Families & Consumers – Page 16

Vivir con Diabetes

La diabetes es una enfermedad que afecta a más de 29 millones de estadounidenses. Aunque no existe cura para tipo 1 o tipo 2 diabetes, con los cuidados necesarios se puede controlar la enfermedad.

This 5-page fact sheet is the Spanish version of Living with Diabetes. This major revision provides an overview of diabetes, a list of people at high risk of developing the disease, and a description of each type of diabetes. It also discusses tests, possible health problems, control of blood glucose, and diabetes management. Written by Nancy J. Gal and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised May 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy924

Frequently Asked Questions About Huanglongbing (HLB; citrus greening) for Homeowners

Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, is a serious bacterial disease that affects citrus in Florida. Florida residents enjoy growing citrus for a variety of reasons, but growing citrus in today’s disease climate is not an easy task. This seven-page document is designed to help Master Gardeners and homeowners answer commonly asked questions about HLB. Written by Brooke L. Moffis, Jamie D. Burrow, Megan M. Dewdney, and Michael E. Rogers and published by the Plant Pathology Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp326

Healthy Living: Taking Care from Head to Toe

If you have diabetes, pay special attention to your skin, eyes, teeth, gums, and feet. These areas are at high risk for complications. This 3-page fact sheet is a major revision that gives helpful information on ways to take care of these areas to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised May 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy886

Understanding Dietary Supplements

More than half of adults in the United States take at least one dietary supplement. It is important to know in what situations supplements may be effective for improving health and wellness. This three-page fact sheet describes dietary supplements, when to use them, and how to evaluate their safety and efficacy. Written by Daniel Staub and Anne Mathews and published by the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs278

Zika Vector Control for the Urban Pest Management Industry

Zika is a mosquito-transmitted virus that has recently spread to the Americas. Zika virus (ZIKV) was discovered in 1946 in Africa where it was isolated from a Rhesus monkey in the Zika forest of Uganda. In 2007, a disease outbreak occurred on the Yap islands in Micronesia, and in 2013, an outbreak occurred in French Polynesia. In 2015, a large outbreak occurred in Brazil, and ZIKV has since spread through the Americas. As of April 18, 2016, 15 counties in the state of Florida had reported travel-associated Zika cases. This seven-page fact sheet provides an overview of ZIKV, including its incidence and distribution, transmission and symptoms, and the connection between zika virus and infant microcephaly. This article also explains the biology and identification of the mosquito that vectors the virus with a focus on how to manage the vector using inspection, larviciding, adulticiding, monitoring, and personal protective equipment. Written by Casey Parker, Roxanne Connelly, Dale Dubberly, Roberto Pereira, and Philip Koehler and published by the Entomology and Nematology Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1131

Starting a Community Garden

A community garden is a great way to unite a group of people in a common goal. In addition to providing fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruit, community gardens can also increase self-esteem, beautify a neighborhood, and create and opportunity for socializing and improving health. This four-page fact sheet outlines the importance of community gardens and how to develop and manage a community garden. Written by Adrian Hunsberger, Eva C. Worden, and John McLaughlin, and published by the Environmental Horticulture Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep124

Pest Strips: You Have to Read the Fine Print

Pest strips are commonly sold at many retail outlets and are available to anyone for purchase. They are constructed of resin plastic with an insecticide that is gradually control-released over time as a vapor. This two-page fact sheets gives important tips on how to use pest strips correctly without creating a hazard.Written by Fred Fishel and published by the Agronomy Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi262

Choosing a Licensed Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspector

A wood-destroying organism inspection is a visual inspection performed by a licensed pest control inspector trained to identify evidence of termites, powderpost beetles, and other organisms that chew on wood and cause damage to property. Home buyers and sellers, real estate professionals, and lending institutions order these inspections before real estate transactions. This 4-page fact sheet written by Faith M. Oi, Paul Mitola, Kathleen Ruppert, Michael Page, and Mark Ruff and published by the Entomology and Nematology Department explains how to select an inspector who is licensed and certified so that you can be confident in the inspection.
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN629

Healthy Eating: Improving Your Convenience Foods

Convenience foods are foods that require little preparation. Some convenience foods only require heating and are ready to eat in less than five minutes! The majority of convenience foods are processed foods. However, precut, prewashed, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables also can be classified as convenience foods. They are healthy foods but are usually more expensive than less prepared fresh fruits and vegetables. This 2-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses pros and cons of convenience foods, improvement of nutritional quality, common convenience foods and easy additions, and additional tips. Written by Emily Minton and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised March 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1312

School Gardens: A Growing Part of Schools

School gardens have been popping up like little pea plants in schools all over Florida. Not only are they an excellent way to get fresh produce into classrooms and cafeterias, but they also provide students with a living classroom where concepts related to science, math, agriculture, and nutrition can be learned and applied. This 4-page fact sheet discusses the benefits of school gardens to children and teachers, different types of school gardens, and points to consider while planning. Written by Kohrine Counts and Karla P. Shelnutt, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, February 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1463

Tong Hao: an Asian Vegetable Emerging in Florida

Tong Hao (Glebionis coronaria) is a member of the daisy family and therefore a relative of lettuce. It is an important vegetable in Asian communities. Grown in China for more than 900 years, Tong Hao is a branched annual leafy herb that can be cooked and eaten. This four-page fact sheet provides background information about Tong Hao, including information on growing, harvesting, and cooking it. Written by Guodong Liu, Qingren Wang, Bonnie Wells, Yuncong Li, and David Dinkins, and published by the Horticultural Sciences Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1276

Preventing Foodborne and Non-foodborne Illness: Vibrio vulnificus

Vibrio vulnificus occurs naturally in warm brackish and saltwater environments. During the warmer months, this bacterium can reach particularly high concentrations in filter-feeding shellfish that inhabit coastal waters. Foodborne illness from V. vulnificus is almost exclusively associated with consumption of raw oysters. This 3-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses risk of infection, times to seek medical treatment, symptoms, activities related to illness, foods commonly associated with the bacterium, handling and storage of seafood and shellfish, and methods of prevention. Written by Anita C. Wright, Renée M. Goodrich, Michael A. Hubbard, and Keith R. Schneider, and published by the UF Food Science and Human Nutrition Department. Original publication date: July 2009. Revised October 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs147

Pureed Food: Guide to Quick Meals

Puréed foods are an important source of nutrients for those who have problems chewing or swallowing. A puréed food is any item that has been processed into a smooth and uniform texture and therefore does not require chewing. Purées can be made from most foods and this guide provides some tips for fast and easy to prepare puréed foods. This four-page fact sheet covers the preparation of puréed foods from canned vegetables and fruits; beans, peas, and lentils; and mixed dishes. It also provides a useful example meal plan. Written by Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs277

Why is Exposure to Nature Important in Early Childhood?

Early childhood is a crucial period for the physical and cognitive development of children. Most people who care for young children realize that children benefit from playing outside, but caretakers might not have ready access to the literature that supports their observations. This 4-page fact sheet written by Kristen Poppell and Martha C. Monroe and published by the School of Forest Resources and Conservation reviews some of the literature that shows that young children need to go outside and be around nature regularly. It describes some of the benefits children (and adults!) gain from learning and playing outdoors and includes suggestions for several resources for parents, teachers, and caretakers who hope to increase these opportunities for their youngsters.
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr394

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Leprosy

Worldwide, 250,000 new cases of leprosy are reported each year, and in the United States, approximately 150 new cases of leprosy are diagnosed each year. Also known as Hansen’s disease, leprosy (Mycobacterium leprae) is a bacterial disease that infects the skin and nerves, causing disfiguring skin sores, nerve damage, and occasionally lung damage if left untreated. Leprosy is spread between humans via respiratory droplets when people sneeze or cough. In the southeast United States, handling armadillos is thought to be the source of many infections. This 4-page fact sheet written by Shannon P. Moore and Samantha M. Wisely and published by the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department describes the disease in humans and armadillos and explains how to avoid it and limit its spread.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw408

Datos sobre la proteina

Our bodies are made of many proteins. They can make 11 of the amino acids that are needed to make protein but cannot make the other nine, so we must get them from our diet. This 3-page fact sheet is the Spanish version of Facts about Protein (FSHN15-01/FS261). It provides an overview of protein basics, roles of proteins in the body, recommended intake, sources of protein, and healthier protein choices. Written by Nicole C. Agro and Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs272

Why We Should Be Concerned about Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Treatment and complete resolution of MRSA infections can be extremely challenging, since many MRSA strains are multidrug-resistant. This 6-page fact sheet provides an overview of MRSA, different strains, risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and the pathogen’s effects on human health and agriculture. Written by Austin B. Mogen and Kelly C. Rice, and published by the UF Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, September 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mb006

Breast Cancer: Preparing for Surgery

Once you and your doctor schedule your breast cancer surgery, you may have additional questions about how you can prepare for your operation. This 5-page fact sheet provides information to help you get ready for breast cancer surgery through a brief overview of common surgical options, medical appointments, social support systems, and standard surgical procedures as well as reactions and memories of women who have gone through this experience. Written by Martha C. Monroe and Barbara F. Shea, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences. Revised February 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy899

Ocho Pasos para Desarrollar un Plan Simple de Mercadeo

El mercadeo es parte esencial de un negocio. De hecho es el corazón de cualquier negocio que sirva la función vital de convertir actividades de producción en desempeño financiero, asegurando la supervivencia del negocio. El mercadeo es clave, sin importar el tipo de negocio (incluyendo la agricultura).
This 5-page fact sheet provides a rationale for developing a marketing plan, a step-by-step process for creating one, and a marketing plan worksheet. Written by Edward A. Evans and Fredy H. Ballen, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics. Translated into Spanish November 2015. (Photo credit: Thinkstock)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe978

(also available in English as “Eight Steps to Developing a Simple Marketing Plan” at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe967)

Zika, a Mosquito-Transmitted Virus

Zika is a mosquito-transmitted virus that has spread broadly in tropical regions and caused epidemics, especially in the past 8 to 9 years. In its native range in West Africa and Uganda, the Zika virus stays in the forest for the most part, and human infections are considered incidental and medically inconsequential. In 2015, however, Zika became a larger concern when a strain of the virus traced to outbreaks in French Polynesia emerged in northeastern Brazil. This strain provoked alarm because of increased incidence of microcephaly in babies born to Zika-infected mothers. Local transmission, mainly by the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti, has now been documented in most tropical countries of the Americas but has not yet been detected in the continental United States. This 7-page fact sheet written by L. P. Lounibos, B. W. Alto, N. D. Burkett-Cadena, C. C. Lord, C. T. Smartt, C. R. Connelly, and J. R. Rey and published by the Department of Entomology and Nematology describes the Zika microbe, its mosquito hosts, and the disease it causes. A history of the virus and its migration are included, along with some details about the virus in the state of Florida and preventative measures people can take to avoid infection. The best way to avoid contracting Zika (and other mosquito-borne diseases) is not to get bitten in the first place. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1120

See also 2/9/2016 press release:UF/IFAS scientists write document explaining Zika virus; urge vigilance.