April 2008

WEIGHT-THE REALITY

SERIES

                  Linda Schweiss, Health Department Dietician, and Jane Proctor, Trimble County Cooperative Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, will conduct a 6-week course of self-discovery, education, skill-building, and support designed to help adults learn to control their weight.  Classes will be held on Mondays beginning April 21, 2008, at 5:30 PM at the Trimble County Extension Office, 43 High Country Lane (one mile southwest of Bedford).  Please register by phoning the Extension Office at 255-7188.  Classes are:  April 21, April 28, May 5, May 12, May 19, and June 2.                                     

                This  program will help you design a real way to get your weight under control.  Based on the latest research, this program gives you more options to create a plan that will work for you.  Whether you’re interested in cutting back on carbohydrates or starting a walking program, Weight ~ The Reality Series offers many choices.  There are bound to be some choices that will appeal to anyone with a genuine interest in a better way to achieve a healthy weight.  You’ll learn how to make your plan flexible and to keep it working over time.                                

                Scientists have found that losing only 5-15% of body weight can significantly improve adult health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as reducing the risk of developing diabetes.  In fact, many adults find that a weight loss of 5 to 10% is more achievable than an unrealistic goal of getting down to what they weighed as a teenager.  A sensible eating and activity plan to allow you to lose 20 pounds would take 10-20 weeks.  Losing a little at a time can improve your health a lot and allow you to succeed at losing weight, a step at a time.  Here are some facts about weight control among U.S. adults:                                          

*Only 5% of those who lose 20 pounds or more keep it off for at least 2 years.  Reducing your weight by as little as 10% can greatly benefit your health.     

*We live in an environment that encourages overeating and inactivity.                      

        People who have successfully learned to manage their weight in today’s world are sharing their secrets to success through the National Weight Control Registry.  You can learn about what has worked for other U.S. adults in Weight-The Reality Series.                                

    One of the ways people succeed is to actively participate in the design of a weight management program that is right for them.  You’ll have an opportunity to decide which strategies might work best for you.  And then, after a few weeks, you’ll be able to redesign your program to keep strategies that work and discard those that don’t.  We’ll also have fun in a sharing, supportive atmosphere.  Each of the six weekly sessions will include a recipe demonstration or group activity to illustrate easy ways to eat well.  There will be time to walk and talk.  We will learn how to succeed together.

Shoe Essentials

This homemaker lesson will be presented on Wednesday, April 16th, at 1:30 PM at the Trimble County Extension Office by Sheila Fawbush, Shelby County Family & Consumer Sciences Agent.  Everyone is invited to attend.

Scrapbooking Club will meet on April 8th at 7:00 PM at the Extension Office.

Trimble Thimbles quilting club meet each Thursday from 12:30-2:30 PM, and the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6 PM at the    Extension Office.

“Second Wind Dreams” Committee will meet on April 24th at 12:00 Noon at the Trimble Co. Extension Office.  The purpose of this program is, through the fulfillment of dreams and innovative educational programs, to enhance the quality of life for those living in Elder Care communities.  Join us for this exciting adventure.

ARTS HAPPENINGS

”Handmade Paper Quilt”

April 19th, 10 AM—5 PM

Apple Tree Studios,

Hwy 42 West, Bedford

Lunch and supplies provided.

For cost and details,

phone 502-732-0345.

Trimble County Arts Council 9th Annual Artists’ Showcase

& Exhibition

This exhibit is open to artists from Trimble County as well as all surrounding counties of Kentucky and Indiana.  The exhibit will be on display during the month of May.  Contact Lynn Horine at 502-255-7500 or Deanna Ralston at 502-255-7572 for more information.

Nurturing Parent Classes

Everyone is welcome to join the search for happier-healthier families!  Classes are free to all agencies and participants.  Classes are held on Thursdays at 6:00 PM at the Family Resource Center in the Trimble County High School, 1029 Hwy 421 North, Bedford.  For more information, phone Denise Hall at 502-255-5110 ext. 1045; or Jane Proctor at 255-7188.

KEHA State Meeting

May 12-15, 2008

Galt House, Louisville, Ky.

Fall is for Nesting, Spring is for Cleaning

    Just a few months ago we were concentrating on making our homes cozy, anticipating cold dark days spent indoors.  Now, with the arrival of fresh breezes, warmer weather and longer daylight hours, we naturally start to see the results of our “long winter’s nap”: dust that’s collected in corners, a stale refrigerator, musty bathrooms and chaotic closets.  The urge is to throw open the windows, bring in clean air and light, and turn the place upside down for a thorough cleaning.

    Admit it, though.  The size of the chore can be paralyzing in its scope. But don’t let that dissuade you from grabbing the mop and dust rag and digging in.  By keeping a few basics in mind, you’ll end up with a sparkling house without wearing yourself out.   

    The first thing to think about is organization. A little time spent in advanced planning can make a world of difference in the time it takes you to clean. Gather all the necessary equipment and supplies before you start cleaning. Make sure your cleaning equipment is in good condition. Put your bath and kitchen cleaning supplies in one bucket.  Use another bucket for dusting and other supplies.  And remember to keep your focus.  As you rummage through a cluttered cabinet looking for that bottle of cleaning solution, you might feel the urge to clean out that space then and there.  Don’t do it.  It will only pull you away from your original plan.  By staying on target you’ll finish much more quickly.

    The most efficient way to clean an entire house is to tackle the job one room at a time, working in a consistent pattern, such as top to bottom, left to right.  This not only reduces distractions to a minimum, but also keeps you from overlooking anything.

    First wipe out the ceiling corners, then dust and wipe down the other surfaces in the room, using either a damp or a treated dust cloth.  This will prevent dry dust from settling back onto surfaces.  If you move from top to bottom, any dust that filters down from the top will be wiped away as you work toward the floor.  Leave the floors until last.  Be sure to move furniture and large appliances so you can clean under or behind them.

    It’s important to read the labels on cleaning products. Look for special warnings from the manufacturer. Remember never to mix chlorine bleach or any cleaner containing chlorine with ammonia, toilet bowl cleaner or rust remover, because the mixture produces a harmful gas.  Always keep strong acids away from your skin and eyes, and wear rubber gloves when using strong alkalis.

If you notice musty odors coming from old furniture drawers, remove the contents and let the drawers air for several days. If the weather permits, put the drawers in the sun for a few hours.  You can also place the chest on its back so the sun will shine on the inside surfaces. Then, wash all unfinished surfaces with a solution of half vinegar and half water and dry with a soft towel.  If the odor persists, spray unfinished areas with a disinfectant cleaner; keep drawers closed to allow the cleaner to penetrate corners.  Before replacing the contents, let the drawers air well.  Put potpourri, fabric-softener sheets or unwrapped bars of soap in the drawers to give a pleasant fragrance.

     With a little perseverance and elbow grease, your indoors can be as fresh and bright as a spring day.

Source: Linda Adler, Extension Specialist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.

Be sure to check out the Cooperative Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agents' "Take A Moment" newsletter on the web at http://www.take-a-moment.com.