• " "
  • " "
  • " "
  • " "
  • " "

Health Blog Posts

A child sleeping

August 18, 2022

As your child heads back to school this fall, you’ve made sure they have all the supplies, clothes, technology, and other items they need to be successful in the classroom. There’s just one thing missing from this list: Sleep. Consistent, quality sleep is just as important to a successful academic year as anything you can purchase.

four jars of banana pudding overnight oats

August 12, 2022

Do you need a grab-and-go breakfast but want to skip the fast food? Overnight oats are a great option.

A woman and two children slice vegetables

August 9, 2022

Most children tend to go through picky eating phases. There are many things that could cause a child to be selective about what they eat. Some of these tips may help entice your picky eater.

A pitcher of homemade sports drink on a counter

July 29, 2022

Most of the time water is the best choice before, during, and after physical activity. However, there are times when you might benefit from a sports drink.

A man cooks food on a grill.

July 19, 2022

Meat typically comes to mind when we think about backyard barbecues, but you can cook much more than that on the grill. Try adding fruits and vegetables this summer to go along with your protein choices.

Glass of Creamy Blueberry Shake

July 11, 2022

This Creamy Blueberry Shake is great for quick breakfast or an on-the-go snack.

Tuna cakes on a plate

July 1, 2022

If canned tuna is a pantry staple in your house, these Tuna Cakes can be on your dinner table in no time!

A woman stands in front of a tennis court

June 14, 2022

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. No matter your age, you can gain many long-term benefits from being active, like improving your strength, supporting emotional and mental health, and helping manage or prevent illnesses.

a collage of various poison look alikes.

June 10, 2022

Summertime is here. School is out and children are spending more time at home. Do you know what potential poisons are in your household? Could you, your children, or your babysitter mistake a harmful product for a safe product? You may be surprised by how often these close calls happen!

Canned salsa in a basket with other produce

June 2, 2022

Canning is a precise process that must be done correctly to have a safe, edible product. Proper preparation ahead of time will make the entire process much easier. These steps will help you get started.

Beef brisket.

May 20, 2022

Beef is an excellent choice to include in a balanced diet. About half of the recommended daily value of protein is in a 3-ounce serving of beef! 

If you’re like me, you probably don’t know the characteristics of each cut of beef. When you’re at the grocery store, you just make the best guess you can and move on with your food shopping.  

You don’t just have to guess, though.  The Beef Checkoff program has lots of information about cuts, cooking methods, and...

a glass of lemonade

May 16, 2022

Lemonade is refreshing anytime of year! Try this version sweetened with honey.

bunches of bananas

May 10, 2022

Potassium, like other nutrients, helps our bodies function properly. Potassium is a mineral that helps our bodies perform a number of functions, like muscle contractions, fluid regulation, and mineral balance in cells. It also helps us maintain normal blood pressure by limiting the effect of sodium. But many of us don't get enought of it. You might be surprised at the variety of potassium-rich foods.

closeup of meatballs

May 2, 2022

No matter how you slice it, venison is a great addition to your diet. These meatballs are versatile, and there are lots of ways you can add them to your meal plan.

Cooked tilapia on a plate

April 18, 2022

This Parmesan crusted tilapia is a quick and easy way to increase your fish intake. The dish has just a hint of red pepper flakes to add some personality.

A woman stands at a kitchen counter.

April 12, 2022

Seeds are an excellent source of fiber, healthy fats, and many important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a great way to add some crunch with a nutritional punch!

A bowl of Cajun Spice Blend.

April 5, 2022

Making your own spice blends gives you more control of the ingredients and flavor profile of your meals. This salt-free Cajun Spice Blend will spice up your meals without adding unnecessary sodium.

closeup of colorful, decorated cupcakes

March 17, 2022

Are you thinking of selling food items from your home kitchen? This kind of business venture is popular because if you like cooking, it’s a fun way to earn some extra cash. Here's what to know about Mississippi's Cottage Food Law, which governs this type of business.

Close up of Microwave Breakfast Cake

March 15, 2022

Do you sometimes like your breakfast sweet instead of a savory? Then, you’ll love this naturally sweet, fiber-rich Microwave Breakfast Cake.

Vegetables and olive oil on a counter.

March 7, 2022

Still looking for ways to improve your health in 2022? Well, adding more of the right kinds of food to your daily diet is one way to keep moving forward.

Pages

 

 

 

About Extension for Real Life

Extension for Real Life is a product of the MSU Extension Service’s Office of Agricultural Communications.

That’s a long way of saying we are professional communicators who get to talk about food, families, 4-H, flowers, and farming for a living. Pretty good gig, right?

The three main writers for the blog are Ellen Graves (Seamstress of Social Media Strategy), Susan Collins-Smith (Content Connector) and Keri Lewis (Captain Cat Herder). But we get by with a lot of help from our friends in Ag Comm and Extension!

You can reach us at 662-325-2262 or extreallife@msstate.edu

Recent Posts

A closeup of a poplar tree showing its leaves and flowers
Yellow poplar is one of the largest hardwoods with solitary flowers that are yellowish green with a reddish-orange band wrapping the base of the flower.
Tree of the Month:Yellow Poplar
A group of seven rabbits from different breeds.
Rabbits have recently been added to the Mississippi 4-H Livestock Show list, and make great project animals for young people who live in urban areas. Photo by reodejongh/Adobe Stock
Rabbits: A Fun 4-H Project
Man mowing grass.
Regular mowing will be pivotal in helping you control weeds that pop up during warmer months (Photo by Canva)
Spring Lawn Guide