Nutrition and health

Features
News
Websites
Publications
Courses

Features

Wash your water bottle even if it just has water in it

There are many types of reusable water bottles — glass, steel or plastic. Choose the type based on your need or preference. But once you’ve chosen a bottle, keep it clean.

Better eating for those in need

Team collaborates to improve food pantry nutrition. Watch the video.

Stay active to age gracefully

Ponce de Leon was right; he was just looking in the wrong place. There is a fountain of youth that can help older adults feel better and live longer. It's called staying active.

Combating stress-related weight gain

For a lot of people, stress can lead to emotional overeating and thus unwanted weight gain.

New nutrition labels on meat and poultry make decisions easier

On March 1, a new rule of USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service took effect requiring nutrition labeling on major cuts of raw meat and poultry products.

Matters of fat

A low-fat diet isn't the same as a healthy diet.

Baking with sugar substitutes

An easy way to cut back on calories without feeling deprived is to cook or bake with artificial sweeteners.

Impact of federal health care reform in Missouri

Conferences in Kansas City, St. Louis and Columbia address the implications of federal health care laws on citizens and institutions. The Columbia conference will be telecast to locations across Missouri.

Low-dose aspirin may lower risk of colon cancer

That's potentially good news for people who already take aspirin to reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke.

Women are at risk for heart disease too

Heart disease is often thought of as being a man's problem, but it is the number one killer of women in the United States.

Extension teaches kids that cooking matters

In a crowded kitchen in a church basement, nine elementary school kids are cooking lunch. Watch the video.

The health field has many interesting facts that are not well known

Here are some interesting nutrition, health and physical activity facts that may surprise you.

Strength training beneficial for older adults

Studies show that strength exercises are effective for women and men of all ages whether you are 30 or 85. It is never too late for older adults to start strength training.

For a healthier heart, balance potassium and sodium

Doctors and nutritionists often focus on reducing sodium in our diets to maintain heart health. That's important, but don't overlook the role of potassium.

Do you know your cholesterol numbers?

It is important to be aware of cholesterol numbers because high cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

News

Memorial Day - The start of grilling season
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Butler, Mo. – There’s something pleasingly primal about meat sizzling on an open flame. But, that juicy fare can cause problems if handled poorly.
Disconnect to reconnect with life
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Too much screen time could be robbing our children of many of the joys of childhood: talking and playing with friends, daydreaming or getting lost in a good book.
Know which foods to pitch after a power outage
Monday, May 7, 2012
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. —Severe spring weather can bring power outages. If the electricity is out for more than two hours, it is important to know how to make sure the foods in your refrigerator and freezer are safe.
Will race for food
Thursday, April 26, 2012
COLUMBIA, Mo. – One was shaped like a picnic basket. Another was built to look like a gray Stealth bomber. Still another was constructed to resemble a submarine. Then there was the one with a giant dog head, complete with wagging tail and flapping tongue. They shared one thing – they were all made of cardboard and duct tape and raced in the inaugural Float Your Boat for the Food Bank cardboard boat race April 21 at the A. Perry Philips Lake Park, Columbia.
Media available: 1 video
It’s time for asparagus
Friday, April 13, 2012
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — Asparagus is always a welcome sight in spring as a first opportunity for fresh vegetables straight from the garden. It is important to know how to prepare and store fresh asparagus for the best taste and maximum freshness, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.
Better eating for those in need
Friday, April 13, 2012
SEDALIA, Mo. – It’s a matter of security.
Media available: 1 video
Stay active to age gracefully
Thursday, April 12, 2012
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ponce de Leon was right; he was just looking in the wrong place. There is a fountain of youth that can help older adults feel better and live longer. It’s called staying active.
New nutrition labels on meat and poultry make decisions easier
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–On March 1, a new rule of USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service took effect requiring nutrition labeling on major cuts of raw meat and poultry products.
Matters of fat
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Simply cutting back on the fat in your diet is not the key to a slimmer waistline and better heart health, notes a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.
Baking with sugar substitutes
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–An easy way to cut back on calories without feeling deprived is to cook or bake with artificial sweeteners, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.
Steel-cut oats: What are they?
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Most of us are familiar with oats and oatmeal, but many are not sure what steel-cut oats are.
Chew on this: U.S. consumers eating less meat
Friday, March 2, 2012
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Less steak may be a new American reality that’s here to stay.
Media available: 1 video
MU Extension teaches kids that cooking matters
Monday, January 30, 2012
MONTGOMERY CITY, Mo. – In a crowded kitchen in a church basement, nine elementary school kids are cooking lunch. You might think it’s a recipe for disaster—kids are using knives, handling raw meat, working at a big gas range, and there’s not much elbow room—but they know their jobs and the turkey tacos and fruit smoothies turn out fine, with no injuries and not too much of a mess in the kitchen.
Media available: 1 photo; 1 video
The ugly G's: Guilt and grudge
Friday, January 27, 2012
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Holding a grudge or feeling guilty can keep you from enjoying all that life has to offer.
Tips for maintaining lost weight
Friday, January 6, 2012
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Many people start the year resolving to lose weight. A lot of those people succeed—at first. But the pounds we shed early in the year often find their way back to us by the following January.
Avoid a holiday meltdown
Friday, November 18, 2011
Columbia, Mo. – We expect the winter holidays to be full of happiness and good will. Just like Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol," we want a fairytale ending where troubles disappear and everyone basks in the glow of holiday spirit. But, "A Tale of Two Cities" might better represent typical holiday madness for many.
For a healthier heart, balance potassium and sodium
Monday, November 7, 2011
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.– Doctors and nutritionists often focus on reducing sodium in our diets to maintain heart health. That’s important, but don’t overlook the role of potassium, says Lynda Johnson, nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
A different front may simplify food choices
Friday, November 4, 2011
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The battle over front-of-package real estate continues as an Institute of Medicine committee recommends a label system that’s simple and consistent.
Media available: 1 photo
Reducing TV/Internet time is good for the whole family
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Are you hassling the kids every night to do their homework when they want to spend too much time watching TV, playing video games or surfing the Internet?
Farm to School program thrives in its second year
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Rick Boudreau’s deliveries may seem ordinary, but the boxes of local produce he carries into Columbia elementary schools help students eat healthier.
Media available: 5 photos; 1 videos
Ice cream: the next generation
Thursday, September 15, 2011
In this video news story, learn about food science graduate student Elizabeth Fenner’s creation: ice cream that changes flavor while in your mouth.
Media available: 1 video
'Food From the Farm' connects kids to local farms
Monday, September 12, 2011
KANSAS CITY, Mo.– In this video news story, learn about MU Extension’s “Food From the Farm” program.
Media available: 1 video
Risk of West Nile virus remains low despite mosquito boom in flood areas
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mosquito populations along the Missouri River have skyrocketed due to recent flooding.
Media available: 1 video
Horseradish: This cool root packs heat
Monday, July 18, 2011
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Chili peppers get all the attention these days, but don’t overlook humble horseradish if you’re looking for ways to spice up a dish, says a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. It might even help you cope with the heat.
Lingering recession affects Missouri’s children
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The impact of the recession continues to affect Missouri’s children according to a report released this week by the Partnership for Children.
Tips for safe food preparation after a disaster
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
LAMAR, Mo. – There are several tips to remember about safe food preparation in disaster situations.
Strength training not just for the young
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Strength training isn’t just for young people, says a University of Missouri Extension human development specialist.
Food safety: Don’t let unwanted guests spoil your summer fun
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–As temperatures rise, so does the risk for foodborne illness. So remember to treat your picnic basket, grill, and cooler as an extension of your kitchen, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist.
Herbs: A valuable and simple addition to the garden
Thursday, May 5, 2011
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Homegrown herbs may earn their keep better than any other crop in the garden, says a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist.
Media available: 2 photos
Plan to grow enough to preserve
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Instead of tending to a garden that will only provide fruits and vegetables during the season, consider growing enough to preserve, suggests a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist.
Media available: 1 photo
Workshops aim to bring local foods to local schools
Friday, February 11, 2011
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The local food movement is going back to school.
MU Extension class works to curb diabetes through diet
Friday, December 17, 2010
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Holidays mean abundant sweets and treats, but for those with diabetes the temptation of cookies threatens more than their waistlines.
Media available: 1 video
Hearing loss a silent concern in agriculture
Thursday, November 11, 2010
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Protecting their hearing might be the farthest thing from the minds of most farmers as they drive tractors, operate chainsaws or check grain drying in their bins, but not being cautious around these loud noises produces irreparable damage.
Grocery co-op ends fresh food drought in inner city
Thursday, August 5, 2010
ST. LOUIS – It used to require a car trip or a bus ride, but now shopping for fresh produce in the inner city only requires a short walk for Nadia Russell and her children.
Media available: 1 video

Websites

The following are general-interest nutrition and health Websites from the University of Missouri. Browse the menu on the left for sites on more specific nutrition and health topics.

Publications

The following are general-interest nutrition and health publications. Browse the menu on the left for more specific nutrition and health publications.