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K-State Research and Extension is all about improving lives, livelihoods and communities. To do that, the organization is constantly looking for ways to do so more efficiently and effectively. One approach that’s had widespread success over the last several years has been combining individual county offices into multi-county districts, which allows for specialization, sustainability and other advantages. On July 1, Kansas added two more extension districts, bringing the number to 20. Finney and Scott Counties formed the West Plains District, and Dickinson and Marion County created the Chisholm Trail District. Guest for this episode: Jim Lindquist is the associate director for field operations with K-State Research and Extension. He has held numerous positions in his 40+ years as a leader in extension. Links to resources: Map and contact information for K-State Research and Extension districts and counties K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Kansas State University COVID-19 updates The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.  

Toxic stress is harmful to all of us and, over the last few months, it’s obviously increased around the world. But not all kinds of stress are harmful; good stress helps us in a variety of ways including building resilience. Some, but not all, types of negative stresses result in long-term effects. For children, learning how to deal with all types of stress is critically important, as lessons learned and effects of some types of stress can have lifelong implications. Our guest in this episode has researched and published information on the impact of adversity and toxic stress in childhood. She offers a wealth of information about how families and communities can take steps to help improve children’s lives both now and for the future. Guest for this episode: Rebecca McFarland is the family and child development agent for K-State Research and Extension’s Frontier District, which has offices in Garnett, Lyndon and Ottawa. Links to resources: Understanding the Impact of Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress News story: K-State expert: Communities can help reduce children’s stress K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Kansas State University COVID-19 updates The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.  

Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began, we welcomed a pair of food safety experts on the podcast to help us understand what was going on. Now that a few months have passed, we welcome them back to talk about how the scientific understanding of the novel coronavirus has grown and changed. We talk about the importance of handwashing, masks and other safety precautions, whether we need to sanitize our groceries upon returning home, and how K-State Research and Extension has helped support best practices for farmers markets. Guests for this episode: Karen Blakeslee is the coordinator of the Rapid Response Center for K-State Food Science faculty as well as Human Nutrition faculty to answer questions about food. She is a member of the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry in the College of Agriculture and is based in Manhattan. Londa Nwadike, assistant professor and extension consumer food safety specialist with a unique joint appointment for Kansas State University and the University of Missouri. She works at K-State’s Olathe campus and Mizzou’s Jackson County office. Links to Resources: K-State Research and Extension Food Safety and COVID-19 webpage K-State Food Safety Rapid Response Center K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Kansas State University COVID-19 updates The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.

In connection with the covid-19 health crisis, workers have lost their jobs outright, have been laid off with no recall to work date, have been furloughed, or are generally working fewer hours than they previously were. Those who are self-employed, work in the gig economy, and small business owners have also experienced reductions in income. While the economy is emerging from safer-at-home orders, many household incomes are still not back to the levels they were at earlier this year. In this episode, we talk with a financial expert about navigating money challenges and looking ahead to retirement – from the perspective of early-, mid- and late-career workers. Guest for this episode: Dr. Elizabeth Kiss is an associate professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences and a Family Resource Management specialist with K-State Research and Extension. In this position, she assists in the development and delivery of a statewide Cooperative Extension program focused on developing the financial knowledge and skills for sound financial decision-making of Kansans. She supports the work of Extension agents across the state by providing linkages to current research, educational resources, and statewide and national organizations. Her specialties include: Family resource management Family and consumer economics Personal financial planning Links to Resources: When Your Income Drops: Making Ends Meet Unemployment Insurance Relief During COVID-19 Outbreak (Department of Labor webpage) Retirement Confidence Survey, Expectations about Retirement Older workers: Employment and retirement trends Family Finances Know Your Credit K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Notes Rainy Day Fund to Cover Three Months Expenses 2018: 49.8% of Kansans (source)  2020, April: U.S. families (source) 23% of those with incomes less than $37,500 48% of those with incomes between $37,500 and $112,600 75% of those with incomes above $112,600 Considering Retirement? The possibility of finding another job. Might your previous employer bounce-back? Might you be called back to work? Are you willing/able to work in another field? Are you willing/able to move for a job? Your overall savings How much do need? Do you know what your base living expenses are? How much do you have? What is your level of savings? What unemployment or severance benefits do you qualify for and for how long? Your age and Social Security benefits. Full retirement age vs retirement at age 62 or sometime before your full retirement age Health insurance needs. Age 65 or over – Medicare Under age 65 – where will you obtain health insurance? Spouse, marketplace.gov, other sources? Health Insurance Smarts: Ways to Get Health Insurance, https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3169.pdf Full Social Security Retirement Age Full retirement age, also called "normal retirement age," was 65 for many years. In 1983, Congress passed a law to gradually raise the age because people are living longer and are generally healthier in older age. The law raised the full retirement age beginning with people born in 1938 or later. The retirement age gradually increases by a few months for every birth year, until it reaches 67 for people born in 1960 and later. https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/ageincrease.html Some age markers Age 62 – youngest age at which you can claim Social Security benefits Age 65 – youngest age at which you can claim Medicare benefits Age 70 – age after which an additional month of age at claiming no longer entitles the beneficiary to an incremental benefit increase

What happens when a pair of extension professionals set out to provide the two local school districts in their county with fresh beef for school lunches? They not only connect local beef producers with a meat locker to benefit all involved, but they also create more connections within the county and eventually expand the program to provide food to people who have become food insecure because of the coronavirus pandemic. Photo courtesy of Richard Poland/Poland Angus Ranch In fact, they were so successful in demonstrating how they could get everyone on the same page that they received a $25,000 grant from the Kansas Health Foundation to support the effort. The Kansas Health Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. You don’t want to miss this story of K-State Research and Extension agents working hard to improve lives, livelihoods and their communities. Guests for this episode: Justin Goodno is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Barber County. Robin Eubank-Callis is the Family and Consumer Science agent for Barber County. Links to Resources: Kansas Health Foundation K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Contact information for local K-State Research and Extension offices The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.  

It’s quite possible that by now, you’re getting a bit tired of being at home so much. On the other hand, for many families, the extra time at home has made for some deeper bonding between family members, rediscovering the dining room table (and eating around it!), and enjoying games and movies together. But not all families are ideal, and in some homes, there’s an interloper in form of domestic abuse or domestic violence. For these families, self-quarantine is almost a form of entrapment, and escape routes all but cut off. Jessica Kootz is a family and consumer sciences agent with K-State Research and Extension’s Midway District. She offers some tips for family members struggling with these issues, and guidance for the rest of us, if we find ourselves with an opportunity to assist a friend for family member.   Guests for this episode: Jessica Kootz is a family and consumer sciences agent with K-State Research and Extension’s Midway District.   Links to Resources: Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK) — With offices located in Salina and Concordia, DVACK provides free, voluntary and confidential support services to primary and secondary survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, teen dating violence, elder abuse & human trafficking. DVACK's 24-hr Hotline numbers: 1-800-874-1499 | 785-827-5862. Statewide support is available from the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. Their 24-hour hotline is 888-END-ABUSE (888-363-2287) K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Contact information for local K-State Research and Extension offices The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.

It's been called "the science and art of preventing disease," and "the science of improving the health of people and their communities." Public health has other definitions, too, and the current pandemic just might push public health to front of the scientific field, overshadowing even our ongoing tussle over the future of individual health care in America. Ellyn Mulcahy is an associate professor in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology at Kansas State University, and Elaine Johannes is an associate professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences, and a K-State Research and Extension specialist in family and youth development. Both serve on the Kansas Public Health Systems Group. They'll share insight into what Kansas and K-State Research and Extension are doing to promote public health... and discuss the Kansas citizen who was a very early advocate of public health.   Guests for this episode: Elaine Johannes is an associate professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences, and a K-State Research and Extension specialist in family and youth development. Ellyn Mulcahy is an associate professor in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University   Links to Resources: Kansas Public Health Practice Program — The goal of the Kansas Public Health Practice Program is to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of the Kansas public health system. The Public Health Practice Program is supported by a grant from the Kansas Health Foundation. K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Contact information for local K-State Research and Extension offices The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.

For many college graduates, paying off student loans is an experience that often takes longer than the college education itself. In the midst of a pandemic that is threatening human lives, while devouring paychecks, savings, stock portfolios and retirement plans, paying off those loans can be particularly challenging. Denise Dias, a family and consumer sciences agent with K-State Research and Extension's Johnson County office, shares news for college loan borrowers, regarding special arrangements that are being offered during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also has some ideas and strategies for addressing student loan debt, whether you're taking a break between semesters, working on a graduate degree, or have just a few payments left.   Guests for this episode: Denise Dias is the family and consumer sciences agent in K-State Research and Extension’s Johnson County office.   Links to Resources: StudentAid.gov — official page for all aspects of student aid, including grants, loans, repayment plans and more. An office of the U.S. Department of Education K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Contact information for local K-State Research and Extension offices The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.

Depending when you were born, you and your high school classmates can probably share memories about big events that changed and shaped your views on things. The first time you saw a music video on MTV, or watching the final episode of "Friends." Other events, such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the savings and loan crisis of the late 1980s, or the emergence of social media, can actually alter how we live our lives, manage our personal finances, or even how we date and establish relationships. These shared experiences imprint us with something called the cohort effect. Bradford Wiles, K-State Research and Extension specialist in early childhood development, digs deeper into the cohort effect, and how the COVID-19 pandemic--with its social, financial, and scientific shock waves--could alter how certain generations move forward through life, from this day forward.   Guests for this episode: Bradford Wiles is an associate professor in the School of Applied Human Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Kansas State University. He is also the K-State Research and Extension specialist in early childhood development.  Links to Resources: K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Contact information for local K-State Research and Extension offices The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.

Stimulus funds from the U.S. government’s CARES Act have begun to be deposited in bank accounts, and checks are on the way. But some people still don’t know when they should expect to see their money arrive. In some cases, people still don’t know how much to expect, and others have questions about how to use (or save) it and what this money means for their taxes next year. Today, we have a pair of extension experts in family resource management who have tips and resources to help answer those questions. Guests for this episode: Susie Latta is the family and consumer sciences agent in Marshall County. Joy Miller is the family resource management/adult development and aging agent in the Southwind Extension District.  Links to Resources: IRS.gov “Get My Payment” tool K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Contact information for local K-State Research and Extension offices The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.

It's difficult enough to grapple with health insurance issues on an average day, but COVID-19 has added a whole new difficulty level to such tasks, for reasons both medical and financial. What happens to employer-based health insurance if you're not working as many hours, or not working at all? Is there a difference between a "furlough" and a "layoff?" Susia Latta and Joy Miller are family and consumer sciences agents for K-State Research and Extension--from Marshall County and the Southwind District, respectively. They are also trained volunteers for Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK). They'll answer some of the more common health insurance questions that people have right now.

Gardening is always a worthwhile venture, but this year it’s an even better idea for families who are spending far more time at home: It’s a great outdoor activity, yields food inexpensively and has numerous health benefits, is a great teaching tool for kids, and is a great break from Netflix and Zoom! Today’s guest tells us how she walks brand-new gardeners through all the steps of planning and establishing a garden in her weekly Victory Garden 101 online course. If you’ve ever had questions about starting a garden, this episode gives you a great place to start. Even though the live course has already started, it’s not too late to sign up, watch the archived videos from the first few weeks and start getting your hands dirty! Guest for this episode: Rebecca McMahon is the horticultural food crops agent for Sedgwick County. Links to Resources: Victory Garden 101 Victory Garden 101 registration page Victory Garden 101 Facebook page K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Contact information for local K-State Research and Extension offices The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.

While Kansans remain under stay-at-home orders, schools are closed and many families have breadwinners who are considered essential workers who still have to head out to a job site. Still others are now working remotely and need time to focus on their work. In these situations, families with more than one child are now relying on one of them to help take care of their siblings so parents can work. To help these families, K-State Research and Extension child development experts have put together a number of resources called “Suddenly in Charge.” These resources and e-newsletter are designed to help teens and tweens with their roles in taking care of younger children. Guest for this episode: Dr. Bradford Wiles’ program of research focuses on building resilience and health in vulnerable families. Specifically, he uses a collaborative model of applied developmental research and outreach, focusing his efforts on providing rural, low-income, ethnically and racially diverse families with young children with the knowledge, skills, and decision-making strategies to make a difference in their lives. His vision is to reach all families with young children and assist them in applying research-based practices in the domains of, early childhood brain development, emergent literacy, physical health and activity, and smart phone and tablet screen time. In addition, his efforts also focus on providing vulnerable families to access to healthcare and quality, affordable child care.  Links to Resources: Suddenly in Charge K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Contact information for local K-State Research and Extension offices The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.

Today’s episode is a quick but helpful one that we’re re-sharing the weekly youth-development segment from the K-State Research and Extension radio program Agriculture Today. It’s a preview of a new program aimed at helping all of us reduce stress through social-emotional learning. It’s called Mindful Monday Mornings and will be on Facebook at 10 a.m. on Monday every week through July. The program was developed through 4-H Youth Development, but it’s aimed for people of all ages. K-State 4-H communication specialist Aliah Mestrovich Seay talks with host Jeff Wichman about how the program is intended to help people deal with life’s tough moments by developing greater self-awareness, self-control and interpersonal skills. Links to Resources: Mindful Monday Mornings preview on Facebook Everyday Mindfulness fact sheet K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Contact information for local K-State Research and Extension offices The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.

In addition to adjusting to social distancing and not being able to go to many of our favorite places, we’re also adjusting to spending more time at home – where the kitchen is just steps away. Couple that with working from home, home-schooling children, and dealing with a worldwide pandemic and you have a perfect storm for stress eating. As a result, some people have reported eating more of their favorite comfort foods – you know what those are, we all have them. Comfort foods are typically high in sugar, salt and calories. While we can’t change the stress, K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist Sandy Procter says we can control what we eat.

With most of us spending a lot more time at home than we normally do, one of the good things we’re doing is spending more time outside taking walks, playing in the yard, working on our landscapes, and just hanging out on lawn chairs or deck chairs. But this is Kansas, and we share those spaces with all manner of other creatures who are not bound by social distancing orders. Today we’re talking with an expert who can tell us what to expect and what to do when we encounter our insect neighbors. Guest for this episode: Dr. Raymond Cloyd is a professor of entomology in the College of Agriculture and extension horticultural entomologist/plant protection specialist for K-State Research and Extension. His areas of specialization include: Integrated Pest Management Plant Protection Horticultural and Ornamental Cropping Systems Biological Control Insect-Plant Interactions Pesticides   Links to Resources: Insect and Mite Pests of Vegetable Gardens Bagworm: Insect Pest ofTrees and Shrubs Scale Insect Pests Grub Management in TurfgrassUsing Insecticides Tree and Shrub Problems in Kansas: Diseases, Insects and Environmental Stresses K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Contact information for local K-State Research and Extension offices The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a global health concern but has also wreaked havoc on our economy. Millions of people are suddenly unemployed and many more are concerned they could be next as business activity has slowed or stopped in order to flatten the curve of the virus’ infection rate. Family resource management is crucial right now, and our guest, Dr. Elizabeth Kiss (pronounced “Kish”) previews for us a series of helpful, practical resources that will be posted online the week of April 20 under the theme “When Your Income Drops.” Guest for this episode: Dr. Elizabeth Kiss is an associate professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences and a Family Resource Management specialist with K-State Research and Extension. In this position, she assists in the development and delivery of a statewide Cooperative Extension program focused on developing the financial knowledge and skills for sound financial decision-making of Kansans. She supports the work of Extension agents across the state by providing linkages to current research, educational resources, and statewide and national organizations. Her specialties include: Family resource management Family and consumer economics Personal financial planning Links to Resources: Family Finances Know Your Credit K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.    

This episode is the second of a unique two-parter with adult development and aging specialist Erin Yelland. This time, we dig a little deeper into the issues of keeping older adults safe, caring those who have dementia, ensuring safety with home health care and grocery shopping, and avoiding scams. Dr. Yelland was a guest on last week’s Sound Living radio program with our colleague Jeff Wichman. We re-shared that interview in the previous episode of this podcast. Because that interview was so good and we wanted to ask even more questions, we asked her for this second interview. Guest for this episode: Dr. Erin Yelland is an assistant professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences and an extension specialist in adult development and aging. Her specializations include: Health and wellness across the lifespan that promotes optimal aging Sexual wellness among older adults, including policy development within long-term care Adult development and aging outreach and Extension Evaluation of Extension curricula and outreach  Links to Resources: Tips for Dementia Caregiving CDC cloth face coverings fact sheet Alzheimer’s Association: 800-272-3900 K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page Sound Living radio show The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.

This episode is the first of a unique two-parter with adult development and aging specialist Erin Yelland. She was a guest on last week’s Sound Living radio program with our colleague Jeff Wichman. They talked about precautions necessary for older adults and how difficult that can be when we want to spend time with them but can’t because they need to limit in-person visits. But Dr. Yelland says social distancing doesn’t have to mean isolation or loneliness. She shared tips for how we can use new and old technology to stay connected. Because this interview with Dr. Yelland was so good and we wanted to ask even more questions, so we asked her for a second interview, which will be featured in our next episode.   Guest for this episode:   Dr. Erin Yelland is an assistant professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences and an extension specialist in adult development and aging. Her specializations include: Health and wellness across the lifespan that promotes optimal aging Sexual wellness among older adults, including policy development within long-term care Adult development and aging outreach and Extension Evaluation of Extension curricula and outreach Links to Resources: CDC cloth face coverings fact sheet K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.    

Rural communities may not have been affected by the COVID-19 situation as significantly as more urban and suburban areas, but that does not mean they haven't begun to experience some effects or won't see more in the coming weeks. In this episode, we speak with a K-State expert on rural community development and spend a good portion of the conversation on rural grocery stores – which K-State research has shown is a barometer for the economy of their towns. A couple of hopeful notes, too: This current crisis could open more possibilities for rural grocery stores to accept online orders, and more attention will certainly be paid to rural internet connectivity. Guest for this episode: Dr. David Procter is a professor in the department of Communication studies at Kansas State University and is the director of the Center for Engagement and Community Development. He has worked on issues of school consolidation, community strategic planning, heritage museum education, facilitation of community dialogue, and strategies for re-populating rural communities. Links to Resources: Rural Grocery Initiative Rural Grocery Toolkit Guidance on COVID-19 for Retailers Center for Engagement and Community Development K-State Research and Extension homepage K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties. The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics: food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation) families and community 4-H youth development finances health in all stages of life gardening landscaping … and much more Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE. To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.