Can your “choice salsa” safely
People often ask if it is possible to use their own salsa recipe and can it safely. In the past the best response was: no, use it fresh or freeze it. Now there is a tested, generic recipe that allows for creativity without giving up safety.
Pressure canning FAQs and expert advice
After testing many pressure canner gauges over the years, I have seen some that were spot on for accuracy. I have also seen some where the needle was stuck; the gauge was separate from the lid yet still reading 2 pounds; and there are those that have tested 2, 3, 5 or even 8 pounds off. I recently attended a local farmers market to do the annual pressure canner gauges testing and to answer questions. Here are some of the common…
Freezing — A quick solution
If you have room in the freezer, freezing produce is a quick solution to beat the conundrums that can come up during a great growing season. Freezing works when:
Preserving sweet corn
Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh sweet corn, but it can also be easily preserved to enjoy year-round. Sweet corn can be preserved by freezing, pressure canning or dehydration.
Preserving greens
Greens are excellent sources of vitamin A, calcium, folic acid and fiber. Preserve spinach, collards, kale and other spring greens by freezing, pressure canning or dehydrating them.
Preserving winter squash
Winter squash keeps well for several months in cold storage, but canning and freezing helps us enjoy them any time of year.Because the growing conditions for squash create the perfect environment for surface bacteria, it is necessary to wash the squash thoroughly before taking a knife through the skin. Scrub squash with a vegetable brush under cool running water before cutting and cooking. Do not use soap or detergent.
Nutritional supplements
The use of dietary supplements has grown dramatically over the last decade. How are we supposed to know which supplements to take? Which ones may be a waste of time and money?
Foods for Father’s Day
Neckties may be a popular Father’s Day gift, but wouldn’t it be nice to give Dad the gift of a long, healthy life? In honor of Father’s Day, here are some of the most important foods for protecting men’s health.
Men’s health
It has been well-known for some time now that women enjoy longer life spans than men all around the world. Many studies have examined why and whether men can do anything about it.
Strength training for older adults
As we age, many of us start to worry about our ability to perform everyday tasks like putting groceries away, mowing the yard or sweeping the floor. Muscle mass diminishes with age, contributing to such concerns.
What you need to know about sunscreen
LAMAR, Mo. — Selecting the right sunscreen involves more than picking the product with highest SPF number, notes a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.“Many of us use sunscreen, but the options can be confusing,” said Tammy Roberts.
Stroke: Time lost is brain lost
Every year more than 600,000 Americans experience a stroke. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. Like heart attacks, brain attacks can be preventable, and quick treatment can reduce death and disability.
Reduce risks to prevent falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury and death in adults age 65 and older.
Grilling meat may increase cancer risks
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Grilling meat over open flame can produce tasty meals. But it can also produce harmful chemicals, especially if the temperature is above 300 degrees Fahrenheit.These chemicals are known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), says Lydia Kaume, a nutrition and health education specialist for University of Missouri Extension. Broiling, charbroiling and pan frying can also produce…
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship offers opportunities
MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – Five to 10 percent of dairy farms close each year, in part because of a lack of skilled laborers, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Ted Probert. To help the dairy industry survive, a national nonprofit organization has created an apprenticeship program to fill positions currently held by farmers whose average age is 59.
Prevent falls and maintain independence
Each year more than one-third of adults 65 years and older fall. Of these falls, 20 to 30 percent result in injuries that reduce mobility.
Winter power outages can lead to generator concerns
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Severe winter weather can bring widespread power outages, which means many Missouri families might be firing up their generators. University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist Eric Evans urges people to use common sense when using a generator.
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. There’s no better time than right now to know your numbers.When you get the results of your cholesterol blood test you should know your total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The desirable total cholesterol level is 200 mg/dL or below.
Belly fat is linked to health risks
People with a lot of belly fat are at a higher risk for health problems than people who carry fat in other areas. Some of those health problems include diabetes, some types of cancer, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease and dementia.
Waist size can be indicator of prediabetes
Even in the 21st century, a tape measure may be quite telling. The past few years have seen the emergence of useful and powerful electronic devices equipped with sophisticated sensors that check our heart rate, blood pressure, steps, etc. These tools help us keep our health in check. The tape measure is not as widely used but it can reveal a lot.
Live like your life depends on it
You can improve your health and prevent or lessen the effects of chronic diseases through diet and exercise. By investing a little time in your health, you can live a longer, healthier life.