If you worry about the medical care you’d receive if you became ill and were unable to speak for yourself, a new publication, Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas, has the necessary forms to allow you to state your health care preferences before a health crisis occurs. Advance directives allow you to voice your future healthcare wishes and appoint someone to be your voice if you become unable to speak for yourself.

April 16th through the 20th is The Week of the Young Child. K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles says children can learn math, science, language and literacy, as well as develop creativity, social skills and more.

How does the use of smartphones and tablets impact young children? K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles says using digital tools can either support, or break down family interactions and child development.

Spring cleaning is more than vacuuming and dusting – there's also the kitchen. K-State Research and Extension food scientist Karen Blakeslee offers tips for cleaning the kitchen and outdoor grill, shopping at the local farmers market, and more.

Walk Kansas is an eight-week K-State Research and Extension health initiative that encourages people to be physically active, eat more fruits and vegetables and incorporate at least a few days of strengthening exercises into their wellness program. Northeast area Extension specialist and state coordinator of Walk Kansas, Sharolyn Jackson, says the challenges are the same this year but the “virtual” trails have been changed to allow participants to experience the Eight Wonders of Kansas.

March is National Nutrition Month. K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist Sandy Procter discusses what we can do to ensure the foods we consume provide the energy and nutrients we need to be healthy.

The USDA recommends eating grains daily, and at least half of those should be whole grains. K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist Sandy Procter says reading product labels can help you add more whole grains to your diet.

March is National Reading Awareness Month and K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles encourages adults to spend at least 15 minutes each day reading with, not to, young children.

The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded K-State Research and Extension specialists more than $300,000 for a program to create positive health-related changes in several Kansas communities. We'll hear from organizers of this effort.

K-State Research and Extension family systems specialist Charlotte Shoup Olsen says paying attention to your Valentine’s “cues” makes it easier to find the right gift, dine at their favorite restaurant or pick a movie they’ll like.