(Radio News 05/25/09) One of the easiest ways to avoid a potential illness is quite simple – wash your hands appropriately. Hands are the most common way to spread germs because they are warm and moist and come in contact with many surfaces. LSU AgCenter family development associate Emily Braud says proper hand washing is especially important for children. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/14/09) Older adults and those who care for them should take precautions to guard against the flu, says LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser. Reasonable precautions will not only help to prevent the spread of the flu but may also save lives in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, she stresses.

February is reserved as American Heart Month in order to raise awareness about the prevention and management of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women and accounts for almost 700,000 deaths each year or 29% of all U.S. deaths.

(TV News 02/16/09) The recent outbreak of salmonella linked to peanut products is a national tragedy. People have died from the illness, and hundreds have been sickened. While the contamination has been linked to one facility, an LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert warns that consumers could breed illness-causing bacteria in their own homes. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds)

(Distributed 02/06/09) Normal food safety practices at the consumer level could not have prevented the recent outbreaks of food-borne illness caused by eating certain peanut products. The conditions that caused the unsafe products occurred before the products reached the public, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

Most children can put into perspective tragic or sad events that don't impact them personally. However, some children may be at risk of more extreme reactions because of personal circumstances. Adults should contact a professional if children exhibit the following over an extended period of time.

February is a month dedicated to the heart – in more ways than one. This is the time to celebrate love and give your sweetheart a valentine. This is also the month to wear red and call attention to prevention of the No. 1 killer of women – heart disease.

(Distributed 01/31/08) February is American Heart Month. Women will again “Go Red for Women” by wearing something red or special pin to raise awareness of heart disease, women’s no. 1 killer.

Including folic acid in your diet is a key strategy for optimal health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. This is her message during National Folic Acid Awareness week, Jan. 9-15.

When you see mold on food, is it safe to cut off the moldy part and use the rest? For most foods the answer is no, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.