Regardless of how a family is defined, research shows that people in families are healthier, both mentally and physically, than people not in families.

Families with healthy relationships are especially beneficial. Families identified as being strong tend to have some of the following qualities that pull the members together and keep them working as a team especially when things are difficult.

• Active maintenance of a positive, healthy marriage or relationship (when applicable)
• Shared views on childrearing, financial goals, and financial management
• Caring, supportive expressions of love in both words and actions
• Family rules that are agreed upon by family members
• Being together in both work (chores) and play (planned), instead of only leftover time
• Family time that gives each a sense of belonging
• Communication (learning to listen, ask questions, pay attention to nonverbal messages and work toward understanding) and collaborative solutions to conflicts
• Flexibility and acceptance of change
• Making ordinary routines, like meals and bedtime, into shared priorities
• Spirituality as a guiding force that bonds the family together
• Shared responsibilities
• An interest and concern for the happiness of others
• Humor as a way to relieve tension and bring closeness
• Respect for each other's privacy and belongings
• Allowing a difference of opinions or interests
• Taking time to care for and re-energize own needs

Identify, define, and celebrate the strengths that you see in your family. No matter what stage of life your family is in, it's never too late to strengthen your family relationships. Just take it slow and easy, and don't expect change overnight.

- Patti Faughn, U of I Family Life Educator

"THE HILL" and SHOPPING

A bus trip to St. Louis is planned on Thursday, May 18, for HEA members and their guests. If you have never experienced the Italian District also known as THE HILL in St. Louis, then this is your chance for a wonderful experience. The Hill is located just minutes from downtown and is known for its elegant gourmet restaurants, mom and pop trattorias, Italian grocery stores, and specialty stores selling everything Italian.

After lunch at The Hill, the group will depart for the beautiful Galleria Shopping Mall. There are several levels with shops ranging from Dillards to The Walking Store. Adding to the uniqueness of this mall is an array of eateries including the California Kitchen!

The cost is $38 which is due in full when you register. The deadline to sign up is April 7.

We already have the 23 seats filled, so we are thinking we can take the BIG bus, it holds 47! Sign up today! We will leave Robinson at 7 a.m. and return by 9 p.m. Everyone is welcome to bring a friend!

If you need to call the Social Security office, their phone number is 800-772-1213. Office hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The National Safety Council estimates that falls at home or in the community lead to over 16,000 deaths per year. Falls are reported to be the leading cause of non-fatal injuries treated in the hospital Emergency Room. Falls are also the leading cause of death in public places followed by poisoning, drowning and choking.

Nearly one-third of all people over the age of 65 fall each year, and falls are estimated to cause 50% of all injury deaths in people over age 65.

There are several simple changes you can make in and around your home to reduce your chance of falling.

• Keep outside walkways and home entrances clear.
• Have enough outside lighting. Use motion-sensor lights.
• Use a slip-resistant surface on outside steps.
• Use non-skid backing on mats and rugs. Make sure they are securely fastened down.
• Turn on the lights before you go into a room when it's dark.
• Have light switches at both ends of hallways and stairways.
• Wear non-slip, low-heeled shoes or slippers that fit snugly.
• Place grab bars in bathrooms.
• Use nightlight in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms.
• Keep cords out of walkways.
• Use a sturdy step stool with reaching for something overhead.
• Learn quick and easy ways to get rid of clutter. Visit: www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/clutter/

- Pat Hildebrand, U of I Consumer & Family Econ. Educator

CAJUN PORK

1 lb. pork tenderloin, cut into strips

1½ t. Cajun seasoning

2 t. minced garlic

2 t. Italian seasoning

3 T butter

¾ c. chicken broth

1 t. Worcestershire sauce

1 can diced tomatoes

6-8 oz. uncooked fine egg noodles

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and stir the pork, Cajun seasoning, garlic and Italian seasoning in butter until meat is no longer pink. Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions and drain. Stir broth, Worcestershire sauce and tomatoes into pork mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat: simmer, covered for 5 minutes. Thicken with a little mixture of cornstarch and water. Serve with the hot noodles.

Note: Chicken breast can be substituted for the pork tenderloin and rice for the noodles.

PEPPERCORN STEAKS

1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns, crushed

2 strip or top loin steaks (about 8 ounces each)

2 to 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup red wine or beef broth

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1/2 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

Rub pepper over both sides of steaks. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. In an ungreased skillet over medium-high heat, brown steaks on both sides. Add butter and garlic; cook for 4-6 minutes, turning steaks once. Add Worcestershire sauce; cook 4-6 minutes longer, turning once, or until meat reaches desired doneness (for rare, a meat thermometer should read 140°; medium, 160°; well-done, 170°). Remove steaks and keep warm. Combine wine or broth, mustard and sugar; add to the pan. Stir to loosen browned bits. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; add to pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with the steaks. Editor's Note: Steak may be known as New York strip steak, Kansas City strip steak, Ambassador Steak or boneless Club Steak in your region.

CHEESY NEW POTATOES

12 medium new potatoes
Salt and pepper
2 cups grated Old English cheese
16 slices bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped parsley, for garnish
Wash and cube potatoes (do not peel), cook in boiling water until just barely tender. Remove from heat, drain, and season to taste with salt and pepper. In a large casserole, place layer of potatoes, half the bacon, half the butter, and half the cheese. Repeat the layers. Heat in a 350 degree oven for 20–30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish with parsley. Serves: 6 - 8

TRIFLE FOR TWO

1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened

4 teaspoons instant cappuccino powder or other flavored sweetened instant coffee powder

2 teaspoons sugar

1 cup whipped topping

2 slices pound cake or cake of your choice, cut into cubes

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Additional whipped topping and chocolate chips, optional

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, coffee powder and sugar until smooth. Beat in whipped topping until blended. Divide cake cubes between two dessert dishes; top with the cream cheese mixture and chocolate chips. Garnish with additional whipped topping and chocolate chips if desired. Yield: 2 servings.

EASY PUMPKIN PIE SQUARES

1 c. flour ½ c. oatmeal (uncooked)

½ c. brown sugar ½ c. margarine

2 c. (16 oz. can) can pumpkin

2 eggs ¾ c. sugar

1 t. cinnamon ½ t. ginger

¼ t. cloves

1 (13-oz.) can evaporated skim milk

Combine first four ingredients until crumbly. Press into a 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Mix all remaining ingredients and pour on top of first baked layer. Bake an additional 35 minutes. Yield: 12 servings.