The February meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Nine members were in attendance, they reported that they had volunteered for four hours and had recycled sixty pounds of cardboard.
The minutes of the precious meeting were read and approved. Doris Ericson presented the treasurer report. Glenda Miller passed out the new membership roll and informed us Sekan will except cardboard on Mondays.
Jackie Warren reported that as of now we are planning to have an Open Class at the Fair this year and asked for a show of hands of those who would be able to help.
New Business consisted of planning an Easter party for Tri-Valley. It was decided to make bunny bags and fill with treats and to has an egg hunt. Everyone is to bring wrapped candy to place in eggs and bags.
Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned. After the meeting Deb Lust presented a program on Character Counts- Responsibility. Doris Ericson and Deb Lust provided refreshments of cake, M&M and water, which were enjoyed by all.
K-State Research Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
A background check is required.
From the website:
The Southwind District is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties in southeast Kansas. There are 2,314 farms and more than 112 million acres of pasture and crops growing primarily soybeans, corn, wheat, and a diverse selection of native and introduced forages. The population of the district is 46,048. The district is home to Neosho County Community College, Allen Community College, and Fort Scott Community College, as well as ten public school systems. Southwind staff are housed in four office locations and include eight agents, four specialized office professionals, and one 4-H program assistant.
Extension agents are community-based faculty of Kansas State University who make a difference by connecting community needs with university resources. Agents are administratively responsible to the local extension director and the local extension board.
This position will provide primary leadership for the development and implementation of research-based educational programs related to production, management, and marketing issues involved in crop production, especially forages. Programs will include but are not limited to tillage, planting, and variety selection; irrigation; weed, disease, and pest control; soil testing and fertilization; harvesting and post-harvest handling.
Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively responsible to the Director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.
Provide primary leadership for the development and implementation of research-based educational programs related to production, management and marketing issues involved in crop production, especially forages. Programs will include but are not limited to tillage, planting, and variety selection; irrigation; weed, disease, and pest control; soil testing and fertilization; harvesting and post-harvest handling.
Share responsibility for seasonal county fair management.
Programming will include these steps:
Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (water, community vitality, health, developing tomorrow’s leaders and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
Design appropriate educational strategies to engage clientele. These strategies might include delivering educational programming in a community-based setting, coordinating events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities, using innovative technologies, providing individual educational consultations and facilitating groups seeking similar educational outcomes. Some overnight travel and evening and weekend work will be required.
Develop and implement strategies to expand the reach of educational programming to under-served audiences and to make certain K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
Develop specialized knowledge and skills by engaging as a member of the Crop Production Program Focus Team.
Secure external funding such as grants, gifts and cost recovery to supplement local tax revenue to support and expand educational programming.
Serve as a member of the Southwind District team cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events.
What You’ll Need to Succeed:
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
Academic coursework and/or professional employment related to the position responsibilities
Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance as documented by college transcripts, acceptance into a graduate program or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through mass media.
Leadership skills as evidenced by working with individuals, groups and co-workers.
Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s Degree
Experience working with adults and youth from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Commitment to personal professional development.
Ability to utilize electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
Self-motivation and ability to work with a minimum of supervision, balancing multiple projects.
Ability to design, promote, implement and evaluate educational programs.
Skills in group facilitation.
Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
Experience in seeking and administering external grant funding.
Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish learners
Other Requirements:
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development:
Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board and the applicant. The base starting salary is $41,500 for a BS degree with no professional experience and $45,500 for a MS degree with no professional experience.
Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan, health and life insurance and vacation and sick leave. Depending on the date of hire there is a minimum of 30-day waiting period for health insurance. For a complete list of benefits see: http://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits/overview/
Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
New agents are provided approximately 15 days of new agent professional development on the K-State campus or online during the first six to nine months. These 15 days are spread out in four different weeks. In addition, new agents spend at least three weeks with a mentor agent during the first year.
How to Apply:
Please submit the following documents:
Cover Letter (detailing experiences related to responsibilities and qualifications)
Resume
Contact Information and Email addresses for three (3) professional references (include on application). References will be requested upon submission of application.
Copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received. (For applicants still in college, a list of courses from the college/university website is acceptable.
Screening of Applications Begins:
Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2021
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees.
Background Screening Statement:
In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.
K-State Research Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
A background check is required.
From the website:
The Southwind District is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties in southeast Kansas. There are 2,314 farms and more than 112 million acres of pasture and crops growing primarily soybeans, corn, wheat, and a diverse selection of native and introduced forages. The population of the district is 46,048. The district is home to Neosho County Community College, Allen Community College, and Fort Scott Community College, as well as ten public school systems. Southwind staff are housed in four office locations and include eight agents, four specialized office professionals, and one 4-H program assistant.
Extension agents are community-based faculty of Kansas State University who make a difference by connecting community needs with university resources. Agents are administratively responsible to the local extension director and the local extension board.
This position will provide primary leadership for the development and implementation of research-based educational programs related to production, management, and marketing issues involved in crop production, especially forages. Programs will include but are not limited to tillage, planting, and variety selection; irrigation; weed, disease, and pest control; soil testing and fertilization; harvesting and post-harvest handling.
Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively responsible to the Director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.
Provide primary leadership for the development and implementation of research-based educational programs related to production, management and marketing issues involved in crop production, especially forages. Programs will include but are not limited to tillage, planting, and variety selection; irrigation; weed, disease, and pest control; soil testing and fertilization; harvesting and post-harvest handling.
Share responsibility for seasonal county fair management.
Programming will include these steps:
Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (water, community vitality, health, developing tomorrow’s leaders and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
Design appropriate educational strategies to engage clientele. These strategies might include delivering educational programming in a community-based setting, coordinating events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities, using innovative technologies, providing individual educational consultations and facilitating groups seeking similar educational outcomes. Some overnight travel and evening and weekend work will be required.
Develop and implement strategies to expand the reach of educational programming to under-served audiences and to make certain K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
Develop specialized knowledge and skills by engaging as a member of the Crop Production Program Focus Team.
Secure external funding such as grants, gifts and cost recovery to supplement local tax revenue to support and expand educational programming.
Serve as a member of the Southwind District team cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events.
What You’ll Need to Succeed:
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
Academic coursework and/or professional employment related to the position responsibilities
Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance as documented by college transcripts, acceptance into a graduate program or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through mass media.
Leadership skills as evidenced by working with individuals, groups and co-workers.
Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s Degree
Experience working with adults and youth from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Commitment to personal professional development.
Ability to utilize electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
Self-motivation and ability to work with a minimum of supervision, balancing multiple projects.
Ability to design, promote, implement and evaluate educational programs.
Skills in group facilitation.
Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
Experience in seeking and administering external grant funding.
Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish learners
Other Requirements:
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development:
Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board and the applicant. The base starting salary is $41,500 for a BS degree with no professional experience and $45,500 for a MS degree with no professional experience.
Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan, health and life insurance and vacation and sick leave. Depending on the date of hire there is a minimum of 30-day waiting period for health insurance. For a complete list of benefits see: http://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits/overview/
Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
New agents are provided approximately 15 days of new agent professional development on the K-State campus or online during the first six to nine months. These 15 days are spread out in four different weeks. In addition, new agents spend at least three weeks with a mentor agent during the first year.
How to Apply:
Please submit the following documents:
Cover Letter (detailing experiences related to responsibilities and qualifications)
Resume
Contact Information and Email addresses for three (3) professional references (include on application). References will be requested upon submission of application.
Copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received. (For applicants still in college, a list of courses from the college/university website is acceptable.
Screening of Applications Begins:
Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2021
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees.
Background Screening Statement:
In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.
The February meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Nine members were in attendance, they reported that they had volunteered for four hours and had recycled sixty pounds of cardboard.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Doris Ericson presented the treasurer report. Glenda Miller passed out the new membership roll and informed us Sekan will accept cardboard on Mondays.
Jackie Warren reported that as of now we are planning to have an Open Class at the Fair this year and asked for a show of hands of those who would be able to help.
New Business consisted of planning an Easter party for Tri-Valley. It was decided to make bunny bags and fill with treats and to has an egg hunt. Everyone is to bring wrapped candy to place in eggs and bags.
Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned. After the meeting, Deb Lust presented a program on Character Counts- Responsibility. Doris Ericson and Deb Lust provided refreshments of cake, M&M, and water, which were enjoyed by all.
In the beef project, youth will learn all aspects of the beef industry by raising a market steer or building your own herd by raising heifers and cows.
There is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased for anyone interested in the beef project. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at different levels:
Things to Learn/Do in the Project
Age 7-9
Identify breeds of beef cattle
Learn the parts of a calf
Compare animal differences
Halter break a calf
Age 10-13
Learn about cattle feeds and how they are digested
Judge beef cattle and present oral reasons
Show a calf and learn showing techniques
Age 14 and Older
Use performance data to make breeding decisions
Evaluate beef carcasses and identify meat products
Explore impact of technology and career opportunities in the beef industry
In addition to the curriculum, youth are also offered the opportunity to attend project meetings held by volunteers. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at the county fair and depending on age and placing, the Kansas State Fair. There are other local and state shows available to youth as well.
The beef project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project or the workshop, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
The K-State Garden Hour – a popular online program featuring horticulture experts from across the state – will highlight best plants for a beginning landscape on Wednesday, March 3rd from noon to 1 p.m. Learn how to choose the right plants for your landscape including tough plants that will grow well for any level of gardener.
Garden hour programs will continue two times a month through the summer. To register and participate in the K-State Garden Hour, visit www.ksre-learn.com/KStateGardenHour-register
For more information, please contact Krista Harding, horticulture agent, at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.
Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District Director
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” – Sir Winston Churchill
Conflict is challenging – I don’t enjoy it and I dread when I know in advance that conflict is headed my way. Most people perceive “conflict” as a difficulty rather than as an opportunity. Those who view conflict as the difficulty in every opportunity are not necessarily pessimists, however they may not be viewing the conflict as a creative dynamic. The reality is, no matter what you do or how you act, there will always be some conflict — especially when you serve as a community board member.
Conflict can be both positive and negative. Conflict allows people to learn about a problem from different sides, and often the most creative ideas and solutions emerge from conflict. Negative aspects of conflict can involve frustration or confusion and sometimes lead to violence. The key to approaching conflict constructively is to recognize it as a process to be managed, not something to be avoided or eliminated.
Managing conflict requires certain skills and techniques that may not always be easy to implement.
For example, when a person learns to paint it involves learning strokes and techniques to create an image. However, only after continuous practice does the person finally become an artist. You may think of conflict management as an art that benefits everyone through learning the skills, but it takes practice implementing the techniques to be a skilled conflict manager.
The skills and techniques outlined here work best when the person applying them carries the attitude that conflict is about a problem that needs solving, rather than something to win.
Listen Actively
Listening involves more than simply hearing the words spoken, it also requires active involvement that includes understanding, acknowledging, and responding. To make sure you understand what the person has said summarize by saying out loud, “What I think I heard you say was … Is that right?”
Keep Emotions in Check
Although Newton is famous for stating, “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction,” he was referring to objects, not people. Objects react, but people can chose not to. You can’t change your emotions, but you can decide how you want to act.
Separate People from the Problem
In every conflict there exists both the content of the problem and the human relationships. As a consequence, “people and the problem” often become entangled in discussions that sometimes lead to treating people and the problem as one.
Reframe
Reframing is a powerful method to reinterpret a statement or comment into a problem-solving frame. For example, if someone is yelling and screaming, don’t think of the person as being disrespectful and rude, but reframe your perception of that person as having limited skills in communication. (Easier said than done, right?) In addition, help the other person reframe the conflict into a problem by asking for their advice. For example, “What would you suggest I do?” “Knowing what my interests are, what would you do if you were in my shoes?”
Conflict is just a part of our lives. Let’s work together to turn a little conflict into a lot of opportunity. For more information about leadership and community vitality, visit the Southwind Extension website at www.southwind.k-state.edu or find us on Facebook.
Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent [email protected]
620-365-2242
1006 N. State, Iola, KS 66749
Joy Miller, RD, LD Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent Adult Development and Aging Family Resource Management K-State Research and Extension Southwind Extension District 210 S. National Fort Scott, KS 66701 Office: 620-223-3720 Fax: 620-223-0332 [email protected]
People have a new chance to enroll in 2021 coverage on HealthCare.gov between February 15- May 15.
On January 28, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the government agency that runs HealthCare.gov, determined that the COVID-19 emergency presents exceptional circumstances for people trying to access health insurance. The CMS opened a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for people to enroll in the coverage they need. Here are a few quick tips and facts about this opportunity.
Who can enroll during the new COVID SEP? Any marketplace-eligible person can enroll during this SEP. This includes people who are uninsured, current marketplace enrollees who would like to change plans, and people who are currently enrolled in COBRA and would like to switch to marketplace coverage.
When will coverage start? A person has 30 days to select a plan after they submit their application. Coverage begins on the first day of the month after plan selection. For example, a person who selects a plan on February 28 will have coverage effective on March 1.
How long does someone have to enroll? The SEP lasts from February 15 to May 15, but regular SEPs will still be available after that. People can enroll in Medicaid or CHIP at any time.
What if a person is eligible for COBRA? A person may be eligible for a premium tax credit even if they are eligible for COBRA, but they can’t take both. If a person elected COBRA but changes their mind within the SEP window, they can enroll in marketplace coverage with a premium tax credit and disenroll from COBRA.
Financial subsidies such as ‘premium tax credit’ are available for households with income(s) between 100%-400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline and enrolled in a Marketplace plan. Understanding what counts as income is important for accuracy.
Do stimulus payments count as income? No. These payments do not count as income for Medicaid or premium tax credit eligibility.
Do unemployment benefits count as income? For premium tax credit eligibility, all unemployment benefits (both the state and supplemental federal benefits) count as income. However, for Medicaid and CHIP eligibility, the current $300 per week federal pandemic unemployment compensation is excluded from income, while other unemployment benefits do count.
Other types of income among people who have lost a job include withdrawing money from a retirement plan or IRA and social security benefits.
To learn more about Marketplace health insurance plans, eligibility, how to apply, and who can assist you, register for the Marketplace Health Insurance Webinar presented by me, Joy Miller, a certified Assister with the Marketplace. The Webinar will be offered at 12:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. March 3, April 7, and May 5. Register for free at www.bit.ly/SouthwindMarketplace. For more information, call 620-223-3720 or e-mail [email protected].
Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.
1Many people believe that memory loss and aging go hand-in-hand. That would assume that as a person gets older his or her memory begins to fail. While some change may be expected as you age, that doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it in the absence of a brain disease, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. You can be proactive in using some strategies and lifestyle adaptations.
Southwind Extension District Agent, Barbara Stockebrand, will be presenting a Texas A&M created workshop series on “Master of Memory” on March 4, 11, and 18 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The 3-lesson series helps participants understand how memory works and what may affect memory. All sessions will be presented by Zoom, so it will be easy to attend and participate from the comforts of your home.
“Master of Memory” has been found to help participants identify and use strategies to improve memory function. Participants will learn there are different ways to learn new things and different memory strategies; how different foods and nutrients may affect brain function and medications that may affect memory; medical conditions that affect memory and may be reversible, along with how exercise benefits the body and mind.
Call 620-625-8620 to register for this free educational opportunity. Registration is necessary to receive the Zoom link to take part in the program.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
Even though the calendar says that we are only half-way through winter, the seed catalogs are telling us spring is just around the corner by the number of mailings they are sending out. I think I have already received six or seven!
I thoroughly enjoy flipping through the catalogs and planning what new plants I want to try this year. I’m sure many of you do the exactly the same. But do you understand all of the terminology that you see in seed catalogs? A clear understanding of the lingo used in the catalogs is needed so that you can be the most successful with your plantings.
When shopping for perennials, you will encounter the term “hardiness zone”. The United States (lower 48) is broken up into 8 hardiness zones based upon the lowest average winter temperature for the area. Southeast Kansas is located in zone 6. Knowing what zone your garden is in and seeing what zone the plant is hardy to will help you pick plants that will survive the winter. However, keep in mind that your individual planting areas might include a “microclimate.” A microclimate is an area that the soil, moisture, humidity, heat, wind or other conditions affect the viability of individual plants. So think about your planting site before ordering.
If you are looking at tomatoes, you will probably see the words determinant and indeterminate. These words refer to how large the plants get and how they grow. Determinant types tend to stay more compact and bushy. These are best suited for a smaller garden. Indeterminate types tend to get tall and just keep getting taller over the summer. If you want a tall plant to impress your neighbor, this is the one!
“Days to harvest” refers to the average number of days it usually takes after you set out transplants before you can expect your first harvest. This is highly variable and just because you count back the right number of days from the Fourth of July, doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have ripe tomatoes by then. I have a friend that ordered in an array of sunflower seeds last year in preparation for a September wedding. The “days to harvest” was supposed to be around 70-75 days. So, she counted back from the wedding date and planted accordingly. Unfortunately, they bloomed about day 52 thanks to high heat! It just goes to show us that Mother Nature always wins regardless of our planning.
Terms such as AAS (All American Selections) and Perennial Plant of the Year, indicate that those varieties have been trialed for many years in trial gardens through the United States and have been shown to be outstanding performers. They are often worthy of a place in the garden.
Looking for plants that have disease tolerance or disease resistance is good. But the two terms have different meanings. A plant listed as disease tolerant will probably get a disease common to the plant, but it may not be so bad that treatment is needed. The disease probably won’t affect the appearance much. Disease resistance means the plant has been bred to resist common disease problems and will probably not get the disease. One of the best examples of this is in roses. Some roses will be listed as disease resistant to black spot and then some will be listed as disease tolerant to black spot.
Seed catalogs can be somewhat overwhelming. But if you do your homework and know the lingo, you will be able to pick out the best suited plants for your garden.
If you have questions on variety selection as you browse through your catalogs, please contact me. I would be happy to visit with you.
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.
Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.
Submitted by Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District
Funny story – I wrote this paragraph for my column in February of 2019 and apparently, I had no idea what was in my future, our future, only one year later! “As we are all aware, we are living in a time of rapid change. There have always been changes taking place in our communities, but the different thing today seems to be the rate of change. It happens so fast that we sometimes feel we can hardly keep up. No doubt, with emerging community issues and school activities in full swing, I can relate to struggling to keep up with change.”
I bring this to your attention because the Southwind Extension District is offering a way to help you navigate this constant change by offering a virtual Community Board Leadership Series. Whether you are elected, appointed, or even volunteered to serve or work with a team this series will help you learn the skills necessary to be successful.
The series will be offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays, February 16, 18, 23 and 25 from Noon to 1:00 pm. Workshop participants will meet virtually and upon registration will receive a link to participate in the live, web-based discussion. Sessions will include Organizing/Leading Effective Meetings, Generations & Behavioral Management, Understanding Fellow Board Members and Conflict Management, and then we will wrap up with Strategic Planning to learn more about establishing a common mission and vision for the board, and how to plan priorities for the future.
We are all busy – and some days in can be overwhelming. Personally, I admit that thinking about all of my personal and professional obligations can be downright stressful. This time of the year, many organizations are reorganizing and looking for volunteer leaders. Regardless of your age, I challenge you to consider your leadership role within your community and look for avenues to serve. It may be through an after-school program, 4-H project leader, local government, or even in your church.
Pre-registration for the event is required by February 12, 2021. The cost of $20 covers for all four sessions for one board member. Each registration buys a seat, which can be rotated by participants. Registration also includes a copy of the meeting materials that will be mailed prior to the workshop. Registration is available at www.bit.ly/BoardLeadership2021 or by going to www.southwind.k-state.edu. If you have questions or would prefer to register by phone, please contact Carla Nemecek at the Southwind Extension District, 620-365-2242.
Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent [email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749
Joy Miller, RD, LD Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent Adult Development and Aging Family Resource Management K-State Research and Extension Southwind Extension District 210 S. National Fort Scott, KS 66701 Office: 620-223-3720 Fax: 620-223-0332 [email protected]
Dining with Diabetes program to help cut diabetes risks
Imagine a gathering with 10 of your friends and family members. Now imagine that at least one of you has a disease that can lead to blindness…or amputation…or a stroke. The prospect is not at all far-fetched.
About one in 10 Kansans has been diagnosed with diabetes, a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar (blood glucose). High levels of blood glucose are a result of inadequate production of insulin or a resistance to the effects of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas.
Diabetes increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, or retinopathy that can cause blindness and neuropathy leading to lower limb amputation.
The vast majority of adults who are diagnosed with diabetes – 90 to 95 percent – have Type 2 diabetes which occurs when cells in the body become resistant to the effects of insulin. Prediabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Unlike Type 1, which occurs when the body cannot produce insulin and cannot be prevented, the onset of Type 2 can be prevented.
Risk factors for prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes include being overweight, age 45 or older, and low levels of physical activity (less than three times per week). Other risk factors include having a family member (parent, brother, or sister) with type 2 diabetes, or having gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). To a small degree, race, ethnicity, and gender contribute to overall risk, too.
Some risk factors cannot be changed such as age and family history, but others can be modified. This includes managing your weight, being active, eat healthier, and if you smoke, quit. A quick assessment of your risk can be done at the American Diabetes Association website www.diabetes.org/dibetes-risk/tools-know-your-risk, takes less than a minute,.
Adults with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and their family members, caregivers, and support persons may be interested in K-State Research and Extension Dining with Diabetes online course beginning March 1. Individuals will learn strategies to manage diabetes through menu planning, carbohydrate counting, portion control, and label reading. The five week course is self-paced and participants can choose the level of interaction with the instructor and other participants.
Cost is $25, class size limited, and registration required by February 18th at southwind.ksu.edu/events. For more information or questions, contact Joy Miller at 620-223-3720 or e-mail [email protected].
