Talking FACS

Hosts:

Welcome back for another engaging episode of SNACK Club, where our nutrition experts delve into the intricate world of child nutrition.

Join our hosts as they share science-based, practical strategies for creating a nourishing and positive feeding environment. Discover how to reframe your conversations about food, turning potentially stressful meal times into opportunities for growth and joy. From the influence of media and grocery store adventures to the subtle yet powerful impact of our body language and words, this episode covers it all.

Listen in as we explore the concept of food culture, discuss the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with food, and provide actionable tips for encouraging mindful eating habits in children. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply interested in nutrition, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you support nourished, active children.

Embark on this journey towards raising mindful eaters and transforming the way we talk about food.

So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!

To connect with Snack Club resources:

SNACK Club website

Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group

SNACK Club on YouTube

To Connect with FCS Extension:

UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Big Blue Book Club presents SNACK Club, where hosts Courtney Luecking and Anna Cason delve into the essentials of raising healthy, happy eaters. Inspired by the insightful books Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater and How to Raise a Mindful Eater, they discuss the often-overlooked aspect of children's nutrition: what to feed them.

Join the conversation as they break down the USDA's MyPlate guidelines, offering practical tips on incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins into children's diets. They tackle common challenges and share small, impactful swaps to improve diet quality, all while keeping the focus on developing a holistic, nourishing eating pattern.

Discover valuable resources and strategies to overcome barriers to healthy eating, ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive. Don't miss this engaging discussion packed with actionable advice and heartwarming anecdotes.

So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!

To connect with Snack Club resources:

SNACK Club website

Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group

SNACK Club on YouTube

For other resources mentioned in this episode, visit:

MyPlate.gov 

PlatEatMove.com

To Connect with FCS Extension:

UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  

Guest: Annhall Norris, Extension Specialist for Food Safety and Preservation

Season 7, Episode 10

In this MoneyWi$e Episode, we highlight the importance of being prepared for emergencies, especially during National Preparedness Month. Joining us today is Annhall Norris, Extension Specialist for Food Safety and Food Preservation, sharing invaluable insights on how to build an emergency kit without breaking the bank.

We discuss the essential elements of an emergency kit, including the need for non-perishable foods and a reliable water supply. She offers practical tips for utilizing items you already have at home and purchasing supplies over time to ease the financial burden. She also emphasizes the importance of rotating supplies and checking expiration dates.

Additionally, Annhall provides expert advice on choosing the right containers for water storage and the benefits of having a weather radio. We also touch upon the small comforts, like including your favorite sweet treat, to lift spirits during stressful times.

For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$e topics, visit:

MoneyWi$e Newsletter

MoneyWi$e Website

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

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

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

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

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

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

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 7, Episode 7

As another school year approaches, the challenge of packing nutritious and appealing lunches looms large for many parents. Dr. Luecking provides expert advice on selecting the right lunchbox, ensuring food safety, and creating balanced meals that keep kids energized throughout the day.

Discover the magic of combining proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to fuel young bodies and minds. Learn how to navigate allergy concerns, choose the best drinks, and add colorful fruits and vegetables to make lunchboxes visually appealing. Creative strategies, like using frozen fruits to keep meals cool and involving kids in the packing process will help make mornings less hectic.

Join us for this engaging and informative discussion that will leave you equipped with practical pointers to make the school lunch break a highlight of your child's day.

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

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

Host:  Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guests: Dr. Timothy Mullett, Medical Director and Professor of Thoracic Surgery and Ms. Cheri Tolle, Deputy Director, UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network (MCCAN)

In this episode, we delve into the origins and growth of the UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network (MCCAN), since its inception in 2006 with just three hospitals, MCCAN has expanded to include 19 hospitals across Kentucky. Discover how this network fosters high-quality cancer care, allowing patients to receive top-notch treatment close to home, and when necessary, facilitating seamless referrals to the Markey Cancer Center in Lexington.

Explore the compelling reasons why the National Cancer Institute designation is a game-changer for the Markey Cancer Center and its affiliates, with insights into the comprehensive support offered to community hospitals, including professional education, quality assurance, and patient navigation services.

This episode underscores the importance of collaboration between community hospitals and the Markey Cancer Center, ensuring that patients benefit from advanced research and specialized care. MCCAN is transforming cancer care in Kentucky, making a profound impact on patients and communities alike by bringing cutting-edge cancer care to many far-reaching spaces across Kentucky.

Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS is a partnership project between Family and Consumer Sciences Extension and the Markey Cancer Center.

For more information about MCCAN visit:

Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network

Connect with the UK Markey Center

Online Markey Cancer Center

On Facebook @UKMarkey

On Twitter @UKMarkey

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below:

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  

Guest: Kristen Jowers, MS Extension Specialist for OneOp

Kristen Jowers, Extension Specialist for OneOp, delves into strategies for to maximizing college savings as families continue to face the escalating costs of a college education.

From the staggering costs of tuition and fees to the benefits of the Kentucky Saves 529 plan, this episode provides invaluable insights for parents, grandparents, and guardians. Discover how early and consistent savings can lighten the financial burden and explore the power of compound interest and tax advantages.

Kristen shares her personal journey of applying for scholarships and offers practical advice on how students can make college more affordable. Learn about the importance of merit-based scholarships, the new FAFSA process, and strategies for responsible borrowing and repayment of student loans.

Don’t miss this comprehensive guide to navigating the financial landscape of higher education, complete with special tips for military families.

For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$e topics, visit:

MoneyWi$e Newsletter

MoneyWi$e Website

MoneyWi$e Facebook Page

KY Saves

KY Scholarships and Grants

StudentAid.Gov

GI Bill Benefits

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

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky

Guests: Courtney Luecking, PhD, RD Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health and Anna Cason, RD Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition

Special Edition Episode

Welcome to this SURPRISE edition of Talking FACS providing a "taste" of what is to come in September!  On Thursdays and Mondays beginning September 5 through September 30, our featured guests Dr. Courtney Luecking and Anna Cason will present SNACK Club right here on the Talking FACS podcast.

Discover how SNACK Club is featured as part of the Big Blue Book Club, a wildly successful program that connects people through literature. Learn about the unique approach of sharing content in bite-sized, actionable strategies perfect for busy caregivers. Whether you are in the early hands-on stages or navigating the whirlwind of children's activities, this program offers invaluable insights.

Explore the curated books, Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater and How to Raise a Mindful Eater, which provide a comprehensive look at both the logistics and behavior of eating, while highlighting various engaging topics such as positive food language, creating mealtime structure, and the fun of embracing the mess.

Join us as we navigate the journey of feeding children, offering resources, support, and community. Whether through listening, watching, or participating in local extension office activities, there are numerous ways to get involved.

Register for Big Blue Book Club presents Snack Club by clicking the link below:

Register at ukfcs.net/BBBCsnack

Follow the podcast to receive notice when new shows drop

To watch the video companion on our YouTube Channel visit the link below:

FACS Learning Channel

Subscribe and hit the bell in the top right to receive notification when new videos are posted.

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

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  

Guest: Katherine Jury, MS Extension Specialist for Family and Health

Season 7, Episode 5

In this insightful episode, discover the secrets to making the vaccination process smoother for both parents and children. From understanding the importance of vaccines to practical tips for easing discomfort, Katherine Jury shares valuable strategies to transform a daunting experience into a manageable one. Learn how to have productive conversations with healthcare providers, the role of comfort measures, and the power of honest, age-appropriate discussions with your child.

Whether it's choosing the right distraction, bringing a favorite stuffed animal, or offering a small treat, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help parents navigate the vaccination journey with confidence.

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

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel