Just as the fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables disappear from tables farther north, Florida’s bountiful winter harvest starts. Think about serving Florida-grown, fresh foods during this holiday season. Many of the fruits and vegetables recommended for your Five-A-Day are available all winter long in Florida. Here are just a few of the many choices you have right now.

Salad greens and all the “fixings” – cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, radishes – are available throughout the state.

• Tangerines, oranges, grapefruit – all of the citrus family – are abundant and readily available and make for healthy desserts and snacks. Make sure you try some of the lesser known varieties that usually do not reach the supermarket shelf.


• Broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, carrots, snap beans, squash, and eggplant are just some of the great options for side dishes for holiday meals. While local availability varies, several of these easy-to-prepare vegetables are abundant all winter long in every part of the state.
  

You may want to buy locally grown produce. It’s fresh and if you visit a farmers’ market or farm, you can turn shopping into a family outing.

One good place to get locally grown produce is your local farmers’ market. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) provides a list of farmers’ markets throughout Florida. Many farmers’ markets offer handicrafts, Christmas trees, and other seasonal items, in addition to the usual produce, during the holiday season.

Some farmers also offer U-Pick. These are farms where you can harvest your produce yourself, making shopping into a family adventure. FDACS also provides a list of U-Pick farms, by county.

By Dr Mickie Swisher, Associate Professor, Sustainable Agriculture

When shopping for Christmas gifts consumers usually compare prices to save money. Yet another equally important factor to consider is the product warranty.

A warranty is a promise by the manufacturer or seller to stand behind the product. It may be written, implied, or verbal.

The law gives consumers the right to read the written warranty before purchase, if the product cost is more than $15. The warranty must be easy to read and understand, with all terms and conditions spelled out.

Not all products have written warranties. If you buy a product "as is," that means the seller is not responsible for any problem or repairs.

There are two types of written warranties: full and limited.

Full Warranty

The full warranty will include the word FULL on the warranty. This means that a defective product will be repaired or replaced in a reasonable time after you complain. It also means that you will not have to do anything unreasonable to get this service, such as packing and shipping the product to some remote location for repairs. A full warranty is good for anyone who owns the product during the warranty period. That is, if you give the product s a gift or later sell the product, the unexpired portion of the warranty is transferred.

Check any full warranty to see exactly what is covered. The full warranty may cover only a part of the product. An example of this would be a full warranty on the picture tube of your new television. If the sound goes bad, in this example, you would pay for repairs.

Limited Warranty

Limited warranties differ from full warranties. Limited means something is missing. A limited warranty may cover parts but not labor. It may offer a prorated refund, not a full refund. It might be limited to the first purchaser only and the customer may be charged for returning the product to a service center for repairs.

Implied Warranties

Implied warranties are rights created by state law. The most common implied warranty is the warranty of merchantability. This means that the seller promises the product will do what it is designed to do, that is the toaster will make toast, a reclining chair will recline. The seller can usually get out of an implied warranty by stating in writing, that no warranty is provided. Beware of purchasing products, which have written statements of "no warranty given." Yet, implied warranties may give you some protection that written warranties don't.

Similar to implied warranties are spoken promises or advertising claims. These are considered to be warranties. You have a legal right to get what the company promises.

One of the last things to check when comparing warranties is the policy covering consequential damages. That is, if you buy a freezer, the freezer goes out and $500 in food spoils before something can be done about the freezer, will the warranty cover the repair only, or repair or replacement of the freezer and the food?

Once you have made your purchase, keep the warranty and the sales receipt in a safe place. You will need the receipt to show date of purchase and price paid for the product if you need to file a warranty claim.

For more information on warranties or the place to store warranties and other important papers contact your local county Extension office.

Have you ever searched the toy stores looking for the latest toys on your niece, nephew, grandchild, or child’s Santa list? If you are able to find the toy, a part is missing; it’s broken or must have batteries. According to the financial management specialist at the University of Florida’s IFAS Cooperative Extension, a better idea is to give a financial-related gift. A gift that teaches the importance of sound financial management can provide valuable lessons that will serve kids for years to come.

Experience is a great teacher when it comes to teaching children about savings and investing. For a school-age child or teenager, one or more shares of stock in a company that makes the “got-to-have” item the child wants can provide a meaningful gift and a valuable education. You can supplement the gift with a lesson on how to track the stock’s performance in the newspaper or on line.

Children can not purchase or own stocks in his or her own name but you can purchase the shares in your name or through a custodial account set up under the Uniform Transfers to Minor Act or Uniform Gift to Minor’s Act. The investment is held in the adult’s name in custody for the child until he or she reaches age the age of majority (18 in Florida).

It may be expensive to purchase less than a round lot (100 shares) in a company, but there are some companies that will sell you their stock directly, that is without a broker, thereby eliminating a brokerage fee. There are also Divide Reinvestment Plans (DRIPS) that permit current stockholders to purchase additional stock from the company without a broker. One Share of Stock, Inc. sells single shares of stock in certificate form that can be framed. There are more than 90 companies listed including companies such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Gap and other companies children may know.

Some companies offer mutual funds geared to children. These funds invest in child-friendly companies and send the young investor educational materials that teach them about investing. These plans typically accept lower minimum opening deposits and target long-term growth.

Of course, there are U.S. Savings Bonds. The Series EE Bonds remain one of the safest investments and there is never a fee for buying or redeeming them. Paper bonds may be purchased at half of their face value in denominations as low as $50 and federal income taxes on earnings may be deferred until the savings bond matures or is redeemed. These bonds may be purchased at your local financial institution or on line at the U.S. Savings Bonds website.

You can also find books, videos, and board or computer games that help children learn about savings and investments. Financial management software or a session with a financial planner is an excellent gift for grown or newly married children.

Written by: Dr. Jo Turner, Professor, Family and Consumer Economics

Even though mail order shopping has advantages, complaints about mail order shopping are common. Complaints include failure of companies to deliver, long delivery times, unsatisfactory merchandise, failure to make merchandise exchanges or refunds and failure to respond to consumer questions. The consumer has rights and responsibilities when ordering by mail.

Your Responsibilities

Before placing an order:

• Read the advertisement carefully. Is all needed information provided?
• Find and review the refund and exchange policy of the company. Do they say "Satisfaction Guaranteed," "Unconditional Guarantee" or "You may return an item for prompt refund if you are not completely satisfied?" It is important for you to know that merchandise can be exchanged or returned for a refund.
• Consider the purchase carefully. Do you need and want this item? Could you purchase the same or similar item locally?
• Find out if there is any type of buying plan involved before you decide to place the order. Are you committed to join some kind of buying club, such as a book, record, food, or cosmetic club?

If you have considered all of the above and decided to order by mail:

• Complete the order form according to directions.
• Recheck order form to ensure that you have correctly filled it in. Have you clearly identified merchandise ordered, correct size, color, etc?
• Double-check your address. Is it correct and readable?
• Make a copy of your completed order form and of the advertisement being answered.
• Make a note of the address to which the order is sent.
• Make payments by personal check, cashier's check, money order or credit card. Don't send cash.

Your Rights

You have certain rights when you order by mail. According to a Federal Trade Commission ruling on mail order:

• Merchandise must be shipped within 30 days of receipt of the order or within the time disclosed in the advertisement, or within 50 days if you are applying for credit. If the company cannot deliver merchandise within this period, the company must write you and tell you the expected delivery time and offer to refund your money if you don't want to wait until delivery can be made.
• If merchandise cannot be delivered within the new delivery time the order is automatically cancelled and your money refunded unless you notify the company in writing that you are willing to wait longer.
• If your cancelled order was charged to a credit card, the company has one billing cycle to make the adjustments to your account. If the order was paid with a check or money order, the company has only seven days in which to refund the money. You do not have to accept a refund in the form of "credit" to be used for other merchandise from the company.

Not all mail order purchases are covered by this ruling. Some mail order purchases that are not covered are magazines, seeds, plants, and photo finishing.

If you have not received your order within a reasonable time (over 30 days or the time specified in the advertisement), find out if your check has been cashed. If you don't have the cancelled check, contact the bank to find out if it has been paid. If it has not been paid you may want to place a stop payment on the check and cancel the order. To cancel, write the company telling them that since your check was not cashed the company did not accept the order and that you have stopped payment on your check and canceled the order.

If the check has been cashed, decide whether or not you want the merchandise sent or the money returned. Then write a letter to the company stating your request. If you do not receive the merchandise or a refund within a proper time, file a complaint with the Direct Marketing Association.

DMA Mail Order Action Line
1101 12^th Street North West
Washington, D.C. 20036

Or

Division of Consumer Services
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
407 S. Calhoun Street
Mayo Building
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Or you may file a complaint on line at www.800helpfla.com.

If the mail order problem appears to be fraudulent, contact a postal inspector directly or through your local postmaster. Provide the inspector with all related evidence including a copy of the order, all correspondence, advertisement and even envelopes.

For more information on your rights and responsibilities when ordering by mail contact your local county Extension office.

Dr. Jo Turner, Professor, Family and Consumer Economics

Tight budgets and limited free time can be a source of stress this holiday season. Finding enough money in your budget to make gift giving enjoyable can be a real challenge.

It is possible, however, to cut back on your gift budget and still be a generous gift giver. Remember the old saying "It's the thought that counts, not the price that's paid for the gift."

Don't wait until the last minute when stores are crowded to do your Christmas shopping, when everyone else seems to be shopping. Most department stores make about 25 percent of their annual sales between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Plan ahead, so that you have time to enjoy the traditional pleasures of the Christmas season. Some ideas to trim gift-giving expenses follow:

• Make a Christmas gift list with names, gift ideas and price estimates. Next total the amount you plan to spend. If this figure is more than you can afford, you will need to make some changes.
• List several alternatives for each name on your list, then look for sales in the price range you can afford. Most important -- stick with your plan.
• Check sales for gift items. See newspaper ads and store circulars for gifts you are considering. See which stores are running specials and shop where prices are lowest. Keep in mind that during November and December, prices are normally reduced on a number of items, including children's clothing, women's coats, shoes, slippers, men's clothing, resort and cruise wear, blankets, table linens, party goods, and appliances such as radios, toasters, stereos and televisions.
• Don't rush into a purchase because of an advertised claim of a low price. Know what the regular price is before buying an on-sale item. Often one store's sale price is another's regular price.
• Shop different types of stores to compare prices. Look at discount stores, catalog showrooms, factory outlets, as well as department stores.
• Be sure to keep receipts of credit purchases and total the expenditures at regular intervals to make sure you stay within the limits of your Christmas spending plan. Also check and keep receipts. If mistakes occur you will need the receipt to help in correcting errors.

If you do feel stressed, avoid last minute shopping. It leads to not only fatigue but also overspending and often making poor selections. For more information on managing on a budget contact your local county Extension office.

Dr. Jo Turner, Professor, Family and Consumer Economics

How do you celebrate the holidays in divorced family and step-family systems, as newlyweds, or with your in-laws? During this season people fear, dread, and make efforts to avoid some of those uncomfortable, stressful holiday visits.

Families attempt to negotiate and squelch many family issues that may arise during this hectic time. Many people will find themselves asking such questions as, “Who do I invite over this year?”, “Whose house do we go to?”, and “What is my role in all of this”? The following is a top 10 tips recipe for blended families, in order to have a more satisfying holiday experience.

3 cups		Creation of new traditions
1 ½ cup		Reconnection with some old traditions
6 Tbsp.		Division of time between families or alternating years
-OR- Substitute

6 Tbsp		Hosting your own holiday affair, and inviting everyone
7 lbs		Focusing on the children, not adult issues and concerns
2 tsp		Calling/emailing/including those who are absent
24 oz		Remembrance of the TRUE meaning behind the holidays
2 16oz cans		Realization that you cannot accommodate everyone
A pinch		Grin and bear it! Remembering it is only once/twice a year

Sprinkle the final product with Realistic expectations and Enjoy!

Written by: Eboni Baugh, Assistant Professor, Family Life

As many working American families are busier than ever, it is no wonder that many families are turning to food gift catalogs or Internet sites whether for perfect holiday treats or to mark a special occasion. While mail order operators have a good food safety record, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) offers food safety tips to help buyers and consumers determine if their perishable foods have been properly handled.

Be familiar with the temperature danger zone, which is between 40 and 140ºF; in this temperature range, dangerous bacteria can grow fast and can cause foods to be unsafe to eat. Invest in a food thermometer so that if you receive a perishable food you can check the temperature upon arrival.

When you order or receive a perishable food package make sure that the company sends perishable items such as meat or poultry cold or frozen and packed with cooling materials. The package should be well insulated. Make sure that the perishable food is shipped fast (ideally overnight) and that it has proper labeling. “If you receive a package labeled as “Keep Refrigerated” you should open it right away, and check the temperature of the product. Frozen foods should arrive frozen or partially frozen with ice crystals still visible.

If a perishable product arrives in your home warm, notify the company. Do not consume the food or even taste suspect food. Taking these precautions can help you and your family enjoy the gift of food.

Podcast: Food safety Tips for mail order perishable food

Written by: Amy Simonne
Reviewed by: Linda Bobroff

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Sources

Mail Order Food Safety

Provided by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2006 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service is providing consumers with key recommendations they can use to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness during the Thanksgiving holiday.

USDA's new nationwide food safety public education campaign, Be Food Safe, encourages people to put four easy to remember tips — Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill — into practice in order to be food safe during the holiday.

• Clean - Wash hands, surfaces and utensils often to avoid spreading bacteria when preparing food. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.
• Separate - Use different cutting boards for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and veggies. When you prepare Thanksgiving dinner, keep the raw turkey away from vegetables and side dishes that won't be cooked.
• Cook - You can't tell it's done by how it looks! Use a food thermometer. Every part of the turkey should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
• Chill - Keep the fridge at 40°F degrees or below to keep bacteria from growing. Pumpkin pie should always be refrigerated and leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours.

"Thanksgiving dinner can be a challenging meal to prepare because it is complex and time-consuming," said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond. "When you factor in thawing the turkey, cooking the turkey, preparing side dishes and desserts — and the other duties that come with hosting a gathering with family and friends — it is easy to forget that food safety is the most important factor in determining whether the meal is an enjoyable one."

To help ensure that Thanksgiving meals are as safe as possible, USDA's is offering numerous food safety resources for consumers.

• Ask Karen - Consumers can obtain food safety information 24 hours a day though FSIS' virtual representative, "Ask Karen," at Ask_Karen.
• Meat and Poultry Hotline - Now in its 21st year, the Hotline is staffed Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern Time, year-round. It will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Thanksgiving Day. Consumers are encouraged to contact the Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline or 1-888-674-6854. E-mail inquiries may be directed to MPHotline.fsis@usda.gov.
• Let's Talk Turkey - Every facet of getting a turkey from the store to the dinner table is included in this publication: buying fresh vs. frozen, safe thawing methods, stuffing, roasting, storing leftover turkey and reheating the leftovers.
• Turkey: Alternate Routes to the Table - This publication addresses ways to safely cook a turkey other than roasting it in the oven. Smoking, grilling, electric roaster-oven and other methods are addressed.
  

Don't miss all the helpful publications the the department has recently written and revisit the ones recently reviewed and revised. These publications cover a wide range of topics: teens, dating, grief, caregiving and more.

FCS2248/FY848: Teens & Internet Safety FCS-2248, a 4-page fact sheet by Kate Fogarty, is one in a series of discussions on understanding teen sexuality. It defines online sexual solicitation and cyber-bullying, explains the risk factors and negative effects of these communications, and outlines ways to protect youth from harm. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY848

FCS2249/FY850: Teens and Sexual Harassment: Making a Difference FCS-2249, a 6-page fact sheet by Kate Fogarty, is one of a series of discussions on understanding teen sexuality, intended for adults who work with teens. It defines sexual harrassment and how it can manifest at school, in the workplace, and in cyberspace; discusses how sexual harassment affects teens; and provides some suggestions to offer teens, parents, and educators on how to handle it. Includes references and additional resources for teens and parents. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY850

FCS2250/FY851: Teens and Dating: Tips for Parents and Professionals FCS-2250, a 5-page fact sheet by Kate Fogarty, is one in a series of discussions on understanding teen sexuality. This publication helps parents and educators understand the pros and cons of dating in order to help them communicate effectively with teens. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, August 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY851

FCS2251/FY852: Communicating with Teens about Sex: Facts, Findings, and Suggestions FCS-2251, a 4-page illustrated fact sheet by Kate Fogarty and Carolyn H. Wyatt, is one of a series of discussions on understanding teen sexuality. This publication discusses the low percentage of teens who communicate with their parents and provides information about effective communication styles and advice for parents and sexual health educators. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, August 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY852

FCS2257/FY869: Long-term Care: Places to Call Home FCS-2257, a 4-page fact sheet by Carolyn Wilken, is the first in a series on caregiving and aging. It will help elderly people and their caregivers learn about the many different kinds of long-term care and living assistance now available. Includes a visit checklist to fill out after visiting each facility. Also explains how costs are usually paid. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY869

FCS2258/FY870: Caregiver's Contacts: How to Get the Help You Need FCS2258, a 2-page fact sheet by Carolyn Wilken, is the second in a series on caregiving and aging. This helpful worksheet contains a list of prompts for questions to ask and information to give when attempting to locate help or information about elder care. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY870

FCS2259/FY871: Puzzled by Your Care Receiver's Refusal of Services? FCS-2259, a 2-page fact sheet by Carolyn Wilken, is the third in a series on caregiving and aging. Sometimes an elderly care receiver may refuse help or assistance from family, friends, or agencies. This publication lists some common reasons for this behavior, ranging from fears about accepting "welfare" to worries about losing independence. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY871

FCS2260/FY872: Balancing Work and Caregiving: Tips for Employees FCS-2260, a 3-page fact sheet by Carolyn Wilken, is the fourth in a series on caregiving and aging. Balancing employment and caregiving can be very difficult. This publication will help employees work with their employers, their families, and their care receivers to make sure that everyone is getting what they need. Contains information on FMLA and a list of helpful resources. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY872

FCS2263/FY877: Learning to Live Through Loss: Helping Children Understand Death FCS-2263, a 5-page fact sheet by Carolyn Wilken, will assist parents and others as they help children understand and process the death of a loved one. Information covers both preschool children and older children. Includes a reading list. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY877

FCS2264/FY878: Learning to Live Through Loss: When Job Loss Triggers Grief FCS-2264, a 3-page fact sheet by Carolyn Wilken, addresses the genuine grief many people feel on losing their jobs and gives suggestions for productively working through it and moving on to new employment. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY878

FCS2265/FY879 Learning to Live Through Loss: For Teens Facing Loss FCS2265, a 4–page fact sheet by Carolyn Wilken, is aimed at teens who have suffered the loss of a loved one. This publication will help these teens understand their reactions and learn to cope with this experience. Includes a reading list. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY879

FCS2266/FY880: Learning to Live Through Loss: Understanding Men Who Grieve FCS-2266, a 4-page fact sheet by Carolyn Wilken, is one in a series of six publications dealing with grief, death, and loss. This document explores the ways that men grieve and offers suggestions for helping and supporting the grieving widower or father. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY880

FCS2267/FY881: Learning to Live Through Loss: Grief and the Mourning Process FCS-2267, a 5-page fact sheet by Carolyn Wilken, is one in a series of six publications dealing with grief, death, and loss. This publication gives detailed descriptions of the stages of grief and explains how different kinds of deaths may cause different reactions. Also gives specific guidance on how to help someone who is grieving. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY881

FCS8542/FY520: Living with Diabetes: The Right Approach FCS-8542, a 10-page illustrated fact sheet by Nancy Gal and Linda Bobroff, describes the different kinds of diabetes and the risk factors for each. It explains tests and treatments and describes lifestyle choices that can help those with the disease live longer and healthier lives. This version includes new wording and some changes in clinical knowledge. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY520

FCS8546Span/HE984: Introduciendo Alimentos Sólidos Revised! FCS-8546-Span (previously FCS-8549), a 4-page fact sheet by Linda B. Bobroff, is the Spanish version of "Introducing Solid Foods". This document helps parents understand when to introduce solid foods to their babies and in what order. Also provides guidance on avoiding mealtime battles and on helping children learn to like a variety of foods. This version is updated with new color clip-art, new recommendations, and revised wording throughout, plus a new section on food allergies. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2006.

FCS8706/FY334: Living With Diabetes Revised! FCS-8706 ,a 4-page illustrated fact sheet by Nancy Gal and Linda Bobroff, briefly reviews the different types of diabetes and how to live well with the disease. This version includes new food pyramid and nutrition information and new graphics. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY334

FCS9234/FY775: Community Support of Sexual Minority Adolescents FCS-9234, a 3-page fact sheet by Christine Regan and Kate Fogarty, is one in a series of discussions on understanding teen sexuality. It aims to provide staff and volunteers working in community-based settings with positive information and practical tips on how to create a welcoming, safe environment for LGBT adolescents. Includes resources and reference. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, August 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY775

FCS9237/FY749: Understanding Sexual Minority Adolescents FCS-9237, a 5-page fact sheet by Christine Regan and Kate Fogarty, is one in a series of discussions on understanding teen sexuality. It helps adults who work with youth understand what sexual orientation is, the challenges faced by LGBT adolescents, and the stages of homosexual identity development. Includes resource lists and references. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, August 2006. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY749

Improving Quality of Life and Reducing Health Risks Through Education

Take Charge of Your Diabetes is a nine-session educational program developed by University of Florida IFAS Extension faculty, and conducted in cooperation with health professionals in local communities. In 2003, county Extension faculty in Columbia, Marion, and Okaloosa Counties pilot tested the program.

The primary goal of Take Charge of Your Diabetes is to provide information and motivation to help persons with type 2 diabetes modify their lifestyles to better control their blood glucose levels and reduce risk for health complications. To evaluate the effectiveness of the program, we measured glycated hemoglobin (A1C) in blood samples prior to the first session (pre-education), at the end of the program (post-education), and three months after completion of the program (follow-up). A1C is an indicator of blood glucose control over a two to three month period. The results are summarized in the figure below. (click image for larger view)

In all three counties, the change in A1C from pre-education to post-education and from pre-education to follow-up was significant, indicating improved blood glucose control. In Columbia and Okaloosa Counties participants’ blood pressure also was measured. Systolic blood pressure was reduced by an average 11 mm Hg at post-education and 7.5 mm Hg at follow-up. These changes can greatly reduce health risks for the participants and health care costs for the participants, their employers, and the state of Florida.

Take Charge of Your Diabetes is currently being implemented in seventeen counties, with funding from the Florida Department of Health’s Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.

Questions about this program may be directed to Dr. Linda Bobroff, Professor and Extension Nutrition Specialist, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, IFAS, University of Florida, 352/392-1895 x240, Bobroff@ufl.edu.

Access the PDF version of this article here.

by the National Diabetes Education Program

Here’s what we know about controlling blood glucose (blood sugar) in people with diabetes: It’s not easy, but it can be done. It takes hard work. And it can save your life.

An important new study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that tight control of blood glucose can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes—the #1 killer of people with diabetes—by more than half.

For most people with diabetes, keeping blood glucose under tight control isn’t easy. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that fewer than 45% of Americans with diabetes are reaching the level of control seen in the NIH study. But it can be done, and the National Diabetes Education Program has materials that can help.

The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP)’s Control Your Diabetes. For Life. campaign materials teach people with diabetes how to know their ABCs—what their A1C (a test of blood glucose), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol numbers are, what they should be, and how to work with their health care team to reach those goals. Our materials also offer ideas for sticking to a healthy eating plan, ways to stay active with regular physical activity, and other tips for feeling better and staying healthy.

NDEP materials are easy to read, and available in English, Spanish, and in 15 Asian and Pacific Islander languages. They have been tailored for groups at high risk for diabetes, including American Indians and Alaska Natives, African Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos. And all NDEP materials are based on science, backed by the federal government, and copyright free.

For people with diabetes, controlling blood glucose—along with blood pressure and cholesterol—can save their sight, their limbs, and their life. For more information, or if you or someone you know has diabetes, please visit the National Diabetes Education Program at or call us at 1-800-438-5383, ask for a free copy of If You Have Diabetes, Know Your Blood Sugar Numbers. Control your diabetes—for life.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is jointly sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the support of more than 200 partner organizations.

Have you ever heard a busy mom or an active retired woman say “I know I should get a check-up, but I just can’t find the time?” At all ages, women are usually the primary caregivers for their families, but all too often they don’t take time to take care of themselves. This can lead to serious problems, especially when a condition like diabetes is left undetected. Diabetes affects an estimated 9 million women in the U.S. and about 1 in 3 are unaware that they have the disease. Left untreated, diabetes can cause health complications such as blindness, amputations, kidney disease, and heart disease. The good news is that controlling blood sugar can decrease risk for these conditions, but women need to first be aware that they have the disease.

More women than men have diabetes because they live longer, and are more likely to be overweight. Diabetes risk increases with age, although type 2 diabetes is occurring in younger and younger people as obesity rates increase.

The Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Women’s Health has an educational campaign, called Take Time to Care About Diabetes, which teaches women about diabetes risk factors and warning signs, and encourages them to get tested for the disease. Free brochures are available at 1-888-8Pueblo, and more information about diabetes is available at the FDA Website About Diabetes. To do the best for ourselves and for our families, we all should take time to care about our health.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at FamilyAlbumRadio.org.

Podcast: Women and Diabetes
Written by Linda Bobroff

Additional Resources

Nancy Gal and Linda Bobroff, "Living With Diabetes", EDIS, The Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Revised October 2006.

Florida Cooperative Extension Service, EDIS Documents on Diabetes

For more information, contact the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) at 1-800-438-5383 or visit
www.ndep.nih.gov

Great family feasts mark many wonderful occasions whether a holiday, a birthday or celebrating life’s achievements. Turkey is often the centerpiece of such a feast. Each Thanksgiving, more than 45 million turkeys are prepared and consumed in the US. The USDA recommends a few “turkey basics” to keep your family safe from foodborne illnesses.

If you buy a fresh turkey, cook it within two days. If you prefer the frozen turkey, you can defrost the turkey in the refrigerator. Expect it to take about 24 hours for every five pounds of the bird. Another safe alternative to defrosting frozen turkey is by using cold water, but change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. Never thaw the turkey on the kitchen counter at room temperature. Once thawed, cook the bird immediately. Make sure to clean and sanitize the areas where raw turkey juice may have been.

What about the stuffing? Currently experts recommend that the safest way to cook stuffing is separate from the turkey. The stuffing must be cooked up to 165ºF. And, if you have any leftover turkey, cut it into small pieces, cool it and store it in the refrigerator within 2 hours. Use the left over turkey and stuffing within 3-4 days.

While you want your family feasts to be memorable, using precautions to keep your family safe from foodborne illness will help make sure they’re feasts to remember for the right reasons!

Podcast: Preparing a safe turkey feast

Written by: Amy Simonne

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

Poultry Prep Fact Sheets

Let's Talk Turkey

Most women are concerned about their diet during pregnancy. For women with a vegan diet – one that omits ALL foods of animal origin – consuming adequate nutrients for themselves and their growing babies can be a challenge. Women who eat a diet that includes meat and dairy foods easily get the extra protein they need during pregnancy.

Vegans need to be sure to include soy products, which provide high quality protein along with calcium, another critical nutrient during pregnancy (Drake, 1998). Calcium is a concern because vegans don’t consume dairy products, the primary source of calcium in traditional Western diets (Drake, 1998). Calcium-fortified tofu and soy milk, dark green vegetables, and figs provide calcium, although it is recommended that if calcium intake is below 600 milligrams per day, a supplement with at least 500 milligrams of calcium should be taken (Insel, 2001). Four additional nutrients that may need to be taken as supplements are vitamin D, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 (Draper, 1993) since they are found primarily in animal products. One of the biggest concerns with a vegan pregnancy is vitamin B12, which is not found at all in plant sources (Craig, 2001), except in fortified cereals. Therefore it is essential that this vitamin be obtained in supplement form.

The key to a healthy pregnancy for all women is to follow lifestyle recommendations of their health care provider, including consumption of a wide variety of healthful foods. For vegans, combining this with a thorough knowledge of vegan nutrition and consultation with a Registered Dietitian will ensure that they get all the nutrients they require for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby (Beardsworth, 1991).

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Sources

Beardsworth A, and Keil T. (1991).Vegetarianism, veganism and meat-avoidance: recent trends and findings. British Food Journal 93: 19-24

Craig W and Pinyan L .(2001). Nutrients of concern in vegetarian diets. In: Vegetarian Nutrition, (J. Sabate ed.), pp. 299-332. CRC Press, Boca Raton.

Drake R, Reddy S, and Davies J. (1998). Nutrient intake during pregnancy and pregnancy outcome of lactoovo-vegetarians, fish-eaters, and non-vegetarians. Vegetarian Nutrition, 2: 45-52.

Draper A, Lewis J, Malhotta N et al. (1993). The energy and nutrient intakes of different types of vegetarians: a case for supplements? British Journal of Nutrition 69: 3-19.

Fisher, Mary. Midwifery Today with International Midwife. Eugene: Dec 31, 1999., lss. 52; pg. 30

Insel, Paul, Turner, R. Elaine, Ross, Don. (2001) Nutrition. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, p. 557.

Podcast: Vegan diets during pregnancy

Written by: Ariadna M. Rodriguez

Reviewed by Linda Bobroff

The loss of a child to suicide can be particularly devastating to parents, friends, and others in the child’s life. When my daughter came home one day telling me of a classmate who was contemplating suicide, the flood of fear for her friend and for the fact that my daughter was so closely exposed to such pain was one of those life-stopping moments.

As parents, relatives, friends and professionals who deal with teenagers, we can be aware of certain risk and protective factors that can predict whether or not a teen may attempt suicide. A study using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health identified a number of such factors for adolescent suicide attempts. The researchers found that among all adolescents, those most at risk of attempting suicide were those who had previously attempted suicide and would likely try again, were victims of violence or perpetrated violence on others, used alcohol and marijuana, and had problems in school.

There were some differences between girls and boys. For girls, having a friend attempt or complete suicide, drug use and a history of mental health treatment predicted suicide attempts. For boys, the more powerful predictors were carrying a weapon at school and same-sex romantic attractions.

While risk factors varied for genders and ethnic groups, protective factors also varied. However, for all adolescents, the most important deterrent in suicide attempts was a perceived parent and family connectedness.

Podcast: Factors of adolescent suicide
Written by Donna Davis
Reviewed by Suzanna Smith

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Source

Barnett, R. What we need to know about adolescent suicide attempts. Research News You Can Use, Spring 2006. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences.

One of the most important things that your child must learn is how to talk. On average, a child will say his or her first word at 12 months old and may start speaking anywhere from 8 to 18 months. By the time your child reaches 3 years, he or she will have a large vocabulary and at 6 years will know about 10,000 words and be a capable conversationalist.

Your child's language skills show how well his or her brain and thought processes are developing. Children also develop emotionally and build social skills through conversation. In fact, early language skills help children to adjust more easily to difficult circumstances. Toddlers with advanced language development are more likely to do well socially, academically, and behaviorally in later childhood (Rhule, 2006).

There are many ways you can help your child learn to talk. This can be done by finding natural opportunities in everyday situations to encourage communication. For example, from the moment your child is born, talk to your baby. You can call the child's name, and sing to him or her. Talk to your baby during daily routines such as when you cuddle, feed, or change diapers. Repeat the noises your baby makes and encourage him or her to imitate the sounds you make. Remember to point out objects to the baby and call them by name. If you want your children to talk with you when they are older, remember to talk with them when they are young. Warm communication that encourages your child’s cognitive, social and emotional skills lasts a lifetime.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

References

Kate Fogarty, Evelyn Rooks-Weir, and Millie Ferrer, “Talking With Your Child” University of Florida IFAS Extension, Retrieved on August 15, 2006.

Berk, L.E. (2006). Child Development (2nd Edition). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Nicholas, J.G. (2006). Effects of early auditory experience on the spoken language of deaf children at 3 years of age. Ear & Hearing, 27, 286-298.

Rhule, D., McMahon, R., Spieker, S., & Munson, J. (2006). Positive adjustment and associated protective factors of children with adolescent mothers. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 15, 224-244.

Footnotes

1. This was edited from document FCS2006, one of a series of the Family Youth and Community Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date November 1, 1988. Revised June 12, 2006. Visit the EDIS Web Site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2. Revised 2006 by Kate Fogarty, Ph.D., assistant professor youth development, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences. Written by Evelyn Rooks-Weir, former associate professor, Human Development, revised by Millie Ferrer, Ph.D., associate professor, Human Development, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.

Topic: Talking With Your Baby
Written by Kate Fogarty, Evelyn Rooks-Weir, and Millie Ferrer
Reviewed by Donna Davis

Bedwetting is a common problem for children ages 5-12, but fortunately most children grow out of this problem.

Many parents are not sure how old their child needs to be before their wetting is considered a "problem." Most children will begin to stay dry at night at around age three. However, approximately 15 percent of children continue to wet the bed after this age, with boys more likely to wet the bed than girls. Most physicians and psychologists agree that bedwetting is a problem if the child is unable to keep the bed dry by age seven.

All of the causes of bedwetting are not known, and the cause may be different for each child. For some children it appears that they have relatively small bladders. Other children may have nervous systems that aren’t sufficiently developed to get the right signal between the bladder and the brain. Some children may lack sufficient levels of an important hormone, AVP, which helps decrease the amount of urine produced at night. Bedwetting can also be a response to stress.

Many parents mistakenly believe that wetting the bed is their child's way of getting back at them. It’s important to realize that children very rarely wet the bed on purpose, and are usually ashamed of it. Parents should NEVER punish a child for bedwetting.

Common treatments for bedwetting include scheduled waking, limiting fluids, moisture alarms, bladder training, medications, and psychotherapy. However, a treatment decision should be made with the guidance of a physician or mental health professional.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at
familyalbumradio.org.

Written by Garret Evans and Heidi Radunovich

Reviewed by Donna Davis and Suzanna Smith

References

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

Butler, R.J. (2004). Childhood nocturnal enuresis: Developing a conceptual framework. Clinical Psychology Review, 24, 909-931.

Evans, G.D., & Radunovich, H.L. (2006). Bedwetting. EDIS , FCS 2112, HE794.The Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida

As a child, I always thought my mom was being a little obsessive when she made us wash our hands before every meal. Then I had children. The thought of some of the things that went in my children’s mouths as youngsters still gives me the shivers.

Hand hygiene is one of the most powerful weapons in reducing the transmission of infectious agents. However, conflicting hand hygiene recommendations for different settings are causing confusion as to what the best practice to follow or what products should be used for daily hand washing and hygiene.

Many people have the misconception that their immediate environment must be germ free. However, we live in a natural world full of microorganisms --some of which can cause illness or disease, others are essential to our environment and wellbeing.

Recommendations for hand washing and hand sanitation can vary depending on a person’s job function and personal health requirements. Research has shown that hand sanitizers can be as effective as hand washing only in certain situations. Because dirt, food or anything else on your hands can make the alcohol in sanitizers less effective, it’s important to first wash your hands with soap and water. Hand sanitizers should primarily be used only as an optional follow-up to hand washing… but when soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol gel is certainly better than nothing at all… even if your kids think you may be a little obsessive.

Podcast: Hand Hygiene
Written by Amy Simonne and Donna Davis

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Reference

“Hand Hygiene and Hand Sanitizers”, Simonne, A.; The Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611. Publication: April 2005. EDIS Publication FCS8788. Please visit the EDIS Web site at
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu

Resources

Proper Hand Washing for Caregivers

Proper Hand Washing for School Children

Proper Hand Washing for Food Handlers

Proper Hand Washing for Elders

Getting stressed in traffic? Worried about your finances or loved ones? You are not alone. Stress is a daily part of life, and can cause both health and emotional problems. Experts suggest that we manage our stress in order to prevent having these negative results.

Here are some tips for managing stress.

First, if you are under a lot of stress, take better care of yourself than usual, because you are more at risk for getting sick. Try to eat better, get enough rest, and exercise regularly. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as well as other drugs.

Second, you may want to work on relaxing your muscles. One way to do this is to use heat, such as hot shower or bath, or even a heating pad. Exercise can both relax muscles and increase endorphins, which help improve mood. Another way to relax your muscles is to use a technique in which muscles are tensed and then relaxed. Yoga and meditation may also help with muscle relaxation, and may provide other benefits in dealing with stress.

Third, try to think about things in a different way. This might mean looking at the situation differently, distracting yourself, or even using humor. Recent research suggests that humor provides a helpful way to combat the negative effects of stress.

Finally, breath deeply and slowly to help your body relax. This can having a calming effect and can be done anywhere, anytime and without any tools but your own sound body and mind.

Podcast: Stress Management Techniques

Written by Heidi Liss Radunovich

Reviewed by Donna Davis and Suzanna Smith

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

References

Abel, M.H. (2002). Humor, stress, and coping strategies. Humor: International Journal of Humor Research, 15, 365-381.

Carpi, J. (1996). Stress: It’s worse than you think! Psychology Today. Available at: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-19960101-000027.html Retrieved August 28, 2006.

Osterkamp, L., & Press, A.N. (1983). Stress? Find Your Balance. Preventive Measures Inc.: Lawrence, Kansas.

Resources

Suzanna Smith and Joe Pergola. (2006) "Stress Management: Preventing Stress Through Lifestyle Management," EDIS. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.

Suzanna Smith and Joe Pergola. (2006) "Stress Management: Ways to Cope." EDIS. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.

Smith, Suzanna and Joe Pergola. (2006). "Stress Management: Understanding Stress." EDIS. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida.FCS2077B, FCS2080,

If anyone in your immediate family has type 2 diabetes, then you’re probably aware that you’re also at high risk for the disease. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and/or the insulin that it DOES produce isn’t used efficiently in the body. In either case, the result is a rise in blood glucose (or sugar). High blood glucose over time can cause serious health complications, so it’s important for people at high risk for diabetes have their blood glucose tested regularly and to take steps to decrease their risk if their blood glucose begins to rise. People with blood glucose that is higher than normal but below the cut-off for a diagnosis of diabetes have “pre-diabetes.”

However, people with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes by improving their lifestyle. The NIH-funded Diabetes Prevention Program was a large research study that demonstrated the effectiveness of intensive lifestyle intervention in greatly reducing the onset of diabetes in persons with pre-diabetes. In fact, the lifestyle group achieved better outcomes than the group that received the anti-diabetic drug metformin.

To achieve such a positive outcome, the lifestyle group changed their eating and exercise habits to promote modest weight loss of five to seven percent of their body weight. They ate diets rich in vegetables, whole grain foods, and fruits, with low fat or fat-free dairy foods, and lean sources of protein, They received counseling for information and encouragement. Those of us not in a research study can enlist the help of family members, who can be our cheerleaders for a healthier lifestyle.

Podcast: Reducing Risk for Diabetes

Written by: Linda B. Bobroff

Reviewed by: Donna Davis

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. Family Album is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Sources:

American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes-2006. Diabetes Care. 2006;29 (Suppl 1): S4-S42. Available at: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/29/suppl_1/s4 Accessed July 10, 2006.

American Diabetes Association. Prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes (position statement). Diabetes Care. 2004;27:S47-S48.

Brekke HK, Jansson P, Mansson J, Lenner R. Lifestyle changes can be achieved through counseling and follow-up in first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103: 835-844.

Knowler WC, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler SE, et al. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. N Engl J Med. 2002;346:393-403.

Sadovsky R. Glycemia testing to diagnose type 2 diabetes mellitus. Am Fam Physician. 2003; Jan 1. Available at http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030101/tips/5.html Accessed July 31, 2006.

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health. Diabetes Prevention Program. Available at:
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/preventionprogram/index.htm Accessed
on August 28, 2006.

Most people agree with the idea that families have a responsibility to care for older family members. Yet, some changes in family life have brought up new questions about caring for the elderly. What happens when a parent divorces and then remarries later in life? Should adult children care for the stepparent as well as the parent? These questions are becoming more and more important as individuals live longer and growing numbers of older adults divorce and remarry.

Researchers from the University of Missouri sampled over 1000 men and women from across the U.S. to find out how adults viewed responsibilities to parents and stepparents. In telephone interviews, researchers presented stories describing a family dilemma and asked how much help the younger adult should give to the parent or stepparent. For example, the parent remarries after being a widower, and after a few years, dies very suddenly. Should his son help the stepmother with things around the house, even though they have never gotten along? What if the stepmother has more serious health problems, should the son help care for her? What if the older adult is a parent, should the son provide this care?

Results showed that adult children were expected to help parents more than stepparents, out of a sense of obligation and to repay parents for past help. Stepparents who came into families later in life “generally were not seen as family members,” and as a result, were not automatically entitled to caregiving aid. However, the quality of the relationship also influenced the duty to help, both parents and stepparents. When the relationship was good, respondents were more likely to think that help should be given. This research suggests stepparents of all ages have to earn family bonds by “building a history” and developing “positive emotional ties” with stepchildren.

Podcast: Caring for Stepparents in Later Life
Written by: Suzanna Smith
Reviewed by: Donna Davis

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Reference

Gonong, L. & Coleman, M. (2006). Obligations to stepparents acquired in lager life: Relationship quality and acuity of needs. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 61, S80-S88.