Since 1982 the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) has sponsored World Home Economics Day. The event promotes the home economics profession and acknowledges the hard work that home economists do for their communities. The International Federation of Home Economics brings together professional organizations, research institutions, and educators to help develop a sustainable future. Their mission is to advocate research and education for the resources at the household and consumer level.
In 2024, the theme is “Home Economics 3.0: A Critical Update.” According to the IFHE website:
Home Economics is well prepared as a discipline to help families cope with the challenges of home in the future. However, home economics is just like any “operating system” that requires updating to ensure continuing efficiency and to meet the needs of consumers in the 21st century. Many in education are excited about advancing to Education 3.0, the third major innovation in teaching and learning. Keeping our Home Economics up-to-date is more important than ever as digital technology, climate change and global markets place pressure on vulnerable consumers. Join the International Federation for Home Economics as we celebrate how home economists around the world have provided a “critical update” to the way they teach, research and serve to make homes, families and consumers of the future safe, happy and healthy. Use this event to highlight how you, your students, clients and professional associations are engaging with the most advanced theories, tools and technologies to keep Home Economics on the leading edge of 21st century life.
Home Economics 3.0 uses digital technology to connect global communities together to address emerging issues affecting individuals and families. (Photo source: Getty Images Pro via Canva)
Did you know that keeping your kidneys healthy has a positive effect on your heart? Kidneys are on the left and right sides of the spine and the backside of the stomach. The kidneys are no longer than 5 inches, and both have a big job when it comes to keeping the body synchronized. Kidneys have many responsibilities, such as monitoring blood pressure, constructing healthy bones, equalizing pH levels, filtering blood, and contributing body energy.
It is imperative to keep both the heart and kidneys healthy by exercising, getting tested for heart disease, consuming a healthy diet, watching cholesterol levels, and stopping tobacco use. Researchers state that 50% percent of Americans between the ages of 30-49 will develop kidney disease in their lifetime.
In my first week at my job with UF/IFAS Extension Service, I was diagnosed with the “famous” kidney stones. In June, I had three surgeries to help remove the kidney stones. Before this happened, I was not knowledgeable about my body and following a healthy liquid diet. It is imperative to find a family practice to stay current with yearly checkups.
Recovering after surgery to remove kidney stones. (Photo source: Gretchen Thornton, UF/IFAS Extension)
March is National Kidney Month. The goal is to encourage people to support kidney disease research and promote kidney safety and health. Kidney Disease is symbolized by green, so purchase green ribbons, green waistbands, or green magnets from a Kidney Disease Awareness partner during March. If anyone wants to observe National Kidney Month, they can join the organ donor registry, donate to a kidney non-profit, and keep their kidneys healthy.
You can also find more information at the National Kidney Foundation of Florida.
You play a significant role in loving your heart by developing a healthy lifestyle that will last a lifetime. Do you know a heart beats about 2.5 billion times over the average lifespan? The heart’s never-ending workload is like a love between a mother and her daughter. A mother and daughter will have bumps during their lifespans, such as teenage rebellion, a fight for independence, and the battle to become a woman. The love for your heart can also have bumps during your lifespan, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, unlucky genes, and much more.
As human beings, we all have our favorite go-to food or foods. My mother and I love to eat chips. We need to focus on eating various healthy foods. MyPlate can show how everybody can make food choices for a healthy diet. Each food group provides energy and almost every nutrient we need. No one food group is more important than the other. For good health and proper growth, individuals need to eat various types of food every day. By eating healthy, you love your heart. My mother and I should replace the chips for fruits during the day for a healthy snack.
Exercising is an essential step in loving your heart. When I was growing up, my mother and I would clean the house on Saturday mornings. The fun thing about cleaning was listening to a favorite song while dancing in the living room. Physical activities are a great tool to help you stay active during your lifespan. A person should aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Young children should participate in 60 minutes of physical activity a day. In 2022, love your heart by “KEEP MOVING!” and check out the Let’s Walk Florida program at your local Extension Office.
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which your arteries narrow and harden due to the buildup of fats in the artery wall. There are chemicals found in tobacco smoke that can harm your blood cells. The chemicals can damage the function of your heart and blood vessels. When this happens, you do not love your heart, and you can risk atherosclerosis. I will say, my mother and other family members are tobacco users. Each year, over 1 million Americans quit smoking. You can use many strategies to stop using tobacco, such as going to a behavior support group, breathing exercises, healthy snacks, remembering your smoking triggers, and remembering that you are saving money. Reminder: give your heart a huge hug by stopping using tobacco.
The Love for a Mother through Heart Surgery. Photo source: Gretchen Thornton
Do you know that many types of heart disease are passed down through the “Family Tree?” Heart disease can affect the heart muscle and electrical system and cause high cholesterol levels. There is much to learn about the connection between genes and heart disease within a family. Researchers continue to learn about the outcomes of the connections between the two. Communication is an essential tool to keep your family tree healthy. My mother had a heart attack when she was 60 years old. She went to the hospital for a low oxygen level due to allergies. The doctor noticed that she had a heart attack in her past. She has a pacemaker and cardioverter-defibrillator to help with her heart rhythm now. During this stage of my life, I make sure that I schedule my yearly wellness check doctor’s appointment. Love your “Family Tree” by communicating about your health history because your family grows from the same seed.
You may think it is too early to think about heart health in children. Heart disease can start early in life. A healthy lifestyle can decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. A child that is living a healthy life can listen and participate in school, sleep at night, have healthy bones and muscles, increase self-esteem, and adopt a lifelong habit.
Loving your heart may not be straightforward at times. A healthy lifestyle is a day-to-day process that takes time and hard work. Loving your heart is unique because we all share the same common goal to live a healthy life. In 2022, remember to follow MyPlate.gov and eat healthily. Each day, turn the television off and exercise for at least 30 minutes. Make this year tobacco-free; learn the benefits of quitting by contacting Tobacco Free Florida for more information. Spending time with your family is an excellent time to communicate about family health history and genetics. For more information about heart health, contact your local doctor about how you can become more heart-healthy.
Did you know that all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries went up 50% from 1982 to 2017? ATVs have increased in popularity here in the United States and worldwide. The products are great if used appropriately. Nearly 75% of the accidents result in brain and spinal cord injuries. Many parents ask the common question, “How can we make ATV riding safe for everyone?” The main goal for ATV riding is for each rider to have their best, and safest, possible riding experience.
ATV riders should wear protective equipment and carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe operation. Photo source: UF/IFAS.
When the ATV is purchased, the buyer and rider must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. First, make sure there is an operator’s guide with the product when it is purchased. The buyer needs to ensure everyone reads and follows the operator’s guide. It is a good idea to read the operator’s guide when seated on the ATV so the rider understands the controls and how they work. The rider and any passengers need to read the safety warning label on the ATV. The label specifies the age recommendation for the rider. Reminder: Nobody of any age should ride an ATV if they cannot be responsible. Parents need to ensure the child is age-appropriate for that ATV, receives proper training and instructions, and takes an approved riding safety course. Parents should never leave a child alone, especially when the child is operating an ATV.
The rider should be familiar with the surrounding terrain where the ATV will be driven. The rider should reach all controls, sit correctly, and reach the foot rest on the ATV. The rider must avoid anything that impairs their abilities.
Second, the rider needs to do a pre-ride inspection. Before each ride, the rider should inspect the ATV to ensure the vehicle is in good condition. The rider can find the pre-ride inspection information in the operator’s guide. The rider can contact the local dealership if there is a problem with the ATV.
Third, the rider needs to wear protective gear on an open-air vehicle. The protective gear includes an approved helmet, eye protection, closed-toe footwear/over-the-ankle boots, long pants, long sleeve shirt, full-fingered gloves, and rain gear, if needed.
Fourth, the rider should understand the rules for riding with passengers. The rider should never carry passengers in the cargo area. The passenger should review the manual and safety labels on the ATV before riding. Passengers must sit up correctly while placing their feet flat on the footrests, and hold onto the handhold device. Hand guards can be added to the ATV to provide additional protection. If the rider is not advanced, he or she should not ride with a passenger.
Fifth, the rider should understand the stability of the ATV. ATVs are easy to roll or tip over quickly when riding. The rider should never attempt maneuvers that can be dangerous to the rider or the passenger.
Sixth, turning the ATV too fast or sharp is the leading cause of accidents. The rider needs to pay attention to the movement of the ATV when turning and shift their weight accordingly. The passengers also need to pay attention to the road, lean with the rider, and keep their hands on the handhold device.
Seventh, braking the ATV is very important to the rider. The proper way to stop the ATV is found in the operator’s guide. The weather and terrain can affect the braking distance when riding. The rider needs to adjust their driving according to the towing, weight, and equipment on the ATV.
There are more components to learn about ATV Safety including reversing, carrying cargo, and understanding the terrain. For more information about ATV safety and product inquiry, contact your local ATV store.
SMART Couples Florida Celebration Statewide Virtual Event February 19, 2022 6:00 – 9:15 p.m. EST
Photo source: Victor Harris
It’s time to talk about love! Join us online for a night of real talk about building stronger relationships from marriage and family professionals across the nation. Learn how to improve your communication and keep the romance alive. Tickets available now!
