Extension on the Go

Winter Weather and Plant Injury

Mar 082013

Episode 54 - Salt Injury [ 4 min 28 s ] Download

Where does the white go when the snow melts? ~ Author Unknown (Photo by Ken Thomas)

When sidewalks, driveways and roads are slippery with ice and snow, snow melters and road salt are great for reducing accidents. These same chemicals can cause damage when they are splashed onto plants or absorbed into the soil. When you put down snow melters or salt on your driveway or sidewalks take a moment to consider the plants nearby.

Today’s guest is Jennifer Schutter, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. She will discuss ways you can use these chemicals without damaging your plants.

More information:

Ice Melters and Plants

Consider Nearby Plants When Using Sidewalk Ice Melters

Get a Jump on Spring

Home and Garden No Responses »

Feb 192013

Episode 53 - Starting Seeds [ 7 min 31 s ] Download

“In every gardener there is a child who believes in The Seed Fairy.” ~ Robert Brault (Photo by Viktors Kozers)

If you’re itching to get your green thumb busy, starting seeds indoors is great option. Gardeners who are willing to put in a bit of effort will be ready to transplant seedlings into their garden when warm weather finally gets here.

Today’s guest is David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. He has some tips and advice on how to get your flowers and vegetables off to a good start.

You can find helpful information from MU Extension at Starting Plants Indoors From Seeds

Which Oils and Fats are Healthy and Why?

Health, Nutrition No Responses »

Jan 302013

Episode 52 – Fats and Oils

“In the Middle Ages, they had guillotines, stretch racks, whips and chains. Nowadays, we have a much more effective torture device called the bathroom scale.” ~ Stephen Phillips (Photo by Julia Freeman-Woolpert)

Judging from all the fat-free and low-fat foods available, you might consider fat a dietary evil. However, the body requires a certain amount of fatty acids to function properly. Choosing the correct type of dietary fat can mean the difference between health and disease.

Today’s guest is Janet Hackert, regional nutrition specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

For more information:

Do you know your cholesterol numbers?

Gateway to Health newsletter

Variety is the Key to Fitness Success

Health No Responses »

Jan 082013

Episode 51 - Exercise [ 4 min 23 s ] Download

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” ~ John F. Kennedy (Photo by Sanja Gjenero)

Are you trying to move from couch potato to a mover and shaker? That’s great news! You’ll feel better and be healthier.

There is no “magic bullet” for getting fit. The key is to start slow and gradually build up your strength, stamina and flexibility.

Today’s guest is Stephen Ball. He’s an exercise physiologist with some tips on making 2013 the year you get into shape.

More information from University of Missouri Extension:

Walk Yourself to Good Health

Five More Reasons to Exercise

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire

Bringing Home the Turkey

Family, Health, Holiday, Nutrition No Responses »

Nov 152012

Episode 50 - Bringing Home the Turkey [ 4 min 05 s ] Download

“Coexistence: what the farmer does with the turkey – until Thanksgiving” ` Mike Connolly (Photo by Rachel Spauldling)

According to the National Turkey Federation, 95 percent of Americans eat turkey at their Thanksgiving meal. Since it’s likely that a turkey will be the centerpiece of your holiday meal, do you know how big a bird to buy? If the turkey is frozen, do you know how to thaw it safely? University of Missouri Extension is here to help you with these questions. Listen to the podcast or download it and listen to it later. But, don’t wait too long, turkey day is almost here.

Today’s guest is Tammy Roberts, nutrition specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

Check out Turkey Tips from the Missouri Families website.

Help Children Enjoy Halloween without Candy Overload

Health, Holiday, Nutrition No Responses »

Oct 292012

Episode 49 - Healthy Halloween [ 4 min 18 s ] Download

There is a child in every one of us who is still a Trick-or-Treater looking for a brightly lit front porch. ~ Robert Brault (Illustration by Rainer Topf)

Halloween is a popular holiday because kids get to bring home lots of treats, mostly candy. Too much of anything always has consequences. This creates a tough balancing act for parents who want their children to enjoy the holiday, but would rather avoid tummy aches, tooth decay and too many calories.

Today’s guest is Tammy Roberts, nutrition specialist for University of Missouri Extension. She has some tips for helping children make good choices while still enjoying the fun and excitement of Trick-or-Treat.

Pumpkin Pie or Jack-O-Lantern – Why Not Both?

Family, Health, Holiday, Nutrition No Responses »

Oct 192012

Episode 48 - Pumpkins [ 5 min 15 s ] Download

The littlest pumpkins have the biggest grins. (Photo by Katrina DeLourve)

Today we pay homage to the versatile pumpkin. It’s a mainstay for Halloween decorations, but shouldn’t be overlooked as a nutritious fruit that’s low in fat and calories.

Our guest today is Tammy Roberts, nutrition specialist for University of Missouri Extension. She has tips for recycling your Jack-O-Lanterns into yummy pies, breads, soups and stews.

Find more information and some delicious recipes at Pumpkins – From Harvest to Health

Will Winter Weather Overcome the Effect of 2012 Drought?

Uncategorized No Responses »

Oct 162012

Episode 47 - Winter Outlook [ 5 min 57 s ] Download

MU’s Randy Miles shows the absence of moisture in the deep-soil profile. (Photo by Kent Faddis)

Temperatures in the 70s make for lovely fall weather in the Midwest this year. Fall colors are a bit subdued, because there were so many trees damaged during the drought. Scorched trees and lawns aren’t the only remnants of weeks of triple-digit heat and no rain. Below the surface, in the soil’s root zone, there is no moisture.

The Midwest needs snowfall and slow, soaking rains this winter to recharge the bone-dry soil profile. On today’s show, University of Missouri meteorologist Anthony Lupo and Randy Miles, an MU soil, environment and atmospheric scientist will talk about weather, El Nino, drought damage and what we need to keep 2013 from becoming a repeat of 2012.

Leaving Your Child Home Alone

Family No Responses »

Oct 092012

Episode 46 - Home Alone [ 6 min 06 s ] Download

“There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.” ~ Graham Greene (Photo by Kate Krav)

Deciding when a child is ready to stay home alone is a difficult decision for parents. There is no set age. Some 10-year-olds can be very mature while some 13-year-olds may still need to grow-up a bit. It really comes down to a parental judgment call.

Today’s guest is Renette Wardlow, human development specialist for University of Missouri Extension. She has advice for parents on how to determine if a child is ready, how to prepare a child for time alone, and steps to take to keep a home-alone child safe.

Staying Home Alone: Is Your Child Ready for Self-Care?

Leaving Your Child Home Alone

At Home Alone: A Self-Study Guide for Families With Children Who Spend Time At Home Alone

TLC Needed for Drought Ravaged Lawns

Home and Garden No Responses »

Sep 242012

Episode 45 - Fall Lawn Care [ 7 min 15 s ] Download

A lawn is nature under totalitarian rule. ~ Michael Pollan (Photo by Kent Faddis)

The summer of 2012 was a record breaker. The drought gripped the Midwest in June and didn’t let go until August. Lack of rain caused triple-digit heat day after day.

Now that rain and cooler temperatures have arrived, it’s time for homeowners to assess the damage to their lawn and provide some tender loving care to the landscape.