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Wellness : article

10 workplace mental health tips

During Mental Health Awareness Month, two MU Extension specialists offer tips to help lighten the load for others.

4-H teens teach Healthy Habits

Teen leaders in the Missouri 4-H Healthy Habits program are promoting nutrition education and food access to underserved youths and families. The program is supported by the National 4-H Council and the Walmart Foundation.

Apps to keep your fitness resolutions on track

COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you’re losing your way instead of your weight, University of Missouri Extension specialists have evaluated and recommended several smartphone and tablet apps that might help you get your New Year’s resolution back on track.

Are you a skip-breakfast sinner?

COLUMBIA, Mo. – If hitting the snooze button three times is more appealing than having a bowl of cereal, you might be a skip-breakfast sinner.

Avoid a holiday meltdown

Columbia, Mo. – We expect the winter holidays to be full of happiness and good will. Just like Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol," we want a fairytale ending where troubles disappear and everyone basks in the glow of holiday spirit. But, "A Tale of Two Cities" might better represent typical…

Banish the holiday blues

MOBERLY, Mo. – Holidays can be some of the happiest times of the year, but they can also pose special challenges.

Be wary of energy drinks

Despite their popularity, energy drinks are not the best option nutritionally, said Tammy Roberts, former University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.“Unfortunately, the energy in these drinks comes from sugar and stimulants like caffeine, guarana, ginseng and green…

Beating the winter blahs at work

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Winter days are shorter, darker and colder. Holidays and their aftermath can add stress. This seasonal shift can leave employees more apt to hibernate than focus on work. And that can affect a business’s productivity and bottom line.

Diabetes prevention is focus of community health partnership in SW Missouri

MONETT, Mo. – Cindy McCracken says she’s on a mission to live a healthier life. A partnership in southwestern Missouri is helping her do just that.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Every five years the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services publish the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines are developed by an expert panel of nutrition and health professionals to help all Americans consume a healthy and nutritionally adequate diet.

Eat more fruits and vegetables by adding them to your favorite recipes

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Parents might complain about getting kids to eat their vegetables, but even adults often find getting their recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables a challenge.

For a healthier heart, balance potassium and sodium

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.– Doctors and nutritionists often focus on reducing sodium in our diets to maintain heart health. That’s important, but don’t overlook the role of potassium, says Lynda Johnson, nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

Fruits and vegetables: better than supplements

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Many people try to fulfill their nutrition needs by taking dietary supplements. But instead of buying supplements, you might want to head to the produce aisle to meet your dietary requirements, said a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.

Gardening boosts your immune system

Discover how gardening can strengthen your immune system, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being through nature and physical activity.

Glycemic index: How useful is it for managing health?

BETHANY, Mo. – People looking to lose weight or eat healthier have sought to reduce calories, carbs and fats in their diets. In recent years, health-conscious consumers have been seeking out foods with a low glycemic index. But how effective is this for managing health?

Green up your eating plan

Summer is a great time to “green up” your diet by eating more fresh or cooked greens.

Growing seeds of hope for the hungry

MEXICO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners and Grow Well Missouri partner to plant seeds of hope in food pantry clients at Mexico’s Help Center.

High rate of suicide by firearm in NE Missouri being studied

CLARENCE, Mo. – It’s harvest time in northeastern Missouri. Rows of corn furl their browned leaves up at the blazing sky in Shelby County, one of Missouri’s least-populated counties.

Know the signs of stress

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The theme of 2023 Mental Health Awareness Month is “Look Around, Look Within,” says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch.Surroundings affect mental health, says Funkenbusch, who works with MU Extension groups to promote mental health…

Live like your life depends on it

You can improve your health and prevent or lessen the effects of chronic diseases through diet and exercise. By investing a little time in your health, you can live a longer, healthier life.

Love and respect self first

Make a splash but don't get sick

OSCEOLA, Mo. –The chance of a swimmer in the U.S. being attacked by a shark is close to zero. But dangerous creatures do lurk in our waters, including lakes, ponds and even concrete swimming pools.

Making merry without putting on pounds

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. –The holidays – a time for parties, food and drink. It’s also a time for temptation when you’re trying to watch your weight. But denying yourself the foods you love usually doesn’t work.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

University of Missouri Extension has information and resources for individuals, families, caregivers and others.

Meat cooking methods may increase cancer risks

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Charbroiling, grilling over open flame, broiling and pan frying meats can produce tasty meals. Unfortunately, these methods, especially if the temperature is above 300 degrees Fahrenheit, also result in the formation of certain undesirable chemicals.

Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is known for boosting health and lowering risk for chronic diseases like heart

MU Extension receives CDC funding to promote nutrition, physical activity

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has received $768,000 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the first year of a five-year project to tackle high rates of obesity in 10 Missouri counties.

MU Extension to help connect KC-area seniors with farmers market fare

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is partnering with the Missouri Department of Agriculture to help older adults access fresh, local foods this summer.

MU Extension works to fight startling statistics on mental health in Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May, is a good time to look at the startling statistics on suicide and mental health challenges in rural Missouri, says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri health and safety specialist.

New physical activity recommendations

The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association have released their 2007 recommendations for physical activity. These guidelines have been revised since the last update in 1995. Their goal is to help people live more active and healthy lives.

Nutrition plays an important role in eye health

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – There is evidence that nutrients can play an important role in treating and preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60 in the United States.

Nutritional supplements

The use of dietary supplements has grown dramatically over the last decade.

Pills, powders can't replace training and diet for young athletes

Young athletes, eager to be a starting player or earn a scholarship, may be tempted to follow the lead of pros and use performance enhancers to gain a competitive edge.

Protect against colds and flu with vitamin E

BETHANY, Mo. – Cold and flu season is in full swing. One defense against them is to get plenty of vitamin E.

Reduce holiday stress with these tips

COLUMBIA, Mo. – It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or so they say. Picture-perfect families with perfectly coiffed hair and pearly white smiles appear in matching holiday attire in countless holiday television commercials. Perfectly wrapped gifts wait under perfectly decorated trees. How…

Small steps to heart health

February is National Heart Month, so it’s a great time to make a change for better heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with stroke coming in fifth, according to the American Heart Association.

Sports nutrition for better performance

You train hard, learn about the latest techniques and make sure your equipment is top-notch.

Spring activities bring stress

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The busy time of the year is upon us – prom, graduation, spring sports and end-of-school banquets. This flurry of activities can bring stress, especially in rural communities, where these activities may coincide with spring planting, says Jeremiah Terrell, a University of Missouri…

Spring cleaning for the mind, body and spirit

UNION, Mo. – Spring can be a great time to hit reset in multiple facets of life. Many think about cleaning up a messy space in their home or refreshing their natural spaces. Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home but also can be for your mind, body and spirit. • Create a list of short- and long-…

Survey Results of COVID-19 Remote Arrangements

University of Missouri Extension Wright County Engagement Specialist Janice Weddle and University of Missouri Extension Douglas County Engagement Specialist Dr.

The good and bad news about holiday weight gain

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Contrary to popular belief, the average American only gains about a pound over the holiday season. But that extra pound usually stays with us. Year after year, those pounds add up, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The peaks and valleys of travel

Traveling to the mountains for vacation this summer? Or is the beach more your style? Either way, let’s explore the peaks and valleys of travel in regard to stress and mental health.

The power of protein

Everywhere we look we see new, great protein-boosted drinks and foods. But how much protein is really needed, and do Americans get enough or too much?

The ugly G's: Guilt and grudge

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Holding a grudge or feeling guilty can keep you from enjoying all that life has to offer.

Vaccines again? I already got these shots!

Vaccines are safe and effective tools for preventing the spread of diseases that are shared person to person. The American Association of Immunologists reminds us that each August we celebrate National Immunization Awareness Month to let everyone know which vaccines to get and how often. Some shots…

Walking is the best medicine

Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (known as the father of Western medicine) once said, “Walking is man’s best medicine.” What a relatively simple and inexpensive “pill to take” to make such a big impact on maintaining and improving our health.

What you need to know about sunscreen

LAMAR, Mo. — Selecting the right sunscreen involves more than picking the product with highest SPF number, notes a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.“Many of us use sunscreen, but the options can be confusing,” said Tammy Roberts.

Y partnership keeps seniors connected

This month we feature Sue Robison, county engagement specialist in Carroll County, with Bret Lyon and Kathy Lock of the Carroll County YMCA.
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