Weekly Educator Columns and News Releases

Ag and Horticulture - John Wilson, Extension Educator

Energy and Community - Carroll Welte, Extension Educator

4-H and Family - Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant

Ask an Extension expert from Iowa State University or the University of Nebraska-Lincoln about recovering cropland from flooding.

Taking Steps to Improve Health is as Easy as A1, 2, 3”

Just thirty minutes per day of physical activity can improve health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, depression, bone disease and certain types of cancer. But according to a Nebraska Health and Human Services survey conducted in 2009, nearly one third of Nebraskans fail to meet this daily goal.

A University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension program being offered statewide will help adults take steps to remedy this concern. In each of its seven weekly sessions, instructors teaching the ‘Creating Balance with Food & Fitness’ program will lead participants through a variety of ‘exercises’ which can be used to build a well-rounded physical activity program…some as simple as ‘windshield stretches’ or ‘working out at the work station’. In addition, each class will also offer weekly updates on an array of ‘hot topics’ in nutrition.

The course is being offered each Tuesday over the noon hour via weekly webinars from February 7 to March 20. All that is required is a computer with an internet connection and a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. The on-line sessions allow participants to submit questions and interact with other participants. The class will be delivered ‘live’ but will be recorded for those individuals who can’t attend on Tuesdays. By Wednesday afternoon, a ‘link’ to the archived version will be e-mailed to all participants so they can view the program whenever it’s convenient.
And, for those who prefer the support that occurs in a group, UNL Extension has announced that it has set up sites across the state where local residents can gather to watch the programs together. According to Mary Loftis, UNL Extension Assistant, Burt County is hosting the sessions at the Burt County Courthouse meeting room in Tekamah.
A fee is being charged for the class and pre-registrations are due by January 24. Space is limited so for complete details on how to register, visit http://food.unl.edu//web/fnh/food_fitness or contact the UNL Extension office in Burt County at 402-374-2929.

Creating Balance with Food and Fitness

Well, it’s that time of year again! Hopefully you’ve started working on your New Year’s resolutions. Studies show that “eating healthy”, “losing weight” and “getting more exercise” are consistently among the top ten most popular New Year’s resolutions. If you’re like the millions of others who are thinking about making changes to live a healthier lifestyle, a brand new class being offered by UNL Extension may be just what you need to help you succeed!

‘Creating Balance with Food and Fitness’ is a seven-week series being offered statewide starting February 7 and running through March 20. It’s based on the most recent release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans so it contains the latest scoop on everything you need to know to help you sort out all of the information you hear about diet and exercise. (You know … ‘anti-oxidants’, ‘fiber’, ‘low-fat’….) We’ll even give you a chance to try out a variety of ideas you can use to gradually build more physical activity into your life without it becoming a hardship.

This is not a ‘weight loss’ class, per se. It’s just good, sound advice on nutrition and physical activity that applies to almost every one. The program will get you ‘back to the basics’ and help you achieve and maintain a healthy body.

The course is being offered weekly over the noon hour by webinar. Using the computer not only allows us to draw on our team of educators who are stationed across the state but it also allows us to reach people no matter where they are. The sessions will be presented ‘live’ on Tuesdays but they will also be recorded so those individuals who can’t watch the programs ‘live’ can view them later from their home or office. So, there is no reason for anybody to feel left out!

But, for some people, we know the support that comes from meeting with others is also a real help so, here in Tekamah we will be hosting a small group session where program participants can come to watch the program. The meetings will be held in the Burt County Courthouse meeting room at 111 North 13th Street, Suite 5 in Tekamah, on Tuesday’s starting February 7th at 12:00 noon. Bring your sack lunch with you...because we do have to eat!
For complete details about the program or to enroll, visit our website at http://food.unl.edu/web/fnh/food_fitness. Or, you can also just call us at 402-374-2929 with your questions. Pre-registration is already underway and space is limited so don’t wait until the last minute! Registrations are due by January 24.

Get the new year started right by 'Creating Balance with Food and Fitness' in your life in 2012.

New Year 4-H Leadership Opportunities

The Burt County 4-H Council will start its new year with an organizational meeting Monday, January 23. Before that time we need three new youth 4-H Council members. Youth members serve two year terms. In order to serve on the 4-H Council youth members must be 15 years old by January 1, 2010; have been a 4-H member for at least three years, are currently enrolled in the Burt County 4-H program and barring unforeseen circumstances will be enrolled in the Burt County 4-H program the following year.

If you know of someone who might be interested and eligible for this leadership opportunity, please call the UNL Extension Office at 374-2929 and submit their name. If it’s after hours, you are welcome to leave a voicemail. You can punch 214 right away when the recording comes on and you’ll get Mary's voicemail. Hope to be hearing from you!