Living Well Volume 5, Issue 4 - lsuagcenter.com · Carbohydrate (g): 47 Fiber (g): 3 Protein (g): 7. Living Well October – December 2010 Page 2 Food For Thought: Veg Pledge Healthy

Living Well October – December 2010 Page 1

Living WellOctober – December 2010Volume 5, Issue 4

Family and Consumer SciencesSchool of Human Ecology

Food . Family . Finances

Use Family Mealtime to Build a Healthier LifestyleHectic lifestyles of both parents and children make sitting down to a healthy

dinner difficult for everyone. Children juggle homework and after-school activities while parents deal with work and family-related responsibilities. In a world where time is of extreme value, families are left with little time to shop for food, prepare healthy meals and sit down together as a family to eat. Family mealtime promotes healthy nutrition habits for children and adults. Research shows that youth tend to eat more fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy when they eat with their parents.

Dining out has become increasingly common in the hustle and bustle of busy families. Restaurant foods/entrees come in large portion sizes and they are often very high in fat, calories and sodium. Choose healthier options when eating out – grilled meat, side salads, fruit cups and milk are all great choices. Eating at home and preparing your own meals is a much healthier option to dining out. Combine fresh fruits and vegetables with convenience foods that are low in sodium and fat to provide a well balanced meal for everyone.

Here are some family mealtime tips:• Set a regular family mealtime. Pick a time when everyone can be together.• Enjoy more table time, less cooking time. Make quick, simple meals that

contain lean meat and fish, plenty of fruit, vegetables and low-fat dairy. Whole grains are a good idea also.

• Turn off the TV. Turn on the answering machine. Focus mealtime on family talk.

• Keep table talk positive. Everyone gets to talk and to listen. Sitting around a table, not side-by-side at the counter helps.

• Keep table time realistic – not so long that the pleasure of being together as a family starts to dwindle. With fall approaching, moms and dads who prepare family meals may be

searching for hearty, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meals that are nutritious and easy to make. Try this B.L.T. in a Bowl recipe that takes the basic ingredients of a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich and transforms them into a hearty bowl of soup. Tomato soup is a source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may ward off certain cancers. This tasty soup, made with tomato soup as the base along with spinach, tortellini and bacon bits, is proof that convenience foods can work to your nutritional advantage.

For more family mealtime recipes, ideas and nutritional information, please contact your local extension office of the LSU AgCenter.

Quincy L. Cheek, Family & Consumer Sciences, Nutrition Agent

B.L.T. in a Bowl

Two (10 ¾-ounce) cans 30% less-sodium tomato soup

2 cans water

6 to 8 ounces frozen cheese tortellini

One (6-ounce) bag prewashed baby spinach (about 4 packed cups)

4 teaspoons real bacon bits

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Pour the tomato soup and water into a large saucepan and stir to combine. Cover and bring to a boil.

Add the tortellini and cook, uncovered, according to package directions, stirring frequently. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Serve and top with bacon bits and Parmesan cheese as desired.

Calories: 260Fat (g): 4Saturated Fat (g): 1.5Sodium (mg): 780Carbohydrate (g): 47Fiber (g): 3Protein (g): 7

Living Well October – December 2010 Page 2

Food For Thought: Veg Pledge Healthy School Meals Act Rewards Schools for Offering Low-Fat Options

Doctors Say Fruits, Vegetables and Plant-Based Meals Critical to

Obesity Fight

A newly introduced bill, the Healthy School Meals Act, would provide additional funding to school districts for offering each day options such as low-fat and high-fiber vegetarian entrees and non-dairy milk to most students. The bill, introduced by Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), cites the health benefits of a plant-based diet and follows federal dietary guidelines for school meals.

School cafeterias across the country may soon serve more fruits, vegetables and healthy plant-based meals. The new bill in Congress would reward school districts for offering plant-based vegetarian options and healthful non-dairy beverages. Making healthier options available would help schools fight obesity, comply with federal nutrition standards and meet all children’s dietary needs, say doctors and dietitians with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).

The Healthy School Meals Act would reward school districts with additional food aid if they offer most students plant-based vegetarian food choices every day. The bill, which has already drawn support from Rep. John Conyers and 30 other co-sponsors, would create a pilot program to provide select schools with high-fiber, low-fat vegetarian protein products and nondairy milk options.

Even students who choose a plant-based vegetarian meal option once a week could reap important benefits. A veggie burger, for example, has the same amount of protein as a hamburger. But while the hamburger has 15 grams of fat, the veggie burger has only 5, and it contains no saturated fat, no cholesterol, fewer calories and more fiber.

Congress will soon take up reauthorization of the federal Child Nutrition Act, which helps shape the school breakfasts and lunches served to 30 million children. More than 70 percent of schools serve meals too high in saturated fat to comply with federal dietary guidelines, according to the government’s own School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study. About 86 percent of school districts do not offer alternatives to dairy milk.

The proposals in the Healthy School Meals Act have drawn support from school food service directors. Vegetarian school lunch options are also supported by the American Medical Association and the American Public Health Association.

Reference: Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, July 9, 2010.

Provided by Quincy Cheek, made available by Annrose Guarino.

Living Well October – December 2010 Page 3

Ten Ways Consumers Can Protect Themselves

Bogus offers to help consumers save their homes from foreclosure were the fastest growing consumer complaint last year according to research conducted by the Con-sumer Federation of America (CFA), National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators (NACAA) and the North American Consumer Protection Investigators (NACPI). When times are hard, consumers are more vulnerable to false promises of easy ways to make or borrow money. Other common complaints that are particularly related to the recession include aggressive collec-tion practices, debt settlement and other types of debt relief services, advance fee loans, business oppor-tunities, business closings, landlord/tenant problems resulting from foreclosures, job scams, investment schemes and auto dealers failing to pay off loans on trade-ins.

Consumers can protect themselves from these recession-related scams and others by following these recommendations: 1. Look at the track record. Before buying from unfamiliar companies, check

with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-351-4889, the Better Business Bureau and/or online complaint forums to see if other people have reported serious problems.

2. Hire licensed professionals. When hiring home improvement contractors or other professionals, consult the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline to determine if they must be licensed or registered and how you can check to confirm that they are.

3. Pay the safest way. When purchasing goods or services that will be delivered later, pay with a credit card so you can dispute the charges if they don’t arrive or aren’t what you were promised.

4. Use gift cards and gift certificates promptly. Even well-established businesses can suddenly close or go bankrupt, and it may be impossible to get refunds for the unused balances on gift cards and gift certificates.

5. Don’t pay in full upfront. If you are asked for a deposit for home improvement or other services, pay a small amount, never the full price until the service is completed to your satisfaction.

6. Recognize the danger signs of fraud. Be wary of any requests to wire money; scare tactics or pressure to act immediately; promises that you can borrow, win or make money easily if you to pay a fee in advance; and any situation in which someone gives you a check or money order and asks you to send money somewhere in return.

7. Get all promises in writing. Verbal agreements are hard to prove. Carefully read contracts or finance agreements and make certain you understand them before you sign.

8. Seek help for financial problems from legitimate sources. If you are having difficulty paying your bills, consult a non-profit consumer credit counseling service. Avoid debt settlement services that require most or all of the fees to be paid before any of your debts are settled. If you are unable to pay your mortgage, contact your lender and try to work out a loan modification. If the lender is unresponsive or unhelpful, call 1-800-569-4287 or go to http://nhl.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm to find a housing counselor certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Steer clear of unsolicited offers of help from any company except the lender to whom you send your mortgage payments.

9. Know your debt collection rights. Under federal law you have the right to dispute debts that you don’t owe, and many states prohibit action to collect debts after a certain number of years. Federal law prohibits debt collectors from calling with annoying frequency, falsely threatening legal action and discussing debts with people who aren’t legally responsible for them.

10. When in doubt, check it out. If you are not sure what your rights are or you think something might be fishy, consult the Louisiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-351-4889.

Jeanette Tucker, Ph.D., Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist

Living Well October – December 2010 Page 4

Holiday Food SafetyThanksgiving and Christmas are right around the

corner and people are setting their holiday menus. For those who are “seasoned” cooks you may not have any fears of cooking a turkey, but for someone who has never cooked a turkey you will have a million questions. A few tips can put your fears aside and help you make the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

How much turkey do I buy?Use the following chart to help you decide how

much turkey you will need.

Turkey Type How Much Per PersonWhole Bird 1 poundBoneless Turkey Breast ½ poundBreast of Turkey (bone in) ¾ poundTurkey Roll ½ poundPre-stuffed Frozen Turkey 1¼ pounds (keep frozen

until ready to cook)

How long does it take to defrost a turkey?Always thaw your turkey in the original wrapper

in the refrigerator. Place the bird in a pan and allow 24 hours per 5 pounds of turkey. After the turkey is completely thawed out, keep it refrigerated for 1-2 days. Plan on 1-2 days for a 8-12 pound turkey; 2-3 days for a 12-16 pound turkey; 3-4 days for a 16-20 pound turkey; and 4-5 days for a 20-24 pound turkey.

How do I cook my turkey?You can cook your turkey in the oven and the best

temperature is 325ºF. The following charts can help guide you, whether you stuff it or not.

Unstuffed TurkeySize of Turkey Hours to Prepare8-12 pounds 2¾-3 hours

12-14 pounds 3-3¾ hours14-18 pounds 3¾-4¼ hours18-20 pounds 4¼-4½ hours20-24 pounds 4½-5 hours

Stuffed TurkeySize of Turkey Hours to Prepare8-12 pounds 3-3½ hours

12-14 pounds 3½-4 hours14-18 pounds 4-4¼ hours18-20 pounds 4¼-4¾ hours20-24 pounds 4¾-5¼ hours

The best way to ensure that your turkey is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer and it should reach 165ºF internal temperature for a fully cooked turkey. All parts of the turkey should be checked. Once your turkey is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it stand 20 minutes before carving.

If it’s Thanksgiving Day and you still have a question, you can call one of the following hotlines for answers to your questions.

USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline 1-888-674-6854

Butterball Turkey Hotline 1-800-288-8372

Reynolds Turkey 1-800-745-4000

For more information, contact Mandy G. Armentor, MS, RD, LDN, Associate Extension Agent (FCS-Nutri-tion), Vermilion Parish LSU AgCenter Office, 1105 W. Port St., Abbeville or call 337-898-4335.

Source: USDA Food Safety Institute

Living Well October – December 2010 Page 5

Holiday BLUES: Yes, the Feelings are Real

Holiday Time - the time for decorating, holiday music, family gatherings, gift giving, tinsel, ribbons and bows, pretty paper and holiday cooking. While some people feel energized others find themselves feeling blue.

Sensory overload, the desire for a picture perfect holiday celebration, financial stress, the loss of loved ones or the memory of days gone by can all add to the stress of holidays and the “holiday blues.”

How do you know if you are suf-fering from holiday blues? If you feel down and depressed for a day or two and can’t get yourself back into the holiday spirit you may be suffering from the blues. If you lack interest in the events around you and feel down for more than several weeks you may be suffering from depression.

Holiday blues and depression have many of the same symptoms: fatigue, sadness, tension, hopelessness or helplessness, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, irritability, head-aches or other aches. If the feelings persist for longer than several weeks, seek professional help. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

To avoid holiday blues consider the importance of the time with your family and their needs and wishes. Be-gin new traditions – ones that don’t involve much money and focus on activities that can be done together as a family. Why not consider making some of your gifts and decorations? What a great way to spend quality family time with family members!

Honor those who are no longer with you by focusing on those who are around you. If you know some-one who is alone during the holidays, invite them to spend some time with you and your family. If you feel alone, reach out and let someone know. Don’t suffer in silence. You will be surprised to learn how many people

are experiencing the same type of feelings! If necessary, talk with some-one you trust or to a professional.

Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness. Strong people know when they need outside help. Don’t think you have to handle stress alone.

Volunteer to help others. Taking the focus off your own concerns and putting it on others can make you feel better.

Share some of the work involved in planning for the holidays. Delegate responsibility to other family mem-bers - invite some guests to bring a vegetable dish, salad, dessert or a beverage.

Instead of focusing all of your efforts on one day and one meal, spread more leisurely, less stressful activities over many days. Consider having family over to help decorate the tree; you don’t have to do it alone!

Have friends over to bake holiday cookies. What a great way to get in a holiday visit!

Let this be truly a holiday season, not just one holiday!

Take your grandchildren to view neighborhood and city lights, visit relatives and friends.

This holiday season may not be like any that you have enjoyed previously. Things change and you can make that change for the bet-ter. Relax and enjoy your family and friends and turn your holiday blues into holiday spirit!

References:LSU AgCenter (December 18, 2008). Beat those Holiday Blues. Holiday News You Can Use. Downloaded December 3, 2009 from http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/communications/news/holidays/beat+those+holiday+blues.htm

Diane Sasser, author and Adapted for senior citizens by Beth Gambel

Here are some tips to help beat those blues:

• Eat healthy foods and begin each day with breakfast. However, holidays are not free tickets for overeating! Overeating can cause stress.

• Exercise regularly. Walking reduces stress and helps ward off those extra pounds.

• Rest adequately. Don’t feel obligated to attend every event to which you are invited. Select ones that best fit into your schedule allowing you to get your tasks accomplished while getting enough rest.

• Be realistic about holidays. The decorated homes featured in the magazines took months and many people to complete. If your neighbor’s home looks like a magazine cover, that neighbor probably is exhausted and has a hidden closet or large garage with boxes and bags of “stuff.”

Living Well October – December 2010 Page 6

Christmas is coming!What if, like many others, you really cannot afford to buy

Christmas gifts this year? Don’t wait to speak to those you have previously exchanged gifts with. Tell them now that you won’t be able to do that this year. Telling them, before they buy you a gift, saves you and them time and awkwardness. They’ll un-derstand and appreciate your honesty. They may be in a similar financial situation this year.

Some low- or no-cost gift ideas:

• If your credit cards allow you to accumulate points, use the points to get and give gifts or gift cards.

• Talk to your immediate and extended family about exchanging names, so you buy one gift instead of many.

• If you have like-new books you’ve already read, consider passing them on to others as gifts.

• There are magazines offering free or very low-cost 6-12 month trial subscriptions, or buy one and get one free. Give the gift of a free magazine subscription.

• Prison arts and crafts fairs are great places to get inmates’ unique handmade items at low cost.

• Learn to barter. A friend or neighbor may be a good cook or seamstress, and you may be able to trade some yard work or babysitting for that perfect home-cooked or handmade gift.

• You may have items you have purchased or been given that you will never use. Consider re-gifting.

• Can you knit, do artwork, make jewelry, can jelly, grow house plants, sew, make hair bows, scrap book, or use your talent to create your own unique gifts? There are lots of ideas online for low-cost homemade gifts, like pot holders out of old jeans, flavored coffees out of instant coffee, or hot chocolate mixes that can be given in jars as gifts.

• You can copy and share a favorite recipe or prepare and give it as a gift. You could make and freeze rolls of your favorite cookie dough or a lasagna recipe to give as gifts.

• Perhaps you have jewelry you no longer wear or something that would have sentimental value to someone else that you could pass along as a gift.

• Children can make ornaments with their names and the year to give to friends, family and teachers.

• For children in your family, identify agencies in your community that will be distributing toys or clothing for Christmas and call now to see if you qualify to be on their distribution list. Ask if they distribute Thanksgiving and/or Christmas food baskets or ask them to refer you to an agency that does.

No need to panic, not yet, but don’t wait until you have few or no options and end up spending more than you can afford. With some planning and preparation, you can make Christ-mas inexpensive and fun. And what if you’ve been downsized, or laid off? There are some ways you can deal with that too.

Make a list of everyone you can think of that you usually buy gifts for at Christmas. Carry that list around with you between now and Christmas and watch for sales. As you find that perfect gift, check that name off your list and store the gift at home to wrap later. Use a “gift closet,” or you can use space under a bed, behind a sofa or in a pantry. When Christ-mas comes and your gifts have already been purchased in advance, it takes the pressure and stress off you and your wallet.

You can find new items still in the original packaging and discounted at garage sales, char-ity fund raisers, store clearance sales, thrift stores or online (be sure to look for free shipping). Watch for coupons and advertised “specials” for any “must have” items. If you see something on sale and don’t have the money right now, many stores have brought back the “layaway” concept which allows you to get the item on sale now and pay later.

Living Well October – December 2010 Page 7

• Do you own something of value that you no longer need or use? Consider selling it. The price of gold is over $1,000 an ounce. You may have broken gold jewelry you can sell to a jeweler to pay for Christmas.

• Can you give a coupon for cleaning a house/garage/oven/closet, yard work, shopping or a back rub?

Christmas cards:Right before or immediately after Christmas, when everything

goes on sale, buy cards for the next year. Or make your own cards and consider handing them out instead of mailing them. The cost of stamps is increasing and sending Christmas cards can be expensive. If you cannot afford to send cards this year, then go through your list and see how it can be reduced. Start now, and tell those you’ve sent to in the past that you will not be sending cards this year. Again, they may be in a similar financial situation this year and they’ll appreciate your honesty.

Inexpensive holiday party ideas:

If it is your turn to host the Christmas or New Year’s party then consider making it a potluck, where everyone brings a dish to share. You can provide the place, silverware, napkins, plates, glasses, iced tea or coffee and do the clean-up. You can let guests know the cat-egories from which they can chose -such as salads, meat, casseroles, vegetables, desserts, etc., or take your chances and be surprised. Also, let your guests know it will be a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bev-erage) party. You provide the ice and they bring their own drinks if the iced tea and coffee you provide is not what they want to drink.

If you want your party to be one that everybody will enjoy and remember, make it a fun “White Elephant” party. See: http://www.wikihow.com/Organize-a-White-Elephant-Gift-Exchange

This is a way for friends or family to get together for the holi-days and have a fun time for very low or no cost.

Give yourself and your family the gift of reduced holiday stress by not adding debt this year. You don’t have to wait until Christmas. You can start now to make your holiday time together less expen-sive and more enjoyable. Spend more time together as a family by cooking and eating together at home, taking advantage of local parks, going to the library for books, playing cards or board games, attending free concerts or educational programs, watching Christ-mas specials on TV together, visiting relatives/friends/neighbors, going for bike rides or walks and talking. Make your plan now and stick to it, because the holidays are coming, and this year you can make them really special.

Gloria T. Nye, Ph.D., Extension Agent, St. Landry, St. Martin & Evangeline Parishes

Holiday StressIn our fast-paced world of today,

the holidays can lose their happiness and become a major source of stress. According to the 2010 Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary, stress is “a physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation.”

During this holiday season, don’t let stress manage you. Try these tips to manage your stress:

1. Understand what stresses you. Recognize your stressors and take the time to write them down.

2. Recognize how you handle stress. Keep a journal of stressors and ways you cope with them. Note any changes in your behavior or any physical changes, such as headaches or muscle tension.

3. Develop healthy ways to manage stress. Physical activity or relaxation can help relieve stress. Find a friend to talk to or listen to your favorite music. Try volunteering at a local non-profit agency or hospital instead of overeating or overspending. Consider seeking professional help if you continue to feel overwhelmed.

4. Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep and eat right. Slow down. Take time to enjoy the holiday season and set realistic expectations.

References: 1. American Psychological As-sociation. Making the Most of the Holiday Season. 2008. 2. Merriam-Webster. Medline Plus, Medical Dictionary, 2010. Retrieved from www.merriam-webster.com/medlineplus. July 20, 2010.

Ashley Powell, Assistant Extension Agent , Concordia Parish

Living Well October – December 2010 Page 8

Gift Cards: Purchase and Use Them WiselyHave you ever found yourself wondering what gift

would be appropriate for that friend or relative? The adults often have what they need and the children don’t necessarily identify a gift that is cost appropriate for you to give. Consider a gift card! Gift givers as well as the gift receivers often consider a gift card as being a perfect gift.

A gift card, whether it is in the amount of $5 or $50, can be well spent. The recipient can use the card alone or in combination with others to select the exact item, size and color he wants. For the giver, the gift card is easily available, convenient to purchase and can be de-signed to fit any budget.

There are two types of gift cards:• Retail gift cards – sold by retailers and restaurants

that can only be used with the specific merchants.

• Bank gift cards – that carry the logo of a major credit card company or payment network that can be used at any location that accepts the cards.

There is really NO perfect gift! Gift cards are no exception. If you are purchasing or receiving a retail gift card, check to be sure that there is not an expira-tion date on your gift card. If there is, be sure to use it before the card expires.

The bank gift card may carry a fee for activation, maintenance or transaction.

The following are suggestions for buying gift cards:

• Buy from sources that you know and trust. Cards purchased from online auction sites may be counterfeit or may have been obtained fraudulently.

• Read the fine print before you buy. Shop elsewhere if you do not like the terms and agreements.

• Ask about expiration dates and fees when you are purchasing the card. Gift cards issued to be redeemed in goods or services provided by the card seller and purchased in Louisiana do not expire for five years from the date of purchase or money was last added to the card, which ever is later.

• Consider purchase fees. If you buy the card online or on the phone, is there a fee for shipping and handling? Does expedited delivery cost more?

• Consider activation, maintenance or transaction fees that may be deducted from the value of the card, Gift cards issued to be redeemed in goods or services provided by the card seller and purchased in Louisiana can only have a one-time handling fee of $1.

• Inspect the card before you buy it. Verify that none of the protective stickers have been removed or codes haven’t been scratched off to reveal a PIN number.

• Give the recipient the original receipt to verify the card’s purchase in case it is lost or stolen.

• Consider the financial condition of the business and whether it has filed for bankruptcy. Cards purchased from troubled business may turn out to be worth less than face value.

The following are tips for the gift card recipient to consider:• Read the terms and conditions when you get the

card and check for any expiration dates or fees associated with the card.

• If the giver did not give you the original purchase receipt or the card’s ID number ask for it.

• Treat your card like cash. If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the issuer immediately. Some issuers don’t replace lost cards, but others may if you pay a fee. Most issuers have toll-free numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards.

• Use it or lose it! Use your card as soon as you can. It’s not unusual to misplace gift cards or forget you have them. Using cards early will help you get the full value. Inactivity fees may not be charged if the card has been used within the past 12 months. If a card remains unused for 12 months, one fee per month may be charged.

• Should your card expire before you use it, contact the issuer. They may still honor it. Although there may be a charge or fee to do so.

• If you have a problem with a gift card, contact the store or financial institution that issued it. If you can’t solve the problem at that level, you may want to file a complaint with the appropriate authorities. For cards issued by retailers, contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov. You may also file a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section by calling 1-800-351-4889. For problems with cards issued by national banks, call the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency’s Customer Assistance Group, 1-800- 613-6743.

Reference: LSU Ag Center (December 9, 2009). Gift Cards are a Top Choice: Purchase and use them Wisely” News You Can Use. Downloaded December 9, 2009 from http:://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/communications/news/news_you_can_use/Gift-cards--are-a-top-choice-purchase-and-use-them-wisely

Author: Jeanette Tucker and adapted by Beth Gambel, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, South Central/

Crescent Region

Living Well October – December 2010 Page 9

Children Learn What They Live

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.

If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.

If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.

If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.

If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.

If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.

If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.

If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.

If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.

If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.

If children live with fairness, they learn justice.

If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.

If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.

If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.(Used with permission)

Living Well October – December 2010 Page 10

The Character Critters Storybook is ideal for parents or grandparents to read to their children/grandchildren. The storybook includes six separate stories that talk about being fair, trustworthy, responsible, respectful, caring and a good citizen.• 6"x9", 32 pages, full color.• Price: $7.00 *

*Plus tax. Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards accepted.

Character Critters Posters Kit #1 — Teaching children about good character can be fun! Character Critters Kit 1 is a character education resource designed for early childhood educators and others who work with 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds. It is a story and activity approach to teaching character. There are six individual stories that feature six cute critters learning about good character. There are 30 storytelling posters with story illustrations on one side and the story script on the other – for easy storytelling. The kit also includes an implementation guide that provides suggestions for ways to implement the program, the six stories, parent-child activity sheets, lessons for parent meetings and activities to complement the storytelling.• 11"x17", full color, 30 double-sided durable posters and

implementation guide• Price: $40.00*

Kit #2 — Those popular Character Critters are back again learning new lessons about good character! Character Critters Kit 2 is an additional character education resource (which complements Character Critters Kit 1) designed for early childhood educators and others who work with 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds. It is a story and activity approach to teaching character featuring stories of six charming critters learning about good character. For the early childhood educator, there are 30 storytelling posters with story illustrations on one side and the story script on the other – for easy storytelling. The kit also includes an implementation guide that provides suggestions for ways to implement the program, the six stories, parent-child activity sheets, lessons for parent meetings and activities to complement the storytelling. • 11”x17”, full color, 30 double-sided durable posters and

implementation guide• Price: $40.00*

Visit our online store: www.LSUAgCenter.com/onlinestore

Living Well October – December 2010 Page 11

Living WellInformation and education at your fingertips to help you live well. Brought to you by your family and consumer sciences professionals through the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Newsletter Coordinator:Annrose GuarinoFamily & Consumer Sciences School of Human EcologyLouisiana State UniversityBaton Rouge, LA 70803Phone: (225)578-4449E-mail: [email protected]

Living Well October – December 2010 Page 12

Family and Consumer SciencesSchool of Human EcologyHuman Ecology Building - LSUBaton Rouge, LA 70803-4301

Living WellOctober – December 2010Volume 5, Issue 4

Family and Consumer SciencesSchool of Human Ecology

Food . Family . Finances

Highlights

Use Family Mealtime to Build a Healthier Lifestyle .................. 1

Food For Thought: Veg Pledge ................................................... 2

Ten Ways Consumers Can Protect Themselves ........................ 3

Holiday Food Safety .................................................................... 4

Holiday BLUES ............................................................................ 5

Christmas is coming! .................................................................. 6

Holiday Stress .............................................................................. 7

Gift Cards: Purchase and Use Them Wisely .............................. 8

Children Learn What They Live ..................................................10

Contact your local AgCenter office for additional information.

Visit our website:www.lsuagcenter.com