January 31, 2011
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella.
~Terri Guillemets
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Establish healthy traditions to make winter fun, prevent cold-weather blues
New tax law delays filing for reinstated deductions
Melinda Hemmelgarn, M.S., R.D., former Nutrition Specialist, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
With Jack Frost nipping at our toes, keep in mind that outdoor activities can be risky. Snow shoveling, for example, can be especially dangerous. Exercise experts say shoveling heavy snow requires as much energy as running 9 miles per hour! In addition, breathing cold air and being exposed to the cold all make the heart work harder.
If you are over 45, sedentary, smoke, have elevated blood pressure, are overweight, and/or have a heart condition, play it safe and get someone else to do the shoveling. Experts warn that snow shoveling is not the exercise to use to start getting in shape.
To prevent injury:
- Don't shovel snow after smoking or eating a heavy meal — these activities put an extra load on our cardiovascular system.
- Dress in layers so clothing can be peeled off as the body becomes warm. Overheating puts extra strain on the heart.
- Wear a scarf over nose and mouth to avoid breathing cold air.
- Wear a hat to retain body heat.
- Pace yourself by taking frequent rest breaks.
- Shovel safely by bending legs slightly at the knee, letting thigh muscles do most of the pushing and lifting work — this will reduce strain on the heart and back.
- Use a shovel with a small scoop and keep loads light and small.
- Stay hydrated! You are sweating more than you realize. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids before and after shoveling to replenish the fluids lost in the process.
Source: Hope Heart Institute
To view this article online, go to http://missourifamilies.org/features/healtharticles/health11.htm.
Janet Hackert, Regional Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, Northwest Region, University of Missouri Extension
The air temperature is already low this time of year and, with the winds, it can feel even colder. In this type of weather it doesn’t take long for Mother Nature to take a bite – frostbite, that is. But frostbite can be prevented.
Frostbite occurs when skin is exposed to extremely low temperatures. Skin tissue actually freezes. According to Ohio State University Extension, symptoms include uncomfortable sensations of coldness and feelings of tingling, stinging or aching. Frostbite also results in white, waxy skin that feels hard, numb and cold to the touch.
There are several steps to treat frostbite. Gently place frostbitten areas in warm, 105° F water or cover the areas with a warm, dry cloth. Affected skin may be very fragile, so avoid rubbing it with snow, massaging or running water over the frostbitten area. These actions can cause further damage. After warming frostbitten parts for 25-40 minutes, dry gently if needed and cover with dry, sterile gauze or soft, clean cloth bandages. Seek medical attention quickly if frostbite is suspected.
Frostbite is more likely to affect exposed areas such as hands and fingers, feet and toes, ears and cheeks. Be sure to protect these areas during extremely cold weather, even when exposure will only be for a short time. Whether it’s stepping out of a warm truck to check cattle or waiting for a school bus, you can prevent frostbite by bundling up and limiting time outside.
Layers of clothing, rather than a single heavy layer, allow for air to be trapped between the layers. Trapped air does a good job of holding the body’s heat in. Layers also permit ventilation.
“Children are at greater risk than adults for frostbite because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly than adults. They may also be reluctant to come inside from their winter fun,” said Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri safety specialist. If the kids still want to go out and play in the snow when the temperature drops and the wind is wicked, be sure they dress warmly. Set short time limits for outside winter fun, and have them come in and warm up between the outside intervals.
To view this article online, go to http://missourifamilies.org/features/healtharticles/health89.htm.
Establish healthy traditions to make winter fun, prevent cold-weather blues
Story contact: Emily Martin, MU News Bureau
Frigid weather may seem like a good excuse to avoid workouts, stay inside and overindulge in comfort foods. However, health experts from the University of Missouri have found that these tendencies leave most people feeling less content during the winter months. MU researchers say people should establish new traditions to increase happiness and avoid wintertime woes.
Instead of resolving to make drastic new year changes, establish healthy traditions for the winter months, MU nutrition and exercise physiology experts recommend. Incorporate activities and habits that promote health and can be shared with spouses, friends and family members each year. The experts suggest trying a variety of ideas.
“When thinking about New Year’s changes, a good first step is creating a vision for the future by picturing yourself happy and healthy,” said Karen Sherbondy, MU Extension special projects coordinator for Family Nutrition Education Programs. “Identify positive and negative aspects of your health and the health of others, including friends, family members, spouses and children. This provides a starting point for establishing new behaviors, avoiding negative habits and seeking help from others.”
“Regarding exercise and physical activity in the winter, some is better than none, more is better than some and too much is difficult to get,” said Steve Ball, state fitness specialist and associate professor in the College of Human Environmental Sciences. “Establish traditions to accommodate cold weather. Try new things, such as dance classes, swimming or water aerobics, or check out exercise videos from the library. Invest in home fitness equipment, such as jump ropes, DVDs, treadmills and stationary bikes. Having equipment at home makes it easier to stay physically active. Search for bargains on gently used equipment and try different things to find what works best.”
“Think of things that are enjoyable – spending time with kids, crafts and watching movies – and incorporate physical activity to enhance them,” Ball said. “Plan activity breaks, set a timer and have 5-10 minute relays inside or outside, take a walk around the block during commercials or try games that get everyone moving.”
“There are several easy ways to improve mood during the winter,” said Alejandra Gudiño, health educator for HES and MU Extension. “Try practicing a few each day, even if they seem silly or unnecessary. They make a difference! Some ideas include: wearing bright colors, reading or watching something funny and laughing out loud – laughing reduces stress hormones and increases endorphins. Socialize and spend time with family, old and new friends and those in need. Creating social ties can boost happiness, improve self-worth and increase sense of purpose.”
“Create fun traditions related to healthy eating,” said Ellen Schuster, MU Extension state specialist. “For example, find healthy recipes online, print a dozen or more and randomly pick one to try each week. Many websites offer reviews and helpful comments.” Ellen suggests the following websites for recipes:
- Recipe Finder - recipefinder.nal.usda.gov (for those with limited resources)
- Fruits & Veggies More Matters - fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org
- eXtension Families, Food and Fitness recipes - extension.org/pages/Families_Food_and_Fitness_Dynamic_List_of_Recipes
“Set realistic goals with measurable results,” Sherbondy said. “Small changes are easier than big changes and can add up over time. Focus on changing one or two behaviors. Once those are mastered, set new goals.”
These tips are based on findings from MU research conducted throughout the year. For more information, visit: MissouriFamilies.org and nutritionmythbusters.blogspot.com. The researchers are part of MU Extension and the MU Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology – a joint department in the College of Human Environmental Sciences, the School of Medicine and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at MU.
To view this article online, go to http://missourifamilies.org/features/healtharticles/health106.htm.
New tax law delays filing for reinstated deductions
The start of the 2011 filing season begins in January for the majority of taxpayers. However, taxpayers affected by three recently reinstated deductions need to wait until mid- to late February to file their individual tax returns.
In addition, taxpayers who itemize deductions on Form 1040 Schedule A will need to wait until mid- to late February to file.
“Taxpayers may begin preparing their returns, but they should not submit their returns until IRS systems are ready to process the new tax law changes,” said Annette FitzGerald, a Taxpayer Advocacy Panel member and family financial education specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
People claiming state and local sales tax deduction, higher education tuition and fees deduction, and educator expenses deduction as well as those taxpayers who itemize deductions on Form 1040 Schedule A will need to wait to file their tax returns until tax processing systems are ready, which the IRS estimates will be in mid- to late February.
“The majority of taxpayers will be able to fill out their tax returns and file them as they normally do,” said FitzGerald.
FitzGerald recommends that taxpayers use e-file instead of paper tax forms to minimize confusion over the recent tax changes and ensure accurate tax returns.
To view this article online, go to http://missourifamilies.org/features/financearticles/cfe52.htm.
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For more information about health, nutrition, human development, finances and housing see http://missourifamilies.org or contact your local University of Missouri Extension center. You can find your local Extension center at http://extension.missouri.edu/directory/Places.aspx
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