Answer: Canola oil may have a slight edge since it is relatively low in artery-clogging saturated fats and high in the more healthful monounsaturated fats. But for occasional deep frying, the oil used probably doesn't make much difference. However, as cooking methods go, just about any method is a healthier choice than deep frying. Low-fat alternatives include baking, broiling, microwaving, sautéing, poaching, or using the slow cooker.

• Exercise is a sure cure if the holiday blues have gotten you down. Exercise releases natural endorphins, chemicals in our brains that make us feel good. So dance a little, walk a little, join a exercise class with a friend. Keeping physically fit can help reduce stress, provide a sense of well-being, and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis and high blood pressure.
• Drink as much liquid in cold weather as in the heat. It is especially easy to become dehydrated when exercising in cold weather because of the water you lose from sweating and breathing (you have to warm and moisten the cold air you inhale) and because of your stepped-up urine production.

This year many families are experiencing tremendous economic pressures. Rising food and energy costs have created additional economic hardships. U of I Extension has just launched a new website to help consumers cope with the recent economic downturn. Getting Through Tough Financial Times at: www.ToughTimes.illinois.edu is organized around topics such as: Avoiding Money Traps, Setting Spending Priorities, Managing Debt, Taking with Creditors, and Saving and Investing in Turbulent Times.

You can visit the website at: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/eNews/news.cfm?id=1

Also, be sure to visit the rest of our websites at: http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/

Use your digital camera to take photos of your jewelry, antiques or other valuable items in your home. Burn onto a CD and store in a safety deposit box or other protected spot. If there's a robbery or natural disaster, you will have a record for insurance purposes.

Volunteers are needed to be bell-ringers! They offer one-hour shifts between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays starting the day after Thanksgiving. The principle location will be Wal-Mart, but other options could be IGA or the post office depending on the amount of volunteers that are interested. Get your friends to stand with you OR split the hour up with 3 friends so each will have 20 minutes! If interested please contact Carol Ryan at 544-2175 or e-mail: caroler@mchsi.com

The holiday season is once again upon us. All those high-calorie favorites will be difficult to ignore! One very simple solution is to eat more slowly. Sounds simple but if you eat more slowly and think about what you are eating, you are less likely to unknowingly keep eating.

Some tips to help you eat more slowly:

• Count to 30 between bites;
• Have a conversation before and after eating a certain item;
• Put your fork or spoon down after each mouthful;
• Chew your food a set number of times – count the chews and make it last;
• Make sure you've swallowed and at least looked around the room before picking up your fork or spoon again;
• Try mentally spelling the food you're eating before taking a second bite of it.
• You can come up with many time-wasting tricks, tips or games. The important thing is to eat slowly, think about what and how much you're eating, and enjoy what you do eat.

Accidents are a major cause of death and injury among agricultural workers. A study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health showed that farmers also have the highest rates of death as a result of stress-related conditions. Heart and artery disease, hypertension, ulcers and nervous disorders top the list of killers. America's farmers and ranchers have to cope with more stress than the average worker. Droughts, floods, pests, long hours, financial concerns and other complications can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. Experts agree that there are steps people can take to help to cope with stress in their lives. These are not meant as "instant solutions." If one feels overwhelmed, there are many people and organizations available to listen and help.

To help reduce stress, the West Virginia University Extension Service and the National Safety Council suggest the following:

• Acknowledge that stress exists in your life.
• Don't minimize your reactions to stress. If you keep stress buried inside, it is likely to create mental and physical problems.
• Talk about your problems with family, friends, clergy or professional counselors. This will help you clear your head and focus on eliminating or reducing anxiety and stress-related ailments.
• Eat well-balanced meals and try to limit caffeine and alcohol intake. If you smoke, quit.
• Get enough sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, try light reading or listening to relaxing music.
• Keep all machinery in good condition. Eliminating possible breakdowns will help reduce stressful moments.

Quickie No-Bake Cheese Cake - Make 1 package of vanilla pudding, according to directions. Mix in one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese until blended. Add this to a pre-made graham cracker pie crust and then refrigerate until it's solid. When you are ready to serve, top with your favorite canned pie filling. Store in the refrigerator.