by Laurie Osgood | Jul 16, 2020
Lately, scammers have gotten more sophisticated. So it’s worth reminding everyone that if you receive an unsolicited email, text, or phone call, DO NOT give out any of your personal information! Scammers often update their tactics, using any way they can to trick you into handing over your precious personal information.
Earlier this week, I received an email (see below) telling me I had successfully set up a mobile wallet using my bank account. Since I had not signed up for this service, I was tempted to call the phone number listed in the email to dispute it. I hesitated, and for good reason. If I had contacted them, they would have tried to get my personal identification information, and then used that information to steal my identity or bank funds. I called my bank directly and learned this scam was recently perpetrated against 40,000 debit card users.
Phishing emails and text messages often appear to be legitimate and from a company you know or trust (like my own bank). These phishing emails and text messages often describe a problem with your billing, to trick you into clicking on a link or an attachment.
REMEMBER, if you receive this kind of message, by email or text, do not click on any attachments or call the phone number that is listed.
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Information page offers these tips for consumers to recognize and avoid phishing scams. View their website for more information. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/privacy-identity-online-security.
- Protect your computer by using security software.
- Protect your mobile phone by setting software to update automatically
- Protect your accounts by using multi-factor authentication
- Protect your data by backing it up
Lesson learned? Protect yourself and don’t believe anything that doesn’t feel right!
For more information about protecting yourself and your finances, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Agent.
Extension classes are open to everyone regardless of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations.
by Julie McMillian | Jun 22, 2020
Today’s Climate
Photo Source: UF/IFAS Photo Database
Many confuse the two words climate and weather. Weather is the day to day conditions of our atmosphere. Whereas, climate refers to the average of the weather over time. Weather depicts how we dress day to day and can change often. Climate refers more to the average weather over time. We generally must prepare for our climate by buying appropriate clothing and preparing our home for longer term weather conditions.
What causes the climate to change? There are three important greenhouse gases that have dramatically increased since industrialization: carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. The increases are primarily due to our changes in land use over time. These factors make our earth’s surface temperature warmer which affects our loss of sea ice and longer fire seasons, and can contribute to extreme weather events.
Adjust the temperature
Photo Source: Julie McMillian
The question is, what can I do in my own world and community to help on an individual basis? There are several ways that we can reduce our energy use of electricity at home which will help us to contribute to the bigger picture. Some simple suggestions are when you are not using the television, computer, lights, heating and cooling, try to turn them off or down for a while. Purchasing shades or curtains for your windows can keep your house cooler in the summer and fans may be able to replace the air conditioner on some occasions. When running the air, heat or hot water heater check your thermostat for energy saving features. Try to only run the dishwasher or washing machine with full loads and be sure to clean out your lint trap in the dryer so it has good airflow. You will find you might even save a few dollars by being mindful of your energy consumption.
Next, let’s talk about reducing greenhouse gases in our yards. Composting food scraps is a great way to reduce waste from landfills and turns your waste into reusable soil. Planting trees and plants helps to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Plants store carbon and help to regulate temperatures in the home. Another thing to consider is, where does your water run off go? If water can be routed to your garden it is a win-win.
How do we plan our food system in our home? Reducing food waste has many benefits. We can save money, help our community, conserve energy and resources just by rethinking the way we plan our meals. If we buy more unprocessed foods, there will be less packaging. If we are able to grow our own food or just eat at home more, it cuts down on trips to restaurants and stores.
These are just a few ways to get you thinking about climate change in Florida. As a citizen, we can take action by staying informed and showing our support. If we hold ourselves accountable by looking at our personal impact, we may be surprised what we are leaving behind with our footprint. For more information on healthy living or other extension related topics, contact your local UF IFAS county extension office.
Supporting information for this article can be found in the UF/IFAS Extension EDIS publications:
Science Support for Climate Change Adaptation in South Florida
Climate Change Adaptation: New Perspectives for Natural Resources Management and Conservation
Energy Efficient Homes
UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
by Laurie Osgood | Jun 15, 2020
Photo Source: Laurie Osgood
With everything going on in the world today, it could be easy to forget one of the most important holidays of the year, Father’s Day. We will celebrate Father’s Day on June 21st this year, during Men’s Health Month! Father’s Day is a good time to show the men in our lives that we want them to be with us for a long time. Let’s celebrate Men’s Health Month by encouraging the men in our lives to adopt healthy habits and seek regular medical advice.
Most men do not like to go the doctor. A 2014 survey conducted by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) determined that American men are much less likely to go to the doctor than women. Starting a conversation could encourage him to pay attention to his health as he ages. But how do we start the conversation with our father’s about their health issues? To ensure a stress-free conversation, pick a time and place with few distractions and present the topic in a loving and non-judgmental manner.
Here Are the Top Healthy Living Tips for Men:
- Schedule an annual physical exam: Annual physical exams can help spot potential problems before they get serious. Only you and your doctor can determine your best checkup and screening schedule. Preventative screenings such as an annual colonoscopy are based on a patient’s age and risk factors for developing a condition or disease, including family or personal history, age, ethnicity, and environmental exposure.
- Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack: According to the American Heart Association, someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds. Therefore it is important for everyone to recognize the signs of a heart attack. These warning signs include pain or discomfort in the jaw, chest, arms, shoulders, neck, or back, feeling light-headed or weak and shortness of breath.
- Make sleep a priority: Many adults don’t get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for our bodies to maintain our healthy bodily functions. Sleep disorders and ongoing lack of sleep can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes.
- Reduce Stress: High levels of stress can negatively affect a man’s lifestyle. Stress can be life threatening and can lead to a heart attack. UF/IFAS Extension’s Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS) offers a collection of information on various subjects including how to manage stress.
- Stop Smoking: Men who smoke are at a greater risk for heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases and strokes. Quitting can help lower the risk for smoking-related illnesses. The Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida campaign offers resources to help quit tobacco use.
- Exercise More: Regular workouts can improve heart health as well as reduce stress and weight. Experts tell us that we should all try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Eat Healthy: A healthy diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products daily. USDA offers tips for Men’s Health; 10 Tips: Get the Facts to Feel and Look Better .
Father’s Day is a great time to celebrate the men in our lives and encourage them to pay attention to their health and well-being because we want them to be around for a long time.
Going to the doctor may not be as fun as going to a ballgame or the beach, but having a conversation about their health may be the gift we can give our fathers on Father’s Day.
For more information on healthy living or other extension related topics, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Agent.
Extension classes are open to everyone regardless of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations.
by Dorothy C. Lee | Jun 11, 2020
The classic succulent vegetable of summer is ripe for your salads, sandwiches and salsa. Tomatoes can be used many ways to make good food with good nutrition.
Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables among home gardeners. Excellent source of vitamins C and A. (Photo source: UF/IFAS file photo)
Uses & Preparation
Unripe tomatoes take 3 to 4 days to ripen. Use ripe tomatoes within a day or two. For best flavor, do not refrigerate. Slice, wedge or dice; sprinkle with a fresh herb, drizzle with olive oil and serve. Wonderful with slices of avocado, but then skip the olive oil. Stuff with seafood, chicken, or pasta salad. Cherry tomatoes make a delicious, nutritious snack by themselves.
Selection
Ripe tomatoes will give slightly to gentle pressure.
Storage
Store unwashed at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
Tomato, Zucchini & Onion
2 cups sliced tomato
2 cups sliced zucchini
2 cups sliced onion
1 1/2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
dash of pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Layer onion, tomato, and zucchini in a 2-quart casserole dish that has been sprayed with a non-stick coating. Sprinkle each layer with seasonings. Bake for 30-45 minutes, depending on how soft you want the vegetables.
Basil Tomatoes
The addition of basil gives an excellent flavor to fresh tomatoes.
2 cups tomatoes, diced or sliced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Mix ingredient and let sit at room temperature at least 1 hour. Serve plain or on a lettuce leaf.
Nutrition Information
Excellent source of vitamin C. Good source of vitamin A.
Available Fresh
June – July & September – October
To learn about fresh Florida tomatoes, please read our fact sheet: Panhandle Produce Pointers – Tomatoes
For more delicious produce preparation tips, please visit: http://www.panhandleproducepointers.com.
For a quick and easy salsa, please visit: Easy Salsa
UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
by Samantha Kennedy | May 11, 2020
We like to feel as if we are always in control of our lives, especially during a crisis. Being in control provides us with feelings of confidence and strength, as if nothing could ever go wrong. However, sometimes we are not in control of our lives. Sometimes our emotions can run away with us and in times of confusion and uncertainty, those emotions can leave us feeling scared and anxious.
Right now, for many of us, our world has tilted a bit off its axis. We feel as if life is a little precarious, as if the control we value has been threatened. We want to protect ourselves and our families from something we may not fully understand, and this can leave us feeling a bit helpless. While this can be a scary way to feel, let me just say this: It is okay to feel this way, especially during times of challenge and uncertainty.
The key to keeping steady on rough emotional seas is to seek out feelings of calm. Seek out activities that can help distract from the anxious feelings, even for a few minutes. Soothing activities can vary depending on the person, so it is important to find which activities work best. Here are some good examples:
A good book and a soothing cup of tea can provide an oasis of calm in a desert of uncertainty. (Photo source: Samantha Kennedy)
Reading. Books and stories can be a great escape, allowing us to get lost in a world where there are no problems or where, at the very least, the problems are not ours to worry about. When I am feeling anxious, I like to dive into a good mystery or thriller where my mind can become occupied with an intricate plot and I can break the cycle of worried thoughts swirling inside my head. Reading stories with children can help everyone take a break from stress as well.
Creating. Remember those adult coloring books we all bought years ago? Pull those out of the drawer and blow the dust off them. Those items were touted as good stress busters for a reason. Concentrating on coloring in a picture or a pattern can help calm the mind and alleviate stressful emotions. Other creative outlets work just as well, such as drawing, journaling, or playing the guitar. I enjoy practicing my hand lettering when I am feeling stressed.
Exercising. Moving our bodies infuses our muscles and brain with oxygen and releases those feel-good chemicals known as endorphins, which produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Exercise strengthens our bodies and boosts our emotions. The exercise does not have to be strenuous to be effective. Low-impact exercise such as yoga and tai chi can have as much of a positive effect on the mind and body as more intense exercise such as running and weightlifting.
Meditating. Meditation is often thought of as something only practiced by spiritual folks on mountaintops in Tibet. But this is an unfair stereotype. Meditation can be practiced by anyone, even children. At its most basic, it is simply a way to center and calm our mind by focusing on our breath as it moves in and out of our body. By doing this, we can simply acknowledge and quickly dismiss all extraneous thoughts, including anxious and stressful ones, thereby not allowing them to take hold. Effective meditation takes practice, but it does not have to take a long time. Even a short 5-minute meditation can help us find calm in a sea of chaos.
Finding ways to achieve calm during confusing times can help us feel more in control of our lives and can reduce feeling of stress and anxiety. For more suggestions on how to cope with stress, please read the UF/IFAS fact sheet Stress Management: Ways to Cope.
Extension classes are open to everyone regardless of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations.
by Dorothy C. Lee | May 11, 2020
Once known as star berries because of the pointy flower calyxes on top, blueberries have grown wild in North America for thousands of years. They were a staple among Native Americans, who dried and smoked the berries, and pounded them into venison to flavor the meat.
Berries such as blueberries are rich in vitamin, minerals, and antioxidants and can be delicious additions to yogurt, salads, and smoothies. (Photo source: UF/IFAS file photo)
Uses & Preparation
Wash blueberries just before using. Add to yogurt or cottage cheese or any fruit and mild cheese platter. For color and great taste, add to salads; or sweeten pancakes, cakes, and muffins.
Selection
Look for firm, dry, plump, smooth-skinned berries with a light grayish bloom. Ripe berries should be deep-purple blue to blue-black.
Storage
Cover and refrigerate fresh berries for up to 10 days. Blueberries are easily frozen for later use. Freeze unwashed blueberries in airtight, resealable plastic bags. If thawed, keep refrigerated and use within 3 days.
Blueberry Pancake Stacks
Vegetable Oil for cooking
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh blueberries
Dash of nutmeg
In a mixing bowl, stir together the milk, oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Add dry ingredients to the milk, and stir just until mixed (batter should be slightly lumpy). Gently fold in the berries. Spoon the batter onto a griddle or pan greased with vegetable oil and heated to medium-hot (dollops should be about the size of a silver dollar). Let the batter cook until the tops of the pancakes begin to bubble, then flip and cook until done. Stack and serve immediately with softened margarine and warm syrup. Makes about eighteen 2 1/2″ pancakes.
Blueberry Syrup
Combine 1 pint of blueberries and 1 cup of maple syrup in a saucepan. Heat to boiling, then lower the heat and simmer until most of the fruit has burst. Remove from heat and use a fork to mash the berries. The syrup will thicken as it cools. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information: Good source of vitamin C. High in fiber. Low in calories.
Available Fresh: April – June
To learn about fresh Florida strawberries, please read our fact sheet: Panhandle Produce Pointers – Blueberries.
.For more delicious produce preparation tips, please visit: http://www.panhandleproducepointers.com.
UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
