
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
Measuring waist size can reveal diabetes risk more accurately than BMI. Larger waistlines raise chances of insulin resistance and prediabetes.
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.
Walking is the best medicine
Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (known as the father of Western medicine) once said, “Walking is man’s best medicine.” What a relatively simple and inexpensive “pill to take” to make such a big impact on maintaining and improving our health.
Small steps to heart health
February is National Heart Month, so it’s a great time to make a change for better heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with stroke coming in fifth, according to the American Heart Association. Both of these conditions result when blood flow is reduced or stopped altogether. But there are steps people can take to reduce the risk.
Healthy habits help you live longer
Adopt healthy habits like staying active, eating well, and connecting socially to boost longevity and overall well-being.
The gift of time
“The best thing parents can spend on their children is time, not money.” — Anonymous
Quality heifers inspire strong bids; average price $2,427 at Fruitland
High-quality heifers averaged $2,427 at the Fruitland sale, with top genetics, AI-bred calves, and buyers competing for strong bids.
Balancing the parent role with relationship needs
It’s challenging for new parents to manage their new parenting role and their couple relationship. The joy of having a baby leads to a transition for couples that can strain even the best relationships.
Happy relationships good for health
Why do healthy relationships matter? Research has shown that there are physical health benefits from healthy relationships and marriages. For instance, married people have longer life expectancies than single people, especially married men.
Balancing responsibilities
Do you ever feel as if you are trying to juggle too many items at the same time? Do you care for your kids, go to work, attend school activities, take care of aging parents, help with social events, attend meetings, maintain the car, keep up with the house or apartment, do the shopping, fix the meals and...? The list goes on and on. And when is there time in the day to take care of you?

Business aims to link autistic workers with tech jobs
COLUMBIA, Mo. —Teacher Teri Walden and physician Becky Llorens met a couple of years ago and bonded over a common concern. Each has an autistic young adult son seeking work. While helping their sons find jobs, the two Columbia women did something they never dreamed they would do. They started a business, with guidance from University of Missouri Extension.
Drought cuts pasture growth, farmers face culling cow herds
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In dry weather with short pastures, Missouri cow-herd owners face tough culling decisions. One way to match cows’ needs to available grass is to sell cows.Give careful thought to which grass eaters go first, says Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist. Under drought stress, identifying those cows becomes urgent.
Mulch ado about something
Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and enriches soil. Use 2–4 inches of organic mulch like pine bark or grass clippings for best results.

Master Gardener nurtures school garden that fuels love of food, community
A Master Gardener teaches preschoolers to grow and enjoy fresh food while building community through themed school gardens.
Farmers seek forage options as drought cuts grass growth
COLUMBIA. Mo. – Shortage of cattle forage forces some Ozark herd owners to chop trees to feed leaves. That method was used in big droughts of the 1930s and 1950s.Damage comes from more than an intense drought, said Craig Roberts, University of Missouri forage specialist in a weekly teleconference. Regional extension specialists update state staff on current problems.Roberts says forage shortages date from dry weather last fall.

MU Extension, NRCS partner to help farmers convert cropland to pasture
Farmers get guidance and cost-share help to convert cropland to pasture using rotational grazing and conservation practices.

Ticks prevalent as deer season approaches
Prepare for deer season by learning how to prevent tick bites and protect against tick-borne diseases.

New MU Extension guide available on ticks
COLUMBIA, Mo. – There’s a new University of Missouri Extension guide to discuss one of summer’s old pests. “Guide to Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases” is part of a series of manuals on integrated pest management from MU’s Plant Protection Programs. The guide is available for $5 at county extension centers or as a free download at extension.missouri.edu/publications/ipm1032.
Stress reduction for a healthier you
Discover effective techniques for reducing stress and improving mental well-being through relaxation, time management, and building a healthy support system.
Different strategies for attaining happiness
Discover effective strategies to increase happiness, including fostering relationships, practicing kindness, and staying positive to improve your well-being.
PSRI Technologies, LLC – Jefferson City & Chesterfield
PSRI Technologies, can I help you?” “Good morning, PSRI Technologies.”
Becoming more resilient
Discover strategies to enhance resilience: build connections, maintain optimism, help others, embrace humor, nurture spirituality, and prioritize health.

Central Ozark Machine, Inc. – Alton
Family‑owned Missouri machine shop crafting precise aerospace parts for Boeing, Lockheed & military, thriving in a rural HUBZone.