Are you turning 65 in the coming months? Or want to understand Medicare benefits? Free, educational programs to learn about Medicare options are being offered. Senior Health Insurance Counselors for Kansas (SHICK) counselors, Joy Miller and Tara Solomon-Smith with K-State Research and Extension and Melanie Smith with Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging will present, via Zoom, two part series about Medicare eligibility, enrollment periods, how parts A,B,C and D work, Medigap and advantage plans. First session, will be Tuesday, May 12th @ 5:30 and second session, Thursday, May 14th @ 5:30. You may register at the following link: https://bit.ly/New2Medicare . Last day to register is Monday, May 11th.
I’m not the best one to start talking about technology. Believe me, I am learning with everyone new ways to communicate and reach others at a distance through technology. Covid-19 has forced us to learn new communication strategies.
Some of our older adults may have felt some sort of isolation prior to the social distancing recommendations we have received lately. Living in rural areas can contribute to isolation. Others of us may enjoy that extra space. However, when family, friends, and neighbors pass on or move away, those feelings of isolation can be amplified for those feeling left behind.
Let’s look at some ways that we might use the time we have with this stay-at-home order to keep connected and strengthen distance relationships.
Start using or learn new technology. If we have a smartphone, a computer, or an iPad, we might already have access to some video technology, such as Skype, Zoom, or Facetime. A live video conversation is the next best thing to being there in person. If you’re like me, you may need the assistance of someone from a younger generation to talk you through the steps of doing the process, but after a time or two of doing it, you’ll get the hang of it. It can be very rewarding to connect through a video conversation.
If technology isn’t your thing, then pick up the phone and catch up the old-fashioned way. A quick text or email are great ways to stay in touch between conversations.
Engage Family and Friends. Encourage members of your social group, faith group, or volunteer group to support each other or reach out to those who are socially isolated. Just a quick check-in with them can mean a lot. Involve kids by having them create artwork that can be shared with grandparents, older neighbors, or other isolated individuals you may know. You never know how important it may be to someone to know that they were thought of that day.
If you want to step it up a notch, consider hosting a digital dinner with family or friends. Everyone joins online from their respective homes and eats together with family discussions. Some of our best discussions take place over the dinner table.
If you don’t relish the idea of watching each other eat, try playing games over video or read books to young ones. To encourage staying active, create an online exercise group where all meet at the same time by a video process. Research shows we are more accountable to our exercise program when we exercise as a group rather than individually.
Quality relationships that have developed with close family, friends, and neighbors help provide ongoing joy, excitement, support, and purpose. Maintaining meaningful relationships take a conscious effort. While we may not be able to carry on some of those relationships in person, now, more than ever, it’s important to follow through in sustaining those connections.
Whatever you do, check in on the well-being of family and neighbors who are more isolated at this time. Hopefully, they are sticking close to home as directed. A check-in call or running a quick errand for them could be what it takes to lift spirits right now.
For more information on overcoming feelings of isolation, contact the Yates Center Southwind Extension District Office at 620-625-8620.
Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
Just like many of you, I’m having difficulty wrapping my mind around how quickly our lives have changed in a very short period of time. Seeing the panic and chaos that’s happening around us can be concerning. Now more than ever, it might be the time for folks to think about becoming more self-sufficient and grow some of their own food.
I have been in contact with a couple of our local suppliers and have seen social media posts that they are stocked with garden seed and supplies. Like many other local retailers, I know they are willing to work with you if you do not feel comfortable going inside the business. Just give them a call and arrange for outside pick-up.
If you are reading this and thinking to yourself that you have never grown anything in your life and just don’t think it’s possible, let me assure you that it is possible. Even for the most novice! You might be thinking that you don’t have space for a garden, or maybe you don’t have a tiller or other equipment. Don’t let that stop you because almost all vegetables can be grown in containers.
The containers don’t have to be anything fancy. Literally, anything that can hold soil and have drain holes drilled in the bottom can be used. Containers that are 16 to 24 inches in diameter work well. Containers less that 12 inches are probably too small – except for lettuces. The most important component of growing vegetables in a container is getting the right potting media. Potting mixes are ideal (instead of soil from your yard). The components are lightweight and hold water and oxygen much better. Make certain that you don’t forget to drill some drainage holes into the bottom of the container.
Fertilizer should be added at planting time and mixed into the soil. If you want to go the organic route, mix blood meal or bone meal into the soil before planting. If you use a synthetic fertilizer, add a slow-release type when preparing the container.
Another benefit to growing vegetables in containers – you don’t have to fight the weather quite as much. Right now, traditional garden soils are way too wet to even think about planting. But with the container system, you can keep them dry inside a garage until you are ready to plant.
Early spring is the ideal time to plant cool season vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, radish, onions, carrots and potatoes. All can be easily grown in containers, even potatoes!
Gardening is a great stress reliever. It also allows for good social distancing. If you have kids at home, gardening is the perfect activity to get them outside to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, all while learning at the same time!
Here’s where I come in. I have lots of resource material to help you. In addition, I’m always available by phone, e-mail or social media to answer your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask! In Extension, we say there are no “dumb” questions! I am here to help you in any way that I can. The Extension mission continues. We are committed to being innovative to connect you with research-based resources and education. We appreciate your patience as we all navigate the challenges associated with this time.
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.
AgentJennifer K. Terrell District Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development Southwind District – Erie Office 620-244-3826
Kansas wildlife is a large part of our state ranging from buffalo to birds to fish to deer and more. In this project youth will learn about wildlife behavior, habitat requirements, how wildlife species fit into nature’s scheme, how they are managed, and how they relate to humans.
To learn more about the 4-H wildlife project there is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at ages and stages:
Ages 7-8:
Characteristics of reptiles and amphibians
What is habitat
Unique features of birds
Ages 9-11:
Characteristics of reptiles and amphibians
What is habitat
Unique features of birds
Ages 12-14:
Characteristics of mammals, carnivores and omnivores
Significance of wetlands
Protective coloring of wildlife
Ages 15-18:
How wildlife adapt to urban environments
Effect of humans on wildlife habitat
Learn about the prairie as an ecosystem
In addition to the curriculum, youth are also encouraged to reach out to professionals within the wildlife industry to learn more. 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.
The wildlife project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State launches a program to help teens and tweens who take care of younger children.
With the closing of schools and preschools due to coronavirus, parents may be in sudden need of someone to assist with care for young children. Teens and tweens may be asked to help look after younger siblings or take of children for a neighbor or friend as parents continue to work.
K-State Research and Extension agents across the state predicted that youth may become responsible for others, creating the program “Suddenly in Charge”. This program includes tools and resources for those who are new to taking care of others, those who have been doing it for years, and parents who want to be prepared.
Suddenly in Charge has four sections: Safety, Activities, Food & Recipes, and For Adults. The Safety resources currently has two tools available for use. The first is a Home Safety checklist with a variety of categories to review –security, emergency, first aid, general home safety, watching young children, and items to discuss. The other tool is a Babysitter Information sheet which includes information you need to know if you had to call 911, who to contact in case of an emergency, and personal information pertaining to the children. The sheet also includes a space for notes about snacks and meals, screen–time, nap and bedtime routine, rules, and anything else that is important.
A reminder K-State Research and Extension also has a COVID-19 Extension page to help you navigate through this challenging situation. Resources included on this page are Agriculture, Business, Children’s Education, Family, Finances, Foods Safety and Nutrition, Health, Safety, Wellness, and recommended links about COVID-19 at https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/about-us/covid-19-extension.html.
Follow us on Facebook @southwindextensiondistrict, visit southwind.ksu.edu, or contact us with your questions at 620-223-3720.
Christopher Petty, M.S. Extension Agent Livestock Production and Forage Management K-State Research and Extension Southwind Extension District 210 S. National Fort Scott, KS 66701 (620) 223-3720 Work (620)224-6031 Cell [email protected]
As temperatures begin to warm up, this spring, you may begin to notice an increase in insect populations. Now is a good time to consider what fly control measures you may want to put into practice for your cow herd.
Flies are irritating to cattle, and cause loses in performance and weight gain. Fortunately for farmers and ranchers, there are a variety of options for fly control. You can select from pour on insect control measures, foggers, ear tags, and insecticides in livestock feed. It is easy to find an option that will work well in your own farming or ranching operation.
Foggers are a good way to regularly get close to your cattle, and get them accustomed to human interaction. Pour on insect control works well if you also need to control lice. Ear tags and feed products are popular options. These choices are popular on many farms and ranches, but there are some considerations to be made when choosing either of these two options.
With ear tags, it’s very important to choose a tag with a different active ingredient, each year. Continually using the same ear tags will quickly cause resistance in localized fly populations. When working cattle during the fall, it is very important to remove the the old fly control ear tags, and dispose of them in a closed container. Leaving old tags laying around, or in your cow’s ears, may also cause long term resistance issues.
With feed through insecticides (products mixed directly in feed or mineral mixes), you need to be able to begin feeding before flies become a problem. Also, you need to be able to feed these products consistently throughout the season. Inconsistent feeding patterns, or using feed through products after the occurrence of high fly populations, will decrease their effectiveness.
This summer, K-State Research and Extension will begin year three of a research project to determine if all-natural spice products included in livestock mineral have effective fly control properties. This ongoing project is taking place at the Kansas State University Bressner Pasture, located in the Southwind Extension District near Yates Center, Kansas. These proprietal spice mixes often include things like garlic, cloves or cinnamon. It will be exciting to see if these mineral products can be successfully included into a farmer or ranchers fly control tool box!
They want to be sure they are providing the research based information that folks in our communities truly need – knowing that we all have a different perspective.
Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.
For almost as long as Kansas has existed, K-State Research and Extension has been here to help you and every other Kansan thrive.
In the middle of this current challenge, that mission remains unchanged. With offices in all 105 counties across Kansas, our promise has always been to provide relevant, science-based education and information to help you make decisions to maintain and improve your health, build and sustain businesses, grow your community, steward resources, feed the world, and raise the next generation of capable, responsible, thoughtful community leaders.
While we remain steadfast in our commitment to that mission, we have had to adapt how we deliver to you during this time of public distancing.
Kansas State University is on a limited-operation status. As of March 23, classes are being taught online, and most employees on campuses in Manhattan, Salina and Olathe have been working from home since well before Gov. Kelly’s statewide stay-at-home order.
In accordance with guidance from the university and the State of Kansas, here’s how K-State Research and Extension is responding:
All K-State Research and Extension face-to-face events are canceled through May 15.
As of March 31, at least one-half of county and district-level K-State Research and Extension offices have closed their physical buildings.
Southwind District extension agents are practicing social distancing, too, but continue to work during this time and are available by email or phone.
Outreach continues across the state via distance education tools, Facebook videos and Zoom sessions. To find out how to reach your local Southwind District agents and participate in learning activities, visit www.southwind.k-state.edu Email may be the quickest way to reach your local agent.
K-State Research and Extension has compiled numerous publications and other information to help people take care of themselves and others during times of crisis. The Southwind District website is updated daily. See the complete list of resources online.
No matter where you live in Kansas, K-State Research and Extension is nearby – no matter the circumstances. We are a steady voice during trying times. Together, we can do this and will emerge stronger than ever. #inthistogether
Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent [email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749
Reading with children builds social, mental skills more rapidly
What we have discovered through COVID-19 situation, social distancing, stay at home spring break, and the announcement of schools closing is there are many learning opportunities and organizations like zoos are creating educational content.
Bradford Wiles, a K-State Research and Extension specialist in early childhood development, says children’s education happens right at home every time they read a book with their parents. “Reading with a child involves thoughtful and active listening to assess and assist the child’s knowledge,’ Wiles said.
Wiles has written a publication that outlines six ways in which parents can build their child’s cognitive and social-emotional skills while reading with them:
1) Ask questions in a mindful way that help you assess your child’s thinking, such as “Do you know what color that is?” or “Do you know what this is called?” Challenge your child to really think about what they are experiencing.
2) Provide explanation or instruction to build on what children already know. Sometimes children need just a single piece of information to fully understand something they were not previously aware of.
3) Model learning. When reading with a child, sound out words so that your children learn how to look at the print and determine how a word sounds. You can also mimic what you see – flap your arms to imitate how a bird flies.
4) Provide feedback. Comment on your child’s performance by saying “You did a good job. You used to struggle with that” or “That’s better than you did the last time.” Provide the “because” to explain why the child did well.
5) Help your child maintain focus. Young minds may wander quickly. When reading, offer choices such as a finishing a page before doing something else, stopping now, or skipping ahead to help your child stay engaged.
6) Structure the activity. Explain to your child that you are going to read and think about the story together. This helps the child develop a shared focus in the story.
K-State Research and Extension has compiled numerous publications and other information to help people take care of themselves and others during times of crisis. Visit the Southwind website (southwind.k-state.edu) for a list of resources with relevant information relating to COVID-19 and food safety. You can also follow us on Facebook @southwindextensiondistrictor InstagramSouthwind_ext
I seem to hit the fraud and scams topic fairly frequently. However, the landscape scammers work within is constantly changing, and scammers are crafty in learning new ways of reaching their targets. With the current climate created with COVID-19, more doors are cracking open for scammers to wiggle in and take advantage of unsuspecting victims. While we all need to be on guard, our older adults in our communities are still prime targets for scams.
Now that we are all spending more time in our home setting, the phones may be ringing more frequently. Along with the extra calls, we may be seeing more solicitations through email. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns of these potential scams:
Undelivered products – Online sellers claim to have much needed products, such as cleaning, health, and medical supplies. These could include offers for vaccinations and home test kits. You can place an order, but then it is never delivered.
Most anyone can set up an online shop. Be sure to research the company name online before ordering with words such as “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” If things check out, pay with a credit card and keep a copy of your transaction.
There currently are no vaccines or products to treat COVID-19. Neither are there any Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus.
Fake charities – If you are looking for ways to help during this major health event, know that scammers use these same events to find ways to take advantage of good people’s generosity. Scammers will often set up charities that have similar names to those used by real charities. Do your homework and research before you donate. Again, if the proposed charity checks out, pay with a credit card. Never use a gift card or use a wire transfer.
Fake emails, texts and phishing – Scammers are very clever in getting their targets to share personal information, such as account numbers, Social Security numbers or passwords. Once they get a piece or two of personal information, they can steal your money or your identity.
Phishing emails lure targets to click on links within an email that can allow scammers to gain access to your computer. To make these phishing emails more realistic, they often use familiar company names and official logos from existing companies. Protect your computer by keeping your software up-to-date. This should include allowing automatic updates to your cell phone.
We have heard that as a part of the stimulus package being considered, that individual households may be receiving some future money direct from the government. While our pocketbooks could use an influx of cash right now, don’t respond to calls, texts, or emails relating to checks from the government.
Know that the government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get this money if it truly comes about. The government will not ask for your Social Security number, bank accounts or other personal information. Anyone who does ask for this kind of information or tells you they can get the money to you now is a scammer.
Robocalls – Scammers are using illegal robocalls to promote scams on various Coronavirus treatments and work-at-home schemes. Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Pressing a number will likely lead to more robocalls.
There are still a lot of unanswered questions relating to the Coronavirus. As we move forward into this uncharted territory, stay on your toes and question anything that may sound a little shady – especially those unsolicited requests involving money. Your money is yours, and you should be the one that decides how it is spent.
The FTC asks that if you come across any scams or suspicious claims, report them to the FTC by going to ftc.gov/complaint. The FTC wants to stop scammers as much as we as individuals would like to see scammer activity cease.
Yesterday the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment released a notice requesting a state-wide, voluntary reduction in prescribed burn activity this spring).
The reason for this request is to minimize demands on health care providers. People with sensitivity to smoke such as those with asthma can be affected by prescribed burning activity and need to seek medical care.
While not often mentioned, the current COVID-19 pandemic medical needs are in addition to the normal ongoing medical case load, and it doesn’t take much excess to strain the system. Consider the health care capacity in your county and how it might be affected; coronavirus patients who are hospitalized often need lengthy periods (1-3 weeks) in intensive care.
Much of Kansas is fortunate not to have people who have tested positive for the coronavirus (daily updates can be found on the KDHE website).
We have postponed our own smoke emissions research project to avoid the necessity of participating in a prescribed burn this spring. Please consider what you can do to reduced smoke during this special period. And as always, please check the smoke model and burn primarily on green days (http://ksfire.sonomatechdata.com/view/summary/) to minimize smoke impacts.
Burn safely, keep healthy.
The state government request was sent out on March 26, 2020.
Here is the statement:
KDHE and KDA recommend voluntary reduction in burning In response to the COVID-19 pandemic currently impacting all states, including Kansas.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Agriculture strongly encourage all land owners and managers to voluntarily reduce the number of acres that they intend to burn this spring.
“With the potential for this pandemic overwhelming the state’s medical facilities, any additional respiratory concerns that could be produced from breathing smoke from prescribed fire need to be mitigated,”Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said.
Common health problems related to smoke can include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis.
Individuals with respiratory issues, including COVID-19, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children and the elderly may experience worse symptoms.
With resources of the county emergency response staff already being taxed with COVID-19 response, it is important to minimize responses that would come with prescribed fire activity.
It is critical that land managers in areas included in the Smoke Model available online at ksfire.org consult the model if they do choose to burn.
The model indicates the level at which a burn would contribute to urban area air quality problems.
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam urges land managers to refrain from burning, especially if your area is predicted in the large (red) contribution range.
“Prescribed burning is a valuable land management tool in the efforts to fight invasive species and maximize land productivity, and this request should not be interpreted as an indictment of the practice of burning,” Beam said. “However, the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic have created a situation that calls for reducing burned acres this spring.”
For the latest information related to COVID-19, and to sign up for daily updates sent to your email inbox, visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s COVID-19 Resource Center at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.
Kansas officials to provide information to small businesses via First Friday online session April 3
Heads of agencies will take part in K-State monthly program in light of COVID-19
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Officials of two lead Kansas agencies responding to the COVID-19 outbreak will provide information for small businesses online Friday, April 3 at 9:30 am, as part of K-State Research and Extension’s First Friday monthly webinar series. The call will be recorded and archived.
The session, to be conducted via Zoom, is free and open to anyone interested in resources available to the public, particularly small businesses and employees in Kansas affected by the global pandemic.
Speakers include:
David Toland, Kansas Secretary of Commerce
Delia Garcia, Kansas Secretary of Labor
Laurel Klein Searles, Kansas Director of Unemployment Services
“Kansas has responded quickly to the concerns of small businesses and employees who have lost their livelihoods because of COVID-19,” said Nancy Knopp Daniels, community vitality specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “This call occurs every month in support of small business, but this month we have a special edition to highlight these response programs.”
She noted that a record 3.3 million Americans filed unemployment claims in the past week, which eclipsed the old record of 695,000 new claims in 1982.
