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As we get deeper into fall and winter, the foods we often eat and crave are comfort foods, such as soups, stews and casseroles. While a little comfort food is known to improve or sustain our mood in the short term, eating too many foods that are high in sugar, fat and salt can increase the risk of gaining weight in the short term and other health problems over time. However, Sara Sawer, a registered dietitian and K-State Extension Sedgwick County nutrition, health and wellness agent, says we can modify some recipes to make comfort foods healthier and there are things we can do to help avoid holiday weight gain. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

There is a significant amount of evidence that demonstrates a direct relationship between what we consume and our physical and mental well-being. Over time, chronic stress can negatively affect our overall health. K-State Extension Johnson County nutrition, food safety and health agent, Chelsea King, says eating a diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein can improve gut health and in turn help fight off stress, depression, and anxiety. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

A leading voice for the Home Baking Association recently met with a group of K-State Extension family and consumer sciences agents to discuss the benefits of baking. Sharon Davis, a consultant for the Home Baking Association, says there are economic and practical benefits, family, lifestyle and emotional benefits, educational, nutritional, cultural, social and quality-of-life benefits associated with home baking. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

A leading advocate for mental health and suicide prevention in Kansas credits the state's Extension service for building connections within communities to help curtail the rise in the suicide rate. From 2011 to 2024, Kansas has seen a 30% increase in terms of the number of suicide losses. Josh Boydston, a client advocate for Kansas Lemon Aid, a statewide program operated by the nonprofit, Six Feet Over, says we're seeing more evidence of the impacts of suicide in communities. He discusses the work being done by the nonprofit and why Extension is a valued partner. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

No matter how much you've paid for an item or product, it can be disappointing when it doesn't meet your expectations. It can be even more frustrating if it's difficult to get a refund or exchange from the retailer or seller. However, consumers have rights, and K-State Extension family resource management specialist, Elizabeth Kiss, (kish) says she's trying to educate consumers about their rights because they often think there's nothing they can do.  Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

Dividing and transplanting perennial plants promotes growth and maintains a healthy landscape. For the September K-State Garden Hour, K-State Extension horticulture and community development agent for Lyon County, Travis Carmichael, discussed the best time to divide plants, the garden tools needed, and the techniques to divide and transplant a variety of perennial plants to move to new locations or share with others.   Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

The Mediterranean style of eating is gaining in popularity in the United States. This style of eating focuses on a holistic approach to incorporating healthy protein and healthy fats, eating more fruits and vegetables and whole grains; incorporating nuts and seeds; and consuming fewer added sugars. K-State Extension nutrition, food safety and health agent for Johnson County, Chelsea King, discusses the benefits of adapting this style of eating. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

Nearly one-in-three older adults in Kansas fall at least one time per year – often resulting in serious injuries. Kansas State University Extension aging specialist, Erin Martinez, says Extension invests a great deal of its resources on programs to help older adults increase their confidence in maintaining their balance, strength and independence. She discusses some of those programs and modifications that older adults can make, inside and outside the home, to reduce the risk of falling. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

Drought is one of the most persistent and psychologically demanding stressors for agricultural producers. However, research shows climate anxiety – emotional distress related to climate change and its impacts – reaches beyond the agricultural sector. Based on how water deficits develop and impact the environment and society, drought is categorized into four types: meteorological, agricultural, hydrological and socioeconomic. When any of these stressors become long-term, they can become a chronic anxiety which can affect our health. The Kansas Health Foundation's Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, Elaine Johannes, discusses climate anxiety and how K-State Extension's 40-Gallon Challenge can help develop lasting habits that can be passed down from generation-to-generation.

According to the National Institutes of Health, even if you feel fine, it's important to see your health provider for regular checkups because annual wellness exams can help you avoid problems in the future. For example, the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly, and regular blood tests can check for high blood sugar and high cholesterol which may not have any symptoms in the early stages. The Kanas Health Foundation's Distinguished Professor of Community Health, Elaine Johannes, says we should stop making excuses for skipping our annual wellness exam and start making it a priority. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

According to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, consumers are getting an early start on back-to-school shopping, with 62% of shoppers having already started shopping for the school year by early July. In looking at this year's survey results, Kansas State University professor and Extension family resource management specialist, Elizabeth Kiss (kish), says many consumers are delaying purchases until later in the school season or spreading out their shopping to better manage their budgets. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

Kansas State University Extension is piecing together a statewide network of programs to strengthen local food systems, while ensuring Kansans have access to healthy food now and in the future. K-State Extension focuses its statewide outreach on five primary challenge areas: global food systems, water and natural resources, health, community vitality, and developing tomorrow's leaders. For the July K-State Garden Hour, Johnson County Extension Horticulture Small Farms agent, Anthony Reardon, discussed how Extension is working to support local food systems through those five primary challenge areas. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

As the summer heat continues, it's important to remember that we all need to stay cool and hydrated. However, this is especially true for people aged 65 years or older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults are more prone to heat-related health problems. K-State Extension adult development and aging specialist, Erin Martinez, says older adults don't adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperatures and they are more likely to take prescription medicines that can affect the body's ability to control its temperature or sweat. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

An associate professor in Kansas State University's School of Health Sciences directs a lab that focuses on teaching individual behavior change strategies and developing support systems to enhance adoption and maintenance of physical activity. Dr. Emily Mailey, the Director of K-State's Physical Activity Intervention Research Lab, discusses their research into reducing sitting and being sedentary, motivation and identifying barriers to physical activity, messaging and promotion of physical activity, and the connection between physical activity and mental health. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.

The 2026 student survey results from Kansas Communities That Care shows positive trends continue in terms of mental health and substance use, while bullying at school or  cyberbullying remain consistent or slightly below 2025. Kansas Health Foundation's Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, Elaine Johannes, says more than 26,000 students in 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade in 153 public and private school districts in Kansas participated in the assessment. According to Johannes, the survey provides a snapshot of youth attitudes, perception of risk, and behaviors regarding alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, bullying, school safety, depression and thoughts of suicide. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.