Cooperative Extension Service offers tips for ‘Living Well’ every month of the year
By the U of A System Division of Agriculture
March 26, 2019
Fast Facts:
- Cooperative Extension Service offers eight tips for living well
- Online resources available
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LITTLE ROCK – Raising kids, eating right, spending smart, living well – these are all things we want for ourselves and our families. The Living Well campaign, a product of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, is designed to encourage Americans throughout the country to pursue those goals through education and action.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service is partnering with the NEAFCS to promote the national Living Well campaign throughout the year.
The goal of the campaign is to provide people with the education and information they need in order to “live well.” Rachel Chaney, family and consumer science agent with the Yell County Cooperative Extension Service office and 2019 president of the NEAFCS Arkansas chapter, said extension agents around the state and country will be working to encourage citizens to make smart choices in their daily lives.
“Family and consumer science agents provide all kinds of information that will help individuals and families achieve a positive, healthy lifestyle,” Chaney said. “Whether you’re trying to manage your diabetes through meal planning and exercise, make decisions about health care and insurance, or get tips on effective parenting techniques, extension probably has a research-based answer.”
To make every month a “Living Well Month,” consider these eight tips:
1. Engage children in at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most, preferably all,
days of the week.
Adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity. Besides participating in sporting
activities, turn on some music and dance. Be creative by assembling an obstacle course
or using hula-hoops. Start planning a garden. Take a walk or bike ride in your neighborhood.
2. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
The average adult human body is approximately 60 percent water, which is found in
muscle, blood, brain, bone, etc. Water regulates every living cell’s processes and
chemical reactions. It transports nutrients and oxygen. Water helps to maintain normal
bowel habits and prevent constipation. Limit the amount of soda and fruit drinks consumed
daily.
3. Eat a variety of healthful foods.
Be sure to have plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables every day. Most people need
at least 4 ½ cups to meet the daily recommendation. Have a glass of 100 percent juice
or sliced banana on cereal for breakfast, enjoy raw vegetables with dip to accompany
a sandwich at lunch and have a sliced apple for dessert. At dinner, steam some vegetables
and prepare a fruit parfait with yogurt for dessert. Try a new fruit or vegetable.
Visit www.choosemyplate.gov for more information about nutrition for yourself and members of your family.
4. Read, read, read.
Go to the library and check out books. Keep the mental stimulation flowing throughout
the year regardless of your age.
5. Work on 4-H projects or open-class exhibits for the county fair.
Locate last year’s county fair program for ideas and look at upcoming events provided
on your local Extension office website www.uaex.uada.edu/counties.
6. Check out parenting, finance, nutrition and/or food preparation classes offered by
your Extension office.
See http://www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/ for more information about upcoming offerings.
7. Maintain a healthy home.
Be sure your smoke detector is working correctly and test for the presence of Radon.
Help manage allergies and/or asthma by cleaning and vacuuming regularly to reduce
allergy triggers in the home. Avoid accidental poisonings by keeping medications locked
up, and cleaning agents and other poisons out of reach of children.
8. Keep your family finances in check.
Track your expenses and update your budget regularly. Eat at home often because meals
outside of home usually cost more. Plan your menus and use the coupons to help plan
your menus. Use leftovers as the basis for another meal.
To learn about healthy living, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.
About the NationalExtension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
Extension Family and Consumer Science professionals are part of a nationwide educational
organization funded through the Land Grant University System and United States Department
of Agriculture. Local Extension Family and Consumer Sciences professionals provide
practical, relevant, non-biased, research-based information.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible 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.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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