Category: Families & Consumers

Food Safety: Does Your Kitchen Pass the Test?

smiling woman cleaning kitchen counterOlder adults are at increased risk for foodborne illness. To help reduce your risk, follow safe food handling practices at home. How does your kitchen measure up? This 3-page fact sheet was written by Linda B. Bobroff and Jennifer Hillan, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy926

Seguridad Alimentaria: Juegatela seguro con los huevos

Figure 1. Compre huevos antes de la fecha en el envase. Guarde en la caja de cartón en la parte más fría del refrigerador por no más de 5 semanas. Credit: Digital VisionLos huevos frescos pueden contener bacterias que podrían causar una enfermedad llamada salmonelosis. Esta enfermedad causada por alimentos provoca vómito y diarrea. Esta puede ser severa y hasta podría ser fatal para los adultos mayores. Reduzca el riesgo de contraer estas enfermedades causadas por sequir estas pautas. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Linda B. Bobroff y Jennifer Hillan, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy194

Rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Chen, 1935) (Nematoda: Strongylida: Metastrongylida)

Figure 1. Rats are the normal host of Angiostrogylus cantonensis nematodes. They acquire the parasite by feeding on infected molluscs. Credit: Jennifer L. Gillett-KaufmanLike many pest and disease problems, rat lungworm has been slowly spreading around the world. First described by Chen from rats in China, the medical significance of this parasite was overlooked until 1944 when it was found infecting humans in Taiwan. Even then, because the report was published in Japanese, its importance remained largely unknown. In 1955, Mackerras and Sandars found this nematode among rats in Brisbane, Australia, and described its life cycle, including the importance of its molluscan intermediate hosts. This 4-page fact sheet was written by John Capinera and Heather S. Walden, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, September 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1007

Healthy Living: High Blood Pressure

Figure 1. Have your blood pressure checked by your doctor or other health care provider at least once a year. High blood pressure is increased pressure of blood inside the blood vessels. Too much pressure causes more work for the heart. Another name for high blood pressure is hypertension. About one in three American adults has hypertension and about half of them do not know they have this health problem. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Linda B. Bobroff and Leigh Ann Martin, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy684

Women and Money: Unique Issues – Selecting Your Financial Professional Team

Figure 1. Before you retain the services of a financial professional, you should understand the differences between financial planners, accountants, attorneys, and investment specialists. Always make sure you choose a financial professional you trust.On your road to building wealth, you may choose to engage financial professionals for guidance. Seeking out professional advice will include fees and expenses, so use care when selecting the appropriate services. There is a variety of financial professionals to choose from, including financial planners, investment specialists, accountants, attorneys, insurance agents, and bankers. Understanding the roles, expertise, and credentials of these individuals can help you select the most appropriate individual or team for your specific financial needs.
This 4-page fact sheet was written by Brenda C. Williams, Diann Douglas, Martie Gillen, and Lynda Spence, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1370

Establishing Lot Size through Sanitation Clean Breaks in Produce Packing Facilities

Food processing factoryA clean break is needed between groups of products for food protection regulators to consider produce as separate from other produce packed off the same line. Determining a clean break is important to limit the scope of a recall. Packers can determine lot size based on what is practical and the amount of risk that their business is comfortable with. Food protection regulators define lot size as when a clean break occurs before and after a group of products. For instance, if a packer chooses to have a daily documented and verified clean break, the packer would establish one lot per day, as defined by food protection regulators. In other situations, a packer may choose to have a clean break conducted weekly, meaning that a food safety incident could result in a week’s worth of production being recalled. This 2-page fact sheet was written by B. Chapman and M.D. Danyluk, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, August 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs234

Mindfulness: An Introduction

Prayer PositionLearning to be mindful is a powerful skill that can help you face the stresses of day-to-day life and improve both your psychological and physical health. Because you don’t need any equipment to practice mindfulness, you can practice it discreetly anywhere, at any time. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Parth Naik, Victor Harris, and Larry Forthun, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1381

Women and Money: Unique Issues: Your Money Matters

Figure 1. Talking about money may not seem like a romantic gesture, but make sure you talk with your significant other about your finances before you marry.Couples considering a future together should discuss money before they marry. Discussing money may not be the most romantic gesture, but this is an important conversation to have early in a relationship and to continue to have throughout your marriage.This 4-page fact sheet was written by Diann Douglas and Martie Gillen, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy046

Women and Money: Unique Issues – So You Want to Remarry? (FCS7249/FY1353)

Figure 1. If you plan on remarrying, you should examine your and your future spouse’s finances to make sure there are no surprises going into the marriage.Whether widowed or divorced, if a second marriage is in your future, it may be advisable to look before you leap. Second marriages have a higher failure rate than first marriages. They are often more complex and have stresses not found in many first marriages. Take your time to consider all of the financial circumstances between you and your future spouse before you remarry. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Diann Douglas, Martie Gillen, and Lynda Spence, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1353

How to Hire and Manage Residential Contractors

Contractor working on window in new homeIf you are looking for a contractor for either home building or remodeling, ask difficult questions before you enter into a contract. This way you and the contractor have a clear understanding of the other’s expectations. Before signing a contract and beginning a project is the best time to thank contractors for their consideration and time, rather than risk entering into an unfortunate working relationship that could require legal intervention. Contractors understand potential clients, and they will inform you if they do not want to accept a contract with you. This negotiation period should not be taken personally by either party and should only develop into a business relationship that exists during the period of hire and warranty outlined in the contract. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Randall A. Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1380

How To Buy Pest Control Services

cover of Pests in and around the Florida HomePest control, like any kind of business, is a joint venture between the company and the customer. As with many businesses, customers may have difficulty judging whether they have received the most skilled efforts for their money. This 4-page fact sheet should help customers objectively look at the service they are buying to determine its merit. Written by P. G. Koehler, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, July 2013. This fact sheet updates a chapter of SP134: Pests in and around the Florida Home, which is available from the IFAS Extension Bookstore.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg237

Facts About Fluoride

toothpaste and toothbrushesFluoride is important for healthy bones and teeth. It increases the density of bones and also can stimulate the growth of new bone. Fluoride increases the amount of minerals in our teeth and even can reverse the progression of dental cavities. People who don’t get enough fluoride have much greater rates of dental decay and cavities than those who get enough fluoride. Due to water fluoridation, almost one-half of American children have never had a cavity in their permanent teeth. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Anne Kendall [Casella], and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy887

Facts About Vitamin B6

Pouring breakfast cerealVitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin needed to break down the protein we eat. This vitamin is used by our bodies to make important proteins, and it helps our muscles use energy. It also helps make brain chemicals that tell the systems in our bodies what to do. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Anne Kendall, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy213

Symptoms of Diabetes

Figure 1. Fatigue can be a sign of high blood glucose. See your doctor if you feel tired much of the time. Credit: iStockphotoType 2 diabetes is a growing health concern for children and adults in the United States. Diabetes that is uncontrolled can lead to blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, and amputations. Early diagnosis is critical! If you have any of the symptoms described in this fact sheet, see your health care provider right away! This 1-page fact sheet was written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy344

Women and Money: Unique Issues: Protecting Your Assets

Figure 1. Identify areas in your finances where you may incur unexpected costs, such as medical emergencies, car accidents, or other events. By having a plan to deal with these situations, you can save money in the long run. Credit: HuntstockProtecting your assets is similar to managing your risks. Managing risks means identifying and evaluating instances where you may experience a financial loss and then making a plan for how to deal with the situation. This publication shares some common ways you can protect your assets by purchasing different types of insurance, being aware of identity theft or fraud, and monitoring your credit reports. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Lynda Spence, Martie Gillen, and Diann Douglas, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1375

A Synopsis of US Consumer Perception of Genetically Modified (Biotech) Crops

still life: microsocpe, model molecules, and cut plant in flaskOver the last few decades, the use of modern tools of molecular biology has made it possible to discover, isolate, and introduce several important agricultural traits in cultivated crops. Such improvements are usually accomplished by the technique known as genetic engineering, also known as genetic modification. The aim of this article is to provide an update on recent developments with respect to GM food crops, as well as an assessment of US public opinion with regards to GM foods in general. A successful case of how a US-grown GM crop gained acceptance in one of the strictest fruit importing countries is presented. This 8-page fact sheet was written by Edward A. Evans and Fredy H. Ballen, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, June 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe934

Florida Foliage House Plant Care: ZZ Plant

Figure 1. Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly called "ZZ plant," performs well indoors. Credit: R. J. HennyZZ plant is enjoyed for its unique appearance, its ability to grow under low light conditions, and its tolerance to drought. ZZ’s naturally glossy leaves are so shiny that the plant appears to have been polished. This 2-page fact sheet was written by R. J. Henny and J. Chen, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, July 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep480

The Food Safety Modernization Act and the FDA Facility Registration Program

Empty bushels of green peanuts. Peanut, crates, food crops. UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.The Food Safety Modernization Act that President Obama signed into law January 4, 2011 represents the most sweeping update to food safety regulation since the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938. As part of FSMA, registration is required of facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Susanna Richardson, Renée Goodrich Schneider, Mark A. Ritenour, Michelle D. Danyluk, and Keith R. Schneider, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, July 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs231

When the Kids Move Back Home

young adult unpacks car with fatherRecent trends show that more and more adult children are returning to live with their parents. With intergenerational cohabitation on the rise, it’s a good idea to examine the “what-ifs” before the doorbell rings. If you find yourself making up spare rooms for your grown children or even their children, you will be glad you thought about the issues in advance. This publication discusses the potential challenges and practical matters you need to know about if your adult children move back home. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Lynda Spence and Larry Forthun, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1376

Facts about Magnesium

Figure 2. Nuts such as almonds and cashews are good sources of magnesium.Many Americans don’t get enough magnesium in their diets. But most healthy people do not have signs of deficiency even if their intake is low because the body stores this mineral. However, people who abuse alcohol, take certain diuretic drugs, or have kidney disease may be at risk for magnesium deficiency. Long-lasting diarrhea or vomiting also can cause a deficiency. Older adults often do not get enough magnesium in their diets. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Linda B. Bobroff and Jennifer Hillan, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1088