February Calendar

• 4th - Nourish to Prevent: Cancer Prevention Series - Delhi Hospital Classroom, Delhi 10 am
• 5th - Break Up with Salt Series - West Carroll Parish Extension Office, Oak Grove 10 am
• 12th - Break Up with Salt Series - West Carroll Parish Extension Office, Oak Grove 10 am
• 12th - Taste of Herb and Spices - Union General Hospital, Farmerville
• 13th - Taste of Herb and Spices - Louise Williams Library, Monroe
• 14th - Exercise Class for Seniors - Delhi Library, Delhi 10 am
• 18th-20th - Ag Adventures - Delhi - Call your NCH agent for more information
• 26th - Break Up with Salt Series - West Carroll Parish Extension Office, Oak Grove 10 am
• 28th - Grow Herbs for Seasoning Workshop - MERIT, Winnsboro 10 am

Kids Corner

by Markaye Russell, Ouachita & Union

MyPlate Tips for Healthy Snacking for Kids

Snacks can help children get the nutrients needed to grow and maintain a healthy weight. Prepare single-serving snacks for younger children to help them get just enough to satisfy their hunger. Let older kids make their own snacks by keeping healthy foods in the kitchen. Save time by slicing veggies by storing sliced vegetables in the refrigerator and serve with dips. Mix it up for older school-age kids, mix dried fruit, unsalted nuts, and popcorn in a snack-size bag for a quick trail mix. Choose lean protein foods such as low-sodium deli meats, unsalted nuts, or eggs. Snacks shouldn't replace a meal, so look for ways to help your kids understand how much is enough. Fresh, frozen, dried, or canned fruits can be easy "grab-and-go" options that need little preparation. A single-serving container of low fat or fat free yogurt or individually wrapped string cheese can be just enough for an after-school snack. Children constantly are growing and have lots of energy. They need to refuel their bodies many times during the day. Running, walking and carrying a backpack require energy. Children also have small stomachs that need to be filled frequently. Eating healthy snacks keeps the brain sharp and the body moving. Packaged snack foods can be high in calories, fat, added sugars and sodium. Choosing snacks from the five food groups of MyPlate always is wise.

Focus on Wellness Year-round

by Brittney J. Newsome

Wellness is a complex idea that includes different aspects of health and well-being that helps you stay healthy and happy in all parts of your life. Wellness is often thought of as just physical, but it also includes mental, emotional, social, environmental, and many other factors. As we start the new year, let's focus on all these areas and work towards living a balanced life. Let's explore the different aspects of physical and mental health and wellness.

Physical Health and Wellness: Exercise regularly by finding activities you enjoy, like walking, swimming, or dancing. Try new things to keep it fun and interesting. Eat well-balanced meals, including all food groups from MyPlate: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Plan and prepare your main meals and snacks ahead of time to ensure you have healthy options available. Take your sleep seriously by creating a bedtime routine and aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. This can include winding down with a book, avoiding screens before bed, and keeping your sleeping environment comfortable and quiet.

Mental Health and Wellness: Practice mindfulness by engaging in activities like meditation or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve focus. Enhance your cognitive functioning by reading books, solving puzzles, or learning new skills. Spend time with friends and family to build strong social connections. Express your feelings by talking to loved ones or keeping a journal. Avoid social isolation and set healthy boundaries to maintain emotional balance.

Focusing on your overall well-being is an individualized journey, shaped by personal choices and the environments in which we live. It's about making a continuous effort to strive daily to reach your wellness goals by focusing on key areas like physical and mental health to create a balanced lifestyle.

Recipe of the Month

by Quincy Vidrine, Franklin & Caldwell

Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2-pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat.
2. Add cubed chicken to the skillet and brown for 3-4 minutes.
3. While chicken browns, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
4. Add the sauce to the skillet with chicken; toss to coat and continue cooking until chicken reaches 165 degrees F (internal), about 5-6 minutes.
5. Serve over steamed brown rice, if desired.

Why Connectivity Matters

by Ana Gouge, Built Environment, Connectivity, and Physical Activity

Connectivity to meaningful destinations is crucial in rural Louisiana because it directly impacts residents' access to essential services and opportunities. Many rural communities face transportation challenges, leaving citizens without reliable means to reach healthcare facilities, educational institutions, employment centers, and grocery stores.

Improved connectivity can enhance quality of life, promote economic development, and ensure that all residents, regardless of their location, have equitable access to the resources they need to thrive. By addressing transportation barriers, rural communities can become more inclusive and resilient, fostering a stronger sense of community and well-being.

Contact your local LSUAgCenter Nutrition and Community Health agent today to become a part of a local coalition to advocate for changes surrounding walkability, bikeability, and necessary transportation in your rural community.