(Distributed May 2005) Some unscrupulous lenders are using misinformation and high-pressure tactics to prey on vulnerable homeowners. There is no clear-cut definition of a predatory loan, but LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker says that it is the result of a lender misleading, tricking and sometimes coercing someone into taking out a home loan at excessive costs and without regard to the homeowner’s ability to repay.

(Distributed May 2005) The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which are revised every five years, include exercise for the first time as part of a healthy lifestyle. LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu says the guidelines emphasize nine key areas.

(Distributed May 2005) "Nearly all Americans consume much more salt than they need," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Using more salt (sodium chloride) increases the risk of high blood pressure, and using less salt reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

(Distributed May 2005) Literacy activities are an important part of any early childhood curriculum, stresses LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe, who says introducing children to literacy occurs in many ways.

(Distributed May 2005) "Eating healthfully is one of the most important things women can do to achieve and maintain good health," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, in observance of National Women’s Health Week, May 8-14.

(Distributed May 2005) High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney disease - the first, third and ninth leading causes of death in the United States, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed May 2005) Building blocks can serve as a major foundation in helping children to learn important skills, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Gioe explains that child-care and early childhood educational programs most often arrange their classrooms into a series of "learning centers," and she says the area involving blocks is one of the most important.

(Distributed May 2005) Weeds are unwanted plants that compete with your lawn for water, nutrients and light. Practically every lawn has lingering winter weed problems during spring, according to LSU AgCenter agronomist Dr. Ronald Strahan.

(Distributed May 2005) May and June are critical for Louisiana athletic turf. You have to grow your Bermudagrass field in late spring and early summer to have a field for August play, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed May 2005) Current recommendations for reducing hypertension emphasize modifying your lifestyle. That means you must do more than simply taking a pill to lower your blood pressure, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.