Nutrition and Health

Fresh and Frugal Feast: Seasonal and Local Eating on a Budget

Host:  Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: LaToya Drake, Extension Specialist for Food Equity and Food Access, Kentucky Nutrition Education Program
Season 7, Episode 9
LaToya Drake shares her expertise on the benefits of consuming locally sourced produce, including cost-effective strategies and the positive impact on local economies.
Listeners will learn about defining local eating, the advantages of seasonal menus, and practical tips for saving money, such as utilizing EBT benefits at farmers markets and exploring Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. LaToya also highlights available resources from the Extension and Kentucky Nutrition Education Program to help you grow your own food and create delicious recipes using local ingredients.
Tune in to discover how you can enjoy a varied, nutritious diet while supporting local farmers and making the most out of seasonal produce. Don't forget to check out the links in the show notes for additional resources and to locate your nearest Extension office.
To Connect with Nutrition Education Program resources, visit:
PlatEatMove.com
To access Plate it up! Kentucky Proud resouces, visit:
Plate it up! Kentucky Proud
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
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What is Alpha-gal Syndrome?

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  
Guest: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Assistant Extension Professor for Nutrition and Health
Season 7, Episode 8
In this captivating discussion, discover the origins and rise of Alpha-gal Syndrome, first identified in 2002 and confirmed in 2007. Learn how Lone Star ticks can inject a sugar molecule into the human bloodstream, causing delayed allergic reactions that challenge both patients and healthcare providers.
Dr. Norman-Burgdolf shares invaluable insights into the symptoms, diagnosis, and management of Alpha-gal, emphasizing the importance of dietary changes and the hidden risks in everyday products. From organ meats to prescribed medications, the conversation reveals the extensive impact of this condition.
Explore practical strategies to prevent tick bites and safeguard your health, especially during the active months of March to August. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or simply curious about this fascinating syndrome, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and actionable advice.
For more information about Alpha-gal Syndrome, click the links below:
Life with Alpha-Gal
CDC - Alpha-Gal Syndrome
NIH - Alpha Gal Research Article
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
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Kick Kentucky Cancer: Caring for those You Love

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Amy Kostelic, PhD Assistant Extension Professor for Adult Development and Aging
Season 6, Episode 39
"Kick Kentucky Cancer: Caring for those You Love" is an illuminating podcast episode presented by the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program. Dr. Amy Kostelic, Extension Specialist for adult development and aging, ventures into the labyrinth of complexities around cancer and the crucial role caregivers play in assisting patients throughout the health crisis. The episode also calls attention to the unnerving cancer rates in the United States and highlights the "Kick Kentucky Cancer" program aiming to enlighten individuals about the cancer and its effective management.
Explore the insights regarding a caregiver's responsibilities, tips on dealing with a cancer diagnosis, and advice on how to communicate with the healthcare team. The conversation presents pivotal guidance and resource references for those seeking additional support and knowledge. Learn where effective communication, cooperation, and education stand in the context of cancer care.
This episode is deemed an essential guide for patients, caregivers, and individuals indirectly impacted by cancer, equipping them with the tools needed for navigating the challenges ahead. The unique role of a cancer caregiver, the challenges encountered, and the rewarding experiences are all explored in detail.
Emphasizing caregiving's emotional tone, the speakers highlight that caregivers are often spouses, partners, and loved ones. They share coping strategies for this colossal responsibility and stress the need for self-compassion during this journey. Additionally, they talk about the 'sunny days' or the times where the bond between the patient and the caregiver is being acknowledged and nurtured.
This podcast draws from personal stories shared by the speakers, illustrating the emotional investment and the inherent beauty of caregiving. They underline the importance of support, sharing tasks, and merely being present for your loved ones. Tune into this informative episode of Talking FACS to gain a deeper understanding of the world of cancer caregiving. Acknowledging the unsung heroes, we extend our gratitude to caregivers for their invaluable role in building resilient families and a stronger Kentucky.
For more information
Caring for someone with Cancer
American Cancer Society Resource Guide
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
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Super Smoothies: Build a Better Smoothie

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Anna Cason, RDN Extension Associate for Nutrition and Health
Season 6, Episode 37
Smoothies are a great way to start your day or satisfy midday munchies. Anna Cason joins Talking FACS to share strategies for building a better smoothie so you maximize nutrients and ease preparation woes.  Smoothies are also a great way for using up ingredients that are nearing their expiration date!
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
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          FCS Learning Channel
 

Is Baby-led weaning for me and my baby?

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Season 6, Episode 31
Baby-led weaning has grown in popularity in recent years, but what is it? Is it the right approach for me to help my baby transition to table food? Dr. Courtney Luecking joins the Talking FACS podcast to answer these questions and many more for parents who are on the brink of transitioning their infant to solid nourishment options.
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about this topic or any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
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Stong Bones for Life: Preventing Osteoporosis with Nutrition

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 6, Episode 26
What we eat impacts many facets of our lives.  Choosing what we eat to strengthen our bones begins early and lasts a life time.  Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf outlines many ways we can reduce our risk of developing osteoporosis through diet choices.
Learn more about osteoporosis and food choices:
Strong Bones for Life publication
International Osteoporosis Foundation
          Calcium Factsheet
          Nutrition Factsheet
          Exercise Recommendations
Connect with FCS Extension for assistance with this topic and others you hear about on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
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          FCS Learning Channel
 
 
 

Nutrition Education Program 2024 Calendars

Host:  Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: LaToya Drake, Program Coordinator, Kentucky Nutrition Education Program
Season 6, Episode 17
Finding a delicious, easy-to-prepare, budget friendly recipe to serve your family is as easy as opening up the 2024 Nutrition Education Program Food and Nutrition Calendar.  On this episode of Talking FACS, LaToya Drake, NEP Program Coordinator, shares tips for using the Food and Nutrition Calendar to plan meals and grocery shopping activities.
Find the 2024 NEP Food and Nutrition Calendars at your local UK Cooperative Extension Office.
Kentucky Extension Offices
 
To connect with the KY Nutrition Education Program
Plan Eat Move Website
KYNEP on Facebook
To connect with FCS Extension:
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram
FCS Learning Channel

Nutrition for those living with Cancer

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Rachel Miller, MS, RD, CSO, LD, Registered Dietitian Consultant, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center
Cancer Conversations Episode 41
Making food choices may be difficult for those undergoing cancer treatment due to how the treatment might affect appetite, taste, and smell.  On this episode of Cancer Conversation, Rachel Miller shares nutrition tips for those living with cancer.
Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS is a partnership project between Family and Consumer Sciences Extension and the Markey Cancer Center.
Connect with the UK Markey Cancer Center
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey

Supporting Chilhood Immunity through Nutrition

As we enjoy the holiday break with our families, we invited you to listen to this classic episode from Season 3 that is very appropriate for now as well.
Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Episode 34, Season 3
As children across the Commonwealth return to the classroom,  it is especially important to consider the implications of nutrition on their overall health and well-being.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking sits down with Dr. Jennifer Hunter to discuss how nutrition supports childhood immunity and steps parents and caregivers can take to ensure that children are eating a wide range of nutrients daily.
For more information:
Plan. Eat. Move.

Holiday Meals on a Budget

Host:  Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Nichole Huff, Extension Specialist for Family Finance and Resource Management
MoneyWi$e Episode 5, Season 5
The holiday season is just around the corner.  With inflation driving up the costs of good and services, the rising prices of  of groceries might be on the minds of many Kentuckians as they plan to host holiday events this year.  On this episode of Talking FACS, MoneyWi$e expert, Dr. Nichole Huff, is going to share strategies for keeping the down the costs of holiday meals.
For more information, visit:
MoneyWi$e Newsletter
MoneyWi$e Website
MoneyWi$e Facebook Page
 

Should I be taking a dietary supplement?

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 5, Episode 6
Dietary supplement use is growing in the United States.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf shares what dietary supplements are, how they impact our nutritional needs and overall health, and who might benefit from supplement use.  She also provides research-based information about when supplement use might be unnecessary and who to consult if you are considering supplementing your diet with these products.
For more information:
NIH Article - Dietary supplements and nutracueticals market growth during the coronavirus pandemic - Implications for consumers and regulatory oversight
Information for Consumers Using Dietary Supplements
Understanding Dietary Supplements - FDA.gov
Comprender los suplementos dietéticos - FDA.gov

Secrets of the Nutrition Facts Label Revealed!

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest:  Dr. Sandra Bastin, Extension Specialist for Food and Nutrition
Episode 26, Season 4
As National Nutrition Month® wraps up this week, Dr. Sandra Bastin returns to Talking FACS to discuss the ways to use the Nutrition Facts Label to your advantage. The Nutrition Facts Label is found on most packaged foods by federal law and what is included on the label has recently been updated to make the information more useful for consumers.
 
For more information:
Nutrition Facts Label
Interactive Nutrition Facts Label
 
Connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
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