Come along as we explore the research on how stress affects our bodies and learn practical coping strategies to help calm stress in our everyday lives.

Sources: https://www.montana.edu/extension/wellness/stress-management/mt_farm_stress_clearing_house/manage_your_stress.html

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/what-happens-in-the-body-during-stress/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response#:~:text=Over%20time%2C%20repeated%20activation%20of,anxiety%2C%20depression%2C%20and%20addiction.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22611-epinephrine-adrenaline

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037#:~:text=When%20you%20face%20a%20perceived,hormones%20return%20to%20typical%20levels.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/sleep

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-women-need-more-sleep

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-women-need-more-sleep

https://orwh.od.nih.gov/about/director/messages/sleeps-important-part-of-health-equation-now-more-than-ever

https://ecals.cals.wisc.edu/2023/04/13/cals-wellness-committee-tip-manage-stress-with-breathing-techniques/

In this heartwarming holiday episode of The Extension Connection, Jessica Jackson reflects on the beauty of slowing down during the busy season and appreciating life’s simple gifts from family traditions to small acts of kindness. Join her as she shares personal stories of motherhood, 4-H service projects, and the joy of giving back. A reminder that the true spirit of 4-H — learning, serving, and growing — doesn’t end with the holidays. It’s about carrying gratitude, compassion, and courage into the new year and beyond.

In this episode, we’re diving into food safety—why it matters and the simple steps to remember when cooking for holiday gatherings.

Resources: 

NC Cooperative Extension Food Safety Website: https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/

Basic Holiday Food Safety: https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/basic_holiday_2021-1.pdf-1.pdf?fwd=no

Turkey Thawing: 

 Refrigerator Thawing General Guidelines: 

Pounds | Time
For 4-12 lb turkey | Thaw 1-3 days
12-16 lb turkey | Thaw 3-4 days
16-20 lbs turkey | Thaw 4-5 days
20-24 lb turkey | Thaw 5-6 days

Water Bath Thawing. 

Make sure the water does not get above 40 degrees F and change the water every 30 minutes

Pounds | Time
For 4-12 lb turkey | Thaw 2-6 hours
12-16 lb turkey | Thaw 6-8 hours
16-20 lbs turkey | Thaw 8-10 hours
20-24 lb turkey | Thaw 10-12 hours

Welcome back to Extension Connection! In this special episode, co-host Jessica Jackson takes a heartfelt look at the lasting impact of 4-H in celebration of National 4-H Week. From flipping through old Polk County archives to sharing touching stories from local events, Jessica reflects on how 4-H has grown through nearly a century of service, learning, and connection.

Tune in to hear how Science Day Camp began back in 1984, why sewing skills matter more than you think, and how one visit to a local care home sparked a powerful reminder of 4-H’s generational bond. Plus, Jessica issues a simple but meaningful challenge to keep the 4-H spirit alive in your community.

Whether you're a lifelong clover, a proud alum, or brand new to the 4-H family—this episode will remind you why in 4-H, we don’t just grow projects—we grow people.

In this podcast episode, we dive into the world of added sugar—why it’s important to limit it, how it affects our bodies, and practical ways to cut back for better health.

Resources: 

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/nutrition-food-safety-health/sugar-and-sweeteners-9-301/

https://guilford.ces.ncsu.edu/2022/10/think-you-know-sugar/

https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/2024/12/19/navigating-nutrition-labels-understanding-carbohydrates-and-added-sugars/

https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/carbohydrates-in-the-diet.html

https://www.barber.k-state.edu/docs/foodandnutrition/Substract%20the%20Sugar.pdf

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/nutrition-food-safety-health/nutrition-news/nutrition-news-easy-steps-to-make-your-diet-anti-inflammatory/#:~:text=Lifestyle%20factors%20that%20can%20aggravate,and%20to%20your%20dessert%20menu

https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/community-health-education-prevention-inspiration/2023-07-21-reset-your-palate-lower-your

https://medinsteadofmeds.com/tips-and-tools/rethink-your-sweets/

https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/DGA_FactSheet_AddedSugars_2021-06_508c.pdf

https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-kitchen

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast, Jessica Jackson, 4-H Agent at the Polk County Center, takes you on a journey into ‘Living the Clover: How the 4-H Pledge Shapes Tomorrow’s Leaders.’ From head to heart, hands to health, we’ll uncover how this simple pledge inspires youth to grow, give back, and thrive—not just in 4-H, but in their communities and beyond.

In this episode of our fermentation series, we dive into our third topic: sourdough. Discover the rich history, nutritional benefits, and step-by-step process of creating and maintaining a healthy sourdough starter.

Resources: 

Sourdough 101 : https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/2024-11/sourdough_101_final.pdf

Homegrown: https://homegrown.extension.ncsu.edu/2020/04/23/sourdough-bread-making/

Discard Recipes: 

Sourdough Biscuits: https://pinchmysalt.com/buttery-sourdough-biscuits/#:~:text=are%20spaced%20apart.-,Notes,in%20the%20recipe%20by%20half.

Discard Crackers: https://our-family-cooks.com/everything-bagel-sourdough-discard-crackers/

Discard Pizza: https://www.farmhouseonboone.com/how-to-make-easy-sourdough-pizza-crust/