(Distributed 05/19/08) Neglecting to make basic preparations could be a decision you heartily regret if a major storm or hurricane comes your way. That’s a message LSU AgCenter experts are stressing as this year’s hurricane season approaches.

(Distributed 05/09/08) With hurricane season approaching, it’s a good time to ask yourself a few questions to determine if you’re appropriately prepared. Even if you’ve been through a hurricane before, it’s easy to forget some of the preparations that can protect your property and family, experts with the LSU AgCenter stress.

(Distributed 05/26/08) If your family has a plan for what you’d do in case of a hurricane or other disaster, now is the time to pull it out and review it. If you don’t, there’s still time to write your plan, LSU AgCenter disaster preparedness specialist Pat Skinner says.

(Distributed 05/27/08) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says your lawn and landscape should be one area you pay close attention to while deciding whether you’re prepared if a storm comes your way this summer. “June marks the beginning of hurricane season, and it’s important to understand powerful hurricanes can affect the entire state – not just the southern portions,” Gill says.

(Distributed 05/22/08) LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says not to forget the relatively easy steps you can take to protect your home from hurricane damage. “Although changes like structural reinforcements, installing hurricane shutters or replacing windows with impact-resistant glass require more time, money and planning, there are some things you can do at a lower cost and with less effort,” Reichel advises.

(Distributed 05/22/08) Wind is the most common and most costly cause of damage to homes and other “light frame structures” in the United States. The 75-mile-per-hour-plus winds experienced in hurricanes put tremendous pressure on the roof, walls and foundation, and windblown debris can significantly increase the damage. But LSU AgCenter disaster recovery and mitigation specialist Pat Skinner says there are steps you can take to protect your home in the long run.

(Distributed 05/16/08) The start of this year’s hurricane season is rapidly approaching, and LSU AgCenter experts say stocking up on supplies now makes sense – whether you think a storm may come your way or not.

(Distributed 05/15/08) As hurricane season approaches, it’s a good time to take a few simple steps to protect your home and family in case a storm strikes, according to LSU AgCenter disaster preparedness specialist Pat Skinner.

(Distributed 05/28/08) Anyone who has heard disaster preparedness recommendations probably knows a three-day emergency food supply is on the list. But just what does that mean? LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames has the answers.

(Distributed 05/29/08) Everyone will be able to cope better if you talk to your children early about hurricanes and get them involved in your plans and preparations, says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser. Discussing what hurricanes are, the dangers they pose and the safety measures to take against them can help to alleviate some of the fear and anxiety children and adults feel when a storm is approaching.

(Distributed 05/30/08) Packing a box you can “grab and go” in case you need to evacuate could save you from financial disasters and hardships, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. “You may not be able to prevent hurricanes and storms that interrupt your routine or destroy your home, but you can make plans to keep them from disrupting everything,” Tucker says.

(Distributed 05/16/08) May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames encourages people to celebrate the month and all year long by participating in their favorite physical activities or trying new ones.

(Distributed 05/07/08) The 9th annual National Women's Health Week will kick off on Mother's Day and be celebrated throughout the following week. The theme for the May 11-17 events is “It’s Your Time: Get Inspired. Get Healthy.” LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says the theme is a good reminder to make better health one of your top priorities.

(Distributed 05/05/08) May is high blood pressure awareness month, and LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says since nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure, it's important to learn more about preventing and treating this disease.

(Distributed 05/20/08) Increases in fuel and transportation prices continue to hit consumers hard at both the gas pump and at the grocery store. Over the last 12 months, the food and beverages index advanced 5.2 percent led by a 6.3 percent rise in prices for food at home, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index.

(Distributed 05/22/08) The weak economy and food inflation have hit struggling households hard. The U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Stamp program is designed to help such households, but, nationally, the program misses one in three eligible people, according LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Annrose Guarino.

(Distributed 05/22/08) Whether you’re a senior taking care of yourself or caring for another, every senior can save money when buying food, an LSU AgCenter nutritionist says.

(Distributed 05/20/08) Finding ways to save on groceries is always a good idea, but especially now when simply driving to the store costs more. You can stretch your food dollars in many ways, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye.

(Distributed 05/20/08) If you're one of the many people who is buying and freezing foods in quantity to help combat rising food costs, don't let freezer burn defeat your efforts, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 05/22/08) What do rising food and fuel costs and volunteerism have in common? “Maybe more than you think,” says LSU AgCenter volunteer expert Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distributed 05/22/08) Now that food costs more and fuel prices are higher than ever, cost-cutting strategies are important to households across most income levels. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy offers ways to save money when heading to the grocery store.