(Distributed 06/25/08) The peak of the Louisiana peach season runs from mid-June until mid-July. Don’t miss out on this healthful window of opportunity, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 06/25/08) It's time to enjoy Louisiana blueberries. Luckily, blueberries are nature's No. 1 source of antioxidants among more than 50 fresh fruits and vegetables tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging.

(Distributed 06/17/08) The LSU AgCenter has conducted a considerable amount of evaluation research on crape myrtles over the last 10-plus years, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. “Probably 40-50 varieties are worthy of being grown and sold in Louisiana,” Owing says.

(Distributed 06/17/08) New research has found a link between eating fruits and vegetables and preserving muscle mass in older men and women, according to a study funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

(Distributed 06/11/08) About 2 million American men have osteoporosis, and another 12 million are at risk for this disease, reports LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. “Father’s Day is a good time to focus on men’s health,” Reames said. “And osteoporosis in men remains underdiagnosed and underreported. Although many people think of osteoporosis as a woman’s disease, it is also a serious health problem for men.”

(Distributed 06/04/08) RUSTON – The red flags of predatory loans were explained to the public at a Dollar Defense workshop presented by the LSU AgCenter May 29.

(Distributed 05/22/08) The weak economy and food inflation have hit struggling households hard. The U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Stamp program is designed to help such households, but, nationally, the program misses one in three eligible people, according LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Annrose Guarino.

(Distributed 05/22/08) Now that food costs more and fuel prices are higher than ever, cost-cutting strategies are important to households across most income levels. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy offers ways to save money when heading to the grocery store.

(Distributed 05/22/08) What do rising food and fuel costs and volunteerism have in common? “Maybe more than you think,” says LSU AgCenter volunteer expert Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distributed 05/22/08) Whether you’re a senior taking care of yourself or caring for another, every senior can save money when buying food, an LSU AgCenter nutritionist says.

(Distributed 05/20/08) Finding ways to save on groceries is always a good idea, but especially now when simply driving to the store costs more. You can stretch your food dollars in many ways, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye.

(Distributed 05/20/08) If you're one of the many people who is buying and freezing foods in quantity to help combat rising food costs, don't let freezer burn defeat your efforts, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 05/20/08) To make each food dollar go farther, remember that healthy foods give you more value for the buck. Thrifty shopping, however, requires planning before and during trips to the store, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 05/20/08) Increases in fuel and transportation prices continue to hit consumers hard at both the gas pump and at the grocery store. Over the last 12 months, the food and beverages index advanced 5.2 percent led by a 6.3 percent rise in prices for food at home, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index.

(Distributed 05/16/08) May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames encourages people to celebrate the month and all year long by participating in their favorite physical activities or trying new ones.

(Distributed 05/07/08) The 9th annual National Women's Health Week will kick off on Mother's Day and be celebrated throughout the following week. The theme for the May 11-17 events is “It’s Your Time: Get Inspired. Get Healthy.” LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says the theme is a good reminder to make better health one of your top priorities.

(Distributed 05/05/08) May is high blood pressure awareness month, and LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says since nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure, it's important to learn more about preventing and treating this disease.

(Distributed 04/14/08) The 2008 All-American Daylily winner is Sweet Summer Valentine, chosen by the All-American Daylily Selection Council. The plant has light, buff-pink flowers with a vivid burgundy maroon eyezone and a matching edge.

(Distributed 04/14/08) April 27–May 3 is Louisiana Volunteers for Family and Community week, as proclaimed by Gov. Bobby Jindal. The volunteer program, whose members used to be called extension homemakers, is a project of the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 04/14/08) Even if you are not otherwise required to file a tax return, you may still be eligible for an economic stimulus payment from the federal government, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye. Filing a return, however, is required to receive the money.

(Distributed 04/14/08) Choose Louisiana strawberries for a nutritious and delicious treat. Besides being naturally sweet and tasty, these locally grown berries require less shipping time than those grown out-of-state. This helps insure a fresher, higher quality product, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 04/03/08) MANSFIELD – Nutrition educators and area residents learned they are never too old to improve bone health at Hats Off to Nutrition, a presentation by LSU AgCenter faculty March 27.

(Distributed 04/02/08) If springtime brings mild weather and an extended wet period, watch for a sinister-looking fungus or slime attacking your lawn.

(Distributed 04/02/08) Enjoy a guilt-free celebration in April by observing national pecan month with one of Louisiana’s locally grown commodities. You’ll be helping the state’s economy and treating yourself to a nutrient-rich food.

(Distributed 04/02/08) Consumers may learn how to avoid scams, fraud and identity theft through a program offered across the state by the LSU AgCenter and other organizations.

(Distributed 03/25/08) BOSSIER CITY – A soil analysis is the first thing to consider when planting fruit trees, said Dr. Charles Graham, research horticulturist, at the monthly Lunch and Ag Discovery talk at the LSU AgCenter’s Red River Research Station March 18.

(Distributed 03/14/08) Dyeing Easter eggs is fun, but because eggs are perishable, they require safe handling. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames details important safety precautions.

(Distributed 03/07/08) Whether you like them fried, boiled or in a stew, crawfish are a Louisiana favorite. And for the next few months, crawfish can be found on dinner tables and in backyard boils across the state. Crawfish not only taste great, they're good for you, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 02/27/08) Food and nutrition misinformation can have harmful effects on your health and well-being, as well as your wallet. That’s why the theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month observed in March is "Nutrition: It’s a Matter of Fact."

(Distributed 02/15/08) Louisiana consumers have an average credit score of 672. At 20 points below the national average of 692, Louisiana ranks near the bottom nationally, with 48 states having higher average credit scores, according to the Experian National Score Index.

(Distributed 02/08/08) One of the most powerful ways to increase your financial security and grow wealth over time is to develop a savings habit. Form that habit by “paying yourself first” and saving regularly.

(Distributed 01/31/08) Whether you’re house hunting or having a house built, consider the many options available that help protect the structure against severe weather and related disasters. LSU AgCenter Disaster Programs Coordinator Pat Skinner explains a few basic techniques.

(Distributed 01/18/08) With the New Year come announcements of ornamental plant winners. One popular competition is the All-America Rose Selections. AARS winners for 2008 are Mardi Gras and Dream Come True.

(Distributed 01/15/08) You’ve taken good care all your adult life to pay bills on time and maintain a high credit score. You expect your high rating to continue after marriage, but it could drop if your new spouse has a low credit score.

(Distributed 01/15/08) The church and reception hall are reserved, the dress is selected, the invitations are addressed, the photographer and caterer are ready. You might even have your new residence “ready-to-go.”

(Distributed 12/05/07) A certain type of staph infection (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus – MRSA) can easily be prevented with proper hygiene and heal with treatment, according to Terri Crawford, Northeast region nutrition agent with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 10/26/07) Halloween is a favorite holiday for many children, but candy is not necessarily the kids’ favorite treat, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Research reveals that youngsters enjoy nonfood treats, too.

(Distributed 09/24/07) Among the many natural threats homeowners face is termite infestation. Precautions can minimize that threat.

(Distributed 09/06/07) Tailgating in Louisiana gets in full swing with the kickoff of football season. To prevent food-borne illness, build your game plan around the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Partnership for Food Safety Education’s food safety steps, says Dr. Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter food safety specialist. The four steps in the plan are clean, separate, cook and chill.

(Distributed 08/29/07) To winterize Southern, warm-season lawns, apply a fertilizer with more potash than nitrogren. Potash is represented by the third number on a fertilizer bag, while nitrogen is shown as the first.

(Distributed 07/27/07) Louisiana gardeners may be enjoying a second bloom of purple coneflowers this time of year. The perennial plant is one of the most popular in home landscapes.

(Distributed 07/27/07) The first-ever Spanish language companion to the Federal government’s Consumer Action Handbook is now available.

(Distributed April 2005) One group of roses that is not necessarily new, but has been receiving more and more attention over the last few years, is the shrub rose. "This variety has great potential," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed April 2005) Soy foods have become very popular because of their nutritional content and health benefits, according to LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu.

(Distributed April 2005) The Louisiana Department of Social Services offers a variety of programs designed to help children and families – particularly in the area of ensuring quality child care is available.

(Distributed April 2005) Poor diet and physical inactivity are preventable causes of death, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed January 2005) Consumers often ask about the safety of using plastic wrap or plastic containers in microwave ovens. According to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, only plastic containers or packaging labeled "microwave safe" should be used in microwave ovens.

(Distributed July 2004) An increasing body of research shows that quality child-care and educational programs early in a child’s life has a profound impact on their development, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.