February 1, 2024 Living Well By Pamela Redwine

Air Fryer Basics Class Last week, Pamela Redwine, visited with residents, staff and board members at the Water Valley Housing Authority. They enjoyed learning about air fryers such things as how an air fryer works, different models available, How to chose an air fryer for your needs, how to clean and maintain your air fryer and some helpful tips when using an air fryer. The participants enjoyed making chicken wings and drumsticks in the air fryer. Mark your calendars for the upcoming events: Healthy You Exercise Class will meet every Wednesday at the Extension Office. Join us for up to 30 minutes of physical activity. If you come, make sure to wear comfortable, cool clothes, good tennis shoes and bring some water to drink. The Looped with Love Crochet MHV will meet on Thursday, February 1st at 10 a.m. The club is free and open to the public. Bring some yarn and a crochet hook and join us! Sewing for Service will meet on Monday, February 5th at 9 a.m. We will be starting on a new service project. The Home School 4-H Club will have it’s next meeting on Monday, February 5th at 2 p.m. at the Extension office. For more information contact the Extension office at 662.675.2730. February 4-H Cooking Kits – It’s time to sign up your children for the February 4-H Cooking Kits. The kit is $10 per month and will include a recipe, all of the ingredients you will need to complete the recipe, a kitchen tool, educational information about the featured food and an activity evaluation. The registration deadline is Friday, February 9th and the kits will be ready for pickup on Thursday, February 15th. FCS After 5 – There will be no FCS After 5 for February, however, we are registering people for the March FCS After 5 which will be held on Friday, March 1st from 6 to 8 p.m. We will have a Spring Canvas Painting Program. Anissa and Mindy from Coddiwomple Designs will be joining us again. This time you will have the opportunity to paint a canvas of 2 birds or a wreath. The cost of the program is $30 and will cover all of your painting supplies as well as a meal. The last day to register is Thursday, February 15th (or when class fills up. Limited to first 25 to register and pay). 4-H Baby Sitting Basics 4 Fun and Profit Class – Coming during Spring Break (March 11-15). If your child has been interested in starting a babysitting business, then this is the class for them. During this class youth will learn all of the basics of childcare, from feeding and diapering, to handling emergencies. Plus you’ll get a certificate of completion and will be certified in First Aid & CPR to show potential clients that you’re serious about your babysitting business. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your skills and earn some extra cash this summer. The class fee is $30 and covers all class materials & First Aid/CPR certification. This class is open to any youth 12 years and older. Class dates are March 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Time is 1-3, except March 14th will be 1-5 p.m. due to CPR certification. The next ServSafe Class & Exam will be February 22nd at the Extension office. The cost to register is $150 and the deadline to register and pay fees is January 31, 2024. ServSafe Online Exams are set up on an individual basis. If you need to schedule an online exam (this includes no class instruction) please contact the Extension office at 662.675.2730 or email [email protected] to find out how to get registered. Mississippi State is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. Veteran, or another status protected by applicable law is prohibited. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Compliance and Integrity, 56 Morgan Avenue, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662)325-5839. MSU Extension will provide accommodations to persons with disabilities or special needs. Please contact our office at least 5 days prior to a program or event to request reasonable assistance. Sleep More Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. If you’re looking to increase the amount of sleep you get, here are some strategies to help you sleep more: 1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and improves the quality of your sleep. 2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Develop a calming pre-sleep routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation exercises can be helpful. 3. Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Make your bedroom conducive to sleep. Ensure it’s dark, quiet, and cool. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows. 4. Limit Exposure to Screens: The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with your sleep. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime. 5. Watch Your Diet: Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime, as they can disrupt your sleep. If you’re hungry, opt for a light snack. 6. Get Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve the quality of your sleep. However, avoid intense workouts close to bedtime. Getting outside in natural light for a walk can be beneficial. 7. Manage Stress: Stress and anxiety can interfere with sleep. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress levels. 8. Limit Naps: If you need to take a nap, keep it short (20-30 minutes) and earlier in the day to avoid interfering with nighttime sleep. 9. Avoid Clock Watching: Continuously checking the time during the night can create anxiety and make it harder to fall back asleep. Turn your clock away from you or cover it if necessary. 10. Use White Noise: White noise machines or apps can drown out disruptive sounds and create a more peaceful sleep environment. 11. Consider a Sleep Aid: If you’ve tried various strategies and still struggle to sleep, consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend sleep aids, but these should be used sparingly and under medical supervision. 12. Mind Your Mental Health: Address any underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, which can impact your sleep. Seek professional help if needed. 13. Limit Liquid Intake Before Bed: Reducing your fluid intake in the evening can help prevent middle-of-the-night awakenings to use the bathroom. Article source: https://www.foodandhealth.com/newsletters-archive/january-2024-newsletter-and-toolkit Pamela S. Redwine Extension Agent IV/ County Coordinator, Yalobusha County Mississippi State University Extension Mailing Address: PO Box 610, Coffeeville, MS 38922 Physical Address: 18025 Hwy 7 Coffeeville 662.675.2730 (Office) 662.769.2981 (Mobile) [email protected] (email) Find us on Social Media! Facebook: Yalobusha County Extension Office Facebook: Yalobusha County 4-H Instagram: yalobushaco_msuext