(Distributed 11/23/2003) With the onset of winter comes cooler weather and special environmental conditions that can challenge the performance of even the newest cars, according to LSU AgCenter engineer Dr. Dan Martin. With some forethought and advance maintenance, many of these obstacles can be overcome and prevented.

(Distributed 11/23/2003) Overly enthusiastic holiday spending can push a family into financial difficulty. The challenge of managing holiday spending is to enjoy the spirit of the season without paying for it months or even years later, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 11/24/2003) Grandparents, mom and dad, brother and sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, teacher, friends: the gift list – and the cash register receipt – get longer every year. "The holidays are a great time to discuss spending with the younger set," says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed December 2003) LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser offers a way to cope with holiday stress. "It may not be a cure, but it can sure help! And it just takes 10 minutes a day."

(Distributed December 2003) Chain saws tend to require more maintenance than most other lawn and garden equipment. Proper maintenance will not only prolong the life of the saw and make it easier to start but also make your work easier, says Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed December 2003) Gasoline is one of the most hazardous substances most people have to deal with. We tend to take it for granted since it is so common and familiar, but we should pay it more respect, warns Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 11/24/2003) Most people face the holiday season with some fear of gaining weight. The good news is that although many people gain, research suggests that the gain will probably be only 1 pound, not 5, notes LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/24/2003) Though a sign of the season, poinsettias actually can be grown year round. Poinsettias are the featured plant in retail garden centers, florist shops and grocery stores from mid-November through December. Proper selection and care are important when choosing the holiday decoration, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 11/23/2003) Childhood obesity has substantially increased across all racial and ethnic backgrounds since the 1970s. "It is a serious condition that can lead to hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and to an increased incidence of musculoskeletal injuries," warns LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed December 2003) A quality caregiver makes all the difference during the early years of a child’s development, so parents need to look for indications of quality when entrusting their children to others, says LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Becky White.