(Distributed June 2005) Residents of Louisiana and other southern states may begin requesting their free credit reports on June 1, 2005, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed June 2005) June is either the tail of spring or the head of summer in Louisiana. It depends on whether you are near I-20 or near I-10 interstates, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2005) Summer is here, and outdoor play ranks as a favorite activity for most young children. But that means safety also should be a concern for parents and caregivers, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed June 2005) Southern peas are an option for Louisiana summer gardens, because they can take the heat and prefer less fertile soils, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2005) LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says to observe June Dairy Month by consuming the recommended servings of non-fat and low-fat milk and milk products.

(Distributed June 2005) Springtime fish fatalities in ponds are common throughout the Southeast, especially in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter aquaculture professor Dr. Greg Lutz explains that stress caused by abrupt temperature fluctuations, such as many parts of the state experienced in the past several months, often aggravates fish health problems by suppressing immune responses beyond normal seasonal changes.

(Distributed June 2005) Enjoy Louisiana blueberries. They can help protect against diseases, including certain cancers and heart disease, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed June 2005) The vegetable garden is a busy place. Plants grow, most develop flowers and then bear fruit. Proper nutrition is essential, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2005) Landscape plant evaluations at the LSU AgCenter regularly identify new plants worthy of increased use in Louisiana, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed June 2005) Summer marks the beginning of picnic season and the challenge of food safety, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed June 2005) It’s the wedding season, and newlyweds are facing the reality of incredible changes that come with their new lives together. Some of the biggest changes couples face involve money, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed June 2005) Now is the time to take advantage of historical low student loan rates, says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed June 2005) Father’s Day is a good time to focus on men’s health. Although many people think of osteoporosis as a woman’s disease, it is also a serious health problem for men, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed June 2005) In an attempt to lose weight, some people try to eliminate all fats and oils from their diets. That’s a mistake, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed June 2005) If our dry spring months extend into the summer, we will need to remember some important considerations when watering home landscapes, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed June 2005) Child care may not be what comes to mind when you think of economic development or the state’s major industries, but a recent study by experts from two Louisiana universities shows significant contributions.

(Distributed June 2005) Persistent drier-than-normal weather this spring has resulted in the onset of near-drought conditions over much of Louisiana, reports LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes.

(Distributed June 2005) Prescreened solicitations are now among the principal techniques creditors use to inform prospective customers of the availability of their products and to establish new or additional business relationships with them, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed June 2005) June Drop is a name that pecan growers have given to an event that occurs from mid June through early July. During this period, a large number of "nutlets" drop from pecan trees, explains LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.

(Distributed June 2005) Bermudagrass may be the plague of flower beds and gardens, but is an important turfgrass species, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2005) C.E. Byrd High School students scored in every award category in the recent Foundations for Life national essay contest by the Josephson Institute of Ethics and Character Counts!

(Distributed July 2005) Louisiana consumers recently gained the right to obtain a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies. LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker says to review the accuracy of your report closely.

(Distributed July 2005) Do you smoke around your young children? Does your child’s child-care provider smoke in the child-care environment? If your answer to either of those questions is "yes," LSU AgCenter experts caution there are multiple concerns about children and their exposure to secondhand smoke.

(Distributed July 2005) Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plants and soils, but is often eyed as an element of concern. High levels can spark algae blooms in waterways and decrease water quality, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed July 2005) A new report issued by the World Privacy Forum suggests that consumers might be better off requesting their federally mandated free credit report by phone or mail instead of ordering it online. You could be the victim of a cyber scam, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed July 2005) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 300 people die each year from heat-related illness. Drinking enough fluids is important during our hot summer weather – especially for senior citizens - according to LSU Agricultural Center nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed July 2005) Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are both essential for human health. Americans, however, consume far too many omega-6 fats and not enough omega-3 fats, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed July 2005) The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide science-based advice to promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases through diet and physical activity. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames takes a close look at the recommendations for water, sodium and potassium.

(Distributed July 2005) The U.S. Army concerns itself not just with its troops, but with the well-being of the soldiers’ families. Character education is a major part of that commitment and tradition, according to LSU AgCenter character education state expert Sarah Williams.

(Distributed July 2005) With the summer half over, you may be wondering about ways to keep your young children entertained, occupied and learning - without going broke! Family economics professor Dr. Ann Berry says options are available that are beyond cheap - they’re free.

(Distributed July 2005) Lawns need a dozen or so soil-supplied nutrients for adequate growth. Of those applied, nitrogen (N) is required in higher amounts, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed July 2005) Summer pruning of blackberries is an important management tool. It is helpful in fruit harvesting, controlling insects and controlling diseases, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.

(Distributed July 2005) Metabolic syndrome affects a person when a combination of abnormal clinical measurements are detected at the same time. The condition develops less frequently, however, in physically fit individuals, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed July 2005) Early childhood education is severely underfunded, and that means those working in the field often are overworked, underpaid and subject to burnout.

(Distributed July 2005) Louisiana summers are a tough time for tomatoes to set and hold fruit. The heat causes irregular flower growth in most cultivars, and the result is poor fruit set, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed July 2005) Two-thirds of Americans with type 2 diabetes are at high risk of diabetes complications because they don't have their blood sugar under control, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed July 2005) The predicted number of hurricanes for the 2005 season is well above the norm for a single season. A look at the past 10 years, however, shows active seasons have become more common than unusual, according to LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes.

(Distributed July 2005) Summer is a time when many parents choose to leave children home rather than making other child-care arrangements. This leads to the situation of kids caring for kids – or kids caring for themselves.

(Distributed July 2005) Hurricane and tropical storm counts have been above the norm for all but one of the last 10 years. This trend and historical records suggest that the Atlantic is in an elevated storm count for another 10 to 20 years, according to LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes.

(Distributed July 2005) Did you know that Americans consume more ice cream than any other nation in the world? Ice cream is one of the desserts most enjoyed by all ages, from children to grandparents, says LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu.

(Distributed July 2005) At least 47 million Americans—or about one in five—has a condition called metabolic syndrome. These people are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and are at higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and other causes, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed July 2005) Buddleias, known by most home gardeners as butterfly bush, are becoming an increasingly popular plant in the home landscape, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed July 2005) More varieties and sizes of crape myrtles are available than many people realize. One group of crape myrtles being used more because of its smaller size and excellent flowering performance is the semi-dwarf, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed August 2005) Schools strive to produce competent learners and healthy intellects. But is that enough? asks LSU AgCenter 4-H character education expert John Arceneaux.

(Distributed August 2005) If you hope to do well with your fall garden, you really should have a suitable plan. That’s the advice from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed August 2005) Early childhood educational programs using developmentally appropriate and theme-based curricula have the highest levels of success in preparing children for a life of learning.

(Distributed August 2005) Active children are better able to meet the demands of daily life, gain greater self-esteem, confidence and discipline, school achievement, social connectedness and positive family relationships than their sedentary peers, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed August 2005) Homeowners are reminded of certain care fig trees need for good production. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner examines fig cultural practices and fertilization.

(Distributed August 2005) Studies suggest that moderate-to-vigorous leisure-time physical activity protects against the development of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. In the past, structured exercise programs have been emphasized for reducing diabetes risk, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed August 2005) The LSU AgCenter is inviting nominations for two programs of interest to cattle producers - the Louisiana Calf-to-Carcass program and the Louisiana Forage-Based Bull Performance testing program.

(Distributed August 2005) "Most people do not consume enough fruits and vegetables," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Consuming fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as stroke, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and cancers of the pharynx, larynx, lung, esophagus, stomach and colon-rectum.

(Distributed August 2005) Cooking on a hot summer day may seem unbearable. Even with air conditioning, you may not want to heat up the kitchen by turning on the oven. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames offers "cool" strategies.

(Distributed August 2005) Most people are familiar with the "sell-by" date on foods. Other date labels may not be so obvious, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed August 2005) We usually associate warm-season bedding plants with the spring and summer growing seasons. Many of these plants, however, actually do better from mid- and late summer through the fall, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed August 2005) Unrealistic goals for a fit and healthy body can lead teens into dangerous habits. This is especially true for girls, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed August 2005) Basic lawn care is essential to a new sod's success. Basic care involves fertilizing, watering and mowing properly, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed August 2005) With the heat and humidity of August, we think twice before working outdoors. In wet summers, the extra turf growth and extra mowing also may squelch enthusiasm. But don’t stop! says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed August 2005) Certain oyster lovers have to be cautious about eating the shellfish during August. Levels of Vibrio vulnificus (Vv) bacteria are higher when coastal waters are warm, says state education oyster Vv coordinator, Dr. Sally Soileau, a professor with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed August 2005) The weather still may be hot, but summer is mentally packed up for the year with the kids back in school. "It’s a time when you also can start anew," says AgCenter family resource management specialist Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distribued August 2005) Adequate soil moisture is essential for a thriving landscape. Inadequate moisture can mean the loss of newly planted grass or increased diseases, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed September 2005) In September you’ll hear, "It's time to winterize your lawn," just as last spring you heard, "It's time to weed and feed." Yet, this practice may not be beneficial or even necessary, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed September 2005) Healthy snacks are an important part of a child’s diet. Because their stomachs are small, youngsters may not eat enough food at meals to get all the nutrients they need in a day. Eating smaller portions more often will help to ensure adequate nutrient intake, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed September 2005) The September 11 anniversary, on-going insurgency in Iraq and terrorist attacks in England are markers of uncertain times and reminders of how important it is to have your financial house in order, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed September 2005) Small plant size, attractive flowers and unique fruits make the pomegranate an excellent landscape plant, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner. It has been grown as a fruiting shrub or small tree in many of the old Louisiana gardens.

(Distribued September 2005) When your child goes off to college, the experience can be an onerous one for you and your child. You can do many things to make going off to school a good - or unpleasant - experience, says LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane Sasser.

(Distributed September 2005) Proper refrigeration can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. It can reduce by two-thirds the risk of Listeriosis, an illness from improperly chilled foods, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed September 2005) Being the parent of a college freshman can be challenging. College students undergo many changes as they begin their journey to independence, says LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane Sasser.

(Distributed September 2005) "People of character strengthen our country through their daily actions." So reads a portion of last year’s Presidential declaration of Character Counts! Week. This year, the week will be observed October 16-22.

(Distributed September 2005) Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires medical intervention, meal planning and dedication to a healthy lifestyle. Several approaches are available for individuals to plan their diets, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed September 2005) With fall approaching, garden mums are popular choices for home landscapes. They fill the gap between the end of the warm-season bedding plants and the beginning of the true cool-season bedding plants, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed September 2005) It’s never too late to help your child succeed in school. Developing success skills takes place at home as well as in the classroom, according to LSU AgCenter 4-H youth expert Dr. Janet Fox.

(Distributed September 2005) Where kindergarten once marked the first school experience for many children, it now has been replaced by preschool, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed September 2005) In a salute to September as National Rice Month, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says rice is delicious, nutritious, economical and versatile. It’s also an excellent source of energy-rich carbohydrates.

(Distributed September 2005) Lawns grow very fast and very aggressively in the South. If they’re not edged back regularly, Southern lawn grass will grow right over sidewalks, driveways, flower beds and anything else in their way.

(Distribued September 2005) Make sure you plan a good defense for keeping food safe at tailgate parties. Keeping food safe from home to stadium helps prevent foodborne illness, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed September 2005) Devoid of bells and whistles, quiet and profound changes are revolutionizing the way Americans will live out their retirement, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed September 2005) Half the male population and a third of the female population are likely to develop heart disease in their lifetimes. Whether you have heart disease or want to prevent it, you can reduce your risk for having a heart attack by lowering your blood cholesterol level, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed September 2005) Each year, millions of illnesses can be traced to foodborne bacteria. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says that figure can drop if people follow recommendations during September Food Safety Education Month.

(Distributed September 2005) Have you been shocked to find the interest rate on one of your credit cards was raised – often dramatically - even though you may never have missed a payment? The problem lies with the universal default clause, says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed September 2005) If you pack a school lunch for your child, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames wants you to follow certain food safety tips from the Fight BAC! safety campaign. She says these recommendations will reduce the incidence of foodborne illness.

(Distributed September 2005) As fuel prices rise, tractor owners are looking for ways to reduce fuel consumption. Dr. Richard Parish, an engineer with the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station, has some suggestions for saving fuel.

(Distributed October 2005) Do you just park your lawn mower or string trimmer in the shed at the end of the season and hope it will start next spring?

(Distributed October 2005) Trick-or-treaters these days enjoy non-food treats as well as candy for Halloween. So, this year, think beyond the usual sweets, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed October 2005) October is a last chance to start a full vegetable garden, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed October 2005) Sweet potatoes are a perfect choice for the health-conscious consumer. They add valuable nutrients and color to any meal, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed October 2005) Homeowners have two types of fertilizer spreaders available for use on their lawns: rotary spreaders and drop spreaders.

(Distributed October 2005) Storms may damage turf directly by flooding or indirectly by wind debris. "In either case, this is not a good time to regrow grass," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed October 2005) Those who survive hurricanes and other natural disasters are at risk for behavioral and emotional readjustment problems. Most child and adult survivors experience one or more normal stress reactions for several days after a natural disaster.

(Distributed October 2005) When you’re under stress, one of your best defenses is good health. To keep your body healthy, it’s important to eat nutritious foods and be physically active, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed October 2005) Children's reactions to disaster depend on their age and maturity. Their responses also are affected by how close they are to the event, their level of exposure to it through TV and how they see their parents react.

(Distributed October 2005) Thousands of Louisiana residents are facing home rebuilding or repairs in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. "Selecting a competent contractor to make home repairs is one of the most important things you will need to do to put your home and life back in order," says AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed October 2005) In observance of October as National Seafood month, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says that consuming approximately two servings of fish per week (about 8 ounces total) may reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

(Distributed October 2005) If you rent or lease an apartment, house or business building and the structure is damaged in a natural disaster, read your lease carefully to determine what you need to do regarding damages, terminating the lease, securing temporary housing and other matters, advises LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Ann Berry.

(Distribtued October 2005) After crises like hurricanes Katrina and Rita, your life will never be the same. Many of us survived this natural disaster, but much of what we care about may be lost.

(Distributed October 2005) A properly maintained rotary tiller will give the best performance and longevity, according to an engineer with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed October 2005) After a disaster strikes, whether it is a hurricane, flood or tornado, you could find yourself without a job and needing a source of income. The Louisiana Department of Labor responds to disasters with unemployment insurance benefits and disaster unemployment assistance.

(Distributed October 2005) To help educators and caregivers help youth cope with the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth Development program is reviewing and recommending curriculum materials that emphasize hands-on activities.

(Distributed October 2005) Most people in the Gulf Coast area understand the value of home generators to keep power in their homes when hurricanes strike. Further from the coast, home generators are useful when ice or snow knocks down power lines.

(Distributed October 2005) The aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita is a wake-up call for all whose homes were spared. It’s a vivid reminder of the importance of making your home stronger, safer and smarter, according to LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel.