(For Release On Or After 01/23/04)Invisible pests are living in the soil of our vegetable gardens, and these microscopic round worms known as nematodes are problems for home gardeners and commercial farmers.

(Distributed January 2004) Are you in the market for child care? Do you want to find just the right setting for your child, but you don't know enough about the all options to choose one? It may be time for some expert advice.

(Distributed January 2004) Working families may pay anywhere from 10 percent to 15 percent of their total family income on child care, and experts say the cost frequently is related to the quality of services you and your children receive.

(Distributed January 2004) Parents and grandparents often face the challenge of deciding what toys are appropriate for their children or grandchildren. The same thing is true of child-care providers seeking new toys for their child-care centers.

(Distributed January 2004) The cold and flu season is here, and that means young children are at risk of contracting contagious diseases such as influenza, diarrhea, strep throat and rashes – just to name a few.

(Distributed January 2004) Many New Year’s Resolutions are long forgotten by the first of February. One to make and keep, however, is resolving to take control of your family finances, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed January 2004) In January and February, outdoor gardening is at a low to nonexistent rate in most homes. "Why not clean up the yard in preparation for spring gardening?" asks LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed January 2004) "Sometimes Medicare isn’t enough," says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker. To help out is Louisiana Medicaid’s Medicare Savings Program.

(Distributed January 2004) Scientists are learning about the role of genetic and non-genetic factors in cardiovascular, metabolic and hormonal responses to aerobic exercise through a three-part investigation begun 12 years ago, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed January 2004) What is an insurance score? How does it differ from a credit score? "Although very closely related, they are not the same," says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.