by Claire Davis | Sep 5, 2025
As we enjoy the final weeks of summer, outdoor cooking, grilling, and gatherings are in full swing. Whether you’re firing up the grill at a Labor Day picnic or preparing dinner indoors to beat the heat, understanding proper cooking temperatures is essential for both safety and flavor.
Warm weather increases the risk of foodborne illnesses, especially when food is left out too long or not cooked to the right temperature. When it comes to cooking, temperature control is crucial for producing safe and delicious food. Using the right cooking temperature ensures that your food is cooked evenly, preventing undercooked or overcooked areas that can be a breeding ground for bacteria. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of proper cooking temperatures, how to achieve them, and provide some tips for ensuring food safety—whether you’re cooking inside or out.
Why is Temperature Control Important?
Beef, grilling, cooking, meat, BBQ. UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.
Temperature plays a critical role in food safety. In the summer months, when outdoor temperatures soar, bacteria can grow quickly on perishable foods that are not handled properly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 48 million people get sick from foodborne illnesses in the U.S. each year. Many of these illnesses can be prevented with safe cooking practices.
Cooking food to the correct internal temperature kills harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause serious illness—especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Using a Food Thermometer
No matter the season, the most reliable way to ensure food is cooked safely is with a food thermometer. This tool takes the guesswork out of cooking, helping you hit the safe internal temperature every time.
Thermometers come in digital, dial, or instant-read forms. Keep one on hand, especially during summer barbecues when meat is cooked over open flames and temperature accuracy can be harder to gauge by sight alone.
Safe Internal Temperatures for Common Foods
Mutton being grilled. Photo taken 09-30-23
Here are USDA-recommended internal temperatures to keep in mind:
- Beef: 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium
- Chicken (whole or ground): 165°F
- Pork: 145°F, with a 3-minute rest time
- Ground meats (beef, pork, lamb): 160°F
- Fish: 145°F
- Vegetables: Cook thoroughly—165°F for steaming or reheating
Summer-Smart Tips for Cooking Safely
- Use a thermometer: Especially when grilling or cooking large cuts of meat, always check the thickest part for doneness. This is the most accurate way to ensure that your food has reached a safe internal temperature.
- Keep hot foods hot: If you’re hosting outdoors, use warming trays or insulated containers to keep cooked food above 140°F (60°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the grill or pan: Give each item space to cook evenly, even if it means you have to cook in batches.
- Don’t press down: Resist the temptation to press down on food while it’s cooking, as this can cause juices to escape and food to become overcooked.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let meats rest before slicing. This preserves juices and ensures even doneness.
- Avoid cross-contamination: Always use separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked foods, and don’t reuse marinades unless they’ve been boiled.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooking: Failing to cook food to a safe internal temperature can lead to foodborne illnesses, which is especially risky for poultry and ground meats. Use your meat thermometer, don’t rely on color alone.
- Overcooking: Leads to dry, tough, and unappetizing meals. Monitor temperature to avoid going too far.
- Incorrect methods: High-heat grilling can create a nicely browned outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Always double-check the center temperature.
Plate of grilled cheese burgers. Photo taken 06-27-20.
As the days remain hot and cookouts continue, make food safety a priority. Proper cooking temperatures ensure your meals are not only tasty, but also safe for your family and friends. By practicing mindful temperature control and using a food thermometer regularly, you’ll reduce the risk of foodborne illness while still enjoying the best flavors summer has to offer. Remember, food safety is a top priority in the kitchen, and temperature control is a key factor in preventing foodborne illnesses.
by Suzanne Holloway | Sep 5, 2025
Money management refers to the process of overseeing and planning all aspects of your finances, including budgeting, saving, and investing. Effective money management helps you understand your current financial situation, set goals for the future, and make informed decisions to support your financial and overall well-being.
What’s a Budget?
Many people view budgeting, or “living on a budget,” as restrictive, but in reality, it is simply a tool that summarizes your income and expenses over a set period—often a month—to help you prioritize spending and achieve your goals. To start, calculate your total income from paychecks and any other sources (for example, child support, gifts, or public assistance). Then, list all your fixed costs (e.g., rent, insurance, property taxes, and occasional fees) and flexible expenses (e.g., groceries, transportation, and entertainment). By managing your flexible expenses wisely, you can ensure you have enough to cover your fixed obligations and also make progress toward your financial goals. Subtract total expenses from your income. If the result is negative, you are spending more than you earn and may need to adjust your budget. At the start of each budgeting period, set your plan, and at the end, review your spending and adjust as needed for the next period.
Budgeting Strategies
A budget isn’t one-size-fits-all, because everyone’s income, expenses, and priorities are different. Budgets should be tailored to your unique situation, which is why there are various strategies to choose from. Some of the most common strategies include the 50/30/20, Pay Yourself First, Zero-based, and Envelope budgets.
The 50/30/20 method divides your income into three categories: 50% for needs like housing, insurance, and groceries—things you can’t do without; 30% for wants such as dining out, subscriptions, or vacations; and 20% for savings to support future goals like building an emergency fund, buying a home, or saving for retirement. Debt reduction, such as paying minimum and additional payments for loans and credits, is placed in both the needs and savings categories.
© Andrey Popov / Adobe Stock
Pay Yourself First sets savings as the first expense by setting aside a fixed amount or percentage of your income as soon as you are paid. Start by focusing on building your emergency fund until it covers three to six months of essential living expenses. Once that’s accomplished, you can direct savings toward other financial goals. Setting up separate accounts or vaults for each goal can make it easier to track your progress and stay organized.
Zero-Based Budget ensures that every dollar you earn is assigned a specific purpose—whether for expenses and savings—so that your income minus your expenses always equals zero.
Envelope Budget, sometimes called “cash stuffing,” involves dividing your funds into envelopes (physical or digital), each representing a spending category. When the money in an envelope runs out, you stop spending in that category until the next budgeting period.
Budgeting Tools & Resources
There are many budgeting resources available, including apps, online tools, and printable worksheets. While some are free, many charge a fee to use or require payment to unlock additional features such as detailed reports, automatic account syncing, or advanced goal-tracking tools. Popular free mobile applications include:
*basic version; paid premium features available
Common paid apps:
Some banks and credit unions also offer built-in budgeting tools—check if there are any fees. Free printable worksheets from organizations like the Federal Trade Commission’s budget worksheet and the UF/IFAS Extension Money Management Calendar are also available. Furthermore, some prefer to create their budgets or use templates in Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel.
Explore different tools and mobile application options. Consider your financial goals, resources, and preferred budgeting strategy before making a decision, especially if you are considering a paid service.
Additional Resources
50/30/20 Calculator (OPERS)
An Equal Opportunity Institution.
by Suzanne Holloway | Aug 1, 2025
The term “freshman 15” describes the widespread belief that college students gain fifteen pounds during their first year. This concept originated in the mid-to-late 1980s, with a 1985 peer-reviewed article reporting an average weight gain of 8.8 pounds in women. Later, in 1989, Seventeen magazine popularized the phrase by chronicling a student’s struggle with first-year weight gain. Despite its popularity, the evidence behind the “freshman 15” experience is limited. Furthermore, studies have been somewhat inconsistent, with some observing weight gain, others showing weight loss, and/or no change in weight. For example, a 2008 study found weight changes ranging from -5 to +20 pounds with an average of roughly +3 pounds.
For most students, the “freshman 15” is more accurately a “freshman 5.” Both numbers, though, are broad generalizations, and real experiences vary. Starting college marks a major life transition: the independence, new routines, and unique pressures involved can all influence well-being. As a result, some students may gain weight, others might lose weight, and some may see no change at all. Nonetheless, it is important to note that weight and body mass index (BMI) should not be used as sole indicators for health since they do not factor in lifestyle behaviors and body composition.
College Wellness Tips
Looking to build healthy habits in college? Here are some wellness tips and resources to help incoming and current college students.
Eating Habits
With limited access to kitchens, many freshmen rely on dining halls, restaurants, and convenience stores for food. The abundance of choices, particularly at dining halls, including many tempting comfort foods, can easily lead to mindless eating, especially during times of stress or homesickness. Just because your parents aren’t there to remind you doesn’t mean you should stop eating fruits and vegetables; they remain an essential part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Practicing mindful eating by paying attention to hunger cues, savoring your food, and choosing a balanced meal can make it easier to nourish your body, avoid overeating, and feel your best.
© ActionGP / Adobe Stock
Sleeping Habits
Poor or inconsistent sleep can undermine both physical and mental health, impairing cognitive function and even increasing appetite (which can contribute to overeating and weight gain). Good sleep hygiene is vital—try to keep a regular bedtime, limit caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day, avoid screens before sleep, and wind down with relaxing activities like reading or meditation.
Stress Management
Stress triggers the release of cortisol, sometimes called the “stress hormone.” When stress is chronic (long-term), cortisol remains high and disrupts the body, slowing metabolism, increasing fat storage (especially in the abdomen), raising blood sugar, and fueling cravings for calorie-dense comforting foods. This can explain why people often “eat their feelings” and reach for familiar or sugary snacks during tough times. Chronic stress is also linked to conditions like depression, high blood pressure, metabolic disorders (e.g., obesity), and fatigue. Healthy ways to cope with stress include seeking social support, building a consistent sleep routine, practicing mindful eating, and staying physically active.
University Student Wellness Resources
If you’re struggling with your physical or mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out. Most universities offer support services for students, such as Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Florida State University, and the University of Florida.
Additional Sources
University of Georgia
University of Utah
by Amy Mullins, PhD, RDN | Aug 1, 2025
Good nutrition is important to cognitive function. (Adobe Stock Image)
The Connection Between Nutrition and Memory: How Food Affects Cognitive Function
Memory is a complex and multifaceted cognitive function that plays a vital role in our daily lives. From remembering important events and appointments to recalling learned skills and knowledge, memory is essential for our overall well-being and success. While genetics and lifestyle factors can influence memory, a growing body of research suggests that nutrition also plays a significant role in cognitive function and memory.
The Importance of Nutrition for Memory
A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, provides the necessary nutrients and building blocks for optimal brain function. The brain is a hungry organ, accounting for approximately 20% of the body’s total energy expenditure. Adequate nutrition is essential for maintaining healthy brain cells, facilitating communication between neurons, and supporting the growth and development of new neural connections.
Key Nutrients for Memory
Several nutrients have been identified as essential for supporting memory and cognitive function. These include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats, particularly EPA and DHA, are found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. Omega-3s support brain cell membrane structure and function, promoting healthy communication between neurons.
- Vitamin D: This essential vitamin is obtained through sun exposure, dietary sources, and supplements. Vitamin D receptors are found in brain cells, and research suggests that vitamin D plays a role in regulating neurotransmitter function and protecting against age-related cognitive decline.
- B Vitamins: B vitamins, particularly B6, B9 (folate), and B12, are essential for synthesizing neurotransmitters and maintaining healthy brain cells. Foods rich in B vitamins include leafy greens, legumes, whole grains, and lean meats.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and polyphenols found in fruits, vegetables, and tea, help protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage memory and cognitive function.
- Magnesium: This essential mineral supports neuronal function and synaptic plasticity, facilitating learning and memory. Foods rich in magnesium include dark leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.
Dietary Patterns Associated with Better Memory
Research has identified several dietary patterns that are associated with improved memory and cognitive function. These include:
- Mediterranean diet: Characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to support cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
- DASH diet: The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, developed to reduce blood pressure, emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
- Plant-based diet: A diet rich in plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, has been associated with improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Tips for Supporting Memory through Nutrition
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Stay hydrated: Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining cognitive function and supporting memory.
- Limit processed and sugary foods: These foods can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage brain cells and impair memory.
- Consider supplements: If you’re concerned about getting enough nutrients through diet alone, consider consulting with a healthcare professional about supplementing with omega-3s, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients.
Conclusion
While genetics and lifestyle factors can influence memory, nutrition plays a critical role in supporting cognitive function and memory. By incorporating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, essential nutrients, and healthy fats, you can support optimal brain function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
References:
During the preparation of this work the author used the AI tool, NaviGator. After using this tool/service, the author reviewed and edited the content as needed and takes full responsibility for the content of the publication. Image source: Adobe Stock
by Judy Corbus | Jul 3, 2025
Check the terms of your homeowners or renters policy to make sure you have adequate coverage.
Photo credit: Judy Corbus, NW Extension District
Do you know what your home insurance covers? How about levels of coverage or exclusions? If you’re not sure, now is a good time to take a look at your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. Hurricane season potentially increases the likelihood of filing a claim and it’s wise to know your level of coverage, perils included (or excluded), and deductibles before the need arises.
How Much Insurance Should I Buy?
To be adequately covered, your home must be insured for the amount necessary to rebuild it at the current cost factoring in building material prices and labor costs. Also, depending on the age of your home, it may need to be repaired or rebuilt to meet current building codes. Law and Ordinance coverage will cover these additional costs so discuss your policy with your insurance agent. If your home is underinsured at the time of loss, there may be a penalty or reduction in the amount the insurance company will pay for the loss. Discuss both the limits and adequacy of types of coverage with your agent.
What Perils are Covered by My Policy?
Damage from rising water (flood) is not covered by most homeowners’ policies. You may purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through private insurers. Flood insurance is available to cover your home and personal property. Usually, there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy goes into effect with the NFIP, unless you purchase the policy at the same time you purchase or refinance your home. You may obtain flood insurance through your local agent.
You also should check for windstorm coverage, sinkholes and catastrophic ground cover collapse, and mold coverage.
Replacement Cost or Actual Cash Value?
These two settlement options are available when purchasing home insurance. Replacement Cost is the amount needed to repair or replace damaged property with materials of similar kind and quality without deducting for depreciation, which is the decrease in the value of your home or personal property due to normal wear and tear. Actual cash value is the amount needed to repair or replace an item, less depreciation. To receive replacement cost coverage, most homeowners’ insurance policies require the policyholder to insure the home for at least 80% of its replacement value.
What About the Hurricane Deductible?
The Hurricane Deductible is the deductible applied to loss caused by a hurricane. The deductible is the dollar amount paid by the policyholder before an insurance company pays anything. Typically, the hurricane deductible is $500 or two, five, or ten percent of the amount of insurance covering the dwelling at the time of loss. In Florida, you pay one hurricane deductible per calendar year as long as you are insured by the same insurer for the second or subsequent hurricanes for the same calendar year. The hurricane deductible applies from the time a hurricane watch or warning is issued for any part of Florida until 72 hours after the last hurricane watch or warning is terminated for any part of Florida.
Take a few moments to review your policy while the sun is shining and the waters are calm so you are prepared for hurricane season.
For more information on homeowners’ insurance, check out Homeowners Insurance A Toolkit for Consumers and Florida’s Hurricane Deductible.
Sources:
Homeowners Insurance A Toolkit for Consumers
Florida’s Hurricane Deductible
by Amy Mullins, PhD, RDN | Jul 1, 2025
Exercise boosts brain power. (Adobe Stock image)
As we age, our memory and cognitive abilities can decline, making everyday tasks more challenging. While genetics and lifestyle play a significant role in determining our cognitive health, research has shown that regular exercise can have a profound impact on memory and overall cognitive function.
- Increased Blood Flow: Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. This increased blood flow can help to promote the growth of new brain cells and improve communication between neurons.
- Neurotrophic Factors: Exercise stimulates the production of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which play a key role in promoting the growth and survival of brain cells.
- Reduced Inflammation: Exercise has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce inflammation in the brain and promote cognitive health.
- Improved Neuroplasticity: Exercise promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to new experiences. This can help to improve memory and learning.
- Improved Memory: Exercise has been shown to improve memory in both young and old adults, and to reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
- Enhanced Learning: Exercise has been shown to improve learning and memory in both children and adults, and to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.
- Reduced Risk of Dementia: Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and other age-related cognitive disorders.
- Improved Mood: Exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults need 150 minutes of aerobic type moderate-intensity, plus 2 or more days of muscle-strengthening exercise per week. Here are some types of exercise that have the greatest impact on cognitive function:
- Aerobic Exercise: Aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function.
- Resistance Training: Resistance training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): HIIT, which involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by periods of rest, has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation.
- Mind-Body Exercise: Mind-body exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, have been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce stress.
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can be easier than you think! Here are some tips to get you started:
- Start Small: Begin with short, manageable exercise sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you become more comfortable.
- Find an Exercise You Enjoy: Engage in physical activities that bring you joy, whether it’s running, swimming, or dancing.
- Schedule Exercise into Your Day: Treat exercise as a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth or taking a shower.
- Make it Social: Exercise with a friend or family member to make it more enjoyable and to provide accountability.
Exercise is a powerful tool for improving memory and cognitive function. When we exercise, our brain undergoes changes that can have a lasting impact on our cognitive abilities. By incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine, you can reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline, improve memory and learning, and enhance overall cognitive health. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to get moving and improve your brain health.
References:
During the preparation of this work, the author used the AI tool, NaviGator. After using this tool/service, the author reviewed and edited the content as needed and takes full responsibility for the content of the publication.
