The dog days of summer are upon us. Heat and humidity can make it difficult to be comfortable, especially for those who don’t have air conditioning. Extreme heat can even be deadly, causing heat exhaustion or heatstroke if not treated in time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 600 people die from […]
Live Healthy Live Well is a team of Ohio State University Extension Educators and Specialist in Family and Consumer Sciences concerned with health and wellness. Our goal is to help individuals improve their health through science-based information. These educational messages are designed to encourage individuals to make informed choices about healthy eating, active living, overall improved wellness. […]
The holidays bring many opportunities to “go green” and think about the impact our traditions and activities can have on our environment. Being green doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, but it often means taking a little extra time to be intentional. Here are four ways to go green over the holidays: 1. Gift […]
What is the difference? Food Dehydration, Freezing, and Freeze-Drying Have you ever wondered the difference between dehydration, freezing, and freeze-drying food? One of the oldest methods of preserving food for long-term storage is drying or dehydration. Later, with the invention of electricity, we incorporated refrigeration and freezing, with freezing as another method for long-term food […]
One of the most overlooked and easy-to-access health remedies is getting outdoors, or as I like to say, taking your Vitamin N(Nature). There are numerous scientific studies, some old and some new, that demonstrate the benefits of spending time out in nature. For a quick summary, you can skim the American Psychological Association’s review of […]
Valentine’s day is commonly associated with traditions and gestures expressing love and affection for those you care about. The holiday falls on February 14th and is named after the mysterious historical figure, St. Valentine. Stories of St. Valentine’s origin are dark and describe a tale of a priest who married lovers in secret, was imprisoned […]
What comes to mind when you think of February? For many, it’s Valentine’s Day, others may think of a dreaded month of winter weather. Some may know February as Black History Month. Still others, like me, may think of American Heart Month. While all of these are accurate, one is nearer and dearer to my […]
Inhale. It means to breathe in. Slow or controlled breathing is often used to reduce heart rate, calm emotions, and lower stress. This controlled breathing technique has been around thousands of years in yoga, meditation, and other health practices. I saw this advice recently reminding me to inhale during this holiday season, and I loved […]
While February is most associated with Valentine’s Day and Heart Month, it is also a time to remember “Donor Day”, a time to draw attention to things we can all do to literally save another person’s life. Every day, thousands of Americans are suffering in need of blood, organs, eyes or other tissues, and most […]
Gardening can be more than just a hobby, it can have lasting benefits for your physical health, mental health, and can help fight against some chronic diseases and cancers. In a randomized, controlled study of community gardeners, those who gardened increased their physical activity by forty-two minutes per week and ate an average of 1.4 […]
In my family of four, it is often my thirteen-year-old daughter who requests a family game night. This is the same thirteen-year-old who truly does not want (or need) a cell phone because she doesn’t want to become addicted to a phone. I think she’s on to something here… She craves the interaction and time […]
November 14, 2023 by bethstefura The holiday marketing blitz is on! Festive commercials, emails and text messages may put you in the holiday spirit but also affects your holiday budget. The continuous exposure to festive commercials, fantastic bargains or limited-edition gifts encourages you to spend money. Marketing techniques trigger spending. During the holidays, retailers will […]
National Family Week is an annual celebration observed during the week of Thanksgiving and is designed to encourage families to spend quality time together. It’s an opportunity to plan a variety of activities that encourage family outings and togetherness. Research suggests it is critical to spend quality time together as a family, especially at the […]
We have all been impacted one way or another by the Coronavirus pandemic. During a health crisis, taking preventative measures is important. The CDC has listed precautions people should be taking right now. These include washing your hands, staying away from people who may be sick, and protecting your nose and mouth with an appropriate […]