Thank you to Emma Briggs, Extension Beef Specialist, for the content of this article. If you have further questions regarding Vitamin A as we are approaching the winter, please feel free to reach out to Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent at any Southwind Extension District office, or by email at [email protected].

Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent    

November 2025

The holiday season is full of warmth, generosity, and celebration, but it also brings a lot of pressure to spend. Between sales, gift exchanges, and festive outings, it’s easy to swipe the card without thinking. Many shoppers report that they don’t realize how much they’ve spent until January’s credit card statement arrives like an unwelcome guest.

According to Capital One Shopping, 89% of consumers report having made an impulse purchase, and 54% have spent $100 or more on an impulse buy. The good news is that impulse spending isn’t inevitable. With a little planning and awareness, we can keep holiday spending meaningful and manageable.

Start With a Spending Plan
Before gift shopping begins, take a few minutes to outline a holiday budget. List who you want to give to, set a spending limit for each person, and include seasonal extras like holiday meals, travel, décor, and community events. Seeing it written down not only helps you stay accountable but also reduces stress—you know what to expect.

Don’t Shop Without a List
Much like grocery shopping, heading into a holiday store or online sale without a list is a fast track to overspending. Sales are designed to trigger quick decisions. A list anchors your attention to what you actually planned to buy.

Use the 24-Hour Rule
When you find something you want but didn’t plan for, pause—don’t purchase right away. Save the item to your cart or take a picture, then wait 24 hours. Often, the excitement wears off, and you realize you didn’t need it after all.

Beware of Emotional Shopping
The holidays can stir up a lot of feelings—joy, nostalgia, stress, and sometimes guilt. Retailers know this and use it to their advantage. If you find yourself adding items to your cart because “it was a good deal” or “It just feels festive.”, take a breath and remind yourself that the value of a holiday is not measured in the number of packages under the tree.

Make Memories, Not Expenses
Research consistently shows that shared experiences are more meaningful than material gifts. Consider alternatives such as baking together, crafting homemade gifts, or planning a family game night. These experiences build connection—and often cost little to nothing.

Keep the Focus on What Matters Most
The purpose of the season is connection, gratitude, and reflection—not perfection. Your presence and kindness hold more value than anything wrapped with a ribbon.

By slowing down, planning ahead, and being mindful of spending triggers, you can enjoy a holiday season that feels full without financial regret come January.

For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].

Staying a step ahead: Recognizing and preventing modern scams

It’s getting to the time of Holiday season where people are ordering gifts or booking traveling online. One major thing to watch out for is scams. During a Living Well Wednesday webinar hosted by Kansas State University, Ed Burr, investigator with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, shared tips on how to identify fraudulent activity, protect personal information and respond safely if targeted.

Burr emphasized that scams could happen to anyone, regardless of age or experience.

“These scammers are highly trained and very good at what they do,” he said. “Their goal is to make you act quickly and emotionally before you have time to think.”

Common Scams and How to Stay Safe
One of the newest and most alarming tactics involves AI-generated voice cloning. Burr shared the story of a woman who answered a call she believed was from her grandson — only to discover the voice was a scammer using AI technology.

His advice: families should establish a code word to verify a loved one’s identity in unexpected calls.

He also warned against falling for computer locks or tech support scams. Victims may receive a message claiming their computer has been hacked or locked and that they must call a provided number or speak with a supposed FBI agent.

“The best thing you can do is hang up, shut down your computer and unplug it,” Burr said. “Never click links, download attachments, or sign into bank accounts when prompted.”

If you believe you’ve been targeted, contact law enforcement and your bank immediately.

Burr noted that once money is transferred to scammers, recovery is extremely difficult.

Online and Social Media Risks
Burr said scammers are increasingly using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and dating sites to lure victims into conversations that eventually move to other, less secure platforms.

He also urged people to be cautious when buying from online marketplaces and to verify who they’re communicating with.

Burr highlighted the prevalence of romance scams, in which fraudsters build emotional connections over time to gain trust and eventually request money. These scams, he said, are often orchestrated by organized groups in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia and India.

“These operations are highly organized, and they thrive on emotional manipulation,” Burr said.

Protecting Yourself
Burr encouraged Kansans to:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages or “wrong number” texts that quickly become personal.
• Verify credentials before investing money or sharing information; check with the Kansas Securities Commission or the FBI’s consumer resources.
• Avoid making decisions under pressure or through emotional appeals.
• Stay educated about emerging scams and talk openly with friends and family to reduce stigma or embarrassment.

“Scammers prey on trust and emotion,” Burr said. “Education and awareness are the best tools we have to stop them.”

For more information, see (www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news) and the Kansas Attorney General’s Office website at (www.ag.ks.gov)

Kendal Henson is a Kansas State Extension 4-H & Youth Development agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-625-8620.

Wet Weather Slows Kansas Soybean Harvest, Raises Risk of Pod Shattering

By Lonnie Mengarelli Ag and Natural Resources Agent – Southwind District

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor website, as of Tuesday, October 28,2025 at 8am (weekly reporting deadline), most of eastern Kansas is at D0(abnormally dry) to D1(moderate drought conditions). While our pastures and wheat acres were needing the moisture, the recent rains and wet weather have delayed soybean harvest and increased the risk of pod shattering.

Prolonged wet conditions can cause soybeans to reabsorb moisture after pods have dried. When alternating dry and wet periods occur, the pods swell and shrink, creating stress that can cause them to split open and release seeds prematurely.

“If moisture reaches the seeds, they may begin to sprout in the pod,” said agricultural specialist Ignacio Ciampitti. “Once seeds fall to the ground, that’s direct yield loss before harvest.”

Even a small number of lost seeds can add up quickly. Research shows that just four seeds per square foot left on the soil surface equals roughly one bushel per acre of yield loss.

Once conditions allow harvest to resume, farmers are encouraged to prioritize fields showing early signs of shattering or sprouting to minimize losses and protect seed quality. Early sprouting greatly reduces overall seed quality.

Several factors can contribute to pod shattering, including nutrient deficiencies, insect or hail damage, and—most notably this year—unfavorable weather. Management strategies such as timely harvest and careful combine adjustments can help reduce yield losses.

Harvesting soybeans before all the leaves have dropped can be challenging, as the plants can gum up the combine, but taking the time to work slowly and using well-maintained, sharp equipment can pay off in yield preservation.

Farmers will need vigilance and careful management remain key to protecting both yield and seed quality to finish up this challenging crop production year.

Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720

Assistive Technology: Tools for Independence and Inclusion

Assistive technology (AT) is any tool or device that helps individuals perform tasks more easily and efficiently. From simple items like glasses and step stools to advanced devices like eye-controlled computers, AT empowers people of all abilities to make daily living easier.

AT supports a healthy, productive, and dignified lifestyle. It can:

• Extend independence and reduce reliance on caregivers
• Enable longer workforce participation
• Prevent injuries and functional decline
• Promote inclusion and community living

Some common everyday examples include:

• In the kitchen – there are grip foam handles for silverware, cutting boards that hold food in place, a drinking straw holder, and more.
• Around the house – Programmable thermostats, robot vacuums, grab bars, handrails, and more.
• Dressing and bathing – Buttoning aids, zipper pulls, long shoehorns, one-handed belts, and more.
• Communication – Pens and pencils with special grips, talk-to-text devices, electronic screen readers, and more.
• Cognition and memory – Audiobooks, identification bracelets, note-taking systems, and more.
• At work or on the farm – Ergonomic workstations, anti-fatigue mats, swivel seating, and more.

To get started, ask yourself:

• What tasks are complex or frequently forgotten?
• Is there a more straightforward or more affordable solution?
• Can I try the device before buying?

Consult professionals like occupational therapists, audiologists, or medical supply staff for personalized guidance.

You can learn more by exploring resources like:

• Assistive Technology for Kansans
• KEE Reuse Program
• K-LOAN
• Arthritis Foundation Kansas Chapter
• National AgrAbility Project

Assistive technology isn’t just for those with medical needs—it’s for anyone seeking greater ease, safety, and independence in daily life. For more information or to schedule an Assistive Technology presentation, please get in touch with Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.

Late October – The Perfect Time to Tackle Lawn Weeds and Fertilize

So far, this fall has brought fairly favorable weather—but winter is just around the corner. Before the deep freeze sets in, there are two important tasks every homeowner should check off their lawn care list: weed control and fall fertilization.

Why Worry About Lawn Weeds Now?

Weeds might be the last thing on your mind this time of year. But think back to last spring—was your lawn speckled with purple henbit or dotted with dandelions? If so, those weeds didn’t just show up in spring—they actually started growing last fall.

Cool-season broadleaf weeds like henbit, dandelions, and chickweed germinate in the cool, moist conditions of September and October. They overwinter as small, low-growing plants that often go unnoticed. Once spring temperatures rise, they rapidly grow and bloom, making them much harder to control.

Fall is the Best Time for Broadleaf Weed Control

Treating these weeds in the fall is your best chance for effective control. During this season, the weeds are actively transporting nutrients to their roots in preparation for winter. Herbicides applied now are carried down to the roots, killing the plant from the inside out. Plus, the young, small weeds are much more vulnerable to herbicide treatments.

Look for broadleaf herbicides that contain 2,4-D, or combination products with 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba—commonly sold under names like Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, or Weed-Out. Another effective option is Weed Free Zone, which includes all of the above ingredients plus carfentrazone for enhanced control.

Important Note: Avoid applying herbicides to newly seeded lawns until the grass has been mowed at least two or three times. Always read and follow the label instructions carefully.

Fall applications also reduce the risk of herbicide drift, a common issue during warm, windy spring days. The cooler, calmer conditions of fall—along with the dormant state of many plants—make this an ideal time for treatment.

Don’t Forget Fertilization

Early November is the perfect time to apply the final dose of nitrogen fertilizer to your cool-season lawn. This late-season application can make a big difference come spring.

Why? As temperatures drop, top growth slows, but grass plants continue producing and storing carbohydrates in their crowns and roots. These stored reserves help your lawn green up earlier and grow more vigorously in the spring—often eliminating the need for early spring fertilizer.

Apply 1 to 1½ pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Use a quick-release nitrogen source like urea or ammonium sulfate for best results.

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

Fall – Time to Tidy Up, Store Summer Bulbs and Plan for Next Year

I always look forward to the change from summer to fall. Although I’m sad to see my summer annuals begin to fade away, I do enjoy the fall scenery – mums, pumpkins, and the leaves putting on their colorful show. Fall also brings the time to tidy up around the home, store summer bulbs, and start making plans for the next growing season.

Don’t forget to dig your summer-flowering bulbs and store those that will not survive Kansas winters. Bulbs such as gladiolus, caladium, dahlia, tuberous begonia, calla lily, and canna lily need to be dug and stored to be planted next year.

All of these plants should be dug after frost has browned the foliage. They should dry for about a week in a shady, well-ventilated site such as a garage or tool shed. Any excess soil should be removed. The bulbs should be packed away in peat moss or perlite. When packing, make sure the bulbs don’t touch each other. If one decays, the rot won’t spread onto neighboring bulbs. Dusting the bulbs with fungicide before storing will help prevent them from rotting.

Caladium should be stored between 50 and 60 degrees F. The rest of the bulbs mentioned should be stored at around 40 degrees. Finding a good storage spot may be tricky. A basement wall away from a furnace is often a good location.

As for spring flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and allium), it is time to establish them in the landscape. If you have never planted allium, give it a try! You won’t be disappointed with the unique look and purple bloom.

It is also time to fertilize spring-flowering bulbs. With an established bulb bed fertilized in the past, plenty of phosphorus and potassium is probably present in the soil to grow the plants next spring. If you’re not sure, take a soil test. A complete fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 9-9-6, at the rate of 2.5 pounds per 100 square feet, should be used if the soil needs phosphorus and potassium. This would also equal one rounded teaspoon per square foot.

While you’re fertilizing bulbs in your yard this fall, you may also want to take the time to clean up the iris beds. Iris are known for a couple of common problems: a fungus known as iris leaf spot and an insect named iris borer.

Though both cause problems in the spring, now is the time to start control measures. The fungus and eggs of the borer overwinter on old, dead leaves. Removing iris leaves and other landscape debris from the iris bed this fall will significantly reduce problems next spring.

On a side note, away from flowers, October is a good time to plant garlic if you want large cloves next summer. The soil should be fertilized before planting with three pounds of a 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet and mixed into the soil. Cloves should be planted point up and spaced three inches apart and one to two inches deep. The larger the clove planted, the larger the bulb for harvesting next summer. Once planted, water in well and mulch with straw to conserve soil warmth and encourage good establishment. The garlic will be ready for harvest next summer when most of the foliage has browned.

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

Fall Is a Good Time to Control Woody Plants in Pastures

Late summer and fall are excellent seasons to tackle unwanted trees and brush in pastures. Cooler weather slows forage growth, but woody plants continue to store energy in their roots, making control efforts more effective. Left unchecked, species like elm, locust, osage orange (hedge) , and Russian olive can quickly spread and reduce valuable forage production.

Two of the most common methods for controlling scattered trees are basal bark and cut-stump treatments.

• Basal bark method: For smaller trees (less than 4–6 inches in diameter), spray the lower 12–15 inches of the trunk with a mixture containing triclopyr (sold under trade names such as Remedy Ultra or Pathfinder II) in diesel fuel. The spray should thoroughly wet all sides of the stem down to the ground line. Ready-to-use products such as Pathfinder II are available, and premixes like PastureGard HL are also effective.
• Cut-stump method: For larger trees, cut the trunk off at ground level, then immediately treat the freshly cut surface with herbicide. The cambium layer (the light-colored wood just inside the bark) is the most important area to cover. Triclopyr solutions work well, and dicamba products such as Clarity or Sterling Blue are also effective on many species. Treat the cut surface with triclopyr and diesel fuel within 30-60 minutes before the sap seals over the exposed area.Eastern red cedar is an exception—simply cut it below the lowest green branch, and the tree will not resprout.

Keep in mind that many common pasture trees, such as ash, elm, oak, persimmon, locust, and willow, will sprout vigorously from stumps or roots if left untreated. Treating them correctly the first time will prevent multi-stemmed clumps from forming.

Producers have several herbicide options, and the right choice depends on species, tree size, and site conditions. Always check the product label for mixing directions, grazing or haying restrictions, and site use approvals. For example, Tordon RTU and Pathway can only be used in non-cropland areas like fence rows or rights-of-way, not in pastures.

Application can be done with backpack sprayers, ATV-mounted sprayers with hand wands, or even paintbrushes for small jobs. For cutting, tools like hydraulic shears or saws equipped with spray nozzles can make the process more efficient.

Tips for success:

• Always follow the directions on the herbicide label.
• Before spraying, brush any sawdust or debris off the cut surface.
• Apply herbicide to freshly cut stump (30-60min after).
• Spray cut surface and stump to ground level.
• Spray exposed roots above the soil surface.
• The cambium layer is the critical area to spray.
• Apply enough liquid that it pools on the cut surface.

With the right timing and technique, fall treatments can help keep woody plants in check and protect valuable pasture forage for livestock.

Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720

Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent    

October 2025

As we wrap up our Check Your Credit Email Campaign for the 2025 programming year, it’s important to keep the momentum going by taking the next step in protecting your financial well-being. Checking your credit report regularly is a great first line of defense, but in today’s world of increasing scams and fraud, sometimes extra protection is necessary. Identity theft continues to rise, with experts estimating that a new victim falls prey every 22 seconds. As scammers develop more sophisticated methods, protecting your personal information has never been more important.

One of the most effective and simplest steps you can take is to freeze your credit. A credit freeze prevents criminals from opening new accounts in your name. The good news? It won’t affect your credit score, and thanks to federal law, it’s free to place with all three major credit bureaus. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Review Your Credit Reports
Request your credit report from each of the three bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Make sure the information is correct and that you recognize all accounts listed.

Step 2: Gather Your Information
Have your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, and a government-issued ID ready. Some bureaus may also require proof of address.

Step 3: Request a Credit Freeze
Visit the credit freeze page on each bureau’s website or call them directly to submit your request.

Step 4: Confirm and Secure Your PIN
After your freeze is placed, each bureau will provide you with a PIN or password. Keep this information in a safe, accessible place. It’s what you’ll need to temporarily lift or remove the freeze. Watch for confirmation from each bureau to ensure the freeze is active.

Step 5: Monitor Your Credit
Even with a freeze in place, it’s important to check your reports regularly for unusual or unauthorized activity.

A credit freeze is a powerful safeguard, but remember it also restricts your own access to new credit. If you plan to apply for a mortgage, car loan, or new credit card, you’ll need to lift the freeze with each bureau before applying.

While our Check Your Credit campaign may be wrapping up, your financial security is ongoing. Take the time to freeze your credit, monitor your reports, and stay a step ahead of identity thieves. Protecting your identity takes a little time, but it’s a small investment that can save you a major headache down the road.

For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].