Health and safety : article
What do a lavender farm, a distillery, a lively coffee shop, dozens of cover crop test plots and a college and careers pathway program for youth have in common? They show how the University of Missouri works to strengthen Missouri’s economy and empower people to improve their lives.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– While security experts and law enforcement personnel are determined to make sure events like the Boston Marathon bombing never happen again, emergency preparedness and personal safety begin with the individual, says a University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist.
A handwritten note can have a powerful impact, offering a personal touch that builds connections and encourages others, especially in times of isolation.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension generated an estimated $1.2 billion economic impact throughout Missouri in fiscal year 2021, according to a recent impact analysis.
JOPLIN, Mo. – Harold Noirfalise used to curse the big steel box in the garage of his Joplin home. It was there when he and his wife, Brenda, bought the house a couple years ago. The box shared space with a pickup, a car and a workshop where he built radio-controlled model airplanes, making for a…
COLUMBIA, Mo.– If you don’t work on a farm, a bin full of grain may not look dangerous. But farmworkers who go inside grain bins can quickly find themselves literally in over their heads. The results can be deadly: Over the last 50 years, hundreds in the U.S.
“Hello, I am busy.” That has nearly become the standard greeting in the United States of America. But there is an answer that brings improvement, and it is not simply better “time management,” according to David Burton, county engagement specialist in community economic development with…
Stay safe in extreme heat by hydrating, seeking shade, and watching for signs of cramps, exhaustion, or heat stroke.
SEDALIA, Mo.– Megan Webb, nutrition and health education specialist for University of Missouri Extension, advises homeowners and disaster-recovery volunteers to be safe during the cleanup process in this video news story.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.– Flooding is a potential threat in many parts of Missouri. And even if your house is not in a flood plain, you may drive through one on your way home.
Get tips to stay safe during spring floods: plan evacuation routes, prepare an emergency kit, and avoid driving through flood waters.
Safeguard household items before flooding: clean, wrap, inventory valuables; use plastic or climate-controlled storage to prevent damage.
Inspect hail damage? Get an insurance adjuster to evaluate missing granules, dented vents, roof “bruise” spots, and whether hail size triggers replacement.
Alerts pet owners: chocolate and candies with raisins, nuts, xylitol, or excess sugar can trigger vomiting, seizures, and liver harm in pets.
Inspired by “all things Missouri,” the chancellor unveils a new vision to deepen engagement, expand program reach, and foster community-driven solutions statewide.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It is estimated that more than 700 plant species growing in North America can have harmful effects on humans, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
FORTUNA, Mo. – The people of the Fortuna and Versailles areas know what a farm tragedy feels like. In the last few years, Mennonite families there lost two children to farm accidents. Another was critically injured.
Helping Knox County stay connected and safe through community support, resources, and public health guidance during challenging times.
Choose garden tools designed for comfort and ease to reduce strain and enjoy gardening more.
Avoid home-prepared, opened, dented or expired foods; donate shelf-stable items like canned vegetables, dried fruit, grains, protein, and dairy.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The best time to prepare for an emergency is when there is no emergency, says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist.
Flood plain residents should have a disaster plan, prepare documents, medications, and an evacuation kit for safety.
Access practical tips and guides to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters at home and in your community.
Check equipment, animal safety, chemicals, and stress levels this spring to keep farm and rural life safe for all family members.
Learn expert tips to prevent, respond to, and stay safe from cyberbullying online.
FORTUNA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a free Farm Safety Day from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 24, at Central Missouri Produce Auction in Fortuna.Fun, family-oriented events will be offered throughout the event, said University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist…
Farmers and ranchers face heightened risks from deliveries, equipment sharing, and close contacts during COVID-19 and need adapted safety protocols.
Lack of sleep on the farm raises stress, accident risks and costs. Learn tips to rest well, boost health and protect your bottom line.
Firefighters train in swiftwater rescue, learning rope techniques and flood safety to save lives in fast-moving water.
Access practical tips and guides to stay safe, protect property, and recover after floods.
MT. VERNON, Mo. –Rural landowners in southwest Missouri have begun cleanup after the severe tornadoes and thunderstorms on May 22. Many agricultural producers are left to also deal with the remains of livestock that were killed during the series of storms that passed through the area.
Listen to free farm safety podcasts covering essential topics like ATV safety, designed to help agricultural workers protect themselves and others on the farm.
Supporting workforce reentry by helping employers welcome and retain employees in recovery.
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.
Learn how to protect yourself and pets from ticks and prevent Heartland disease in Missouri.
Fall harvest brings heavy equipment, dust, limited visibility, stressed drivers, slow turns and traffic on rural gravel roads—stay alert.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri ranks below the national average in many key measures related to health and access to health care, especially in rural parts of the state.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When the news has another tragic story about a child accidentally left in a hot car, parents might believe they could never make a mistake like that.
High heat and dry conditions can lower pond oxygen and water levels, putting fish at risk and requiring careful management.
Research in northeastern Missouri explores high firearm suicide rates and offers resources to support rural families and mental health awareness.
The Rural Immersion program offers medical students valuable hands-on experience in rural health care, fostering connections with local health professionals.
Ensure flood-damaged homes dry fully before replacing coverings to prevent mold, mildew, and long-term damage.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missourians report higher rates of disability and long COVID than the U.S. average, according to a study brief by University of Missouri Extension.
University of Missouri Extension has information and resources for individuals, families, caregivers and others.
Volunteers across NW Missouri mobilize into a virtual sewing factory to produce homemade masks for local health care providers.
MU Extension faculty and staff pitch in to keep this small county’s food lifeline going.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Psychological Services Clinic is offering teleservices to help adults and children cope with anxiety and stress related to COVID-19.
The clinic offers up to five brief sessions through videoconferencing or telephone, said Debora Bell, longtime director of…
Missouri health experts address COVID-19 myths and promote vaccination through community education and outreach.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has received $768,000 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the first year of a five-year project to tackle high rates of obesity in 10 Missouri counties.
David Hedrick, director of Missouri’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute since 2007, will retire in October 2017 after decades in fire service.
Adjunct instructor Robert Shramek Jr. is honored as Fire Service Instructor of the Year for his commitment to training Missouri’s fire service professionals.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) presented the 2010-11 Fire Service Instructor of the Year awards at the Institute’s annual Instructor Conference on Oct. 15
A mobile fire training simulator brings hands-on education in vehicle, dumpster, spill, and gas fires to communities statewide.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) curriculum specialist Erin McGruder does more than just write about disaster response.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Tim Hartz, instructional support associate with the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI), participated in the Missouri Division of Fire Safety Stair Climb on Sunday, Sept. 10, in Jefferson City.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers and rural families seeking mental health support can turn to the new AgriStress Helpline.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Amid mounting pressures — floods, bankruptcies, consolidation and a credit squeeze — rural Missourians struggle to access mental health services.
Find online resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from winter storms, including safety tips and emergency guides.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Opioid use disorder suppresses Missouri’s labor force participation rate by an estimated 3% among workers ages 25 to 54, according to a study by the American Action Forum.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck.
PERRYVILLE, Mo. – New technology and old-school knowledge mixed in the aftermath of the tornado that struck Perry County Feb. 28.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The relationships we have with others impact different aspects of our lives, according to Amber Allen, a human development specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Natural disasters, like tornadoes and severe storms, are things we don’t like to think about until necessary. But in Missouri, being prepared for spring storm and tornado season is a necessity, according to a University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist.
Unreimbursed property damage in federally declared disaster zones may qualify for a tax deduction, with limits applied.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When storms, floods and other disasters leave damaged homes in their path, local contractors often get more business than they can handle. In many cases, out-of-town contractors will arrive in force to pick up the slack.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cau
TRENTON, Mo.– University of Missouri Extension has prepared a checklist of measures people can take to reduce the impact of floodwater on their homes.
UNIONVILLE, Mo. – In addition to educating people in Putnam County on topics such as farm leases and fence laws, University of Missouri Extension county engagement specialist Joe Koenen also strives to educate his north-central Missouri community on the importance of staying healthy this flu season.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Many consider the farm an ideal place to raise children. But with all its idyllic charm come dangers, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Using compact fluorescent light bulbs is an easy and effective way to save on utility costs. "Using these bulbs can be very helpful to the family budget, but their use is not without risks," said Marsha Alexander, University of Missouri Extension housing and environmental design…
Learn which refrigerated or frozen foods to save or discard after a blackout and how to limit spoilage.
CARTHAGE, Mo. – People can become victims twice in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Dishonest businesses, questionable charities and others looking to make a quick buck try to take advantage of both disaster survivors and those wishing to help.
Missourians unite to overcome challenges, accessing resources, online programs, and support during difficult times.
Floods displace wildlife, prompting snakes and rodents to seek shelter near homes. Learn prevention and control tips to protect your property.
A statewide survey found that over 70% of Missouri employers face absenteeism, reduced productivity, and accidents due to workplace substance misuse.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For many, the peace and quiet of country living is the American dream. But that dream can turn to a nightmare for those who become isolated and disconnected from their communities, says University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
A statewide survey seeks employee feedback on workplace support for substance use recovery to help design Recovery Friendly Workplaces across Missouri
MARSHFIELD, Mo. — Homeowners and disaster-recovery volunteers who use chain saws should use extreme caution to prevent injuries.
Essential safety tips for working with power takeoffs (PTOs) on farm equipment, including clothing choices and proper shutdown procedures to prevent injuries.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Lawn mowing is often one of the first jobs young people have.It is also one of the most dangerous spring activities, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
Telehealth expands mental health access for rural Missourians, offering remote, convenient care through phones or the internet.
Learn how reporting farm accidents and near misses can prevent injuries and improve safety for all workers.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The new University of Missouri System Health Care Finder aims to increase Missourians’ access to health care and boost the state’s health care outcomes.
BLOOMFIELD, Mo. – Heavy rains and rising rivers may flood wells. “Wells could be contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites that can make you ill,” said Van Ayers, a former University of Missouri Extension agriculture and rural development specialist.
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.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – MU Extension has resources to help you prepare for and respond to severe winter weather.
This month we feature Sue Robison, county engagement specialist in Carroll County, with Bret Lyon and Kathy Lock of the Carroll County YMCA.