Category: Families & Consumers

Talking Local series

Figure 1. Fruit and vegetable stand on Krome Avenue in Homestead.Extension agents can assist Florida farmers and ranchers in the labeling, sale, and promotion of locally-produced products. This six part series of 3- to 5-page fact sheets provides information about Florida consumers’ perceptions of local food to Extension faculty who are interested in local food programming or who work with local food clientele. Written by Joy N. Rumble and Caroline G. Roper, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_series_talking_local

In this series:

Healthy Living for Elders: Use Your Medicines Safely!

Figure 1. Fill all of your prescriptions at one pharmacy to avoid potential drug-drug interactions.Medicines can help us feel better and improve our health, but if we do not use them correctly, they can make us feel worse or even cause major health problems. To use your medicines safely, keep the following tips in mind. This 4-page large print fact sheet was written by Paulina Wittkowsky, Linda B. Bobroff, and Emily Minton, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, November 2014. (Photo: Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy667

Gulf Coast Tick, Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae: Amblyomminae)

Figure 1. Adult male (left) and female (right) Gulf Coast ticks, Amblyomma maculatum Koch.Gulf Coast ticks are found in grass prairies and coastal uplands throughout much of the western hemisphere. The ticks are ectoparasites that feed on a variety of birds and mammals, and will readily bite humans. Gulf Coast ticks are of increasing concern because of their ability to transmit several pathogens of veterinary and medical importance. This 7-page fact sheet was written by Jeffrey C. Hertz and Phillip E. Kaufman, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2014. (Photo: Jeffrey C. Hertz, edited by Jane Medley)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1062

De compras para la salud: Alimentos con fibra anadida

snack bar with nuts and dried fruitLa fibra en los alimentos consiste de carbohidratos que no pueden ser digeridos. Aunque muchos alimentos naturalmente contienen fibra, hay ingredientes altos en fibra que comúnmente se añaden a los alimentos para aumentar el contenido de fibra. Los ingredientes con fibra se pueden adicionar por razones funcionales o de salud. This 3-page fact sheet is the Spanish language version of Shopping for Health: Foods with Added Fiber, written by Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, October 2014. (Photo: iStock/Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs255

The Impact of Fathers on Children's Well-Being

father talking to young son.American families have changed dramatically over the last century. Currently, about half the children in the United States will live apart from their fathers some time during their childhood because their parents have separated and the proportion of births to unmarried women has risen from 5 percent in 1960 to 41 percent in 2011. But a father who is absent from the household may not necessarily be absent from his child’s life. This 5-page fact sheet provides a brief summary of the history of fatherhood in America and discusses the importance of involved fathers, and how mothers, other family members, and adult role models can make a positive impact in a child’s life. Written by Sarah M. Ellis, Yasmin S. Khan, Victor W. Harris, Ricki McWilliams, and Diana Converse, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1451

Homemade Household Cleaners

Figure 1. Budget-friendly homemade cleaners can save you money.Are you on a budget? Running low on those household cleaners? Instead of heading to the store to buy those more expensive cleaners, make your own! Many homemade household cleaners can be made with just a few inexpensive products that will last a lot longer. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Amanda Griffin and Randall A. Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2014. (Photo: iStock/Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1449

Facts about Potassium

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.Potassium is a mineral found inside body cells. It is one of several minerals known as electrolytes. It is important because it helps regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, maintain normal blood pressure, transmit nerve impulses, control muscle contraction, and maintain healthy bones. Legumes are good sources of potassium, as are nuts and seeds. This 2-page fact sheet was written by R. Elaine Turner and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2014. (Photo: tofumax/iStock/Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy889

A Farm to School Procurement Calculator for Specialty Crop Producers and School Food Service Staff

Farm to School logoFlorida Farm to School programs are designed to connect producers with schools. But school food service staff make their purchasing decisions in terms of servings and producers pack their products by weight. General calculators and guides designed for national Farm to School programs don’t address Florida’s diverse production of fresh fruits and vegetables. This procurement calculator and guide for Florida Farm to School programs was written by Jonathan A. Watson, Danielle Treadwell, Anna Prizzia, and Kelli Brew, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1250

African malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae Giles (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Figure 1. Female Anopheles gambiae Giles taking a blood meal.Anopheles gambiae Giles is commonly called the African malaria mosquito because it is the most efficient vector of human malaria in the Afrotropical Region. They are considered to be one of the world’s most important human malaria vectors because of their susceptibility to the Plasmodium parasite, their preference for humans as a host, and their indoor-feeding behavior. Due to their short development time and their preference for developmental habitats near human dwellings, Anopheles gambiae are considered effective vectors of human malaria, as well as lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis). This 6-page fact sheet was written by Sabrina A. White and Phillip E. Kaufman, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1048

Pool Chemicals and Personal Safety

Figure 1. Pool chemicals, distributed through box stores, are classified as pesticides.Pool chemicals are among the most common household substances and are used to protect health in recreational waters. Pool chemicals containing chlorine safeguard against recreational-water illnesses caused by disease-causing pathogens, such as the diarrhea-causing Cryptosporidium. They also enhance disinfection by regulating water pH. But even though these materials are regularly handled by homeowners, most don’t ever realize that they are handling pesticides. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Fred Fishel, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi253

Food Safety at Tailgating

healthy food on the grillWhile tailgating can be a great fun for family and friends, you need to make plans and take on-site precautions to keep your food safe during these events. Since refrigerators and running water are not always available for the events, you should familiarize yourself with the safe food handling practices for these outdoor events and plan ahead so you will be prepared with enough coolers/ice and all the tools you need to keep and cook your food safely. This 3-page fact sheet provides information on safe food practices for tailgating and other outdoor sporting events. Written by Soohyoun Ahn, Amarat H. Simonne, and Keith R. Schneider, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, October 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs256

Consuming local vegetables from our local growers

Figure 1. Fruit and vegetable stand on Krome Avenue in Homestead.In recent years, consumers increasingly are seeking out locally grown foods, due to concern for freshness, food safety, and the carbon footprint associated with food sourced from distant places. This 5-page fact sheet promotes local vegetable consumption by pointing out some of the advantages, benefits, and business opportunities associated with local vegetable production and consumption. Written by Qingren Wang, Edward A. Evans, Margie Pikarsky, and Teresa Olczyk, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1251

Datos sobre el fosforo

Figure 1. Modelo de grupo fosfatoEl fósforo es un mineral que se encuentra en todas las células del cuerpo, por lo general en forma de fosfato. Es el segundo mineral más abundante en el cuerpo después del calcio. Alrededor del 85% del fósforo se almacena en los huesos y dientes. Es importante para la formación de huesos y dientes, además de la reparación de huesos.
This 3-page fact sheet was written by Nancy J. Gal y Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, August 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs252

Survival of Foodborne Pathogens on Berries

handfull of various berriesFresh and frozen berries are popular foods. When berries are picked for fresh consumption, they are usually packed directly without washing because they are highly perishable. There is typically no “kill step” that would eliminate pathogens on fresh or frozen berries. Foodborne illness outbreaks have been associated with the consumption of fresh or frozen berries that were contaminated with pathogenic viruses, parasites, or bacteria. Contamination can occur before or during harvest or during final preparation. This 11-page fact sheet was written by Mary Palumbo, Linda J. Harris, and Michelle D. Danyluk, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, November 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs236

Integrated Pest Management for Mosquito Reduction around Homes and Neighborhoods

Cover: Integrated Pest Management for Mosquito Reduction around Homes and NeighborhoodsThis 40-page publication describes how homeowners can use an integrated pest management (IPM) program to help decrease pesticide use, reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, and ease the financial burden on local governments responsible for area-wide control. Modern mosquito control emphasizes source reduction to eliminate areas where mosquitoes thrive; surveillance to determine whether pesticide applications are necessary; screening; sanitation; and other techniques described in this document. The methods recommended in this publication are particularly effective in reducing mosquitoes that transmit diseases. Homeowners who take responsibility for identifying and eliminating sources of mosquito production around their homes and neighborhoods will improve health and quality of life for all Florida residents. Written by C. R. Connelly, E. Bolles, D. Culbert, J. DeValerio, M. Donahoe, K. Gabel, R. Jordi, J. McLaughlin, A. S. Neal, S. Scalera, E. Toro, and J. Walter, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1045

How to Start a Food Business: Introduction

Farmer's MarketWhile running your own food business can be a rewarding and exciting experience, it can be overwhelming and stressful. It is important to understand the pros and cons of running your own food business and decide if you are ready to pursue a food business venture. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Soohyoun Ahn, Renee Goodrich-Schneider, and Amarat H. Simonne, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs254

Pavement ant Tetramorium caespitum (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Figure 1. A) Parallel rugae (ridges) running lengthwise on head. B) Antennae with 12 segments (dots representing each segment). C) Characteristic raised ridge at the antennal insertion. D) Antennal club 3-segmented. The pavement ant is one of the most commonly encountered ants in the United States. Since first introduced from Europe at the beginning of the nineteenth century, the ant has become well established and is prevalent in urban areas in the northern U.S. and parts of Canada. However, the extent of their invasiveness and severity as a pest is not well characterized. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Tyler Vitone and Andrea Lucky, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1047

Closing Your Seasonal Home

Figure 1. Before leaving your seasonal home, perishable items should be eaten, given away, or discarded. Get organized and make a plan before you lock your doors to leave your home for an extended period of time. Proper preparation inside and out will help ensure your return to a clean, undamaged home. Florida’s environment creates the possibility for mildew growth, storm damage, and pests. Unoccupied homes are more susceptible to these types of damage. This 6-page fact sheet provides the necessary steps to prepare your home before leaving for an extended period of time. There is also a checklist to help you remember. Written by Julie England, Audrey Norman, Randall A. Cantrell, and Maria J. Portelos-Rometo, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, June 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he887

Elder Nutrition

Figure 1. By 2050 in the United States, the over-65 popluation will more than double and the over-85 population will quadruple. Good nutrition is important throughout life, starting even before we are born. However, at certain stages in life, such as infancy, pregnancy, and in older age, the importance of having good eating habits is especially critical. This 8-page fact sheet focuses on how aging affects nutrition and diet and choices that older adults can make to improve or maintain their health and well-being as they age.was written by Linda B. Bobroff and Martie Gillen, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy628

Clostridium difficile: an Important Opportunistic Pathogen in Healthcare-Associated Infections

Based on photomicrographic data, this illustration depicts the ultrastructural morphology exhibited by a single Gram-positive Clostridium difficile bacillus.Opportunistic pathogens are significant health threats to vulnerable people with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS or those on immune-suppressing therapies. One opportunistic pathogen, Clostridium difficile, has been getting more attention in recent years because of its association with antibiotic use and high death rate in the elderly. This factsheet will provide an overview of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) with a focus on healthcare-associated infections. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Soohyoun Ahn and Amarat H. Simonne, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs253