(News You Can Use for May 2004) With hurricane season around the corner, it’s a good time to begin preparing the landscape for storms, according to LSU AgCenter agriculture and natural resources expert Barton Joffrion.

(Distributed July 2004) Although Louisiana summers are predictably hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, Mother Nature still can throw a curve ball at the Sportsman's Paradise. That curve ball is tropical weather, says LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes.

(Distributed June 2004) After a disaster strikes, you don't want to be caught saying, "I wish I had..."

(Distributed July 2004) We may be only half way through 2004, but many Louisiana residents feel like they have already experienced more than a year's worth of weather, according to LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes.

(Distributed February 2004) February is the ideal month for Louisiana gardeners to plan, prepare and plant roses, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. At this time of year, new rose bushes can be planted, and established bushes can be given the maintenance they need to get off to a good start this spring.

(Distributed February 2004) Springtime often sees large outbreaks of a little lawn weed with stickers on it. And although some call it "sticker grass," it's not a grass, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske

(Distributed February 2004) The last five to 10 years have seen a tremendous increase in the number of annual bedding plant species and varieties available for residential and commercial landscape use. The LSU AgCenter has conducted landscape trials on annual bedding plants for a number of years, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed February 2004) The LSU AgCenter's 8th Annual Greenhouse Tomato Seminar and Field Day will be held Feb. 27 at the Red River Research Station in Bossier City. Running from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the free-of-charge Friday afternoon program will cover what is new in the industry, production problem solutions, pest control and a tour, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed February 2004) Understanding the numbers on a bag of fertilizer helps you apply the right amount and ratio of fertilizer your yard and garden need, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Fertilizers come in different strengths and blends, with the three numbers on the bags showing the percentage by weight of the three major nutrients.

(Distributed February 2004) Mardi Gras is a time with lots of colorful beads and other throws that children like. LSU AgCenter Family Development professor Dr. Diane Sasser offers some tips to help keep kids safe during Mardi Gras parades.

(Distributed for February 2004) Following its recent consumer alert about ephedra, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will issue a rule to ban the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says consumers should stop buying and using ephedra products now.

(Distributed February 2004) February is Children’s Dental Health Month. LSU AgCenter nutrition expert and dentist Catrinel Stanciu says now’s the time to ask yourself about your children’s oral hygiene.

(Distributed February 2004) Want to lose weight and keep it off? LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says a combination of healthy eating and physical activity promotes successful long-term weight control.

(Distributed February 2004) March is National Nutrition Month sponsored by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and its Foundation. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says the observance reinforces the importance of nutrition as a key component of health, along with physical activity.

(Distributed February 2004) Each year, heart disease and stroke kill more than 500,000 women. "That equates to about one death a minute," calculates LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed February 2004) February is American Heart Month. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says this year’s campaign is a call to action for women to take charge of their heart health.

(Distributed February 2004) Both obesity and being overweight have increased significantly in the recent years with nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults being one or the other. Whether this weight gain has resulted more from an increasing sedentary lifestyle or from less exercise is under debate, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed February 2004) Financial security in retirement doesn’t just happen, according to LSU AgCenter family economics specialist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. It takes planning, commitment and, of course, money.

(Distributed February 2004) Would you like to reduce the time and money required to repay your debts without increasing the total amount being paid monthly to creditors? LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker says there's a computerized debt reduction analysis program that will help you do just that.

(Distributed February 2004) Adults often bemoan their lack of financial training and all the money management skills they learned the hard way. To help future generations from repeating this mistake, LSU AgCenter family economics specialist Dr. Jeanette Tucker shares 12 principles every young person should know.

(Distributed February 2004)You may have encountered a variety of terms while looking for a child-care program. But just what do Class A, Class B or NAEYC-accredited mean?

(Distributed February 2004) Did you know your child-care provider must have a variety of written policies and that they must provide a copy to you?"The Louisiana Department of Social Services is responsible for publishing licensing standards for child-care programs," said LSU AgCenter associate Cheri Gioe, explaining that the state department regulates and supervises any program providing care for young children.

(Distributed February 2004) Directing a child-care program is exhausting, not to mention complicated, so it is paramount that a dedicated, knowledgeable person oversees these operations, according to LSU AgCenter associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed February 2004) One of the most frequently asked questions parents have when interviewing a child-care program operator is "What type of discipline do you use?"

(Distributed March 2004) Two of the most frequently asked questions by parents when visiting child-care programs are "What type of training does your staff participate in?" and "What educational backgrounds do your staff members have?"

(Distributed March 2004) Studies show children are better adjusted, do better in school, learn more and show the most improvement when members of their families are involved in their children’s early education.

(Distributed March 2004) March is a critical month in our vegetable gardens - early for some things and late for others. Timely planting is one way of increasing potential yield and decreasing production problems, says LSU Agricultural Center horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed March 2004) With the arrival of March and April, we are squarely in the middle of the spring bedding plant season. Warm-season bedding plants make a great addition to Louisiana landscapes, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed March 2004) Lawn grasses are now showing spring re-growth across much of the state, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske warns against rushing out and applying fertilizers that will cause too much very early growth.

(Distributed March 2004) A recent LSU AgCenter survey of Louisiana home vegetable garden shows a "diamond in the rough," claims LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. The survey estimates that the state had 394,877 home gardens in 2003.

(Distributed March 2004) One of the most challenging problems in home landscapes is controlling weeds in ornamental beds, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. Start controlling them in early spring.

(Distributed March 2004) If you overseeded your lawn or athletic fields last fall, you should help your turf out of that "fix," says LSU Agricultural Center horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. The warm-season grass will be trying to re-establish itself as the cool-season, overseeded grass grows strong.

(Distributed November 2004) Hunting season is under way in many areas of the state, and LSU AgCenter hunter safety expert Dr. Don Reed cautions hunters to keep safety in mind when they are in the woods.

(Distributed November 2004) When Louisiana temperatures take a dip, many people start thinking about building a roaring fire in their fireplaces. What they don’t dream of, however, are the insects that too often come inside with the firewood, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet.

(News You Can Use for May 2004) There are not a whole lot of heat-loving vegetable crops, laments LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. The horticulturist lists the meager choices.

(Distributed March 2004) Federal nutrition programs – food stamps, WIC and child nutrition programs like school lunch and breakfast – historically have protected the nation’s most vulnerable people from severe hunger and malnutrition. "Today, federal nutrition programs continue to be critical," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Annrose Guarino.

(Distributed March 2004) White adolescents are more occupied with thinness than black adolescents. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy examines this phenomenon found in a Pennington Biomedical Research Center study.

(Distributed July 2004) Producing tomatoes in the summer heat is tough. When night temperatures get into the lower to mid 70s, most tomatoes can’t pollinate properly and their fruit won’t ‘stick,’ says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed July 2004) Schools are in the construction business. "No, you won’t find them in the construction section of the classified ads, but you will find them constructing tomorrow through the students of today," says LSU AgCenter state 4-H Character Education coordinator Johnny Arceneaux.

(Distributed July 2004) Some athletes have favorite foods they associate with being ready to compete, but LSU Agricultural Center nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says no pre-competition meal will provide any special powers.

(Distributed September 2004) Would you like to cut cheating at your school? Your school, community and, ultimately, society could benefit from a systematic and sustained effort to instill honesty and integrity, says LSU AgCenter state 4-H Character Education coordinator Johnny Arceneaux.

(Distributed November 2004) One of the indicators of quality child care is the educational level of caregivers. Unfortunately, Louisiana child caregivers rank as some of the least-educated providers in the nation, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(News You Can Use for May 2004) When choosing a child-care facility it is just as important to visit the outside spaces as it is to tour the classrooms, an LSU AgCenter expert advises.

(Distributed December 2004) Young children, who today spend most of their waking moments in child-care programs, need to have the knowledge and security of a reminder from home, says LSU AgCenter expert Cheri Gioe.

(News You Can Use for May 2004) A supportive, nurturing, inviting environment for preschool age children is extremely important in encouraging them to explore and learn, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(News You Can Use for May 2004) The Louisiana Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences honored outstanding LSU AgCenter faculty at a ceremony March 11 during the LEAFCS annual conference in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed April 2004) Today’s teens work 15 hours per week at $5.70 per hour for a weekly paycheck of more than $80, yet they spend $104 each week, laments LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Louisiana teens scored only 47.3 percent on a nationwide test of financial literacy.

(Distributed June 2004) Enjoy Louisiana blueberries, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Blueberries are nature's number one source of antioxidants among fresh fruits and vegetables.

(Distributed June 2004) Late spring is the latest you can start to have a good Bermuda grass athletic turf. Don’t expect to work on it a month before season play or practice and get much of a result, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed July 2004) Some athletes have favorite foods they associate with being ready to compete, but LSU Agricultural Center nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says no pre-competition meal will provide any special powers.

(Distributed November 2004) "Although the end of the year 2004 is rapidly approaching, you still have time to take advantage of some great tax breaks and let your employer pick up the tab for expenses," says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed September 2004) Localized dry spot is one of the most serious summer problems during dry periods, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Dry spot first appears as small patches of dead or dying turfgrass.

(News You Can Use for May 2004) Eggs have plenty to offer despite their cholesterol content, according to LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu. Eggs are an inexpensive source of high-quality protein and a good source of vitamins B12, E, riboflavin, niacin, iron and phosphorus.

(Distributed October 2004) 4-H State Food & Fitness Board coordinators earned this year’s Excellence in Teamwork award at the LAE4-HA state conference August 19. The winners were board chair and Rapides Parish associate 4-H agent Lois E. Brister, co-chair and DeSoto Parish assistant 4-H agent Lorna Atwell and adviser Catrinel Stanciu, nutrition extension associate in the state office.

(Distributed August 2004) Pears are adapted to most of Louisiana. It is not unusual to find 40- and 50-year-old trees still producing fruit, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.

(Distributed August 2004) In some situations, a hand-cranked spreader is more practical than a wheeled model for spreading lawn and garden fertilizer or pesticide granules, according to LSU AgCenter engineer Dr. Dick Parish.

(Distributed May 2004)We fertilize our lawns and landscapes to keep plants attractive and healthy. But does much of this nitrogen pollute our groundwater? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske relays some encouraging news.

(Distributed August 2004) Having completed its seventh year, Character Counts! is now established in all 64 parishes, reaching more than 350,000 people statewide, according to LSU AgCenter character education leader Sarah Williams.

(Distributed June 2004) A lawn needs proper feeding to keep it healthy and resistant to weeds and other pests. Just like us, if overfed, a lawn becomes soft, spongy and weaker; if underfed, it becomes thin, weaker and less attractive, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed November 2004) Smaller harvests are expected for most major Louisiana crops in 2004. Blame the combined effects of the unusually wet spring and the abnormally dry mid to late summer, says LSU AgCenter weather specialist and extension climatologist Jay Grymes.

(Distributed December 2004) Good test scores, quality workmanship, respectful students and employees - all of these have something in common. The link is ethical character, says LSU AgCenter state 4-H character education coordinator John Arceneaux.

(Distributed May 2004) Maintaining good Bermudagrass turf primarily includes adequate fertility, mowing and weed control, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed November 2004) Early childhood education and quality of child care affect children’s social and cognitive development, and attachment to a caregiver can be a positive factor in that development, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed April 2004) Unclaimed refunds totaling more than $33 million are awaiting 30,500 Louisiana families who failed to file a 2000 income tax return. The average unclaimed refund totals $507, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed April 2004) Daylilies are one of the most popular flowering plants for late spring and early summer landscapes in Louisiana. Gardeners always want daylily information, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed October 2004) For October National Seafood Month LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames recommends eating fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna or salmon at least two times a week.

(News You Can Use for May 2004)Many Louisiana gardeners enjoy a summer landscape with caladiums. These are one of the most popular plants to fill shady gardens, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed September 2004) Bananas are grown throughout Louisiana as an ornamental to give a tropical affect to the landscape, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.

(Distributed March 2004)A new study shows that Americans consumed more calories over the past 30 years. This points to the increase in overweight and obesity in the United States, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed September 2004) Young children learn from their experiences. They use their senses to gather information about the world around them.

(Distributed June 2004) Making ends meet can be difficult even in the best of times, but the added impact of job loss, medical bills or divorce can be devastating. At these times consumers often seek help from credit counseling agencies (CCAs) in managing debt. "But be cautious," advises LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed July 2004) Financing a college education is often a partnership among the student, family, school and lending agency. To succeed financially, LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker encourages college students to discuss the costs with their families to clarify the extent to which each segment will be financially responsible.

(Distributed August 2004) Most child-care providers are likely to care for a child with special needs at some point, so it’s important to know how to recognize and meet those needs, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed November 2004) Two of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Both women and men are at risk, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed December 2004) This holiday season, let your children share in planning and preparing food for these special occasions. "Kids enjoy being holiday helpers," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed August 2004) American children spend an average of 28 hours each week watching television, so it’s important to know how television affects them and to try to make that viewing time as positive as possible, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed July 2004) When cells build up in an artery, a clot may form and cause a heart attack or stroke. Eating oats can help prevent the clot, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed April 2004) Will you get the biggest bang for your tax refund buck? The taxpayer who gets the most or the biggest bang for his or her refund buck is the one with a tax-refund spending plan, according to LSU AgCenter family resource management professor Dr. Ann Berry.

(Distributed December 2004) Winter weeds started germinating in October. Come late winter, retailers will be pushing weed and feed fertilizers to control them. Not an enthusiast for weed and feed, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske advises caution.

(Distributed June 2004) Obesity is increasing worldwide, but in particular it is increasing rapidly in the United States in epidemic proportions. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy says several environmental factors are to blame, including reduced level of physical activity, decreased smoking, increased portion sizes, eating outside the home and lack of physical activity in schools.

(Distributed July 2004) Drinking enough fluids is important during our hot summer weather – especially for senior citizens, according to LSU Agricultural Center nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(News You Can Use for May 2004) Is your child or grandchild about 13 or 14? Does he think he’s too old to hang out at Grandma’s house, or does she think she’s too young for a summer job? Try volunteering together, recommends LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser.

(Distributed July 2004) High temperatures in the early school year can be a great threat, not only to athletes, but to all active kids. Many children require medical attention because of dehydration and heat illnesses, according to LSU Agricultural Center nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed December 2004) One diet has been found to be especially helpful in fighting cancer, heart disease and atherosclerosis. Its effectiveness comes from food rich in phytochemicals, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(News You Can Use for May 2004) Hypertension or high blood pressure is often called the silent killer, because it may cause no symptoms. "The condition may not be so silent after all," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, citing new research.

(Distributed September 2004) Curriculum includes the environments, themes, projects and activities that direct a child’s learning, and the early childhood curriculum constantly changes because children are constantly changing.

(Distributed November 2004) Laying hens producing table eggs or hatching eggs require a completely balanced diet to maintain maximum and quality egg production. Feed expenses, however, tempt producers to cut corners, according to LSU AgCenter poultry professor Dr. Theresia Lavergne.

(Distributed April 2004) Class 8 of the LSU AgCenter Agricultural Leadership Development program completed its two-year course of study with graduation February 13. Thirty leaders in agriculture and ag-related fields from around the state were awarded diplomas and leadership pins by top AgCenter administrators.

(Distributed June 2004) Louisiana Class A licensed child-care facilities are required to provide meals and snacks to children enrolled in their care, and those meals and snacks need to be not only nutritious but safe.

(Distributed October 2004) Obesity has increased tremendously in the last few years in both children and adults. The surge has raised the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed November 2004) November in Louisiana means cooler weather, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says it doesn't mean you have to hang up your garden tools for the year. "Some garden plants withstand cold weather, so you can keep your garden filled and growing until spring," the horticulturist explains.

(Distributed August 2004) The hardshell bottle gourd, also known as the birdhouse gourd, is one of the few plant species from which useful and lasting containers can be made. Two dominant species are Cucurbita and Lagenaria, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed December 2004) As children grow and develop so do their opinions about foods – what should be eaten, how to eat it and a host of other issues. The challenge is not to panic or worry as these changes occur, says an LSU AgCenter expert.

(Distributed June 2004) Picnics and eating outdoors pose special problems for keeping food safe to eat. The challenge of keeping hands and utensils clean is greater when preparing and eating food outdoors away from the kitchen, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed October 2004) For Halloween this year, think beyond the usual sweet treats. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames suggests handing out miniature toys, stickers and non-food favors available in the Halloween section at local stores.

(Distributed April 2004) What happens when a military service member leases a new vehicle, then receives a deployment order outside the United States? Until recently, the service member would be stuck, says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed March 2004) For most people, fasting is an occasional choice, but for many people hunger is a year-round reality, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Annrose Guarino. She offers ways to help alleviate hunger.

(Distributed July 2004) As you prepare your children for going back to school, take a closer look at the physical facilities they will be using. Many schools find themselves short on funds for improvements, but many of these needs can be met with a coordinated effort by the parents and community, according to LSU AgCenter family resource management specialist Dr. Karen Overstreet.