Category: Families & Consumers

Encouraging Landscape Water-Conservation Behaviors #1: Tailoring Programs To Florida Residents Who Use Irrigation in the Home Landscape

Figure 1. Level of importance of Florida issues reported by Floridians who use irrigation in the home landscape (N = 1063)

To better promote water-conservation practices among homeowners who irrigate their landscaping, Extension professionals must first have a clear understanding of this target audience’s habits, beliefs, and needs. This 10-page fact sheet recommends that Extension professionals analyze their audiences through several factors, including their interest in water conservation and knowledge of water issues and laws. Written by Laura A. Warner, Emmett Martin, Alexa Lamm, Joy Rumble, and Randall Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, May 2015. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc199

 

Health Benefits and Medicinal Value of Honey

Figure 2. HoneyHoney has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It is rich in sugars such as glucose and fructose, but it also contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. These nutrients help to make honey a unique, natural health product. Its market niche as a health product is growing, and current research supports the potential of honey as a medicinal product. This 3-page fact sheet describes health aspects of honey deriving from the floral source and color, beneficial compounds, anti-microbial properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Written by Sara Marshall, Liwei Gu, and Keith R. Schneider, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, April 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs267

Breast Cancer: Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Figure 1. Chemotherapy for breast cancer is an outpatient procedure and may take two to six hours.Neoadjuvant, or preoperative, chemotherapy is the use of chemotherapy to treat breast cancer before surgery. If your doctors have suggested that you consider this treatment, you probably have questions about it. This 4-page fact sheet provides an overview of chemotherapy treatment, potential side effects, and major benefits. Written by Barbara F. Shea and Martha C. Monroe, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2015. (Photo: iStock/Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy897

Preventing Foodborne Illness: Cyclospora cayetanensis

This photomicrograph of a fresh stool sample, which had been prepared using a 10% formalin solution, and stained with modified acid-fast stain, revealed the presence of four Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts in the field of view. Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic, spore-forming, intestinal protozoan parasite and a known cause of the gastrointestinal infection cyclosporiasis, often referred to as “traveler’s diarrhea” for its prevalence among visitors to regions where the species is endemic. These organisms have a protective covering that makes them resistant to disinfectants and that gives Cyclospora the ability to survive outside of hosts for extended periods. The incidence of cyclosporiasis has been increasing worldwide, with several documented cases in the United States and Canada. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Keith R. Schneider, Rachael Silverberg, Susie Richardson, and Renée Goodrich Schneider, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, March 2015. (Photo: CDC/DPDx – Melanie Moser)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs130

Getting Started in the 4-H Embryology Project: Tips for 4-H Agents and Teachers

Figure 1. Children can learn the science of life through the 4-H Embryology Project. Credit: Marcus Boston, UF/IFASUsually considered an enrichment project for classrooms, the 4-H Embryology Project can also be modified for club or individual use. In it, young people use an incubator to grow avian embryos (inside fertile eggs) through the hatching process. Students learn basic biology and life science while they eagerly look forward to hatching chicks. This 5-page fact sheet describes the necessary equipment and other resources and provides tips and suggestions to increase the hatchability of fertile avian eggs. Written by Marcus Boston, Chris Decubellis, and Judith Levings, and published by the UF Department of 4-H Youth Development, April 2015. (Photo: Marcus Boston, UF/IFAS)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/4h367

Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Perfluoroalkyl Substances

Figure 2. Examples of common sources of perfluoroalkyl substances in the environment. Clockwise from top left: (1) non-stick pan, (2) waterproof textile, (3) fire-fighting foam, (4) food wrap papers. Credit: iStock/Thinkstock.com (non-stick pan, waterproof textile, and fire fighting foam)/Digital Vision/Thinkstock.com (fast food)Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) or perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are the most widespread and persistent manmade chemicals on earth. Common products that contain PFASs are Teflon pans, non-stick cookware, rain/waterproof jackets (like Gore-Tex), fire-fighting foams, food packaging, carpets, and furniture fabrics. PFASs stay in the environment for a long period of time, which means they can accumulate in organisms to levels that cause harmful effects. This 9-page fact sheet discusses the occurrence, use, exposure, and potential harmful effects of PFASs to humans and the environment, and suggests ways to reduce your exposure to PFSAs. Written by Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2015. (Photos: Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss631

Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs), Parts 1 and 2

Figure 1. Common pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in households Credit: iStock/Thinkstock.comPharmaceuticals and personal care products contain a variety of chemical substances that enter household wastewater from bath and shower, sinks, and washers and ultimately find their way into the environment. Continuous discharge of wastewater contributes to the accumulation of these substances in the environment — where they can be harmful to organisms. These fact sheets were written by Yun-Ya Yang and Gurpal S. Toor, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2015. (Photo: iStock/Thinkstock.com)
Part 1 provides an overview of the use and sale of PPCPs in the United States and the world: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss632
Part 2 discusses the sources and impacts of PPCPs and offers common-sense ways we can protect our environment from PPCPs.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss633

Floridian Consumer Perceptions of Local versus Organic Ornamental Plants

flowerHorticultural consumers in Florida are interested in local and organically produced plants. But these terms can mean different things in different regions. UF/IFAS researchers conducted a survey last summer which suggests that consumers in central Florida define local as plants that are grown near where they are sold and identify the most important local benefits as product safety, quality, and community support. Organic plants are perceived as requiring fewer chemical additives and being healthier for the environment. The importance of these traits varies by plant type. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Hayk Khachatryan and Alicia Rihn, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, February 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe964

Women's Nutrition: Folate/Folic Acid

FS265To decrease a baby’s chances of having certain types of births defects, mothers need to have already been consuming enough of the vitamin called folate, or folic acid, before they become pregnant. This article provides information about the folate/folic acid needs of women who are capable of becoming pregnant, including its role in preventing birth defects, sources, and strategies for meeting the recommended intake. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Caroline Dunn and Gail Kauwell, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, February 2015. (Photo Credit: Mike Watson Images/moodboard/Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs265

Vida Saludable: Examinando el nivel de glucosa en la sangre

Figure 1. A blood glucose meter (or glucometer) uses a tiny drop of blood to test your blood glucose level.Examinar el nivel de glucosa en su sangre es una parte importante en el manejo de la diabetes. El conocer los valores de glucosa en su sangre le indica que tan eficiente está funcionando su plan de cuidado y si debe hacer algún cambio. ¡Continúe leyendo para aprender más!
This 4-page fact sheet is the Spanish language version of Healthy Living: Checking Blood Glucose. Written by Jennifer Hillan and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, January 2015. (Photo: iStock/Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy908

Healthy Eating: Nutrition and Diabetes

Figure 1. Whole grain breads are a great source of dietary fiber, as well as many vitamins and minerals needed for good health.A healthy diet, along with exercise and medication, can help control diabetes and reduce the risk of complications. A healthy lifestyle also helps reduce the chances of developing diabetes for those who are at high risk. For a healthy diet, follow these tips. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Linda B. Bobroff, Jennifer Hillan, and Emily Minton, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, February 2015. (Photo:iStock/Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy685

Alimentacion Saludable: Nutricion y diabetes

Figure 1. Whole grain breads are a great source of dietary fiber, as well as many vitamins and minerals needed for good health.Una dieta saludable, junto con ejercicio y medicinas, pueden ayudar a controlar la diabetes y reducir el riesgo de complicaciones. Un estilo de vida saludable también ayuda a personas con alto riesgo de diabetes a reducir las probabilidades de padecer de esta enfermedad. Para una dieta saludable, siga estos consejos. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Linda B. Bobroff, Jennifer Hillan, y Emily Minton, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, February 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy665

De compras para la salud: Comidas para una persona

Figure 1. Shopping for healthy,, low cost meals for one can be easy and enjoyable with just a little bit of planningEn el mundo ajetreado de hoy, muchos estadounidenses se encuentran cocinando para ellos mismos. Los adultos mayores y estudiantes universitarios por igual, se enfrentan al desafío de preparar la comida como una prioridad, cuando nadie más se encarga de ellos para crear una comida balanceada. Ya sea que usted coloque una comida en el microondas después de un día muy ocupado, o pase tiempo cocinando una comida especial para usted, comprar y preparar comidas saludables para uno mismo a bajo costo puede ser agradable, simplemente con un poco de planificación. This 5-page fact sheet is the Spanish language version of FSHN13-02/FS224: Shopping for Health: A Menu for One. It was written by Morgan Denhard and Wendy Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, February 2015. (Photo: Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs266

Contribucion de las practicas de produccion de cultivos y las condiciones climaticas a la seguridad microbiologica de los tomates y pimientos

Figure 1. Tomato plants in the field at the UF/IFAS Research and Education Center in Citra, Florida, are subjected to different irrigation and fertilization regimens.Durante la última década, las frutas, verduras y frutos secos se encuentran entre los alimentos relacionados con brotes de gastroenteritis causadas por cepas enterovirulentas de E. coli y Salmonella no tifoidea que resultan en miles de hospitalizaciones y pérdidas de varios millones de dólares en la industria de alimentos (Mandrell 2009; Batz, Hoffman, y Morris 2011). Desde 2006, dieciséis brotes de salmonelosis se han relacionado con el consumo de frutas y verduras, incluyendo tomates, melones, coles, pepinos, mangos, piñones, pistachos, mantequilla de maní, papayas, pimientos y además alimentos congelados y procesados que contienen productos vegetales. Esta hoja informativa fue producida para proveer información actualizada sobre las prácticas de producción de tomate y sus asociaciones con Salmonella. Esta información es útil para Agentes de Extensión Agraria en sus programas de educación sobre cultivos hortícolas. This 4-page fact sheet is the Spanish language version of The Role of Crop Production Practices and Weather Conditions in Microbiological Safety of Tomatoes and Peppers (SS628). It was written by Massimiliano Marvasi, Max Teplitski, and George Hochmuth, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, February 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss630

Impacto de las variedades de tomate y su estado de madurez en la susceptibilidad a Salmonella

Figure 1. Tomatoes of different varieties at different maturity stages are cued for testing for their resistance to SalmonellaDe 1998 a 2007 la fruta fresca, verdura, especias y nueces fueron comúnmente asociados con brotes de gastroenteritis (Batz, Hoffman, y Morris 2011). Salmonella se ha convertido en uno de los patógenos humanos más problemáticos asociado a productos frescos, nueces y a los alimentos que contienen esos ingredientes (Batz, Hoffman, y Morris 2011; deWaal, Tian, y Plunkett 2009). Esta hoja informativa fue producida para proveer información actualizada sobre las prácticas de producción de tomate y sus asociaciones con Salmonella. Esta información es útil para los Agentes de Extensión Agraria en sus programas de educación sobre cultivos hortícolas. This 3-page fact sheet is the Spanish language version of Impact of Tomato Varieties and Maturity State on Susceptibility of Tomatoes to Salmonella (SS627). It was written by Massimiliano Marvasi, Max Teplitski, and George Hochmuth, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, February 2015. (Photo: Max Teplitski)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss629

Datos sobre el potasio

Figure 1. Legumes are excellent sources of potassium. Whether you start with the dried form or use convenient canned beans (low sodium is best), you will get a rich source of potassium.El potasio es un mineral que se encuentra dentro de las células del cuerpo. Es uno de algunos minerales conocidos como electrolitos. Estos minerales (potasio, sodio y cloro) se encuentran en los fluidos dentro y fuera de las células del cuerpo. This 2-page fact sheet is the Spanish language version of Facts about Potassium written by R. Elaine Turner and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, February 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1214

De compras para la salud: Las hierbas y las especias

set of wooden bowls with different spicesLas hierbas y las especias han sido usadas durante cientos de años en la cocina y en la medicina. Estas añaden una amplia gama de sabores a los alimentos y también pueden proporcionar beneficios para salud. Para algunas personas, el uso de hierbas y de especias en la cocina puede ser un reto—¡pero no tiene qué ser así! La siguiente información le permitirá estar en un buen camino para disfrutar de una sazón sabrosa y saludable.This 4-page fact sheet is the Spanish language version of Shopping for Health: Herbs and Spices, written by Jenna A. Norris and Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, January 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs264

De compras para la salud: Las frutas

grocery bag with fruitLas frutas tienen un buen sabor y son buenas para usted. Algunas frutas son muy ricas en nutrientes. Es decir, contienen muchas vitaminas, minerales, antioxidantes y fibra que su cuerpo necesita para estar saludable. Ya sea que le gusten las frutas frescas o los jugos de fruta, las frutas congeladas o enlatadas, es importante escoger una variedad diferente cada día. Algunos consejos para ayudarle antes durante y después de ir a comprar frutas.This 4-page fact sheet is the Spanish language version of Shopping for Health: Fruit, written by Ashley R. Kendall y Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, January 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs263

Healthy Living: Checking Blood Glucose

Figure 1. A blood glucose meter (or glucometer) uses a tiny drop of blood to test your blood glucose level.Checking your blood glucose levels is an important part of managing diabetes. Your blood glucose values let you know how well your care plan is working and if you need to make any changes. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Jennifer Hillan and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, February 2015.(Photo iStock/Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy868

Urban Pests and Pest Management

Figure 1. This fact sheet is excerpted from SP486: Pests in and around the Southern Home, which is available from the UF/IFAS Extension Bookstore. http://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-1222-pests-in-and-around-the-southern-home.aspxThe warm southern states provide an ideal environment for a wide variety of pests — and because almost everyone has problems with pests, most urban areas are sprayed with pesticides. 30 to 40 percent of pesticide use is in urban areas, but most pesticide applications are unnecessary and can result in environmental contamination and human exposure to pesticides. This 5-page fact sheet from Pests in and around the Southern Home introduces integrated pest management practices that can help reduce pesticide use in the home. Written by P.G. Koehler, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1073