Living Well Through Family Consumer Science Programs

Nashville, Ark. – March has been designated as “Living Well Month” to encourage all Americans to improve their health and well-being by taking advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the local Cooperative Extension Services. 

An initiative of the National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS), Living Well Month was developed to increase awareness of educational opportunities and resources designed to help individuals, families and educators improve the quality of their lives, become competent consumers and build healthier communities. 

Many people may be familiar with the services provided by Extension agents for agriculture or the 4-H program, but are unaware of the mission of the Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program. The Living Well campaign works to educate people about programs and opportunities available to all people in Howard County.

Recent FCS programs in Howard County include The Best Care program to provide verified training for child care providers, personal finance workshops, ReShape Yourself – A Healthy Weight Loss Program, hands-on cooking programs and Get Fit, an exercise training program. An upcoming program of interest to some people might be a Diabetic Workshop designed to help those with diabetes or who care for someone with diabetes manage the disease.  Several programs offered by Extension are ongoing.

In addition to the community and youth programs conducted by Jean Ince as County Extension Agent - FCS, she serves as advisor to Howard County Extension Homemakers, a group of 50 volunteers who focus on community service, education and leadership.

Extension Homemakers are a vital component in FCS programming. They often serve as facilitators for FCS projects and spread the mission of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences throughout the region. Their focus is on education, leadership and community service.

Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly Home Economics) programming is driven by the needs of each county. County FCS agents utilize local residents in advisory committees to identify specific needs that can be addressed through educational programs.

Healthy families are the cornerstone of healthy communities. Family and Consumer Sciences put non-biased, research- based information to work in people’s lives, helping families find answers for living well, raising kids, eating right, and spending smart.

The Cooperative Extension Service was created by the Smith-Lever Act signed by President Woodrow Wilson on May 8, 1914.  For over 100 years the underlying philosophy of the Extension Service has to help people help themselves by taking the university to the people: by providing adults and youth the necessary skills and knowledge to help them achieved the best quality of life possible.

All Extension programs including Extension Homemakers activities are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (large print, audiotapes, etc.) may also freely participate.  They should, however, notify the County Extension Office as soon as possible prior to the activity so that accommodations can be made.

For more information about Family and Consumer Sciences programs offered in Howard County, contact Jean A. Ince at the Howard County Extension office, 421 N. Main St., Nashville, AR.  Interested persons may call 870-845-7517 or email jince@uada.edu.

Recipe of the Week

            You may want to serve this as a side dish for Easter dinner. This recipe is great for anyone, especially diabetics.

Asparagus with Lemon

2 pounds asparagus

2 Tablespoons light butter

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

¼ teaspoon salt

3 Tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

            Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Steam asparagus, covered, 5 minutes; drain. Plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain.

            Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat; stir in lemon juice and salt. Add asparagus and cook just until heated; transfer to a platter. Drizzle with sauce; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

            Yield: 8 servings

Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories 53, Protein -3.4g, Carbohydrates – 5.6 g, Fat – 2 g., Sodium – 122 mg., Fiber-2.5 g.

By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.