November Calendar

8th - Seafood Field Day for Consumers, Iberia Research Station (318) 435-2903 for more information

10th - Union Senior Health Fair 9 am - Rec Center;

10th - Dining with Diabetes 10 am, Richland Extension Office - Registration Required

13th - Holiday Healthy Hacks Diabetes Class 10 am, Delhi Hospital

16th - Dining with Diabetes 10 am, Richland Parish Extension Office - Registration Required;

16th - Holiday Leftovers 2 pm, Ouachita Valley Library

23rd - Thanksgiving

28th - East Carroll Parish Geaux Shop Healthy Workgroup Meeting

30th - Marjoram Spice 1 pm, Louise Williams Library, Ouachita

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Feature Article by Joy Simms

October isn't just about beautiful changing leaves and pumpkin spice; it's National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a dedicated time to illuminate the path toward understanding breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer, as highlighted by The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. It's a month that urges us to emphasize the vital importance of early detection and timely, high-quality care. According to Breastcancer.org, over 4 million women in the United States have a history of breast cancer, including those in treatment and those who have triumphed over it. These numbers highlight the widespread reach of this disease. Additionally, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. predicts that in 2023, an estimated 297,790 women and 2,800 men will receive invasive breast cancer diagnoses. These statistics make it highly likely that you will personally know someone affected by this disease.

However, even in the face of these sobering statistics, there is hope. Early detection is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. When breast cancer is detected in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate impressively reaches 99%, highlighting the crucial role of early detection in achieving positive outcomes (National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.). To reduce your risk and empower yourself in the fight against breast cancer, consider the following proactive measures:

• Know Your Family History: Understanding your family's medical history is crucial. Share any breast cancer history with your healthcare provider, as genetics can influence your risk. They may recommend additional screenings or genetic testing.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Strive for a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Focus on nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise weekly to lower your breast cancer risk.

Together, we can work towards a future where breast cancer is less prevalent and more survivable. You can visit our friends at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (marybird.org) to find out more about preventative measures and local screenings in your parish!

Kids' Corner

by Jocinda Jackson-Jones

Trick-R-Treating Safety Tips

Plan a route: Before heading out, plan a safe and well-lit route. Stick to areas with sidewalks and crosswalks to ensure pedestrian safety.

Use reflective gear: Make sure your child is visible to drivers by incorporating reflective elements into their costume. This will help drivers see them in low-light conditions.

Be cautious of traffic: Remind children to be cautious around moving vehicles. Encourage them to use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing the street, and avoid running between parked cars.

Remember, these tips are just a starting point, and it's important to prioritize the safety of children during Halloween festivities.

Recipe of the Month

by Markaye Russell

Southwestern Roasted Vegetables

4 cups peeled sweet potatoes, cut in 1-inch cubes

1 ½ cups zucchini, cut into small chunks

1 small red or yellow onion, cut into small chunks

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix

Salt to taste (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or foil. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, zucchini, and onion. Toss with the olive oil to coat the vegetables. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and salt (if using). Spread the vegetables on the baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes, shaking the pan every 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and roasted.

Yields: 8 servings

Source: LSU AgCenter Diabetes NEWS Curriculum - Adopted from Trim and Terrific Diabetic Cooking, Holly Clegg

West Carroll Parish Fall Community Health Fair

by Brittney Newsome

At the start of the Fall season, both LSU and SU AgCenters, in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Health partnered together to host a Community Health Fair at the Thomas Jason Lingo Community Center in Oak Grove, LA. The goal for this free community event was to bring awareness to the AgCenter’s Healthy Communities initiatives and the Office of Public Health, health outcome goals. The LSU AgCenter’s mission is to innovate, educate, and improve lives. With this event, we wanted the focus to be on improving the overall well-being of the residents within the community and surrounding areas. We were able to accomplish this by bringing health screenings, healthy recipe demonstrations, informational booths with community resources, and fun activities for children to the heart of the parish. Participants enjoyed Photo Booth fun (sponsored by AmeriHealth Caritas), MyPlate Charcuterie Snack Cups (sponsored by AETNA), and four participants received small kitchen appliances during our door prize giveaways (sponsored by Northeast Louisiana Power Cooperative) that ranged from air fryer, instant pot, food dehydrator, and jam/jelly maker.