August 2023

August 22, 2023 by llhalladay

OSU Athletic Trainers and Sports Medicine staff

As fall sports are kicking off, knowing who is taking care of your child on the sideline is essential. While you probably know the coaches, have you met the Athletic Trainer? According to Nationwide Children’s, approximately three million youth are seen in hospital emergency rooms for sports-related injuries, and another five million youth are seen by their primary care physician or at a sports medicine clinic. Athletic Trainers (AT) play a crucial role in your Child’s health. Did you know ATs are certified and licensed healthcare professionals collaborating with physicians?  ATs provide more than just water on the sideline; they are trained to prevent, treat, and rehab emergent, acute, and chronic injuries and medical conditions. ATs are trained to identify and treat concussions, heat stroke, diabetic emergencies, sickle cell crises, spin injuries, and sudden cardiac arrest.

In January of 2023, during a Monday night NFL football game, everyone saw the power of having Athletic Trainers on the sideline. Damar Hamlin experienced a sudden cardiac emergency, and the Buffalo Bills Athletic Training staff provided immediate emergency care, saving his life.

Athletic Trainer tapes student athlete

Having an AT on the sidelines allows for immediate response to emergencies; their primary focus is the safety of the athletes. They are involved in daily monitoring of student-athletes, facilities, and daily athletic activities and procedures to prevent preventable injuries. Unfortunately, not every high school has access to ATs. The National Athletic Trainer Association estimates only 37% of high schools have full-time athletic training services. In Ohio, 46% of secondary schools have at least one full-time AT, and 19% of Ohio High Schools do not have any athletic training services. Younger youth sports do not typically have athletic training services, and often rely on coaches or parents in an emergency. Please advocate to the school board, administration, and athletic directors the importance of having AT on the sidelines of games and full-time.

References

Kid’s sports injuries: The numbers are impressive. (n.d.). Nationwide Children’s Hospital. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/sports-medicine/sports-medicine-articles/kids-sports-injuries-the-numbers-are-impressive#:~:text=Approximately%20three%20million%20youth%20are,sports%20medicine%20clinic%20for%20injuries

The risks high school athletes face when there is a lack of athletic trainers. (2019, December). Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association. https://oata.org/articles/the_risks_hs_athletes_face_without_AT#:~:text=According%20to%20ATLAS%2C%20of%20the,athletic%20training%20services%20at%20all

Study finds that student athlete safety is not a priority in high schools across the United States. (2019, November 21). National Athletic Trainer Association. https://www.nata.org/press-release/112119/study-finds-student-athlete-safety-not-priority-high-schools-across-united

Who are athletic trainers? (n.d.). Athletic Trainers: What they do and where they work. https://www.atyourownrisk.org/who-are-athletic-trainersPhoto Credits:

Ohio State University Athletic Trainers with football player by Ohio State University Athletic Training Program

Athletic Trainer taping student athlete by Laura Halladay

Written by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Greene County

Reviewed by: Kathy Tutt, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Clark County

August 15, 2023 by bethstefura

Today, as Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) Educators, often we are asked what is FCS?   FCS was originally called Home Economics, a study of how to manage a household and its resources efficiently and sustainably. In the 1990’s Home Economics was rebranded to Family and Consumers Sciences which includes  the comprehensive skills, research and knowledge that helps people make informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life.  FCS is the only profession that integrates knowledge from the basic disciplines of science, humanities, and the arts.  It also integrates math, reading, communication and organizational skills, and work readiness in each area of study. 

Today’s FCS professionals practice in multiple settings. Academic education in early childhood, elementary, secondary, and higher education.  Community education for adults and youth includes Extension programs, business and industry, government,  and health and human services who address the issues most important to our quality of life.

The value of FCS through education and technology includes the essential knowledge and skills to:

• Lead better lives.
• Build strong families.
• Be work and community ready.
• Make meaningful contributions to our communities.

Content areas of FCS include:

• Education and training.
• Culinary arts, hospitality, and tourism.
• Food science and nutrition.
• Health management and wellness.
• Housing and interior design.
• Human/child development and family relations.
• Personal and family finance.
• Textiles, apparel and retail.
• Sustainable practices, consumerism, and leadership.

Live Healthy, Live Well Blog is written by a group of FCS professionals addressing the FCS mission of living and working well in our world today.  Our goal is to be effective and make a difference in people’s lives.  In October 2023, the Ohio Association of Family and Consumer Sciences is hosting their annual conference in Columbus, Ohio.  We invite you to learn more about Ohio FCS and join us for this conference.

Here is the link for more information:  https://www.oafcs.org/

 Written by:  Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Mahoning County, [email protected]

Reviewed by: Margaret Jenkins, Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Clermont County, [email protected]

References:

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences https://www.aafcs.org/home

Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension Home | Family and Consumer Sciences (osu.edu)

USDA, National Institutes of Food and Agriculture Division of Family & Consumer Sciences | National Institute of Food and Agriculture (usda.gov)

August 17, 2023 by jenkins188

Photo shows work and family teaching resources from the 1970s. It always helps to “look backward to look forward”.

Earlier this summer I attended the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) 114^th Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.  The four-day conference is a national exhibition convened by FCS professionals to explore the field of study focused on the science and the art of living and working well in our complex world. WOW! What an important profession.

I attended a session at the conference titled “From Home Economics to Home Equity – How Education Can Help Close the Chore Gap’ presented by Elizabeth Kinney, Senior Director Communications, Proctor & Gamble (P&G).  Her presentation included consumer research conducted by P&G Home Care brands during the pandemic that resulted in an educational initiative titled Home Eq[uity].  Elizabeth also provided copies of the book titled Fair Play by Eve Rodsky to further support our understanding of the topic. 

Now for the real purpose of this posting. How do you and your family prioritize the work of your family now and into the future?  As I read the book, I shared my learning and thoughts with my coworkers. The discussion started amongst two of us and has spread throughout the office and beyond into our families. 

I realized that this experiential learning might benefit other individuals and families as we all are challenged by changing family dynamics as we live and work in our complex world.

Let’s launch our own Live Healthy Live Well campaign to explore the Work of the Family and specifically your family.  Follow these steps-

•          Identify the daily tasks that are required to meet your needs and wants.

•          Identify who is completing these tasks currently.

•          Reflect back on the task list and who is completing the tasks.

•          Record what you discovered and your feelings about what you learned.

•          Identify what needs changed and what should stay the same.

•          Plan for sharing with other adult family members.

•          Identify what you have learned about the Work of Your Family.

It is time to share back through the Live Healthy Live Well blog what you have discovered about your family and the work they do. I look forward to reporting back the results of our local Live Healthy Live Well campaign to – Prioritize the Work of the Family now and into the future.

Written by: Margaret Jenkins, Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Clermont County

Reviewed by: Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Mahoning County

References:

1. American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences https://www.aafcs.org/home

2. Home Equity  https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230124005045/en/From-Home-Ec-to-Home-Eq-uity-PGs-Dawn-Swiffer-brands-partner-with-Hello-Sunshines-Fair-Play-to-Help-Close-the-Chore-Gap-with-New-Curriculum

3. Fair Play https://www.google.com/books/edition/Fair_Play/cV6IDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover

August 15, 2018 by jmlobb

It’s been over thirty years since Chia Pets were all the rage, and today, chia is popular once again! This time around, though, chia seeds are trending in the food world because of their nutritional benefits.

Hailing from a plant in the mint family, chia seeds have long been cultivated and consumed in Central and South America, and they were once a major food source for people in Mexico and Guatemala.

These tiny seeds pack a nutritional punch as they are high in protein and fiber, rich in antioxidants, and a source of omega-3 fatty acids. A 2-tablespoon serving of chia seeds contains 190 calories, 4 grams of protein, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of fiber, and 9 grams of fat, along with numerous vitamins and minerals. Chia seeds are thought to help with weight loss because of their fiber and protein content; when added to foods, they can help you feel fuller for longer and eat less. However, nutrition professionals recommend substituting chia seeds for items in your diet rather than adding them to your diet, as even a small serving contains a significant number of calories.

So, what are some ways to incorporate chia into your diet? You could: 

For a seemingly indulgent chia-based treat, try this recipe for Mango-Vanilla-Chia pudding:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup chia seeds
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons sweetener of choice, divided
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups frozen mango chunks
• Fresh mint leaves and berries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together chia seeds, 2 1/2 cups milk, vanilla, 1 teaspoon sweetener and a pinch of salt. Let sit 10 minutes, then whisk again. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
2. Place mango,1/2 cup milk and 1 teaspoon sweetener in a blender and puree until smooth.
3. Scoop chia seed pudding into dessert glasses, then top with mango puree. Garnish with berries and mint if desired.

Do you have a favorite use for chia seeds? Let us know by leaving a comment in the box below!

Sources:

Point, C. (2018). Chia Seed Pudding 3 Ways. Food and Nutrition Magazine. https://foodandnutrition.org/blogs/student-scoop/chia-seed-pudding-3-ways/

The Nutrition Source. Chia Seeds. Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/chia-seeds/ 

The Nutrition Source. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution. Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/omega-3-fats/

Written by: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County, [email protected].

Reviewed by: Lisa Barlage, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, [email protected].

When it comes to grain foods, we often hear the nutrition advice to “make half our grains whole grains”. Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel, which includes the bran, germ, and endosperm. Refined grains, on the other hand, have undergone processing and no longer contain their bran or germ. This processing is done to give grains a finer texture and improve their shelf life, but unfortunately it also removes dietary fiber, iron, and many B vitamins. Many refined grains are enriched, meaning certain vitamins and minerals are added back; however, fiber is not added back to enriched grains. Therefore, it is recommended we choose whole grains as much as possible to get the nutritional benefits they provide.

Looking for whole grain options of your favorite grain foods like bread, crackers, cereal, and pasta is one way to make half your grains whole grains. Another way is to enjoy grains that are perhaps not as familiar. The Whole Grain Council provides a list of grains from A to Z and even features a different grain each month with a grain of the month calendar. How many grains on the list below have you tried? If your answer is “not many”, challenge yourself to try a new one this month, or even a new one each month throughout the year.

Curried Couscous Salad

• Amaranth
• Barley
• Buckwheat
• Bulgur
• Corn
• Einkorn
• Farro
• Fonio
• Freekah
• Kamut
• Kaniwa
• Millet
• Oats
• Quinoa
• Rice
• Rye
• Sorghum
• Spelt
• Teff
• Triticale
• Wheat
• Wild Rice

Whole grains are grown and consumed all over the world. When trying a new grain, you may wish to try a traditional dish from a different county or region to better appreciate the global flavors of whole grains. For example, you could try an Ethiopian Veggie Loaf made with Teff, Algerian Whole-Wheat Couscous with Red Beans and Vegetables, Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Chickpeas, Curried Couscous Salad, Three Sisters Wild Rice Salad, Barley Hoppin’ John, Black Quinoa Asian Slaw or Italian Farro Soup – just to name a few ideas!

Do you have a favorite whole grain or a recipe that uses one of these grains? If so, please share it in the comment section below!

Written by Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Franklin County

Reviewed by Katie Schlagheck, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Ottawa & Sandusky Counites

Sources:

Oldways Whole Grains Council. https://wholegrainscouncil.org/

USDA MyPlate. Grains. https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/grains