Dishing out the Dairy

By Karen Saley, Pinellas County Extension, Families & Consumers, Educational Instructor

June not only marks the beginning of summer it is also Dairy Month.

How you may ask did June ever become Dairy Month and why?

“June Dairy Month, an annual tradition developed to celebrate the dairy industry and its many contributions to our society, originated in 1937. During its first two years, 1937 and 1938, it was called National Milk Month and ran from June 10 to July 10. The 1937 event, sponsored by chain stores, was given the theme "Keep Youthful - Drink Milk." Originally supported by the National Dairy Council (NDC), June Dairy Month was established to help stabilize dairy demand during periods of peak production.”

Although most people don’t realize that June is Dairy Month they have come to understand just how important dairy products are in maintaining health. Much research has been done over the years proving that getting adequate amounts of dairy plays a critical role in helping to prevent some very specific health conditions. Two major studies, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) show that dairy foods are important components of diets associated with improved health outcomes.

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt contain nine essential nutrients which may help prevent osteoporosis, reduce your risk for high blood pressure, help you better manage your weight, and aid in preventing certain cancers.

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat, affecting more than 28 million Americans. One reason why osteoporosis rates are so high is that many people (especially teens, women and the elderly) have critically low calcium intakes. Although dairy products contribute 73% of calcium in the food supply, most people aren't getting enough in their diet.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects 50 million Americans and is a major cause of heart disease and stroke. The multi-center DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) study, found that a low fat diet providing 3 servings of low fat dairy products and 8 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables, significantly lowers blood pressure as much as some medications, especially when combined with a low sodium intake.
According to several studies published in the last year, low fat dairy foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese, may help control body fat.

• Women who consumed the most calcium and ate at least 3 servings of dairy foods per day were 80% less likely to be obese than those with the lowest intake.


• Young women (18-31 years) enrolled in an exercise study who had high calcium intakes gained less weight and body fat than those with lower calcium intakes.


• High calcium intake was consistently associated with lower body weight across 4 studies conducted in young, middle-aged and elderly women.


• Researchers analyzed the diets of preschool children over a 3-year period and found children with higher dairy/calcium intake, had lower body fat than those children with lower dairy/calcium intakes.

The results of a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine show calcium may help reduce the risk of colon tumors.

Dairy’s importance in building strong bones and maintaining healthy weight has been reaffirmed in the Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, and the new MyPyramid. All recommend eating three servings of milk, cheese or yogurt for optimum health.

Milk is loaded with the following nutrients and just three servings of milk each day will provide you with from 30% to 90% of these essential vitamins and minerals.

For those of you that feel you may be lactose intolerant take heart. A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that for young adults who complain of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, intolerance to cow’s milk is rarely the cause. If, however, you suffer some distressing symptoms after consuming dairy products here are some suggestions to help you keep dairy in your diet.

• Drink milk with meals and snacks instead of on an empty stomach.
  
• Use aged cheeses like Cheddar and Swiss that are naturally low in lactose.
  
• Add small amounts of dairy to your diet until you reach three servings a day.
  
• Try lactose-free products
  
• Try some yogurt which contains bacteria that help digest lactose.

Dairy products are not only good for you, but are delicious as well. Try a refreshing yogurt and fruit smoothie for breakfast, lunch, or snack and to beat that summer heat pour the smoothie into small paper cups, insert a popsicle stick, and freeze.

And now just for fun,

1. About how many squirts are there in a gallon of milk?
a. 100
b. 200
c. 350
d. 950


2. It takes about how many pounds of milk to make one pound of cheese?
a. 1
b. 5
c. 10
d. 15


3. What is the major nutrient found in milk, cheese and yogurt?

Answers:
1. c. 350
2. c. 10
3. Calcium

References:
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/milk/milk.cfm
http://www.dairymax.org/Default.aspx?tabid=36
http://www.nationaldairycouncil.org/NationalDairyCouncil/
http://dairy.ifas.ufl.edu/
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/
http://americanheart.org/
http://www.usda.gov/
http://www.mypyramid.gov/

Developing Good Habits in 4-H

By Eric Yuan, 4-H Youth Mentor

It is important for every individual to develop healthy habits within their lifestyle. People are full of habits, both good and bad. However, it is important that the good habits outnumber the bad habits and that the bad habits do not have an adverse effect on one’s life. The article “Tips for Breaking Bad Habits and Developing Good Habits” by Scott Young, points out that most of life is habitual, and that people always tend to repeat things that they have previously done or patterns of behavior that they have expressed before. Bad habits can often be hard to break and it always seems that good habits need to be forced. In 4-H, however, opportunities are readily available to develop good habits in strategic and subtle ways. The article by Scott Young emphasizes the fact that habits must be sufficiently conditioned over an extended period of time before it becomes a natural behavior for someone. Youth not only have the opportunity to develop good habits through participation in 4-H Clubs, they also learn valuable life skills. Youth who participate in 4-H Clubs are continuously conditioned in a variety of areas that instill healthy habits. 4-H youth master these habits and then apply what was learned to other aspects of their lives.

Youth who participate in 4-H will develop invaluable habits that will benefit them later in life. One of those experiences is the peer-to-peer interaction participants are exposed to. 4-H youth learn to work as a team with their club members, discussion ideas and opinions, and listen to others within the group. Positive habits developed through the peer-to-peer interaction will certainly benefit these youth in many future endeavors including school, socially, and especially in their future careers.

As a youth continues their 4-H experience, other opportunities are offered that allows for healthy habits to be developed. They are responsible for completing project books, attending club meetings, and participating in other club activities. The repetition of these ongoing experiences helps to form habits of time management, follow through, commitment, and giving back to the community.

The habits developed undoubtedly carry over from youth into adulthood. According to a study conducted by ServiceLeader.org, youth who volunteer are more likely to continue to volunteer as adults and are more likely to donate a portion of their annual income to charities. Furthermore, The RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service at The University of Texas at Austin performed a noteworthy survey in 2001 and 2002 about college students' volunteer experiences. Included in the study were both volunteer habits and motivations. Out of the 1,514 university students, 76 percent who volunteered during high school continued to volunteer during college in the year of the survey. (RGK, 2002) Referring to the ideological motivators, 80 percent of the total number of students that volunteered in the previous year did so because they felt it was their "civic duty."

Clearly the good habits that youth develop during their time in 4-H can influence their future. 4-H not only helps youth acquire good habits that will build character and increase independence, but it also molds youth into responsible and able adults that will continue to have a beneficial impact on their community.

Resources:
http://www.cns.gov/

http://www.serviceleader.org/new/managers/2004/06/000242print.php#3c

http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/strategies-for-breaking-bad-habits-and-cultivating-good-ones/

Five Native Plant Hedges that are Worth a Second Look

By Jean Field, Horticulturist II, Pinellas County Extension

Are you tired of leaf spot fungus on your Ligustrum and Oleander caterpillars on your Oleanders? Would you like a break from diagnosing what is wrong with your current hedges and shrubs? When planted in the right location, native plants will thrive on less and give you more.

Native plants are growing in popularity as homeowners, businesses and local governments prefer them for their low-maintenance qualities. When selecting native plants, match the conditions they grow in naturally to those in your landscape and they will thrive with very little care. Newly-installed native shrubs will need a period of establishment and careful hand watering to prepare them for longevity in your garden.

The five Florida shrubs discussed below will do nicely in a variety of areas and have been selected for a wide range of possible uses; points of each plant are listed in bullets for a quick reference.

Florida Privet, (Forestiera segregata) makes a dense hedge that is good for screening an unwanted view or providing privacy to a beach-side patio. Privet will provide erosion control or shoreline stabilization in harsh, alkaline conditions. Cold hardy to Zone 8B, the Florida privet will provide cover and fruit for a variety of birds. Since this plant tolerates pruning very well, it can be shaped into a formal hedge or foundation plant. Purple ½” fruit will attract birds in the summer.

• Landscape use: Tall hedge, screen or small tree.
  Growth rate: Moderate
• Native location: Upland, coastal habitats throughout Florida to zone 8b.
• Lighting: Partial shade/full sun
• Moisture: Moist preferred. Tolerates dry quite well.
• Salt tolerance: High
• Size and shape: 10 feet tall; 5 feet wide
• Disadvantages: Leaves partially thin out in winter. Plant spacing for a hedge: 3-5 feet

Walters Viburnum, (Viburnum obovatum) is a thicket-forming shrub that tolerates formal pruning and provides small fruit for songbirds. It may sucker and spread to a larger area, so plan for a less formal hedge. Increasing in popularity, this fast-grower will provide a burst of white blooms in the spring. Black ½” fruit in summer will attract birds to your garden.

• Landscape use: Tall hedge, screen or small tree.
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Native location: Coastal hammocks, woodlands, riverbanks to zone 7.
• Lighting: Partial shade/full sun
• Moisture: Highly drought tolerant. Can tolerate occasional wet feet.
• Salt tolerance: Poor
• Size and shape: 15 feet tall; 6 feet wide
• Disadvantages: Tends to sucker in moist locations
• Plant spacing for a hedge: 4-5 feet apart

Simpson’s Stopper (Myricanthes fragrans) is a versatile shrub that thrives in tough spots such as medians and parking lots. The white fragrant flowers and attractive 3/8” red fruit make this nearly ever-blooming plant a winner. The fruit are edible for humans and are relished by birds.

• Landscape use: Medium hedge for foundation plantings or small tree.
• Growth rate: Slow
• Native range: Coastal hammocks to zone 8b.
• Lighting: Part shade/full sun
• Moisture: Highly drought tolerant. Well drained soil.
• Salt tolerance: Good tolerance
• Size and shape: Tree form: 25 feet. Shrub form: 5-10 feet.
• Disadvantages: None
• Plant spacing for a hedge: 3-5 feet

Yellow Anise (Illicium parviflorum) produces a dense hedge that grows moderately in rich, moist soil. In drier locations, Yellow Anise will require regular irrigation during drier months. With deep, infrequent watering, older plants can become more drought tolerant. Anise responds well to pruning and can be formally hedged. The blooms are ½ inch maroon drooping flowers borne in the spring. The leaves smell like licorice when pruned or crushed. Cold hardiness is a plus as this insect-free hedge will grow as far north as Louisiana (zone 7b).

• Landscape use: Formally pruned shrub or informal screen.
• Native range: Inland hammocks and swamps.
• Lighting: Partial sun to full shade
• Moisture: Prefers moist, rich soils. Older plants tolerate drier conditions.
• Salt tolerance: Poor.
• Size and shape: 6 to 15 feet tall; 6 feet wide
• Disadvantages: Poor drought tolerance.
• Plant spacing for a hedge: 4-5 feet

Marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides) will screen an unwanted view quickly in part shade or part sun. Easily reaching 15 feet in height, this wide shrub will grow near salt water in calcareous, high ph soils. The red ½” edible fruit can be eaten by people and will be relished by songbirds. The fragrant, ever-blooming white flowers make this large shrub a landscape favorite. It is cold-tender, so place it in a protected location in zone 10A or along the warmer coastal sites.

• Landscape use: Tall, dense hedge or small tree
• Native range: Tropical hammocks of S. Florida and the Caribbean
• Lighting: Full to partial shade. Will tolerate morning sun
• Moisture: Moderate. Older, mature plants will need less water.
• Salt tolerance: Moderate
• Size and shape: 8 to 15 feet tall as shrub. Can spread to 10 feet.
• Disadvantages: Cold sensitive. Brittle wood.
• Plant spacing for a hedge: 3-5 feet

Many native plants have exceptional wildlife value and will provide needed cover, food and nesting sites. Several fact sheets have been written on this subject (please see links listed below). Pruning native shrubs during the spring flowering season will reduce the small fruit that are relished by birds. Be sure and time your pruning to accommodate young nesting birds that are enjoying the cover your native shrubs provide. The less formally your native hedges are shaped and pruned, the more wildlife they will support.

Choosing a native hedge is a sustainable landscaping choice that will eventually pay for itself in savings of water, fertilizer and pesticides. There will be more time to enjoy the birds and butterflies now visiting your garden and less time spent trying to “fix” plants that may not be the right plant for the place it is planted. Native plants will give you slice of the Real Florida right in your own back yard!

Links:
Native Florida Plants for Home Landscapes: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep011
Marlberry, Ardisia escallonioides: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FP048
Yellow Anise, Illicium parviflorum: http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/ILLPARA.PDF
Florida Privet, Forestiera segregata: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FP213
Native Plants that Attract Wildlife: Central Florida, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW062
The Florida Native Plant Society: http://www.fnps.org/

References:
Florida Wildflowers in their Natural Communities, Walter Kingsley Taylor
Florida’s Best Native Landscape Plants, Gil Nelson

FDA Clears 37 States from Tomato Outbreak

By Janice Wade-Miller, Educational Instructor, Family and Consumer Sciences

Pinellas County Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences want you to be aware of all potential food hazards so that you can make knowledgeable decisions about the food you buy for your family. In an effort to keep you informed, we are releasing the following FDA tomato warning which was made public on Monday, June 9th. Please follow the FDA’s instructions so that you are not affected by this food borne illness.

The U.S. F. D. A. added New Mexico, Indiana and one Mexican state, Baja California (Norte)**, to its list of places that are cleared of being the source of an outbreak of salmonella from contaminated tomatoes that has sickened 228 people since April.

At this time, FDA recommends consuming raw red plum, raw red Roma, or raw red round tomatoes only if grown and harvested from the following areas that HAVE NOT BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE OUTBREAK. See previous postings to this blog for those areas.

June 11 post:

http://pcetimelytopics.blogspot.com/2008/06/fda-warns-consumers-nationwide-not-to.html

June 12 post:

http://pcetimelytopics.blogspot.com/2008/06/fda-tomato-warning-advisory-update.html

Shipments of tomatoes harvested in the following counties are acceptable with a certificate issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

Jackson, Gadsden, Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Suwannee, Hamilton, Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Hardee, DeSoto, Sarasota, Highlands, Pasco, Sumter, Citrus, Hernando, Charlotte.

Consumers who are unsure of where the tomatoes are from that they have in their home are encouraged to contact the store or place of purchase for that information. If consumers are unable to determine the source of the tomatoes, they should not be eaten. Consumers should also be aware that raw tomatoes are often used in the preparation of fresh salsa, guacamole, and pico de gallo, are part of fillings for tortillas, and are used in other dishes.

Types of tomatoes not linked to any illnesses are cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and tomatoes with the vine still attached.

Since mid April, there have been 228 reported cases of salmonellosis nationwide caused by Salmonella Saintpaul, an uncommon form of Salmonella. At least 25 hospitalizations have been reported.

If you have any questions or concerns on this issue, please call us at 582-2100 and we will do our best to help you.

** Product lots of tomatoes harvested in this State in Mexico are allowed export into the U.S. with a certificate issued by the Secretaria de Fomento Agropecuario del Gobierno del Estado de Baja California (Agency).

Tips for a Fun and Safe Summer

By Patti Neary, Education Instructor, Families and Consumers

Summer is here and the kids are out of school! Summertime can be a fun time for
family and children, jam packed with enjoyable things to do. It’s also the time of year when children and teens are supervised less and have more time to engage in outdoor activities, which makes summertime a prime time for small and serious injuries. Talk with your children about safe practices and good choices to keep them safe and healthy.

Pool and Water Safety

• Never leave children unattended in or near the water even if they know how to swim.


• Always swim in pairs.
  
• Avoid using inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties”. They give children
  a false sense of security. Get an approved life vest or personal floatation
  device (PFD). Use life jackets when out on boats, near open bodies of water and
  when participating in water sports.


• Know which of your child’s friends and neighbors have pools. Make sure your child will be supervised by an adult when visiting.


• Keep rescue equipment (long pole, life preservers, portable telephone) near the pool.


• Do not let children dive into water unless the child has learned proper diving techniques and an adult is present.


• If you have infants and young children at home install fencing that completely surrounds all pools, spas, whirlpools and hot tubs.


• Pay attention to open water. Be aware of undercurrents and changing waves and undertows.


• Learn infant and child CPR

Sun Safety

• Encourage your child to wear a hat with a visor or adequate brim and sunglasses that filter out ultraviolet rays.


• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside even on cloudy days; use a sunscreen with at least a SPF of 15. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.


• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during peak times, between 12pm and 4pm.


• Be aware that exposure is intensified when sunlight is reflected off sand and water.


• When it is hot outside do not leave children in a vehicle alone, or allow them to play in an unlocked car. Temperatures inside a car can reach 125º in just 20 minutes, even with a window cracked.

Heat Stress in Exercising Children

• Drink water, Drink water, Drink water!! Make sure kids are well hydrated during these hot summer months and water is one of the best drinks to do that.


• Clothing worn should be light-colored and light weight when exercising or playing outside.


• Before a prolonged physical activity, the child should be well hydrated, and should be encouraged to drink during the activity.


• Sports practices, games and strenuous activities played in the heat should be shortened and frequent water breaks given.

Bicycle Safety

• Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to grow into. Oversize bikes are especially dangerous. For proper fit go to check out this website http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm


• Children should wear a helmet at all times. It helps protect them from serious injury.


• When purchasing a helmet make sure it meets safety standards and is properly fitted.


• Teach your child to check for traffic before entering a street or intersection by looking left and right.


• Explain rules of the road to your child. Don’t overestimate your child’s bike riding skills!!


• Older teens should wear light colored clothing and use reflectors so they can be seen at dusk.

Skateboard, Scooter, In-Line Skating, and Heelys Safety

• Children and teens should never ride skateboards or scooters in or near traffic.


• Make sure they always wear a helmet, protective gear, and wrist guards when skateboarding or using a scooter.


• Many communities have skateboard parks so teens have a safe place to ride. See if there is one close to your home.


• While inline skating or wearing Heelys (shoes that roll) wear appropriate protective equipment and use designated paths or rinks not on the streets.


• Only ride during daytime hours.


• Never wear headphones while skateboarding or skating; headphones block traffic sounds.
  

For more information on child safety issues contact the local Safe Kids Coalition:

SAFE KIDS Florida Suncoast
Led by: All Children's Hospital of St. Petersburg
Coordinator: Jean Shoemaker
801 6th St SSt. Petersburg, FL 33701727-767-8581

Source for article-http://www.usa.safekids.org/