High blood pressure, or hypertension, can cause serious health problems. It makes your heart work harder and can damage your blood vessels even if you feel okay. Everyone should have their blood pressure checked regularly. If you have certain risk factors, you are more likely to have high blood pressure. This 6-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses risk factors and ways to reduce risk. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised November 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy305
Author: Amanda Quintos
Facts About Vitamin D
Vitamin D is needed for normal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It helps put these minerals into bones and teeth. This makes bones stronger and reduces risk for bone fractures. Vitamin D also helps keep the immune system functioning normally, so our bodies can resist some types of disease. This 3-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses effects of vitamin D deficiency, intake recommendations, and sources of vitamin D. Written by Linda B. Bobroff and Isabel Valentín-Oquendo, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised November 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy207
2016 Evaluation of Foliar Fungicides for Disease Control in Peanut in Jay, FL
This report includes a summary of the 2016 foliar fungicide programs for control of early and late leaf spot and white mold (southern stem rot) in peanut at Jay, Florida. It shows the effectiveness of 13 fungicide programs for disease control. This 6-page fact sheet discusses fungicide treatments, treatment rates, application timing, 2016 growing conditions, experimental design, and results. Written by Michael Mulvaney, Robert Kemerait, John Atkins, and Nicholas Dufault, and published by the UF Agronomy Department, April 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag415
Microirrigation for Home Landscapes
Microirrigation is a way to water plants using low pressure and low flowrates (usually 15 psi or less and 60 gph or less). Microirrigation systems can be easy to install above, on, or below the soil or mulch in landscape beds and are inexpensive to purchase. This 3-page fact sheet discusses types of microirrigation systems, benefits, design and installation, and maintenance. Written by Anne Yasalonis and Michael Dukes, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, October 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae524
Nutrition at Early Stages of Life Determines the Future Growth and Reproductive Performance of Beef Calves
Nutrition can influence future health and performance of calves. The metabolic imprinting concept has substantial economic implications for animal agriculture, and it should be explored to improve the performance of animals bred for food production. This 6-page fact sheet summarizes some of the research conducted in beef calf nutrition and nutritional impact on growth and reproductive performance of beef calves. Written by Philipe Moriel, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an335
Sugarcane Cultivars Descriptive Fact Sheet: CPCL 97-2730 and CPCL 00-4111
CPCL 97-2730 and CPCL 00-4111 are emerging sugarcane cultivars in Florida with rapid expansion in last couple of years. Both were ranked among the top 10 sugarcane cultivars in Florida in the 2015 Sugarcane Variety Census (VanWeelden et al. 2016) based on their total acreage. High biomass yield and better rust resistance greatly improve the chances of the cultivars’ adoption by growers. This fact sheet provides basic information and yield and disease information about CPCL 97-2730 and CPCL 00-4111 to assist growers in decision-making related to further expansion of these cultivars. Written by Hardev Sandhu and Wayne Davidson, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, May 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sc103
Regenerated Sabal/Cabbage Palms (Sabal palmetto): Why and How
Palms are woody monocots characterized by the production of adventitious roots from the base of the trunk. Unlike the woody roots of dicots, such as oaks, gumbo limbo, and sea grapes, palm roots have no secondary thickening. Also, unlike trees, palms are incapable of repairing damage to their trunks. Most importantly, the life of a palm is dependent upon the continued good health of the single growing bud known as the meristem. Thus, if the palm bud is killed, the entire palm or the palm cane will eventually die. This 4-page fact sheet discusses harvesting and transplanting sabal palms, cropped transplants, and regenerated transplants. Written by Stephen H. Brown and Tim Broschat, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department, September 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep543
Citrus Production Guide: Rootstock and Scion Selection
When preparing for replanting, an important factor to consider is the choice of rootstock. Choosing the right rootstock and scion combination can result in higher economic returns without any additional cost. Rootstocks affect scion vigor, yield, fruit size, juice quality, and pest tolerance. However, tree growth, yield, and fruit quality interact strongly with climate, soil type, tree spacing, and other factors, often producing contradictory reports on rootstock performance in different areas. This 3-page fact sheet discusses soil characteristics, rootstock effects on pests and diseases, tree spacing and size, and rootstock/scion combination. Written by Ute Albrecht, Fernando Alferez, and Mongi Zekri, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences, September 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1308
Citrus Irrigation Management
The chapter on irrigation management of citrus is largely taken from guidelines provided in SL253 on trees prior to Huanglongbing (HLB) prevalent conditions. A section has been added to cover recent findings on water use of trees affected by HLB and the impact this would have on the irrigation management considerations. This 6-page fact sheet discusses water supply, allowable soil water depletion, irrigation scheduling, soil moisture measurement, water budgeting, smartphone apps, irrigation strategies to improve nutrient uptake and reduce leaching, and irrigation management considerations for HLB-affected trees. Written by Davie Kadyampakeni, Kelly Morgan, Mongi Zekri, Rhuanito Ferrarezi, Arnold Schumann, and Thomas Obreza, and published by the UF/IFAS Soil and Water Sciences Department, September 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss660
Next Stop: Job!
Next Stop: Job is a multi-lesson program designed to teach youth, ages 14 and up, the skills necessary to obtain a job. Through videos and hands-on activities, youth learn essential job market skills, such as marketing, communication, writing skills, and financial literacy, to help them succeed in the workplace. This 28-page publication discusses cover letters, resumes, interviews, proper attire, and management of earnings. Written by Vanessa Spero-Swingle, Laura Cash, Laura Valencia, Gayle Whitworth, Karen Miliffe, and Shane Michael, and published by the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development Department, June 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/4h377
Prevencion de Caidas: Seguridad en el Hogar
La casa donde usted ha vivido la mayor parte de su vida ahora puede causarle problemas a medida que envejece. Lo bueno es que hay cambios que puede hacer para reducir el riesgo de caídas y mantener su casa un lugar seguro para vivir. Use la siguiente lista para identificar posibles áreas problemáticas en su casa. Repasado julio 2017. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy859
Fertigation for Citrus Trees
Microirrigation is an important component of citrus production systems in Florida. For citrus trees, microirrigation is more desirable than other irrigation methods for several reasons: water conservation, fertilizer management efficiency, and freeze protection. Research has shown that when microirrigation systems are properly managed, water savings can amount to as much as 80% compared with subirrigation and 50% compared with overhead sprinkler irrigation. Research has also shown the important advantage of microsprinklers for freeze protection of citrus. This 4-page fact sheet discusses fertilizer solubility and some common fertigation materials. It also offers a fertigation summary. Written by Mongi Zekri, Arnold Schumann, Tripti Vashisth, Davie Kadyampakeni, Kelly Morgan, Brian Boman, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Horticultural Sciences Department, September 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1306
What Is the ENSO Climatology Tool?
On a global scale, periodic anomalies in sea surface temperatures coupled with shifts in atmospheric pressure and winds, such as those associated with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), can have profound impacts on weather conditions. ENSO affects atmospheric circulation patterns well into the midlatitudes and is the leading driver of seasonal climate variability in the United States. Tremendous advances have been made in predicting the occurrence of ENSO events with confidence three to six months in advance. This 5-page fact sheet discusses the ENSO climatology tool as well as possible challenges. Written by Caroline Staub, Clyde Fraisse, Eduardo Gelcer, and Daniel Dourte, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, March 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae522
Additional Nutritional Considerations for Preconditioning Beef Calves
Feed ingredient selection is not the only factor to consider during a preconditioning process. Recent studies demonstrated that diet composition and frequency of supplementation can have positive or negative effects on calf performance during preconditioning. This 7-page fact sheet focuses on the ways beef cattle producers can modify the nutritional composition of diets and frequency of concentrate supplementation to optimize growth and immunity of preconditioning beef calves or prevent detrimental effects. Written by Philipe Moriel, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, September 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an334
Sick Day Management for Adults with Diabetes Who Take Insulin
When people have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and take multiple daily insulin injections, their blood glucose levels can rise drastically due to a cold or another minor illness. This can result in serious health problems. The best way for people with diabetes to prevent a minor illness from becoming a major illness is to have a personalized sick day plan designed with their health care provider before they become ill. This 4-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses ways in which illness affects diabetes control, development of a sick day plan, times to call your health care provider, checking blood glucose and urine ketones, medicines, and diet. Written by Nancy J. Gal and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised June 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1281
South Florida Tropicals: Carambola
The carambola or star fruit is native to Southeast Asia. It was introduced to Florida about 100 years ago. This 4-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses availability, selection, uses, nutritive value, and food safety during preparation of carambola. This document also includes several recipes. Written by Amy Simonne and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised April 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he613
Healthy Eating: Understanding the Nutrition Facts Label
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that most food packages have the Nutrition Facts label. This label contains information about nutrients in the food to help people make healthier food choices. Older adults can use the label to choose foods that provide required daily nutrients or fit with a diet plan to manage a disease or health condition. This 4-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses the Nutrition Facts label, checking calories, limiting certain nutrients, % Daily Values, and consuming enough fiber, vitamin D, potassium, calcium, and iron. Written by Linda B. Bobroff and Karla P. Shelnutt, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised May 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1127
Genetic Selection for Gaits in the Horse
Quality and cadence of various locomotion patterns are extremely valuable traits in horses. Breeds like the Tennessee Walking Horse, Florida Cracker Horse, Mangalarga marchador, and Icelandic Pony are prized and selected for unique intermediate-speed locomotion patterns. What if genetics could help us unravel and better select for the locomotion patterns of our horses? This 4-page fact sheet discusses the connection between locomotion patterns and genetics, DMRT3 and locomotion in the horse, improvement of understanding of the gene function of DMRT3, and current as well as future applications. Written by Laura Patterson Rosa, Carissa Wickens, and Samantha A. Brooks, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, May 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an332
Vida Saludable: Diabetes
La diabetes es una condición que ocurre cuando el cuerpo tiene dificultad para producir o utilizar la insulina. La insulina es una hormona que controla la cantidad de glucosa (azúcar) en nuestra sangre, informándole a las células cuanta glucosa pueden dejar entrar. Cuando una persona tiene diabetes, el cuerpo no produce o produce poca insulina, o produce una insulina que no funciona bien. Esto resulta en altos niveles de glucosa en la sangre. Controlar los niveles de glucosa en la sangre reduce el riesgo de otras complicaciones.
This 2-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses diabetes and management techniques. Written by Linda B. Bobroff and Paulina Wittkowsky, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised June 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy081
Choosing Healthy Meals As You Get Older: 10 Healthy Eating Tips for People Age 65+
After introducing MyPlate in June 2011, USDA provided a series of fact sheets to help consumers use the dietary advice of the Dietary Guidelines 2010. USDA continues to add fact sheets to the series, reflecting the most current Dietary Guidelines and issues important to consumers. This fact sheet was developed by the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion/USDA in partnership with the National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, with an introduction by Linda B. Bobroff. This series of fact sheets is distributed by UF/IFAS Extension, June 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1474