Autumn has arrived and change is in the air. This month the American Heart Association is asking us to remind everyone that October is Cholesterol Awareness Month. Cardiovascular diseases and strokes are the #1 cause of death in Illinois. In 2002 38.3% (40,715) of all deaths in the state were caused by these diseases. Do you know what your cholesterol score is? Have you asked your physician to check? Have you attended a local health fair where cholesterol screenings are offered? Do you know what total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol are? Do you try to watch the fat intake in your diet? Do you know why you should get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day? If you don't know the answers to these fairly simple questions, you can get well written research based information on the American Heart Association web-site at www.americanheart.org.

Do yourself and your family a favor. Sit down together and talk about what you can do to live a healthy lifestyle. Talk about lower fat meals that are prepared and eaten together. Plan some heart healthy menus that appeal to everyone. Set up a schedule of family activities that involve moderate levels of physical activity like walking or biking. Print the information you find on the American Heart Association website and share it with each other. You don't need to be a physician to learn how to take better care of your health. All you need to be is interested in living as well as you can. Simple lifestyle changes can reap great health benefits. We may not be able to overcome specific genetic factors, but there is no substitution for practicing prevention. Heart attacks and strokes devastate victims, families and relationships. They cause emotional upheaval and financial distress.

Why not use Cholesterol Awareness Month as a reason to start your new healthier lifestyle?

Teresa Adams

Health Promotion Coordinator

The story behind trick or treating dates back to the earliest times, when people wore masks when droughts or diseases or other disasters struck. They believed that the hideous masks could frighten off the demons who brought about their misfortunes. The pagan festival of Samhain came at a time of year when the weather was turning chilly and the cold, envious ghosts outside were constantly trying to trick mortals into letting them in by the fire. People who went out after dark often wore masks to keep from being recognized.

Similar practices went on throughout Europe. In parts of England the poor once went to houses singing and begging for soul cakes or money. Until very recently children would dress up as ghosts and goblins to scare the neighbors, but there was no trick or treating. Around 40 years ago people began to offer treats to their costumed visitors. Spanish people put cakes and nuts on graves on Halloween, to bribe the evil spirits.

The Irish brought Halloween to America in the 1840's although the custom of trick-or-treating is thought to have its origins in a ninth-century European custom called souling. On November 2, All Souls Day, early Christians would walk from village to village begging for "soul cakes" made of bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would receive, the more prayers they promised to say on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors. It was believed that the dead remained in limbo for a time after death, and that prayer, even by strangers, would expedite a soul's admittance into heaven.

Over time the custom changed and children became the beggars. As they went from house to house they would be given apples, buns, and money and other treats to ensure that the ghosts or goblins didn't play tricks.

Source: Cheri Sicard

www.fabulousfoods.com

References to pumpkins date back many centuries. The name pumpkin originated from the Greek word for "large melon" which is "pepon." "Pepon" was nasalized by the French into "pompon." The English changed "pompon" to "Pumpion." Shakespeare referred to the "pumpion" in his Merry Wives of Windsor. American colonists changed "Pumpion" into "pumpkin." The "pumpkin" is referred to in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater, and Cinderella.

Native Americans dried strips of pumpkin and wove them into mats. They also roasted long strips of pumpkin on the open fire and ate them. The origin of pumpkin pie occurred when the colonists sliced off the pumpkin top, removed the seeds, and filled the insides with milk, spices, and honey. The pumpkin was then baked in hot ashes.

History of the Jack-o-Lantern

People have been making jack-o-lanterns at Halloween for centuries. The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed "stingy Jack." According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree's bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years.

Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved out turnip and has been roaming the earth with it ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply "Jack O'Lantern."

In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack's lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them in the windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o'lantern tradition when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack o'lanterns.

University of Illinois Extension

Halloween brings out the kids in all of us. It's fun to get dressed up in a costume and parade around the neighborhood or go to a party. Treats are a part of the fun. However, treats don't have to be sticky, gooey candy.

Treats to Give

When gathering the treats you will offer this year, think about some possible low-calorie, low-fat options. Here are some ideas to get you started thinking:

·Cheese and cracker packages

·Sugar-free gum

·Cheese sticks

·Juice box packages

·Small packages of nuts or raisins

·Package of instant cocoa mix

·Peanuts in the shell

You could also consider giving some non-food treats such as stickers, balloons, crayons, pencils, colored chalk, erasers, whistles, baseball cards, rubber spiders or worms. A friend of mine used to give nickels, in today's economy that may need to be dimes.

Trick or Treating

Make sure children eat a meal or snack before going trick-or-treating so they won't be tempted to dig into their bag of goodies before they get home.

When children get home, check the treats and keep only treats which are unopened. Be sure to inspect fruits and homemade goods for anything suspicious.

It's better to eat trick-or-treat candy over several days as a substitute for dessert or a few pieces along with a healthy snack.

Halloween Party

Having a party for your children and a few friends can reduce safety concerns. Some nutritious treats for your party could include popcorn, apples, grapes, bananas, unshelled peanuts and not-too-sweet cookies.

Kids could help with making treats like "Pizza Faces." Let kids arrange sliced olives, green peppers, mushrooms, pepperoni, and other things on English muffins brushed with tomato sauce. Top with grated cheese for "hair" and heat in the microwave or oven until the cheese melts.

Halloween Treats

Here are some fun treats for ghosts and goblins who come calling or to serve at a Halloween party at your home. Have the kids help you make these. They can help with measuring, pressing the mixture in the pans or shaping into balls. Be sure everyone washes their hands before they start.

Quick Pumpkin Cupcakes

1 box regular yellow or vanilla cake mix, 2- layer-size

2 eggs

1 tablespoon oil

2/3 cup canned pumpkin

1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 cup water or apple juice

Decorations:

Canned low-fat vanilla frosting

Candy corn

Black or orange jelly beans

Black licorice

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray each muffin cup with nonstick cooking spray or use paper cupcake liners. Blend the cake mix with the eggs, oil, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and the water or juice with mixer at low speed until moistened. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Spoon into the prepared muffin pan. Bake 18 minutes or until done. Cool in pan completely before frosting. Kids will love to decorate these cupcakes. Makes about 18 cupcakes.

Halloween Cereal Balls

1/4 cup margarine or butter

1 package (10 oz.) marshmallows

2 tablespoons orange-flavored gelatin

6 cups crisp rice cereal

1/2 cup candy corn

Combine margarine and marshmallows in 2-quart glass bowl. Microwave (high), uncovered, 2-1/2 to 3 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed. Add orange gelatin; mix until combined. Stir in cereal until well coated. Mix in candy corn. Cool enough to handle.

With buttered hands, form mixture into 24 balls. Place on waxed paper until cool. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap for storage.

Tips: Pieces of cut black licorice can be substituted for candy corn.

Mixture can be pressed into greased 13/9-inch baking pan and cut into squares for serving.

Per Serving: 85 calories, 1 g. protein, 2 g. fat, 119 mg. Sodium, 0 mg. Cholesterol.

University of Illinois Extension

Too Much Chocolate?

Humans love chocolates. In fact, some people love it so much they have it in their landscapes–as mulch, that is. Over the past few years, the use of cocoa bean mulches has become more popular. They not only prevent weeds, they also look attractive and smell wonderful. However, dogs are also attracted to this sweet, chocolaty smell and that can be dangerous for your pooch.

Research has shown that this mulch may be ingested as dogs dig through it. Of course, this may not be an issue if your dog is well behaved and understands that gardens are to be appreciated from a distance. My dog, however, loves to be directly involved with any gardening activity. She also loves to dig and will put just about anything in her mouth. My guess is that she is more the rule than the exception. So what happens when dogs ingest cocoa mulch?

Chocolate contains two compounds that are toxic to dogs. They are methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine and each has an LD 50 of 100 to 100 mg/kg. The LD50 is the quantity of a chemical calculated to be lethal to 50 percent of the organisms in a specific test situation. It is expressed in weight of the chemical (milligrams) per unit of body weight (kilograms). However, severe and life-threatening clinical signs may be seen well below this dose. Seizures can occur at 60 mg/kg and mild signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and restlessness can occur at only 20 mg/kg.

So how much is too much for a pooch? The amount of methylxanthines in cocoa hulls is substantial at 255 mg/oz. And that's just the theobromine; no data was available for caffeine. In comparison, milk chocolate has only 64 mg/oz of methylxanthines and less than 1 oz of milk chocolate/lb (2 oz/kg) is potentially lethal to dogs. So 65 oz. (4 lb) of milk chocolate would be potentially lethal for my 65 lb. Dog. But, if she were to eat cocoa hull mulch, by my calculations, it would only take about 2.25 oz. To produce mild signs and 12 oz to be potentially lethal. Of course, these amounts would be much less for a smaller dog. Some manufacturers do include a warning statement on the bag. So, if you have dogs or wandering neighborhood dogs, another type of mulch should be considered.

For more information, call your local veterinarian or animal poison control center. You can reach a link to the center by clicking on http://www.aspca.org. Also at this site is an article on chocolate intoxication that gives detailed information on clinical signs and treatment, as well as an example for calculating the methylxanthine dosage (http://www.aspca.org/apcc/toxbrief_0201.pdf). At the above Web address, you'll also find information on protecting your pet from pesticides and fertilizers, as well as a list of plants that are toxic to pets.

University of Illinois Extension

The bright orange color of pumpkin is a dead giveaway that pumpkin is loaded with an important antioxidant, beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is one of the plant carotenoids converted to vitamin A in the body. In the conversion to vitamin A, beta-carotene performs many important functions in overall health.

Current research indicates that a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and offers protection against heart disease. Beta-carotene offers protection against other diseases as well as some degenerative aspects of aging.

Pumpkin Nutrition Facts

(1 cup cooked, boiled, drained, without salt)

Calories 49 Zinc 1 mg

Protein 2 grams Selenium .50 mg

Carbohydrate 12 grams Vitamin C 12 mg

Dietary Fiber 3 grams Niacin 1 mg

Calcium 37 mg Folate 21 mcg

Iron 1.4 mg Vitamin A 2650 IU

Magnesium 22 mg Vitamin E 3 mg

Potassium 564 mg

University of Illinois Extension

Apples are one of the few fruits you can find fresh any time of the year. However, fall means lots of apples here in Illinois. An apple is a colorful and delicious package of nutrition and good eating. A medium-size apple has:

·Fiber, nearly 20% of what you need each day.

·Vitamins, including C and beta carotene (if you leave the peel on)

·Minerals including potassium

·And only 80 calories.

Choose kinds of apples that suit family tastes and the uses you have in mind. There are many good all-purpose apples.

Others are best for using in certain ways. Apples that "go to pieces" when cooked are usually best for applesauce; those that keep their shape are best for baking whole. Tart apples are good for cooking; sweeter apples, for eating raw.

When buying:

·Look for smooth skin with few bruises. Too many bruises mean the apple may rot.

·Choose apples with a bright and sparkly color.

When storing:

·Apples keep best when refrigerated. Store them in a plastic bag or the drawer to keep them fresh.

·Check them often. Remove any decayed apples. One rotten apple can indeed spoil the whole barrel!

·Raw, cut apples may darken. Prevent this by dipping them in a fruit juice like lemon, orange, grapefruit, or pineapple–before adding other ingredients.

Eat more apples by using some of these ideas:

Apple-Carrot Salad

3 cup diced apples

1/3 cup salad dressing or mayonnaise

1 large carrot, shredded

1/3 cup raisins

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon salt

Combine ingredients and mix well. Makes 8 servings.

Baked Apples

6 baking apples

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon margarine

1/2 cup raisins

1 cup water

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

Core apples without cutting through the bottom end. Peel about 1/3 of way down.

Place in baking dish. Mix sugar, raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg and fill centers of apples. Dot with margarine and pour water into baking dish. Bake at 375° about 50-60 minutes or until apples are tender.

Applesauce Nugget Cookies

2 cup flour

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup applesauce

1 egg, well beaten

1 cup chopped nuts

1 pkg. (6-oz.) butterscotch bits.

Cream shortening and sugar. Add egg, applesauce and baking soda and stir well. Add dry ingredients and mix again. Stir in nuts and butterscotch bits.

Drop by teaspoons 2-3 inches apart on greased baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 12-15 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen.

University of Illinois Extension

Busy families sometimes take energy usage for granted. As energy prices continue to rise, however, that energy cost takes more and more out of the budget. Here are some tips to decrease energy usage.

·Use compact fluorescent bulbs. They typically use 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer.

·Use timers to turn lights on and off.

·Use lower wattage bulbs.

·Clean condenser coils on refrigerators. Vacuuming of the coils should be done at least twice a year.

·Keep the refrigerator full, but not overloaded. Too much food can hamper air circulation.

·Dry full loads of clothes. If buying a new dryer, consider getting one with a moisture sensor.

·Clean the lint screen on the dryer after every use.

·Check the dryer vent to make sure it's not blocked.

·Insulate hot water pipes, using material designed for this purpose.

·Check air ducts for leaks. Professionals should seal ducts in unconditioned spaces.

·Keep air vents free of obstructions.

·Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use.

·Set the thermostat lower when no one will be in the house or consider installing a programmable thermostat.

For more information on saving energy, visit the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website at www.eere.energy/gov/consumerinfo.

University of Illinois Extension

School Stress

What are your memories of your school days? Do you remember school as fun, boring, exciting, a time to be with friends? Some children experience a great deal of stress associated with school.

What would you say might be some things that trigger school stress?

Possible answers:

·Being bullied

·Having work incomplete or turning work in late.

·Not knowing the answer

·Being slow in sports

·Not having fashionable clothes (having out-of-date clothes)

·Losing papers and books

·Having inadequate school supplies

What are some of the symptoms of stress in children?

Possible answers:

·Irritability

·Depression

·Impulsive behavior

·Fear, anxiety, worry

·Sleep problems

·Nervousness

·Headaches

How can we help children deal with and overcome school related stress?

Possible answers:

·Have realistic expectations for the child

·Teach them some simple relaxation techniques

·Help them identify their learning style and ways to learn information

·Provide nutritious meals

·Get plenty of sleep

·Cut down on chaos at home–where's my shoe, my book bag, etc.

·Don't over commit the child with too many extra activities

·Manage time wisely

·Spend time having fun

·Prepare for tests and discussions

·Be available to listen to the child

University of Illinois Extension

Hypertension is the medical name for high blood pressure. Blood pressure reflects how much force the blood has as it is pumped through the arteries (heartbeat) and when it is resting (between beats). Although it might seem that a lot of force would be a good thing, like getting stronger, too much force stresses the artery walls.

Blood pressure readings measure both the heartbeat and between beat forces. The heartbeat force is called the systolic pressure and the between heartbeats force is called the diastolic pressure. In a blood pressure reading the systolic is the top number, and the diastolic is the bottom number.

A reading of 120/80 or less is considered normal blood pressure. Pre-hypertension is a blood pressure above normal and below 140/90. Readings equal to or greater than 140/90 are considered high blood pressure or hypertension.

Those who have diabetes or who are overweight are more likely to also have hypertension. It is important to check your blood pressure often. If you check your blood pressure on your own and it is high, or even pre-hypertension, make an appointment with your doctor.

Hypertension should not go untreated because it can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Hypertension has no symptoms so it is often called the silent killer. There is no cure for hypertension, but blood pressure can be controlled to stay within the normal range with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.

Recipe corner:

Quick Raisin Scones

2 cups Bisquick® baking mix

3 tablespoons Splenda®

1/3 cup raisins

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/3 cup no-fat milk (skim)

1 egg

Non-fat cooking spray

Directions: Heat oven to 425°. Spray cookie sheet with non-fat cooking spray. Mix remaining ingredients until soft dough forms. Spread on cookie sheet in 8-inch circle (you may use wax paper to mold and spread). Cut into 8 wedges, but not all the way through. Bake 10-12 minutes until lightly browned.

Per Serving: 161 calories; 4 grams protein; 27 grams cholesterol; 1 gram fiber; 25 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams fat; 29% calories from fat; 378 mg. sodium.

NOTE: Scones are meant to be dry. To add moisture and soften the scones, serve with 2 tablespoons lite whipped topping. (20 calories, 2 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fat) or 2 tablespoons nonfat vanilla yogurt (20 calories, 4 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram protein.)

Or try this sugar-free glaze:

1/4 cup nonfat dry milk

1/4 cup Splenda®

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup boiling water

1.Blend dry ingredients well.

2.Add boiling water and mix thoroughly

3.Drizzle 2 tablespoons over each scone.

Per 2 tablespoon serving: 26 calories; 1 gram protein; 0 gram cholesterol; 0 gram fiber; 6 grams carbohydrate; 0 gram fat; 0% calories from fat; 12 mg. sodium.

University of Illinois Extension

Although older children enjoy dressing up in scary costumes and walking through Halloween haunted houses, children under age 6 can see it as a frightening experience. A little parental guidance and understanding will help youngsters overcome their fears.

"Until children reach the age of 5 or 6, they have trouble telling the difference between reality and fantasy," explains Cammy Seguin, University of Illinois Extension family life educator. "Often they don't understand that pretending is the basis for the holiday."

While children over age 9 or 10 enjoy the frightening parts of Halloween, younger children may feel terrified just watching an older brother or sister put on a mask. For the under 2-year-old set, even slight changes in the appearance of a family member may be frightening.

"By the time youngsters reach the age of 3 or 4, they begin to understand the idea of pretending," says Seguin. "However, they may not realize that the costumed witch at the door is just a kid dressed up and not a real witch."

Children will be less afraid in situations where they can be in control. Allow preschoolers to touch or handle a friendly-looking mask so they can begin to understand that masks can be put on and taken off.

If you plan to take young children through the neighborhood to trick-or-treat, do so before dark. Youngsters ages 2 or 3 would be satisfied with visiting a few neighborhood homes where they know the residents.

Parents or responsible older children should always accompany young children on Halloween. There are many hidden dangers in the dark, and traffic can be a real safety hazard. Children do not fully learn the basics about crossing the street safely until around age 8. However, in the excitement of the evening, even older children may forget to watch for traffic.

"If the younger children do not want to join the other kids outdoors on Halloween, allow them to decide whether they want to answer the door when costumed trick-or-treaters knock," advises Seguin. "Don't make them hand out candy if they would rather not. Let them get involved at their own pace."

Finally, consider other alternatives to neighborhood trick-or-treating. Community centers, schools, malls and churches often have Halloween or fall-related parties on Halloween night. But, before taking children to the party, be sure that the activity will enhance their enjoyment of the holiday and not frighten them needlessly.

University of Illinois Extension

Work outs combined with healthy eating habits is the best way to control weight. Studies show that being overweight or obese is a leading cause of illnesses such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Being active helps control weight by using extra calories that would have been stored as fat. Also, people who are active tend to have more energy. Even just a little exercise tend to have more energy. Even just a little, regular exercise such as walking can have many health benefits that include:

·Lower blood pressure

·Higher HDL (good) blood cholesterol

·Stronger heart muscle

·Improved lung capacity

·Improved blood flow

·More positive with life

·Lower blood sugar

·Improved muscle strength

·Improved sense of well-being

How do I Get Started?

One of the biggest problems most of us face when beginning an exercise program is...getting started! Before you start any exercise program, talk with your doctor, especially if you have not been active for many years. If you are diabetic or have high blood pressure, be sure to see your doctor before you begin or change an exercise routine. Once you decide to begin an exercise program, start slowly. Begin by doing something you enjoy. Exercise does not have to be hard or boring to be good for you. Anything that gets you up and moving around on a regular basis is always a good start. You can do the following:

·Take a short easy walk around the block

·Park further away from stores when you shop and walk

·Walk up stairs

·Do some yard work

·Put on some music and dance

·Go swimming

·Exercise with a friend

How Much Should I Exercise?

Decide the type of exercise you will do. Then, plan how much time and how often you will do it. Some health experts say that we should do 60 minutes of vigorous activity three to four times a week. Plus they say to do some strengthening and stretching activity twice a week. If you have been inactive for a while, you may want to begin by doing only ten minutes here and there during the day. Once you are in better shape, slowly increase your workout to 60 minutes a day. Remember–start slow and easy, then increase the time and strength. You will become healthier without hurting your body.

Some Exercise Tips:

·Wait two hours after you eat before you work out

·Always warm-up before you start

·Cool-down after by doing some stretching

·Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes

·Drink water before, during, and after a work out. This replaces the water lost as you sweat.

·Avoid sweet drinks, coffee, tea and soft drinks before you exercise

·Avoid outdoor activity in bad weather

·Don't over exert yourself

·Check with a doctor right away if you have chest pain, or shortness of breath.

What Type of Exercise is Best?

You want to feel good about any activity you start to do. Find an activity that fits into your lifestyle. Any exercise you choose to do will improve your overall quality of life. Keep a record of your activities to check on your progress.

Make physical activity a part of your daily routine. Here are some exercise ideas:

·Bicycle

·Use a treadmill or stationary bike

·Ice skate

·Roller skate

·Row in place

·Tennis

·Brisk walk

·Jog

·Lift weights

Appreciate Yourself!

Regular exercise can help improve your self-image. It boosts your mood and gives you more self-confidence. Anything that gets you moving around for even a few minutes a day is a healthy start. The more you exercise, the easier it becomes, but you have to start somewhere. Remember:

·Start slowly

·Set goals

·Do something you enjoy

·Fit exercise into your daily routine

·Keep track of your progress

·Don't give up

University of Illinois Extension

Are you getting enough zzz's? Depriving yourself of sleep not only makes you grumpy and less productive, but also may age you prematurely and promote serious illness like diabetes and hypertension.

Shoot for a steady 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

University of Illinois Extension

"Meth poses special dangers to children," says Paul McKnight, University of Illinois Extension youth development educator. "Children in meth homes are often subjected to chemical contamination, fire and explosions, firearms, booby traps, abuse and neglect, dangerous living conditions, and social and emotional problems. Illinois law enforcement officials tell us methamphetamine is the fastest growing drug in Illinois and the number one drug in rural areas of the state.

In a study released in January 2004, a researcher at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, Colorado, stated, "The methamphetamine is deposited everywhere, from walls and carpets to microwaves, tabletops and clothing. Children living in those labs might as well be taking the drug directly."

A child living in a meth lab might:

·Inhale or swallow toxic substances or inhale the secondhand smoke of adults who are using meth.

·Receive an injection or an accidental skin prick from discarded needles.

·Absorb meth through the skin following contact with contaminated surfaces

·Become ill after directly ingesting chemicals.

Children living in homes with meth labs sometimes endure physical and sexual abuse by members of their families or others in the home. Meth abusers frequently become careless, irritable, and violent, often losing their capacity to nurture their children. Many times, these parents fail to protect their capacity to nurture their children. Many times, these parents fail to protect their children from harm and to provide the essentials needed for survival.

Children living in meth labs may witness violence and watch as their parents are arrested and removed from the home. Hazardous living conditions and filth are common in meth lab homes. The inability of meth-dependent and meth-manufacturing parents to function as competent caregivers increases the chances that a child will be accidentally injured or will ingest drugs and poisonous substances.

Baby bottles may be stored among toxic chemicals. Meth components may be stored in 2-liter soft drink bottles, fruit juice bottles, or in beverage pitchers. Razor blades, syringes, and pipes are often found within a child's reach. Infants are found with meth powder on their clothes, bare feet, and toys.

"Meth can destroy everything in its path," Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has said. "It poses a public safety hazard because of the highly volatile chemicals that are used in its production, frequently causing explosions and fires. Meth also causes serious environmental damage when it is illegally dumped down drains, onto roadsides, or in ditches and farm fields."

"We lose credibility with youth because we tell them drugs are bad, but we don't tell them why," states Dr. Alex Stalcup, medical director of the New Leaf Treatment Center in Lafayette, California, and a nationally recognized expert on methamphetamine addiction and treatment.

Meth injures the chemistry of the brain that enhances pleasure. After short-term use, the drug takes away the pleasure centers in the brain so that no joy can be experienced. Those exposed to meth have trouble with concentration, learning and motivation.

Exposure to low levels of some meth ingredients may produce headaches, nausea, dizziness and fatigue; exposure to high levels can produce shortness of breath, coughing, chest pains, dizziness, lack of coordination, eye and tissue irritation, chemical burns and death. Chronic exposure may cause cancer; damage the brain, liver, kidney or spleen; and result in birth defects.

As more children are found at home-based labs, law enforcement, medical and social service professionals are showing growing awareness of this enormous problem.

University of Illinois Extension

One of the biggest pitfalls of finding yourself widowed and suddenly in the world of singles is spending too much time looking longingly at the past. It's time to put the past behind you. You cannot change it even if you wanted to. It only paralyzes you.

If you're waiting for something to happen, it probably won't. You have to take the first step. No one can do it for you. Begin now to order your life to live for today.

"Make a list of personal goals and priorities that you want to achieve," advises Cammy Seguin, University of Illinois Extension family life educator. "Look at your list and decide how you are going to reach one or two of them in the near future. Then, set about your plan with determination. Reward yourself when you meet a goal and don't give up if you backslide."

Next, look at being on your own not as a negative thing, but as an opportunity to become more independent, self-sufficient, and an even more interesting person. Beware of negative self-talk. Try to maintain an attitude of optimism.

It is difficult to go from being part of a couple to living by yourself, but it can also be rewarding. By looking ahead instead of behind, setting goals, and rewarding yourself when you succeed, the future will look much more positive.

University of Illinois Extension

Influenza a.k.a. "The Flu"

Influenza is commonly referred to as "the flu." It is a highly contagious viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, the flu is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.

Peak flu season is between December and March. The CDC says the highest numbers of illnesses are reported in February. A vaccination (flu shot) is your best protection against the flu and its complications. October is the best time to get a flu shot. However, getting the shot later can still offer protection.

How Often Should I Get a Shot?

You need to get a flu shot each year. Why? Because a virus causes the flu and viruses have the ability to change. A new vaccine must be developed each year to match the new virus. About two weeks after your shot, you will have protection against the new flu virus.

Is the Flu Shot Safe?

Contrary to popular belief, you cannot get the flu from the "flu shot." The vaccine is very safe and generally has few side effects. There may be some soreness, redness, or slight swelling where the shot was given. Some people get a headache or slight fever for a day. But most people have no side effects at all.

Who Should Get the Flu Shot?

·People 65 years of age and older.

·Children 6 to 23 months old.

·Adults and children with chronic health problems.

·Women who will be more than three months pregnant during the flu season.

How to Know If You Have the Flu!

If you get the flu, symptoms will appear rapidly within hours to a day. A high fever, chills, dry cough, and a headache are common. You may also have a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, aches and pains. The flu will cause extreme fatigue lasting several days, even weeks.

The flu will also last longer than a common cold. While you are sick, try not to put others at risk. The virus is easily spread from person to person. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, the virus becomes airborne. Others then pick it up.

Severe cases can result in viral or bacterial pneumonia. Illnesses such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, and asthma can worsen during a bout with the flu. The elderly and people who are already sick are more likely to require hospital care.

Self Care with the Flu

Since a virus causes the flu –antibiotics like penicillin do not work to cure it. There are several antiviral drugs available by prescription only. When started within the first two days of illness, they can shorten illness. But they cannot cure it outright.

·Bed rest is needed.

·Take aspirin or non-aspirin pain releasers to ease muscle aches.

·Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the virus out of your system.

·Reduce the risk to others by staying at home until you recover.

·Practice basic hygiene: wash hands often, cover nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

·If severe symptoms last more than five days, see a doctor.

For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/facts.htm. Call the toll-free number at 1-800-232-2522 to talk with a CDC specialist.

University of Illinois Extension

Pumpkin Facts:

·Pumpkin flowers are edible.

·Pumpkins originated in Central America.

·In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient for the crust of pies, not the filling.

·Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.

·Pumpkins are 90 percent water.

·Pumpkins are fruit

·Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October

·In colonial times, Native Americans roasted long strips of pumpkin in an open fire.

·Colonists sliced off pumpkin tips; removed seeds and filled the insides with milk, spices, and honey. This was baked in hot ashes and is the origin of pumpkin pie.

·Native Americans flattened strips of pumpkins, dried them and made mats.

·Native Americans called pumpkins "isqoutm squash."

·Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine.

University of Illinois Extension