Website Details Jenny Lobb, MPH, RD, LD, is the Family and Consumer Sciences Educator for OSU Extension in Franklin County. She specializes in food, nutrition and wellness and likes to teach on topics such as mindfulness, healthy eating and active living. Jenny lives in central Ohio with her husband and son and their two rescue dogs

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Posted in Healthy People, Healthy Relationships, tagged coping skills, COVID-19, life disruptions, media exposure, recovery, tragedy, trauma, Traumatic events on July 2, 2020| Leave a Comment »

COVID-19 is the largest global disruption since World War II.  Sudden illness, disability, death, financial insecurity, virtual graduations and postponed weddings are all traumatic events that some have experienced because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trauma is experienced in many forms. Personal tragedy, violent crime, job loss, bullying, abuse, divorce, and natural disasters are just a few examples of trauma. Any traumatic event can take an emotional toll on an individual with the feelings of shock, confusion and fear it may bring. In addition, continuous news coverage and social media provide constant images of tragedy, suffering and loss. This repeated exposure may create traumatic stress for many individuals who did not experience the trauma themselves.

People respond to trauma in various ways.  Many show resilience while others are affected with a loss of security leaving them vulnerable.  Often, the response is physically and emotionally draining.  Many are overcome with grief and struggle to focus, sleep or control anger. 

Here are tips to help overcome trauma and begin the recovery process:

1. Speak up.  Many have difficulty talking about trauma.  Consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, someone from your church or anyone you are close to and trust.  Start slowly.  Not all details of the trauma need to be shared. 

• Do not blame yourself.  Self-blame is a common effect of trauma.  Work to accept that most traumas are out of your control.

• Avoid obsessively reliving the traumatic event. Engage in activities that keep your mind occupied. You might choose to read, watch a movie, cook or take a walk in nature.

• Reestablish routine. There is comfort in the familiar. After a disaster, getting back to a routine that includes normal eating, sleeping and exercising habits will help you minimize traumatic stress and anxiety.

• Get connected.  Look for a support group in your area.  Often these groups meet weekly and discuss coping strategies and ways to become resilient.

• Put major life decisions on hold. Making big life decisions about home, work, or family while traumatized will only increase the stress in your life. If possible, try to wait until life has settled down, you have regained your emotional balance, and you are better able to think clearly.

• Eat well.  Choose a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, high-quality protein, and healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids which can help you better cope with the ups and downs that follow a tragic event.

• Limit your media exposure to the traumatic event. Do not watch the news or check social media just before bed, and refrain from repeatedly viewing disturbing footage.

Learning healthy and effective coping skills can help you live a fuller life and manage symptoms you may be experiencing with trauma.  Start today living your best life.

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

Reviewed by:  Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension, Franklin County, [email protected]

References:

National Institute of Mental Health (2020). Coping with Traumatic Events. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events/index.shtml U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2019). Trauma and Violence. https://www.samhsa.gov/trauma-violence

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Nuts are a holiday staple.  No, I’m not referring to “Clark”, “Cousin Eddie” or “Aunt Grace”; but those flavorful, nutrient-dense, crunchy, versatile, snacks that adorn most holiday tables.  Nuts are high in protein and fiber, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free, unless salted.  Nuts in general are high in fat. However, these are mono- and poly-unsaturated fats; which are the good fats, and lower amounts of the saturated fats, or bad fats.  Some varieties of nuts can also be excellent sources of important vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, potassium, and/or phosphorus.

Here’s a closer look at the nutritional value of nuts:

Almonds:  Approximately 23 nuts equal a 1-ounce serving which has 164 calories, 6 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates, 14.4 g of fat and 3.3 g of fiber. Due to their protein and fiber content, almonds keep you satisfied for hours.  They are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium and calcium.

Peanuts:  Approximately 40 shelled nuts equal a 1-ounce serving which has 160 calories, 7.3 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates, 14 g of fat and 2.6 g of fiber.  Often referred to as legumes, they are high in protein, folate, and iron.

Pistachios:  Approximately 47 nuts equal a 1-ounce serving which has 158 calories, 5.8 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates, 12.6 g of fat and 2.9 g of fiber.  Pistachios are known as a potassium powerhouse with good amounts of protein and fiber.

Cashews:  Approximately 18 halves equal a 1-ounce serving which has 160 calories, 4 g of protein, 9 g of carbohydrates, 13.3 g of fat and 0.9 g of fiber.  These nuts are lower in fiber, but provide 69 percent of the RDA for copper, 27 percent for magnesium and 10 percent for iron.

Hazelnuts:  Approximately 21 nuts equal a 1-ounce serving which has 178 calories, 4 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates, 17.2 g of fat and 1.4 g of fiber.  Loaded with Vitamin E, fiber and iron, hazelnuts boast the second-highest proportion of monounsaturated fat.

Brazil Nuts:  Approximately 7 nuts equal a 1-ounce serving which has 186 calories, 4 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates, 18.8 g of fat and 2.1 g of fiber.  Brazil Nuts, known for magnesium also have a lot of the antioxidant selenium; overdosing can cause health problems.

Pecans:  Approximately 20 halves is a 1-ounce serving which has 196 calories, 2 g of protein, 5 g of carbohydrates, 20.4 g of fat and 2.7 g of fiber.  One serving provides 38 percent of the RDA for cooper and 16 percent for zinc.

Walnuts:  Approximately 14 halves equal a 1-ounce serving which has 185 calories, 4 g of protein, 5 g or carbohydrates, 18.5 g of fat and 1.9 g of fiber.  Walnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid.  A serving has more than 100 percent of your daily needs for this heart-healthy fat.

As you enjoy the nutritional benefits of nuts, remember to portion out a 1-ounce serving to avoid “grazing” on them. While they have nutritional qualities and health benefits, their calories will quickly add up.

Aside from adorning the holiday tablescape and snacking, more and more people are finding new ways to add nuts to perk up their foods throughout the year.  Here are just a few ways to get you thinking of the many possibilities:

• Add chopped nuts to yogurt or cereal.
• Add roasted nuts to a salad, casserole or dessert for added crunch and flavor.
• Nuts add an extra crunch to cookies and brownies.
• Mix nuts with cereal, pretzels, mini marshmallows and dried fruit for a pick-up and go snack.
• Add pizzazz to cream cheese with chopped nuts for a tasty spread.
• Enjoy with apple slices for a delicious bedtime snack!

Written by:  Cynthia R. Shuster, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, PerryCounty, Buckeye Hills EERA

Reviewer:  Jennifer Even, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences/EFNEP, Hamilton County, Miami Valley EERA

Reviewer:  Jennifer Lindimore, Ohio State University Extension Office Associate, Morgan County, Buckeye Hills EERA

References:

USDA – Nutrient Data Lab.  http://ndb.nal.usda.gov

International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Foundation (2007). www.nutfruit.org

International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation (2002). Go Nuts Everyday.

International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation (2004).  Live Healthy, Go Nuts.

The Peanut Institute (2004). www.peanut-institute.org.

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Poverty is one of the largest health risk factors we face as a nation. From health outcomes to mental health diagnosis, poverty serves as a major limitation to personal and community health. For many of us, the COVID-19 Pandemic illustrated the effects of poverty on working class access to affordable healthcare. As of 2022, the official poverty rate in America is 11.5 percent meaning there are 37.9 million people living in poverty.  January is National Poverty in America Awareness month, so let’s explore how poverty impacts health, and ways to help the poverty epidemic.

According to the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in America we measure family size and income against a predetermined threshold for the income to cover basic needs. According to the Health and Human Services Commission, for a family of four the poverty guideline is $31,200, which takes into account the minimum income a family could have to survive. As we better understand how America measures poverty, it becomes clear how finances impact health outcomes.

Poverty ‘s Effect Your Health

Recent research has identified that after age, poverty is the number one condition that effects overall health outcomes. Below are just a few of the impacts that poverty has on our health.

• Access to Affordable Healthcare:  Limited income directly impacts available access to affordable healthcare in America. In a 2019 survey, researchers found that based on cost people waited to receive dental, medical and prescription health care. This delay in care or treatment then results in higher death rates, health complications, and increased risk factors. There is also a lack of health care options in high poverty areas leading to longer wait times and lack of resources available.

• Food Insecurity: Being able to provide diverse food options to a family can have a hefty cost. The Food Research and Action Center found that 28.3 million adults and 12.9 million children live in food-insecure households. The health care costs  for food-insecure families reflect connection between food insecurity and health effects of poverty in disadvantaged communities. In 2014, researchers found that hunger and food insecurity costs insurance companies almost $160 billion.

• Increased Mental Health Challenges: Poverty has often been linked to hopelessness, despair, and financial anxiety. Recent research shows that impoverished communities reported increased levels of mental illness and lower rates of positive mental health. In research coming from Scotland, reports linked suicide and poverty, showing triple the suicide rates where communities are more socioeconomically disadvantaged.

Raising Awareness to Poverty as a Health Epidemic in America

The health effects of poverty are not only very real but also impact those beyond just one person or family. By taking some small action steps we can help to reduce some of the health consequences of poverty on our friends, family, and community. Ideas include:

• Destigmatizing Food Pantries and Services
• Supporting Local Social Services and Levies
• Becoming aware of Local Resources Available
• Lending a listening ear to those in Need

Writer: Ryan Kline, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development , Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, [email protected]

Reviewer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, [email protected]

Sources:

Cook, J. T., & Poblacion, A. P. (2016). Estimating the Health-Related Costs of Food Insecurity and Hunger. In The Nourishing Effect: Ending Hunger, Improving Health, Reducing Inequality (2016 Hunger Report). Washington, DC: Bread for the World Institute.

Knifton, Lee, and Greig Inglis. “Poverty and mental health: policy, practice and research implications.” BJPsych bulletin vol. 44,5 (2020): 193-196. doi:10.1192/bjb.2020.78

Salisbury H. Helen.” Poverty as a pre-existing condition.” BMJ 2020; 371 :m4607 doi:10.1136/bmj.m4607

US Census Bureau, . “National Poverty in America Awareness Month: January 2024.” Census.Gov, 4 Jan. 2024, http://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/poverty-awareness-month.html#:~:text=Official%20Poverty%20Measure,decreased%20between%202021%20and%202022.

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Monday, March 20th marked the first official day of Spring. Now is the perfect time to get outside and commit to increasing your daily dose of Vitamin N(Nature). Why should you go outside? The health and wellness benefits of being outdoors are numerous. If you want to dive deep into these benefits, read Florence William’s book, The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. For now, you might want to watch her short video, What Happens When You Spend 5 minutes in Nature? Her advice: “Go outside. Go often. Bring friends. Breathe.”

Need ideas of things to do to increase your Vitamin N? Here are four activities to try outside this spring:

1. Search for spring wildflowers, also referred to as spring ephemerals. These early bloomers have been blooming for weeks and are a welcome sight year after year. Want to learn more about wildflowers? Visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildflower website to find the Spring Wildflowers of Ohio field guide, weekly wildflower bloom reports, videos, a wildflower checklist, and featured locations throughout the state.

2. Watch the stars, planets, and moon. Visit What’s Up: Skywatching Tips from NASA, an educational website with monthly highlights, daily skywatching guides, night sky news, and other educational resources about our galactic neighborhood. Have you ever seen the International Space Station in the night sky? You can enter your location on NASA’s Spot the Station website and get a calendar of sighting opportunities in your community.

3. Look and listen for migrating birds to return to your yard and community. Have you noticed the return of the chatty Red-winged Blackbirds? They are often one of the first migrants of the season. The male birds, with their black body and yellow and red shoulder patches, returns to their nesting grounds before the dark brown, streaked females. Be on the lookout for migrating waterfowl, hummingbirds, and warblers. To learn about birds, visit All About Birds and eBird, two websites maintained by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. These websites provide enormous amounts of information about different bird species, their migration patterns, their songs and calls, their behavior, and identification information.

4. Walk, stroll, or ride on the 1,523 miles of bike trails in the Buckeye State. To learn about the different trails and find a trail near you, visit the Ohio Bikeways website hosted by the Ohio Department of Transportation. This site features trail safety tips, a bikeways brochure, and a downloadable map.

If you or someone you love has limited mobility or a difficult time getting outside, consider bringing nature indoors. Sowing seeds indoors is a fun and educational Spring activity. Using a cardboard egg carton is an easy, economical, and environmentally friendly way to plant your seeds.

Every day is an opportunity to get outside and get a healthy dose of Vitamin N. Even better, get outdoors and bring others with you. Be sure to get out and enjoy all that nature has to offer this Spring!

Written by: Laura M. Stanton, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Warren County. Email: stanton.60.osu.edu     

Reviewed by: Shari Gallup, Assistant Professor and Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Licking County. Email: [email protected]

Sources:

Louv, R. (2016). Vitamin N: The essential guide to a nature-rich life. Algonquin Books.

Stanton, L. M. (n.d.) Nature matters. OSU Extension, Warren County.  go.osu.edu/nature-matters

Stanton, L. M. (2021, April 19). Get out! Celebrate nature on Earth Day and every day. Live Healthy Live Well.  https://livehealthyosu.com/2021/04/19/get-out-celebrate-nature-on-earth-day-and-every-day

Stanton, L. M. (2022, May 2). How’s your environmental wellness? Live Healthy Live Well. https://livehealthyosu.com/2022/05/02/hows-your-environmental-wellness

Tedrow, S. (2022, March 8). Selecting and starting seeds. OSU Extension, Wayne County. https://wayne.osu.edu/news/selecting-and-starting-seeds

Williams, F. (2018). The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. W.W. Norton.

Williams, F. (n.d.). The Nature Fix: What Happens When You Spend Just 5 Minutes in Nature? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwQkTuhId-o

Photo Credit: All photos from AdobeStock.

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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 grams more fiber daily than those who did not. They also reported lower levels of stress and anxiety. A few of the ways gardening can benefit your health include:

Increased Exercise. The CDC categorizes gardening as exercise. Gardening can exercise all the body’s major muscle groups. Physical activity during gardening such as digging, hauling, watering and harvesting can improve your physical strength, heart health, weight, sleep, and immune system. Regular exercise can also improve your brain health. Exercise can improve memory and thinking skills by reducing insulin resistance, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the release of growth factors—chemicals in the brain that affect the growth and health of brain cells.

Improved mental health. Gardening can improve your mental health by encouraging feelings of well-being, calm, empowerment, and connection. Working in school, community, and family gardens can help people of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds expand and deepen their connections with each other. Working in a garden can help you take charge and feel empowered to meet your own needs for exercise, healthy food, and beautiful surroundings. Having a routine of regularly tending a garden can provide structure to your day and is linked to improved mental health. 

Increased Vitamin D production. A scientific review of the risks and benefits of sun exposure found that controlled exposure to the sun increases Vitamin D production in the body while limiting the risks of over exposure. Vitamin D can help lower the risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, if your vitamin D levels are low, you can have a greater risk of developing psoriasis flares, metabolic syndrome (a prediabetes condition), type II diabetes, and dementia.

Improved Diet. In the randomized, controlled study of community gardeners, in addition to increasing their daily fiber intake, the gardeners also increased their daily fruit and vegetable consumption. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume 2 ½ cups each of fruits and vegetables per day. Fruits and vegetables contain a variety of nutrients that promote health and prevent disease, including dietary fiber. Growing your own fruits and vegetables can help encourage you to eat more produce as you harvest your efforts from gardening. 

Gardening can provide many health benefits for both the body and the mind. Increased exercise and Vitamin D production, improved diet and fiber intake, and feelings of calm, empowerment, and connection all contribute to improved mental health, physical health, and an overall sense of well-being.  So, consider adding gardening to your list of hobbies today!    

Written by Julie Weinberg, Dietetic Intern and Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Franklin County

Reviewed by Holly Bandy, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Stark County

Sources:

Litt, J.S., Alaimo, K., Harrall, K.K., Hamman, R.F., Hebert, J.R., Hurley, T.G., Leiferman, J., Li, K., Villalobos, A., Coringrato, E., Courtney, J.B., Payton, M. & Glueck, D.H. (2023). Effects of a community gardening intervention on diet, physical activity, and anthropometry outcomes in the USA (CAPs): An observer-blind, randomized controlled trial. The Lancet Planetary Health; 7(1): E23-E32. doi: 10.1016/S2542-5196(22)00303-5. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(22)00303-5/fulltext

Litt, J.S., Alaimo, K., Buchenau, M., Villalobos, A., Glueck, D.H., Crume, T., Fahnestock, L., Hamman, R.F., Hebert, J.R., Hurley, T.G., Leiferman, J. & Li, K (2018). Rationale and design for the community activation for prevention study (CAPs): A randomized controlled trial of community gardening. Contemporary Clinical Trials; 68: 72-78. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2018.03.005. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5963280/

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According to a 2018 Nielsen report, 39% of Americans are shifting toward eating more plant-based foods – for various reasons and to varying degrees. Some potential draws of a plant-based diet include health benefits, food safety, cost savings, ethics, and sustainability. As depicted in the graphic below from Illinois Extension, plant-based eating can range from a diet that proportionally includes more foods from plant-based sources to a vegetarian, plant-based diet that excludes animal flesh foods to a vegan diet that includes no animal foods or products.

The plant-based foods industry is responding to this increased demand. The Plant-Based Foods Association, a trade association representing the plant-based foods industry, states that they are working with brands, retailers, distributors, and food service providers to  “build a sustainable infrastructure for this growing demand”. Over the past couple of years, more and more plant-based foods have appeared in the grocery store. For example, “meatless grind”, a product resembling ground beef that can be used in place of ground meat in recipes for hamburgers, tacos, meatloaves, and more is now available from certain brands, and store brands are selling their own versions as well.

While you can certainly make a veggie burger from meatless grind or purchase pre-made veggie burgers in the freezer aisle of your grocery store, there are lots of easy, tasty recipes for homemade veggie burgers available online. These recipes typically include a combination of beans and grains. Here are three options:

If you have a bit more time and are willing to invest some effort in the creation of your own delicious veggie burgers, homemade beet burgers made with roasted, grated beets, black beans, brown rice, and oats are a central Ohio favorite.

Do you have a favorite veggie burger recipe? If so, please share in the comment box below!

Sources:

Illinois Extension (2020). What’s the best diet? Plant-based eating trend growing. https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/whats-best-diet-plant-based-eating-trend-growing

Nielsen IQ (2018). Plant-based food options are sprouting growth for retailers. https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/analysis/2018/plant-based-food-options-are-sprouting-growth-for-retailers/

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

Reviewed by Patrice Powers-Barker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension, Lucas County

It’s that time of year again for holiday office luncheons, parties, and family gatherings filled with festivities and food everywhere.  From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, the holiday season is filled with treats that tempt even the most disciplined of individuals.  But is holiday weight gain inevitable?  Not if you follow some simple steps to help you keep off those extra holiday pounds.  Here are some tips to help you survive the season without sacrificing the fun and festivities:

1.  Never skip a meal before a party or celebration.  This will prevent you from losing control and overeating at the party.  Skipping meals creates a famine-feast cycle.  Try to avoid standing near the food, eat from a plate, and drink a large glass of water before you eat.
2. Focus on quality instead of quantity.  Sample one or two foods that you really like.  Keep your portions small and enjoy these special foods.
3. Plan physical activity as a holiday celebration.  Many holiday celebrations involve the outdoors – ice skating, skiing, and sledding.  Take a walk around your neighborhood and enjoy the lighting displays and decorations.
4. Practice healthy cooking techniques. Modify recipes by reducing the amount of sugar or fat in baked products.
5. Give the gift of health.  Rather than making candies and cookies, why not give a gift of homemade wheat bread, or a basket of fresh fruit and nuts?
6. Watch what drinks you consume.  Limit alcoholic drinks to one or two servings, and avoid high-fat eggnog.
7. Get enough sleep every night.  Lack of sleep can affect your metabolism by influencing your hunger and weight gain.
8. Concentrate on socializing.  This will take your mind off of food and focus your attention on interacting with others.
9. Prioritize your schedule.  Plan weekly family activities and celebrations.  Don’t forget to plan time for yourself.
10. Just say “no” politely.  If you don’t feel you can eat another bite, politely say so!

Remember, this is the season to celebrate with family and friends.  Planning ahead is an important strategy to help you maintain weight or prevent weight gain over the holidays.  Celebrate, but don’t overdo it!

Author:  Jennifer Even, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences & the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, Ohio State University Extension.

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We owe it to ourselves to plan healthy meals so that we feel better and are more productive in our work environment.  Do you ever get that sluggish feeling midway through the morning?  Think about what you had for breakfast.  Was it nutritious?  Did you even have breakfast?  What about mid-afternoon?  What did your lunch consist of?

The advantages of incorporating healthy meal choices and physical activity during work include:

• better and longer attention spans
•  more energy
•  a more positive attitude

Healthy employees:

• keep health care costs down
• are more productive and take fewer sick days
• feel better and live longer

The healthy eating program is about making healthy choices available as an option. Don’t you owe it to yourself to commit to choosing healthy meals?

If you are in charge of purchasing food as part of the work day or for a special event, promote healthy choice purchasing by working with local caterers to make healthy food choices. 

• Offer water and 100% juice instead of soda
• Ask for whole grain breads
• Provide whole fruits and cut up raw vegetables
• Provide healthy portion sizes

Do you have any physical activity during your day?  Do you get a chance to get up and move around?  How could you incorporate some physical activity into your day?

Think about where you work.  Are there places where people can get up and move around, take the stairs or walk outside?  Consider letting employees have some extra time for walking or have exercise equipment or videos available for employees to use. If  a meeting is longer than 1 hour, plan time for a 10 minute stretch break or incorporate physical activity.

Create and maintain a healthy workforce by promoting healthy behaviors.

Author:  Linnete Mizer Goard, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension.

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A group of Extension professionals are embarking on a new venture of providing research based information in health and wellness.  Some of the topics to expect are:

Exercise

Weight Management

Planning Healthy Meals

Cooking for One or Two

Stress Management

Think about Your Drink

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July 7, 2020 by jenkins188

I have been de-cluttering my home for the past three months. Rather, I have been trying to de-clutter! At the same time, I have had to manage my finances in “new” ways to meet the continuously emerging needs of the COVID-19 pandemic. I took a trip down memory lane as I opened my Hope Chest to add and subtract items.

What is a Hope Chest? Historically, the term hope chest symbolizes hope in a marriage. The hope chest itself is an important vessel that a newly married woman could one day hand down to her own daughter. Traditional cedar hope chests were also used to help protect fabrics and to give the items inside a pleasant aroma. Key words include vessel and a symbol of hope.

What would a 2020 Hope Chest need to look like and contain? In these changing times, the vessel needs to live in a virtual world and be an action of hope.

Ohio State University Extension designed a Hope Chest to “help people help themselves” amidst these uncertain times.  A temporary or transitional spending plan is needed to build hope and manage financial stress.

The purpose of the Hope Chest is for individuals and families to –

1. Prioritize spending by separating needs from wants
2. Identify realistic/SMART goals
3. Gather current financial spending and saving information
4. Evaluate COVID-19 pandemic emergency resources
5. Develop a “new” Accounting for Your Money calendar
6. Get through the next 6-months using Accounting for Your Money calendar
7. Re-evaluate and adjust the transitional spending plan monthly

Directions for use of “Accounting for Your Money” Hope Chest

Begin by reviewing Steps 1 through 7 to obtain an overall picture of the components of the Hope Chest. After reviewing the components, you are ready to begin completing the steps.

Complete Steps 1 and 2 within a week. For Step 3 collect spending records before you add the information to the “Spending Tracker Tool” and “Income and Benefits Tool”.

Steps 4 and 5 include evaluating resources and developing a transitional spending plan.

Steps 6 and 7 will occur over the next 6 months. Completing all the steps will help manage your spending and saving habits.

Work on the steps with your family members/co-spenders and discuss your basic wants and needs. Determine how to best spend your money during the pandemic. Your family will be empowered to meet the new challenges brought about by the pandemic emergency and ease future financial stress.

Post evaluations of this program indicate that most individuals who complete the seven-step process reveal they have/find additional money to use for meeting personal goals.

Click here to “make money now” and start filling your Hope Chest!

Written by:  Margaret Jenkins, OSU Extension Educator, Clermont County [email protected]

Reviewed by: Beth Stefura, OSU Extension Educator, Mahoning County. [email protected]

References:

Ohio State University Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences (2020). COVID-19 – A Financial Resource Guide at fcs.osu.edu/programs/healthy-finances-0/covid-19-financial-resource-guide

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2020). Your Money Your Goals at consumerfinance.gov/practitioner-resources/your-money-your-goals