Author Archives: AgriLife Extension - Travis County

There is still time to get your flu shot!

By Sheri Parr The flu hit Austin early this year. And, while, it is too early to tell if it will be a short or long season, officials are encouraging the public not to wait to get vaccinated. Vaccination does not mean you will not get the flu. Doctors at the Austin Regional Clinic are reporting a rise in the number of flu cases but with milder symptoms. And a lower risk of pneumonia, hospitalization, or death. To prevent the flu, doctors recommend washing your hands in public… Read More →

10 Tips for the Holidays

By, Sheri Parr Keep the holidays merry and bright by making your health and safety a priority this season. Here are 10 holiday tips to support you: Wash your hands often . It’s flu season. One of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs is to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. Also, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into hour upper sleeve or… Read More →

Seasonal Food Guide-Early October

I love this seasonal food guide that let’s you choose your state and the early or late part of each month of the year. The data in the Seasonal Food Guide comes from the Natural Resources Defense Council and state departments of agriculture and university extension programs across the US. Try it out for your area and enjoy some seasonal foods! View Full Article: http://bit.ly/2mcR8Mb

How to wash fruits and vegetables?

@MayoClinic I know it’s important to wash fresh fruits and vegetables. Is it necessary to use soap or produce sprays?   View Full Article: https://mayocl.in/2l1v86R

Has Food Gotten Healthier?

@BerkeleyWell Fast food restaurants have sought a healthier image in recent years by featuring more salads, veggie burgers, and even grilled chicken nuggets. But has the fare really improved nutritionally   View Full Article: http://bit.ly/2mgY7DR

Dodging Dining Disasters On the Road

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is one of the biggest challenges faced by those who spend considerable time traveling. Check out these common-sense tips for eating healthy while on the go. View Full Article: http://bit.ly/2kjOoMF

Intermitteng Fasting: What does the research say?

While there is no single definition for IF (also referred to as intermittent energy restriction, or IER), it essentially means restricting caloric intake for a certain period of time. There are three common ways fasting is implemented: Time-restricted feeding: Fasting 12 to 21 hours per day and having a specified eating window to consume food without restricting calories Alternate-day fasting: Going a full day without eating Modified fasting: Periods of severely limited food intake (5:2= 5 days normal eating, 2 days restricted intake) View Full Article: http://bit.ly/2kGtyaj

The Dairy Dilemma

By: Master Wellness Volunteer, Cortney Lhota, MA CCC/SLP Sol Speech, Language Therapy & Wellness Did you know approximately 65% of the human population is lactose intolerant? Lactose intolerance is an impaired ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. An enzyme called lactase, which is produced by cells in the lining of the small intestine, is what typically breaks down lactose. However, more than half the population has a reduced ability to break lactose up and digest it properly after infancy. If people… Read More →

4 Ways to Fight Fall Allergies

Long after the weather starts to cool, the effects of a hot, muggy summer wreak havoc for fall allergy sufferers. One reason is because, in many areas of the country, warmer periods mixed with precipitation create the perfect recipe for ragweed and mold spores—the leading culprits for fall allergy symptoms like an itchy throat and eyes, a runny nose, and repeated sneezing. View Full Article: http://bit.ly/2m2qCFv

What are MUFAs, and should I include them in my diet?

@MayoClinic All fats, including MUFAs, are high in calories, so use MUFAs only in moderation. Consume MUFA-rich foods instead of other fatty foods, not in addition to them. View Full Article: https://mayocl.in/2lyui1j