It's hard to believe that the winter months are right around the corner—well, not if this crazy weather is any indication of what's to come! I recently took a short car trip out of state, spending one night in Omaha, NE. It was the same night that their local television station weather forecaster posted a snow advisory for a county 50 miles to the west of there! A snow advisory in October! It certainly got my attention; I went home and got my auto emergency kit back up to date! Here are some suggestions for you to help deal with any winter weather emergencies that you may encounter:

• Be ready if any event becomes an emergency situation.
• This includes floods, tornadoes, flu pandemics, winter storms, extreme temperatures.
• Have a plan that includes names and phone numbers of those you may need to contact (family, doctor, school, etc.).
• Share your plan for emergency with your relatives and friends.
• Keep an emergency supply kit on hand: water, food, first aid kit, can opener, hand sanitizer, battery operated radio, flashlight with extra batteries, etc.
• During winter months you should have at least a 3-day supply (and consider storing up to 2-weeks worth) of food and water in your home. One gallon of water per person per day is recommended for drinking and cleanliness.
• Don't forget to include specific items unique to your own situation, like prescription medications or disposable diapers.

We all know that during the holidays, food is a focus of many celebrations. I know that even my grocery list starts to contain a little more butter, salt and sugar! Follow these simple tips to makeover your holiday foods a little more nutritious:

• Roast your turkey with the skin on but remove skin before eating.
• Remove fat from pan drippings before making gravy or sauces.
• Make whole grain bread dressing and add lots of vegetables (onion, celery) and fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots).
• Use low fat dressings on your salads and vegetables.
• Season foods with herbs and spices instead of butter or salt.
• Serve whole-grain foods, Substitute whole-wheat flour for ½ the white flour in recipes.
• Serve whole-grain foods. Substitute whole-wheat flour for half the white flour in recipes.

December is National Hand Washing Month! Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The most common way to catch a cold is by touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your infected hands. Don't think for one moment the flu bug might skip you this year! I can't tell you enough—WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY!

And of course there is a right way to wash your hands for the best protection:

1. Wet your hands with water and apply soap.
2. Rub your hands, scrubbing all surfaces for about 20 seconds.
3. Rinse your hands with clean water and dry thoroughly with a clean towel.

• 2 cans (15-oz.) baked beans
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 12 oz. canned ham lunchmeat, cubed

In a medium skillet, combine beans, brown sugar, and chili powder. Cook on medium heat 5 minutes until heated through. Add ham cubes, cooking 5 minutes more until hot and bubbling. Refrigerate leftovers. Serves 8. (Can be made from your emergency food items.)

260 cal; 12 g fat; 650 mg sodium; 27 g carbs, 5 g fiber

• 1 cup mashed, cooked sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup mashed banana
• 1 cup evaporated skim milk
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 beaten egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• nonstick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir together sweet potato and banana. Add milk, then add brown sugar, egg yolks, and salt. Spray 1-quart casserole with nonstick spray. Place mixture in dish. In another small bowl, combine raisins, sugar, and cinnamon; sprinkle over top of potato mixture. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serves 6.

190 cal; 5 g fat; 250 mg sodium; 33 g carbs; 2 g fiber