These days, most food products we buy are produced or packaged by a company that stamps on the food items a “sell by,” “use by,” or “best by” date. These dates are solely managed by industry, with no federal or state laws setting the length of time between when a food can be produced and/or packaged and the date placed on the package. These dates are not necessarily linked to the time by which the food must be eaten in order to be safe, according to a recent Harvard University study (September, 2013).

According to the National Resources Defense Council, as much as 40 percent of the food produced in the U.S. goes uneaten due to the confusion of package markings. That’s $165 billion worth of food each year. Thus, salvage grocery stores have sprung up, selling foods past their expiration dates throughout the United States.

Salvage grocery stores, also known as surplus grocery stores, are known for near-expired goods, slightly dented cans, and “closeouts”, thus serving a grocery-shopping market hungry for low prices. According to Kevin Tibbles, an NBC reporter, salvage grocery stores can save you as much as 30-50 percent on your food bill.

Their inventory may consist of the following: • overstocked items • slightly damaged, bent, dented, ripped or torn packages or cans • mislabeled or old labeled items • items not selling well in regular chain stores and returned to warehouse

• near or at their sell-by or best-used-by dates

Prices tend to be significantly lower than those at conventional stores and big discount stores.

Similar to items sold at food auctions, products sold at surplus grocery stores are guaranteed by the USDA, stating that such items pose no safety hazard or poisoning threat. Excluded from this list is baby food and formula. The sell by dates refer to a product’s freshness, not its safety.

You can save hundreds of dollars and make the money you spend last longer by knowing the real shelf life of the foods you eat. Utilize the website http://stilltasty.com, search the section called “Keep it or Toss it” to determine the real shelf-life of the food, based on information from the USDA, the FDA and CDC.

A trip to the salvage grocery is more like a treasure hunt — what’s available one week may not be the next time around. Resources/References

http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/foodpolicyinitiative/food-policy-initiative-projects/current-projects/reducing-food-waste/

http://stilltasty.com/
Salvage’ Grocery Stores Offer Wall-To-Wall Discounts – October 22, 2013 10:08 PM – http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/10/22/salvage-grocery-stores-offers-wall-to-wall-discounts/

Food waste in America: A multi-billion-dollar loss – By GRANT GERLOCK and KRISTOFOR HUSTED Harvest Public Media 09/23/2014 12:05 PM http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article2210462.html#storylink=cpy

Written by: Cynthia R. Shuster, CFLE, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension, Perry County, Buckeye Hills EERA
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Smith, Program Specialist, OSU Extension – Human Ecology Extension Administration

Reviewed by: Kim Barnhart, Office Associate, OSU Extension, Perry County, Buckeye Hills EERA

Jennifer Lindimore, Office Associate, OSU Extension, Morgan County, Buckeye Hills EERA

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clients on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information: go.osu.edu/cfaesdiversity

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July 30, 2018 by Amy Meehan

Adopting our dog, Wes, was one of the best things my husband and I could have done, both for us and for him. We saved Wes’ life, and he has made ours better and healthier. Research has shown that owning a dog can benefit the owner’s health. Wes is an Australian cattle dog, and he needs a lot of activity. As with most dogs, a daily walk is a must. This extra incentive to get walking every day can have a positive impact on your heart health. Your furry buddy will thank you for making the extra time and effort for him or her as well!

Owning and caring for a dog can also have beneficial effects on your mental health by gaining a sense of meaning and companionship from your dog. The bond you can build with your dog is such a special one. I remember when we first brought Wes home, he was very timid and shy. As a result, he was not much for being pet or cuddling with his new parents. We all took our time, and he came to trust us. He is now the most loyal pet either myself or my husband have ever known. He loves to be spoiled, and he cuddles up with us on the couch or in bed regularly now. Blood pressure measurements have been shown to decrease while petting a dog, which can be a nice stress reliever. There’s nothing better than coming home to a furry “smile” and a quickly wagging tail at the door at the end of a long day.

If you can afford to care for one, I highly recommend rescuing your next best friend. There are many sweet and loyal dogs in shelters all across the state just waiting to be adopted into a loving “fur-ever” home. They can help you develop some healthy habits along the way, and you will gain an unconditionally loving best buddy!

Written By: Amy Meehan, MPH, Healthy People Program Specialist

Reviewed By: Misty Harmon, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension, Perry County

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3351901/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/having-a-dog-can-help-your-heart–literally

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/index.html

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/a-dog-could-be-your-hearts-best-friend-201305226291

February 14, 2011 by linnettegoard

Holiday spending can put a strain on the wallet.  It may be Valentine’s Day, a birthday or any other special day.  If you are living on a fixed income, you cannot possibly give your children, spouse or special friend everything they want.  But you can make it a special day by giving more of yourself, and your time.  Think of thoughtful gifts that do not have to cost a lot in money but are truly given from the heart.

As an alternative to purchasing  a gift, consider giving a gift of items that you already have and give gifts from your heart.  Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Consider giving a special piece of jewelry or glassware that a daughter or granddaughter admires.
• A start from a plant that a friend would like to have.  Buy a pretty pot and give this new plant to your friend. 
• Do you make jams and jellies or other canned items that friends and relatives would like?  Make decorative jar toppers and give canned items as gifts. 
• Old photos that relatives would like to have.  Make copies and put into an album as a birthday gift.  

Don’t think your have to break the bank a gift from the heart can be the most treasured gift to receive. 

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

 References:

University of Minnesota Extension Service. (2004)  Plan ahead for holiday spending.  Retrieved August 11, 2005 from the World Wide Web:  http://www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2004/holiday.html

 Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.  (2004)  Save on holiday spending.  Retrieved August 11, 2005 from the World Wide Web:  http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columnym/ym286.html

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

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One of the lesser-known benefits of consuming a diet high in polyphenols is its beneficial impact on your gut bacteria.

Polyphenols are natural compounds found in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, and wine. They provide amazing health benefits as they proceed through the digestive tract. The majority of polyphenol compounds stay present all the way down to the colon where they are then broken down by your gut bacteria into metabolites.

Polyphenol-rich foods provide nutritional assistance that helps protect the health and welfare of your gut microbiome. They should be included in your diet along with such heavy hitters as probiotics and prebiotics.

Polyphenols Increase Good Bacteria

Your body contains approximately 10 trillion human cells, but over 100 trillion “good” bacteria. They outnumber you 10:1, so you need to protect and support them with your food choices. They can be negatively affected by antibiotics, stress, and poor food choices (fast food, processed food). Polyphenols provide the same type of benefits as prebiotics, meaning that they increase the amount of healthy bacteria in the gut.

I am a 365 day/year iced tea drinker, and wanted to see if drinking black tea would provide a more beneficial effect on gut bacteria than green tea because it is fermented, whereas green tea is not. Tea is one of the most researched of all the high-polyphenol foods, with many studies showing a positive link between the prebiotic effects of tea leaves and their polyphenol composition.

What is exciting is that not only do polyphenols increase the number of beneficial bacteria, they also inhibit the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Catechin, a polyphenol found in tea, chocolate, apples, and blackberries, has been shown to significantly inhibit the proliferation of pathogens such as Clostridium histolyticum, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella.

Studies also show that tea consumption helps repress the growth of Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium difficile, and Bacteroides spp.

Include Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Balanced Gut Flora

Eating polyphenol-rich foods on a regular basis, along with probiotics, prebiotics, and resistant starch will balance your microbiome and help you achieve good gut health! Below is a list of some of the most polyphenol-rich foods, ranked from highest in polyphenols to lowest (per serving).

Top Polyphenol-Rich Foods:

• Black elderberry
• Blueberry
• Coffee
• Sweet cherry
• Strawberry
• Blackberry
• Plum
• Raspberry
• Flaxseed meal
• Dark chocolate
• Chestnut
• Black tea
• Green tea
• Apple
• Hazelnut
• Red wine
• Black grapes

Written by:  Donna Green, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Erie County, [email protected]

Reviewed by:  Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County, [email protected]

Sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286313000946

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772042/

https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/98/6/1631S/4577455

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Posted in Healthy People, Healthy Relationships, Mindfulness, tagged death, Eat well, Enjoy life, Exercise, Family life, Forgiveness, fresh air, grateful, happiness, Home life, life well lived, Live well, obituary, sleep, Smiling, Volunteer, Wellness, Work life on September 3, 2018| Leave a Comment »

“After 96 years of vigorous living, Ralph passed peacefully. His enthusiasm for life was contagious. He made friends easily wherever he went.  He made a difference in people’s lives, challenging people to do their best in business, sports, in their families and even in their fun.   He mentored many associates both young and old.  Believing in the rights and dignity of all, he organized an open housing committee at the peak of the civil rights movement in the 1960’s. His family was the most important part of his life, especially his wife with whom everyday was a party. Their life together was fun. Join us to celebrate his life at the 18^th green with a reception to follow in the clubhouse.”

After reading this, I wondered.  Are we living our best life? We all want to live better, more fulfilling and happier lives. Are we taking the time and necessary steps to achieve these goals?

Start today:

• Be grateful
• Be kind to others
• Get enough sleep
• Spend more time with loved ones
• Smile more
• Forgive
• Exercise
• Eat well
• Spread positive energy
• Get more sleep
• Get fresh air
• Volunteer
• Enjoy a part of everyday

We only get one life. Forget about what other people are doing and focus on your life and your path to happiness.  At the end of the day and at the end of your life, that is all that matters.

I wish I had known Ralph.   He has inspired me to live my best life.  Thank you Ralph.

Written by:  Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County, [email protected]

Reviewed by:  Donna Green, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Erie County, [email protected]

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/choosing-to-be-happy#1

https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits.html

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Posted in Healthy People, tagged @goodsleep, @healthtrends, @sleep, @sleephygiene, health, mental health, sleep, sleep hygiene, Wellness on January 7, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Winter is a season that is often spent indoors, in a blanket, in cozy clothes. This time of year we see lots of health trends resurface that focus on diet and exercise. However, one habit that provides lifelong health benefits seldom makes the list: sleep. Sleep is often overlooked as an important lifestyle factor that greatly contributes to our overall health and well-being.

The CDC shares that sleep holds with it many health benefits that can include: strengthening your immune system, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress and improving overall mood, improves your heart health and metabolism, lowers your risk for chronic conditions like Type II Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, and improves your attention span and memory!

Now that I have you convinced that sleep deserves your attention, we need to know how to support our sleep through our behaviors and environment a.k.a. good sleep habits! This is what is referred to as sleep hygiene.

But first, how much sleep do we need ? The Cleveland Clinic (click image to view on site) recommends the following by age:

Let’s talk some quick tips to consider to improve your sleep hygiene.

1. Have a consistent sleep and wake times.
2. Start to slow down about an hour before bed.
3. Create a comfy sleep space for yourself.
4. Slow down on snacks and drinks before bed.
5. Find ways to calm your mind.
6. Try not to exercise right before bed.
7. Limit daytime naps.

Where is a good place to start? Begin by reflecting on current habits. Is there anything that stands out as helpful or something that might be hindering good sleep? A good place to start might be taking inventory. Once you start to note some of these habits then you can start to slowly make some changes. Look through the list and decide where will be an easy place to start. What is manageable for your current chapter of life? Good sleep hygiene is important for the whole family so don’t be afraid to get others involved. Work with your partner or kids to establish some healthy habits to keep everyone waking up on the right side of the bed.

Written By: Holly Bandy, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences

Reviewed By: Erin Ruggiero, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, May 7). 6 steps to better sleep. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379
Cleveland Clinic. (2024a, June 27). How much sleep do I need? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-much-sleep-do-i-need
Cleveland Clinic. (2024, September 9). Sleep hygiene tips for a better night’s rest. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sleep-hygieneSuni, E., & Rosen, D. (2024, March 4). Mastering sleep hygiene: Your path to quality sleep. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene

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July 16, 2018 by Daniel Remley

Experts recommend that that one should try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week. Although physical activity offers many benefits, there are also inherent risks such as developing knee, hip, and joint problems. If you walk on a regular basis, you might consider purchasing a trekking pole or two. Trekking poles are commonly used by hikers and backpackers to support their weight, improve balance, and lesson the stress on knees and joints. You can use one or two, but two will offer you the most benefits in terms of balance and stability.

Consider the many benefits of Trekking poles:

• The arm movement associated with walking poles adds intensity to your aerobic workout, which helps you burn more calories.
• Walking poles improve balance and stability.
• Walking poles help you maintain proper posture, especially in the upper back, and may help to strengthen upper back muscles.
• Walking poles take some of the load off your lower back, hips and knees, which may be helpful if you have arthritis or back problems.
• Walking with poles may improve your mood.

Tips on purchasing trekking poles:

• Trekking poles can be purchased fairly cheap at stores that sell sporting goods or camping/ outdoor equipment and range from $15-100 a piece.
• Most are adjustable for height and for packing, or if you are going up (shorten) and down (lengthen) hills. The poles often come with rubber caps on the end that can grab pavement.
• Consumers can choose among cork, foam, or rubber grips.  Each type of grip has its advantages and disadvantages, but cork might be most preferable for average walking.
• Poles that have wrist straps and shock absorbers are best for relieving stress on knees, hips and other joints.
• Most poles are made from aluminum and carbon fiber. Aluminum poles are cheaper but are more prone to bending under stress.
• Poles also have an adjustable locking mechanism, with some that twist to adjust and others that use a lever lock.

Using Trekking poles

Poles should be adjusted so that the elbow is bent to around a 90 degree angle on a flat surface. Wrist straps should be used to ensure balance and stability. There are several YouTube videos that provide instruction on use. For some activities and styles (hikes with rock climbing), Trekking poles may not be the best option.

References:

Physical Activity Basics. Then Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed on 6/12/18 at https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm

Could walking poles help me get more out of my daily walk? Mayo Clinic Healthy Lifestyle and Fitness. Accessed on 6/12/2018 at Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/walking-poles/faq-20057943

How to Choose the Best Trekking Polls. Outdoor Gear Lab. Accessed on 6/12/2018 at https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-trekking-poles/buying-advice

Author: Dan Remley, Associate Professor, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition, and Wellness, OSU Extension

Reviewer: Misty Harmon, Ohio State University, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Perry County

Thanksgiving table with roasted turkey, sliced ham and side dishes

With many different holidays approaching, it is important that we do our best to keep our family and friends safe. Having large holiday dinners is fun, exciting, and a great way to spend time with our family and friends, but a case of food poisoning can ruin any celebration. To keep your family and friends safe, follow these tips from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent food borne illness during the holidays:

• Keep foods separated
• Cook food thoroughly
• Keep food out of the “danger zone”
• Use pasteurized eggs for dishes containing raw eggs
• Do no eat raw bough or batter
• Thaw your turkey safely
• Wash your hands

At your family gatherings, there are some individuals who are at high-risk for food poisoning or foodborne illness. The group of individuals who are more likely to get sick and have a more serious illness because they have an inability to fight germs are:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Children younger than age 5
• People with weakened immune systems
• People who are pregnant

People who are listed in the above group should avoid eating undercooked or raw beef, chicken, pork, turkey, eggs, and seafood, raw or lightly cooked sprouts, and raw milk and cheeses.

When serving foods at your holiday parties or get togethers, follow the two-hour rule. When you have food sitting out, the rule is for any perishable food items (meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, cut fruit, some vegetables, and cooked leftovers) to be thrown away if they have been left out for two hours or more.

Proper storage of leftovers is an important factor in food safety. The CDC lists the proper way to store and reheat leftovers.

Storage and Reheating Leftovers:

• Divide leftovers into smaller portions or pieces for faster cooling, place in shallow containers, and refrigerate or freeze.
• Leftover foods should be refrigerated at 40°F or below as soon as possible and within 2 hours of preparation. It’s OK to put hot foods directly into the refrigerator in small portions.
• Leftovers should be reheated to at least 165°F before serving. This includes leftovers warmed up in the microwave.
• Learn how long food can be stored safely in the refrigerator and freezer.

Do your part in keeping your family and friends healthy this holiday season by following these simple tips for food safety!

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 30). Food Safety for the Holidays. Centers   for Disease Control and Prevention.                 https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/holidays.html

U.S.D.A. Food Safety and Inspection Service. Danger Zone” (40 °F – 140 °F).            https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-               basics/danger-zone-40f-140f

U.S.D.A. Food Safety and Inspection Service. Let’s Talk Turkey-A Consumer Guide to Safely Roasting a         Turkey |Food Safety and Inspection Service. (n.d.). https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-              food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/lets-talk-turkey-roasting

Author: Megan Taylor, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development, Union County

Reviewer: Jennifer Little, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Hancock County

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July 26, 2018 by Daniel Remley

Sometimes I don’t take showers on weekends, and when I backpack, I may not shower all week. I played in mud puddles, creeks, and bogs, and ponds growing up in Michigan. In Butler County, my lab and I kicked off the mud obstacle course every month. It was great fun!

I worry that some kids and adults don’t get these experiences. A 2012 study found that only 51% of children go outside at least once a day. As it turns out, research suggests that getting dirty and muddy actually has many health benefits. The hygiene hypothesis holds that when infants, and young children are exposed to bacteria, parasites, and viruses, they actually have less of a  risk of developing autoimmune disease, allergies and asthma as adults. The theory is that just as the brain needs stimulation early in life, so does the immune system. One study found that children exposed to other siblings, day care centers, or lived on farms, had less incidence of allergies.

In addition to autoimmune problems, some studies suggest that exposure to a variety of germs early in life also decreases the chance of inflammation in adulthood. Inflammation is linked with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. One particular study found that children exposed to feces and had diarrhea actually had less inflammation as adults.

Are we staying too clean, overusing antibiotics and getting rid of those germs that can help our immune systems? We certainly need to wash our hands prior to handling food and after using the restrooms to avoid dangerous pathogens. However,  experts recommend carefully considering whether antibiotics are needed for various ailments, and not cleaning and sanitizing everything. Kids and adults should also get outside- camp, hike, kayak, and swim in lakes and creeks. There are many other benefits to playing outside besides building up the immune system such as improving moods, concentration, and increasing physical activity.

Get outside! get dirty!

Author: Dan Remley, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition, and Wellness, OSU Extension

Reviewer: Susan Zies, Extension Educator, OSU Extension, Wood County

Sources:

Is Dirt Good For Our Kids? WebMD. Accessed on https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/kids-and-dirt-germs#2

Getting back to the great outdoors. American Psychological Association. Accessed on http://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/03/outdoors.aspx