Category Archives: Life Extension

Floyd is a horticulturist with Texas AgriLife Extension Service. He can be reached at 498-4071 in Ector County or 686-4700 in Midland County or by email at Jeff.Floyd@ag.tamu.edu

Floyd is an Agri-Life Extension agent for Ector and Midland counties. To learn more, call the Ector County Extension office at 432-498-4072, or the Midland County Extension office at 432-686-4700, or email jeff.floyd@ag.tamu.edu.

Posted: Sunday, August 6, 2017 3:00 am

GARDENING: Grass is greener after a storm By Jeff Floyd Odessa American

What is it about thunderstorms that make the green in plants pop? The answer is nitrogen. Only a minuscule fraction of soil is made up of nitrogen while the atmosphere contains a whopping seventy-eight percent of the stuff.

Unfortunately, like the mythological Tantalus whose eternal punishment included standing in a pool of water from which he couldnt sip, plants have absolutely no access to atmospheric nitrogen; at least not in its standard dinitrogen form.

Plants only take up ionic forms of nitrogen from the soil. Plants are autotrophs, meaning they feed themselves. One way they do this is by using special cellular machines to connect nitrogen ions with other elements inside the plant body, building life-giving proteins. Nearly all metabolic processes carried out by plants require nitrogen rich proteins. Rain carries nitrogen compounds. However, energy is required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a structure that plants can take advantage of.

Theres enough energy in a typical lightning bolt to keep your smartphone glowing for nearly seven-hundred years. Lightening is essentially static electricity with just a tad more power than a freshly laundered faux cashmere blouse. Lightening breaks up atmospheric nitrogen allowing it to hitch a ride back to earth within raindrops. Once in the soil, plants can snatch up dissolved nitrogen pretty quickly.

So its not your imagination; your lawn really is greener after a thunderstorm. However, soil microbes use nitrogen too. Depending on conditions, microbes convert nitrogen into the atmospheric gas from whence it came. This is part of the reason plants return to their normal appearance not long after things dry up.

You cant see it, smell it or taste nitrogen, but you can learn more about how plants use it by calling the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office at 498-4071 or email jeff.floyd@ag.tamu.edu.

Posted in Gardening on Sunday, August 6, 2017 3:00 am. | Tags: Texas A&m Agrilife Extension Office, Jeff Floyd, Pecans, Pruning, Prune, Soft Landscape Materials, Landscape, Gardening, Gardener, Food, Integra, Repeat Applications, West Texas

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GARDENING: Grass is greener after a storm - Odessa American

Reprinted with the kind permission of Life Extension.

July 26 2017.An article published on June 30, 2017 inApplied and Environmental Microbiologydescribes a role for cranberries in promoting the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria. A carbohydrate that occurs in the fruit appears to function as a prebiotic: a nondigestible compound that nourishes probiotic microorganisms.

We're basically eating for two, commented lead researcher David Sela, who is a nutritional microbiologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. These gut bacteria are extremely significant to us, they really are very important. Our food makes a difference for us as well as the beneficial microbes that we carry around with us."

A lot of plant cell walls are indigestible, and indeed we cannot digest the special sugars found in cranberry cell walls called xyloglucans, Dr Sela explained. "But when we eat cranberries, the xyloglucans make their way into our intestines where beneficial bacteria can break them down into useful molecules and compounds."

For their study, Dr Sela and colleagues tested the effects of isolated xyloglucans on the probioticBifidobacterium longum.Theyfound a change in fermentative endproducts secreted byB. longumsubsequent to administration of xyloglycans, indicating metabolism of the prebiotic.

"With probiotics, we are taking extra doses of beneficial bacteria that may or may not help ourgut health," Dr Sela stated. "But with prebiotics, we already know that we have the beneficial guys in our guts, so let's feed them! Let's give them more nutrients and things that they like. They make molecules and compounds that help us, or they make it to help some of the hundreds of other kinds of beneficial members of the community. They are consuming things we can't digest, or they are helping other beneficial microbes that we find it hard to introduce as probiotics, or their presence can help keep pathogens away."

Originally posted here:

Cranberries may benefit gut bacteria - ProHealth

Local utility companies are addressing the dangers of electricity safety following the death of a Lubbock teen who was reportedly electrocuted while attempting to charge her phone while bathing in her fathers Lovington, New Mexico, home.

For Wes Reeves, spokesman for Xcel Energy, the death was a tragic reminder of how cautious people should be around electricity.

I think what happens is we get in a hurry, and we dont stop to think about things when were at home. We think about safety out on the road, and we think about safety at work, but at home were often very lax about it.

One of the dangers he spoke about was the use of extension cords.

At about 12:24 a.m. on July 9, police responded to a report of an unresponsive juvenile female in the 800 block of West Avenue H in Lovington.

Life-saving measures were provided at the scene, during hospital transport and at the hospital. However, the girl was pronounced dead at Nor-Lea Hospital a short while later.

Sharing her story

Soon, the family of 14-year-old Madison Coe reached out to the community in an effort to help save lives by sharing her story.

Spreading the message, Coes family gave police permission to release a photo of her last text message in which she wrote:

When you use (an) extension cord so you can plug your phone in while youre in the bath.

Above the message is a photo of a charger plugged into an extension cord resting on top of a towel.

Lovington police released a statement in which they reported Coe used a Samsung S6 Edge phone while taking a bath.

The phone was connected to its respective charger cord, which was connected to an extension cord plugged into a non-GFCI, non-grounded bathroom wall outlet.

While the child took precautions to keep the connection of the cords dry, the report states, it is believed she was not aware of a significant area of fraying to the extension cord.

According to the release, Coe came in contact with the frayed area while she was in the bath, but the phone was never immersed.

Cord safety

With extension cords being a part of our daily lives, Reeves said, it is important to check them regularly and toss them out if they are damaged.

In addition to checking for frayed and nicked cords, Reeves said, make sure the extension cord is not covered, overloaded and used as permanent wiring.He also warns any electrical device plugged into the wall should never be around water.

There is a lot of safety built into these cords and these chargers, he said. but anytime you have water anywhere near these devices, youre putting yourself at risk. So its best to stay away from charging phones or anything like that in the bathroom.

Lynn Simmons, spokeswoman for South Plains Electric Cooperative, said to remember is that electricity and water do not mix.

Whether you have wet hands and are plugging something in, Simmons said, or turning a light switch on, that is never a good idea. And definitely anything that is plugged into a wall should be kept away from sinks, tubs, swimming pools, any mud puddles, any source of water. Because if that device being plugged in comes in contact with that water it will create that circuit for that electricity, and then thats where the danger lies whether its just a shock or a fatality it can be anywhere in between there.

Reeves said a rule of thumb in his own household is to steer clear of using appliances in the bathroom.

With kids and all of these electrical devices, Simmons said, the parents just need to stop, take a moment, explain to kids about plugging and unplugging, and the idea of keeping devices away from water. Whether its got a good cord or a bad cord, that still couldve been a really bad situation even if the power cord had been good, if (Coe) wouldve dropped that phone into the tub with her. It couldve had the same bad outcome. Parents just need to remember to take time to educate their kids on that.

Electrocutions

In the case of Madison Coe, the cause of death was confirmed as electrocution, and according to officials with the Lovington Police Department, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission were assisting them with the investigation.

According to the agencys website, the most recent records have statistics on electrocutions from 2002 through 2009: About 88 consumer-product associated electrocutions involving individuals ages 1 through 19 years old.

In addition to those statistics, the SPEC website states each year there are about 300 electrocutions; 12,000 shock and burn injuries and 150,000 fires.

Those numbers are electricity-related cases that occured within homes, as another danger lies in overloading outlets.

Looking at extension cords and surge protectors as pieces of equipment, Simmons said, it is important to see if the cords capacity fits the job.

While it may be OK to plug a lamp into a smaller cord, Reeves said, it is not a good idea to plug heavier equipment into the cord, and overloading extension cords or surge protectors can cause the wiring to melt.

You want to be really careful with that, she said. A lot of people use surge protectors, and I think they think theyre safe because theyre called a surge protector, but you need to be very careful not plugging too much into one outlet. (If something should go wrong) hopefully your system will trip a breaker and prevent any kind of problems, but you can start fires, you can be injured by a shock or worse if youre not careful around outlets and plugging too many items into a single outlet.

Whats GFCI?

As stated in the news release, the outlet in the bathroom was a non-ground, non-GFCI wall outlet.

How do you know if an outlet has a GFCI?

According to the Xcel energy website, there should be a red and black test and reset button on the face of the outlet.

The website states GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, automatically shuts off power to the outlet to protect from fires or users from shock. And they should be installed in outlets near water sources such as outdoor areas, garages, laundry room, kitchens and bathrooms.

If your home is in need of updated or additional outlets, Reeves said, contact a licensed electrician.

If possible, he said, if you need some sort of change in your home, have an electrician come in and put another outlet in your home where you need it.

For more information on electrical safety, visit: http://www.spec.coop or http://www.xcelenergy.com.

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Utility companies discuss the dangers of electricity following death of Lubbock teen - LubbockOnline.com

MANKATO, Minn. Another day, another round of dollars committed to a significant Vikings defender.

Minnesota announced on Saturday that Linval Joseph signed a multi-year contract extension (the team does not release financial details of contracts).

Joseph is the third Vikings defender who is following a Pro Bowl season to sign an extension with the team in an 11-day span.

The first player to do so was defensive end Everson Griffen on July 26, when he and other veterans reported to Verizon Vikings Training Camp. Cornerback Xavier Rhodes inked his contract extension on July 30 to start this week, and Josephs signing helps punctuate a week that will culminate with a night practice at Blakeslee Stadium.

Joseph made a quick swipe of a pen around 4:30 p.m. (CT), leaving him enough time to prepare for the under-the-lights session.

It feels really good. I was really calm about the situation, Joseph said. Im just glad to be a Viking for life. I want to thank the organization, the Ownership, thank God and thank my agent Bill Johnson. Im ready to go. I want to help this team win the Super Bowl.

Joseph, who will turn 29 in October, was one of the first free agents the Vikings signed after Head Coach Mike Zimmer was hired in 2014.

He brought four years of experience with the New York Giants (46 starts in 53 regular-season games) and a ring from Super Bowl XLVI to the table.

Joseph has eaten up space in the middle of the field since and been critical to the Vikings defense. He has started all 44 regular-season games and the one postseason game hes played with Minnesota. Joseph recently discussed the one ultimate goal that the Vikings have and his belief in the team to play for a Super Bowl.

It would mean everything to me, Joseph said. When I signed my first contract, it was to come and help these guys and show these guys the way. To win a Super Bowl with the same guys Ive been with for four years would be awesome.

The former high school weightlifting champ is coming off his strongest season yet. Joseph recorded 100 tackles (coaches tally), including 48 solo, 4.0 sacks and 7.0 tackles for loss. He also recorded career bests of 36 quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles on his way to his first selection to the Pro Bowl.

Zimmer was asked about the way that Joseph was quietly handling the business aspect of the game and on the field while preparing for his fourth season in Purple. Zimmer pointed to the fact that Joseph values team accomplishments over individual stats

Hes a great person, wants to be really good, Zimmer said. Probably works as hard as anyone on the football team in the offseason. I think he cares an awful lot about the guys around him. [Defensive line coach] Andre Patterson does a good job preaching all that. But hopefully all of our guys on defense feel the same way. Its not about individual statistics, its about us collectively doing our job. Linval is the best one [nose tackle] Ive ever been around.

Zimmer said Josephs combination of strength, size and athleticism make him unlike any other nose tackle hes ever coached.

Most of the guys are thicker and shorter than he is, but he's the best athlete that I can think of, that I've been involved with at that spot, Zimmer said. When I first went to Dallas, Russell Maryland, who was the first pick of the draft was there, but he was more of a quick, fast guy as opposed to a bigpowerful guy.

Defensive coordinator George Edwards said Friday that Joseph is an exceptional player.

Hes not only got the bulk to play the position, the block awareness, balance, contact balance, and all those things but just the attitude that he brings to it every day, Edwards said.

You look at college football right now, you dont see a lot of nose guards because theres a lot of spread, Edwards added. Having a guy like that in the middle of your defense that brings that type of work ethic and pride to what hes trying to get accomplished is definitely a plus. I think Coach (Zimmer) has said it and Ill say it, hes one of the best Ive ever been around. I mean hes really a dominant force in there, does it exactly how you try to get it taught every day, and the consistency he brings to practice and takes the game, thats a big plus for us.

After seeing other core teammates sign recent contract extensions and knowing the kudos he has received from Vikings coaches, Joseph said he trusted that his opportunity would follow.

I feel like hard work pays off, Joseph said. It was going around the league, everybody saying Im the best, this and that. I was like, Well, its time for everything to come out the right way, and it turned out the right way. Im excited to be here. Im excited to have all the respect I have now, and I just want us to win games.

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Linval Joseph's Hard Work Pays Off with Vikings Contract Extension - Vikings.com

The word cowboy often evokes images of the Old West, but cattle in America could be more accurately associated with the Old East.

Ponce de Leon, of fountain of youth fame, first introduced cattle to the new world in Florida in 1521. These first Florida cattle were small statured with sharp horns and had a knack for eking out a living in an inhospitable environment. Despite the heat, biting insects, swampy terrain and lack of nutritious forage, the scrappy Spanish cattle not only survived but also thrived, paving the way for economic development and growth in the state.

Nearly 500 years after the first cattle set hoof in Florida, the beef industry continues to play an important role in the economy and culture of our state.

Modern Florida is considered a cow-calf state, with the majority of ranchers caring for brood cows on pasture and raising calves to sell at the market. Weaned calves are typically sent west to grow and mature on rich pasture for several months prior to being moved to the feed yard where they are finished on a grain-based diet. Florida is home to an estimated one million cows (mature females), bulls (mature, intact males), and heifers (young females who have not yet had a calf) that produce approximately 800,000 calves per year. The total value of cattle in Florida is estimated in excess of $1 billion and the Florida beef industry has an economic impact of $900 million annually.

Many Central Florida residents would be surprised to know that the largest cow-calf operation in the U.S. is a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, and five of the 10 largest cow-calf ranches in the country are in Florida.

When it comes to purchasing and consuming beef, consumers have more choices now than ever. There are 60 unique retail cuts of beef available, each with its own best use, taste profile and degree of tenderness. In the mood to grill? Theres a cut for that. Do you want to set it and forget it in the crockpot? Theres a cut for that, as well.

Consumers also have options as to how their beef was raised and fed. You may have seen beef labeled as grass finished in the butchers case and wondered what that means and how it differs from conventional beef. All beef cattle live the majority of their lives on pasture. Grass-finished beef remain on pasture until processing, while conventional beef cattle are fed grain during the last several months of their life. Grass finished beef tends to be leaner with less intramuscular fat (marbling) and a slightly different taste profile.

Regardless of the cut of beef or how the cattle were fed, consumers should feel confident that their beef is safe, wholesome and nutritious. Each 3-ounce serving of lean beef provides approximately 25 grams of protein, nearly half of the daily recommendation. Beef is also an excellent source of zinc, iron, selenium, and B vitamins, such as riboflavin, B12 and niacin.

Beef cattle in Florida do more than stimulate our economy and nourish our citizens, they also serve to protect green spaces from further development. Cattle ranchers are considered one of the original stewards of the environment, with ranches often being cared for by multiple generations of Floridians. More than 4.5 million acres in Florida are currently used to graze cattle. These green spaces help to filter water, recharge our precious aquifer and serve as a habitat for numerous species of birds, reptiles, insects and mammals. As Florida continues to grow and develop, these habitats will become even more critical to the survival of native wildlife and may play a role in protecting vulnerable species from extinction.

Next time you are out and about, I encourage you to notice and appreciate the pastoral beauty of our local ranches, just one of the many ways that agriculture helps to make and keep Lake County a wonderful place to call home.

For information on the beef industry, agriculture in general or making healthy diet choices, contact the local UF/IFAS Extension Office in Tavares.

Megan Mann is a livestock agent at the UF/IFAS Lake County Extension Center. Email her at horsygrl@ufl.edu.

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From the Extension: Florida is a hotbed for the cattle industry - Daily Commercial

He played his last game more than five decades ago, and has been dead (or at least frozen) for 15 years, but Ted Williams is still very much alive in the minds of baseball fans.

Producers of the American Masters series announced that the Splendid Splinter will be the subject of an upcoming documentary the first baseball player to be so profiled.

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A major American cultural figure whose story has never been properly told, Ted Williams is a fitting first, Michael Kantor, American Masters series executive producer, said in a statement. This film will reveal the man behind the legendary .406 batting average: complex, misunderstood and profoundly human.

Its not exactly true that Williamss story has never been properly told. In recent years, the Hall of Famer was the subject of not one but two excellent biographies, both written by former reporters at the Boston Globe: Ted Williams: The Biography of an American Hero by Leigh Montville and Ben Bradlee Jr.s The Kid: The Immortal Life of Ted Williams.

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The American Masters doc, slated to premiere next summer on PBS in honor of Williamss centennial, is being co-produced with Major League Baseball and David Ortizs Big Papi Productions, among others. The film will look at Williamss incredible baseball career and his service as a decorated combat pilot in the Korean War. Its not clear if the doc will discuss at all the bizarre and troubling disposition of Williams after he died, when his head was removed and frozen at the Arizona-based Alcor Life Extension Foundation, which deep-freezes bodies (or just heads) in the hope that scientific advances will allow them to be revived in the future.

In addition to Williams, the new season of American Masters will feature documentaries about filmmaker Richard Linklater, artist Tyrus Wong, writer Edgar Allan Poe, and entertainer Bob Hope.

Read more from the original source:

Ted Williams will be first baseball player to get 'American Masters' treatment - The Boston Globe

Over the past several years, Bedford Town Council has committed to spending millions of dollars on Bedfords hydroelectric plant, Snowden, which is located on the James River in Big Island and has been in operation since 1911.

Councilmembersagree the plant is environmentally friendly and a good source of energy for the town,and so they have committed more money to its upkeep for the next few fiscal year budgets. Prior to 2016, enough funding was allocated to the plant to keep it operational, and only small amounts were spent on capital improvements.

Once council decided to extend the life of the plant, capital spending grew to more than $1 million. Annual capital spending will stay in the $1 million range for the next few years.

To learn that we have been using this facility for 100 years to get renewable energy might surprise people, council member Bruce Johannessen said. This is really a gem that we have there.

Snowden is known as arun of riverplant, meaning it only can run when there is enough water in the river. The plant, which serves about 7,000 customers, generated about 16.8 million kilowatts in 2016.The energy generated by the plant is an amount equal to about 8 percent of the electric department's sales in fiscal year 2016.

All of the energy is clean, and it serves everyone in the towns utility service going from Big Island to about five miles south of the town of Bedford.

Its clean energy and a competitive cost supplier for energy, said John Wagner, director of the towns electric department. Those two things are important to the town.

There are numerous smallrun-of-riverhydro plants along theJames River.

For fiscal year 2018, council has budgeted$1.3 million for capital improvement projects and new equipment for the plant and $1.04 million for fiscal year 2019.

Part of those improvements included a new speed increaser that was delivered to the plant July 14. A speed increaser steps up the speed produced by the water driven in the James River.

There are two generating systems within the plant, and each has independent speed increasers. In January last year, one of the speed increasers began degrading and was unable to produce at the same capacity that it normally would, which is 2.5 megawatts.

We analyzed the system and ordered a replacement so that the unit could return to full service, Wagner said.

Theincreasercost $1 million and weighs 15 tons.

Its a low-cost energy for our customers, he said.

The costs to operate the plant are about1centper kilowatt of production. The town has contracts with other hydro resources that cost about5 centsper kilowatt.

Because much of the large equipment is located in the water, it must be maintained constantly, Wagner said.

The James River can be a nasty place to be at times, so it takes ongoing maintenance to keep the plant in running condition, he said. Currently a contractor maintains and operates the plant in conjunction with the electric department.

The contractor has one full-time senior operator and maintenancetechnicianand one part-time operator.

The electric department supplements them with skilled workers andspecializedcontractorsas needed, Wagner said. The total budget this year for the entire electric department is $22 million.

Most of the operating equipment was replaced in 1985. The key components of the plant will last another 20 to 30 years, including the speed increaser.

The town entered into a life-extension projectagreementwith Snowden.The life-extension project is part of the ongoing maintenance that will extend the useful life of the infrastructure indefinitely.

Other upcoming approved projects that are part of the towns capital improvement plan are roof and water leak repairs, upgrades to lighting and security systems, a new dump cart system that can be used to transport debris away from the plant inlet area and an upgrade of the trash rake which is used to remove debris from the turbine inlet ports.

Projects in the proposed 2019 budget include rebuilding turbines, cleaning and refurbishing a generator and drainage system and another speed increaser.The next project is to update and modernize the computer control system. Wagner said it should be online and running by the end of the year.

All of this work will be done as it fits into the budget, he said. We have to balance that against our available budget funds.

Council member Jim Vest was on the board when the plant was refurbished in 1985 and serves as the chair of the electric committee.

Its a huge investment for the town, Vest said of Snowden. When we get everything fixed, it will stabilize the cost of electricity for citizens.

We are planning on spending a lot of money in the next several years to maximize its capability and provide a clean source of energy.

Continued here:

Bedford's hydroelectric plant gets improvements - Lynchburg News and Advance

Smiles, laughter and life lessons at the fair Appreciate the adults and the roles they fill at fair.

Posted on August 4, 2017 by Jennifer Weichel, Michigan State University Extension

MSU Extension educator Katie Ockert and youth exhibitor Kassidy at the Berrien County Fair. Photo by Sheila Smith, MSU Extension.

Fair is an event that requires effort on the part of countless parents, volunteers and leaders, but yields great rewards for those who can appreciate the smiles, laughter and life lessons it offers our young people. In The magic of fair, I talked about what I see when I observe youth exhibitors at fairs and the magic I feel the moment I step onto a fairgrounds. The magic is real because it is my heart and soul as a 4-H alumni, parent, volunteer and staff member. I invite you to take a moment and consider the following when you visit the next fair and look into the eyes of the adults who surround the exhibitors.

Adults serve in some important roles and these are just a few of them.

Supporter. Parents, volunteers and leaders support the exhibitors and their families as they compete and participate. They offer kind, encouraging words to help them understand defeat and be humble when they win. They celebrate success and handle defeat, processing what may be done differently to improve for the future when the time is right, not necessarily right away. Support comes is a variety of forms: a smile, an encouraging word or a handshake.

Cheerleader. They are in the stands and on the sidelines cheering on youth exhibitors, anxiously awaiting the results and watching the judge to see how they place the class. Adults need to be careful to not interfere with officials or distract members while they are competing. Coaching takes place before the event, not during the event. The best coaches know when to step back and let their players perform; exhibitors are performing their skills learned when they are in the ring or presenting their project to the judge. Give them the time to shine.

Teacher. Sometimes the teacher presents the most important lessons when they are silent and allow the student to learn for themselves. At other times, the teacher helps the student process all that has happened by listening, reflecting back and conversing with the young person. A good teacher knows to adjust their techniques to fit the situation and the student. Adjust as necessary.

Role model. Be the example. It sounds simple but it is really hard, especially when you are tired, hot, on day five of the fair, and did I mention stressed out? Be the person you were meant to bethe kids are watching! We need you to be the role model who inspires them to be their best. When you are not up to the task, take a timeout and defer to another adult. You expect the best from your members, so expect the best from yourself.

Helper. Hold the halter, carry supplies, walk alongside and fetch more projects from the car so the child can stand in line to be interviewed and judged. This is the week when some of us need to step aside and assist because it is their project, not ours. We ask what they need help with because we know they have it under control; we are simply there to be the driver and helper. The bonus is we get to take it all in and smile as we look on. This is your que to beam like a proud parent or volunteer.

You may see parents, family members, leaders and volunteers in these roles and more. You may see them display signs of being nervous, proud, overwhelmed or filled with a lot of emotion; after all, this is their childs moment in the spotlight, regardless if they are holding a rabbit, pillowcase, cake or the halter of a steer. They are waiting to hear the name of their child, the ribbon and the look on their face. They know how hard their child has worked on that project and hope the stars will align for them in this moment when the judge decides what their rating will be.

The adults are trying to find the balance between helping too much and guiding just enough. This is a delicate balance and they might not get it right the first time, so be kind and lead by example if you have the chance. Support the new fair families in your club and appreciate those who are carrying on the tradition of mentoring the next generation.

Being an adult with an exhibitor at the fair means you experience endless joy as your exhibitors exchange smiles, laughter and tools for the project area. However, you may also find that tears come easy because you are sleep deprived after the camper or tent experience, eating elephant ears, corn dogs and cotton candy, and swelling with a pride that comes from knowing you taught your members valuable skills in the last year. Skills that helped them achieve the goals they set at the beginning of the year.

Buyers who show their support for our exhibitors send an important message to our young people and help them develop skills as sellers. Learning how to approach a potential buyer, market your product and thank a buyer are important skills members learn in the process.

Superintendents, fair board members, clerks, judges and volunteers of all types help make our fairs the success they are by serving in roles that are essential to getting the projects, people, programs and shows in place. It is this teamwork and dedication that creates the magic that we enjoy as fair.

Yes, I know it is not all cotton candy and blue ribbons, but when the year is done and we step back to truly reflect, we can all admit lessons are learned. If we grow through those lessons, we look forward, set new goals and move forward.

Life is better than a box of chocolates; it is ferris wheel ride with your best friends, you just need to climb aboard. So the next time you visit a fair, think about all of the people who have made it possible and consider the lessons learned, the journeys traveled and appreciate the value for members, volunteers, leaders, parents and families.

To begin your journey in 4-H, contact yourMichigan State University Extensioncounty office and find out how you can become a 4-H member or 4-H volunteer.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Smiles, laughter and life lessons at the fair | MSU Extension - Michigan State University Extension

FRIDAY, Aug. 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- The expiration dates on over-the-counter and prescription medications seem pretty black and white, but there's some question about whether drugs last even longer.

Expiration dates typically range from 12 to 60 months after production. But manufacturers aren't required to determine how long they'll remain potent after that, enabling them to set their own expiration dates.

Testing reported in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that eight medications with 15 different active ingredients were still potent decades beyond their expiration dates.

The U.S. government's own Shelf Life Extension Program extends the dates on some drugs in federal stockpiles to save the military from the cost of replacing them. Its own study found that 90 percent of more than 100 drugs were perfectly good even 15 years after expiration.

But what about the meds in your home? A lot depends on how carefully you store them -- you probably don't do as good a job as the U.S. Army. That's why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends never taking drugs beyond their expiration date -- it's just too risky. In particular, nitroglycerin, insulin and liquid antibiotics shouldn't be used after their expiration dates.

To safeguard all medications, protect them from heat, light and humidity by keeping them in a cool, dry, dark place. A steamy bathroom isn't a good environment.

Know, too, that some drugs can lose their potency more quickly than others, including aspirin. If you take aspirin for heart health, be sure to replace it as needed.

Read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's position on the hazards of taking expired drugs, as well as safe ways to dispose of them.

See the article here:

The Fine Print on Medication Expiration Dates - Sioux City Journal

Reprinted with the kind permission of Life Extension.

July 24 2017.The July 2017 issue ofEnvironmental Health Perspectivespublished the finding of researchers at the National Institutes of Health of a lower risk ofbreast cancerover five years of follow-up in association with higher levels of serum vitamin D or vitamin D supplementation.

The current investigation included participants in the Sister Study, which enrolled women with no history of breast cancer who had a sister diagnosed with the disease. Serum samples from 1,611 subjects who subsequently developed breast cancer and 1,775 randomly selected participants were analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels [25(OH)D]. Average vitamin D intake and supplement use during the year prior to enrollment were estimated from data provided by questionnaire responses.

A serum 25(OH)D level of at least 38 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) was associated with a 21% lower adjusted risk of developing breast cancer over follow-up in comparison with levels of 24.6 ng/mL or less. The use of a vitamin D supplement at least four times per week was associated with an 11% lower risk of the disease, which declined to a 17% lower risk among postmenopausal women.

To date, the randomized clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation have provided little evidence of benefit from supplementation, the authors remark. However, certain features, including small sample size, nonadherence, and combined treatment regimens or off-protocol supplementation made it difficult for those trials to establish causality or to identify effective dose levels. In principle, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D supplements alone among women who abstain from self-supplementation would be the best way to assess the effects of vitamin D on breast cancer risk.

Our results support the hypothesis that vitamin D supplementation could be effective for breast cancer prevention and may help to establish clinical benchmarks for beneficial 25(OH)D levels, they conclude.

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Vitamin D supplement use associated with lower risk of breast cancer - ProHealth