Cooperative Extension Service Hickman County 329 James H Phillips Drive Clinton, KY 42031 (270) 653-2231 Fax: (270) 653-4754 extension.ca.uky.edu
Hello Everyone, We created this special edition Extension News for Hickman County residents amidst the ever-changing background of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that you will find the information within this newsletter helpful to your family as you navigate this challenging time period. Please reach out if we can assist with research-based information or local needs. This is a fluid situation. Currently, our office is open but we will follow the leadership of University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension and the Governor’s Office guidance as safety of Hickman County residents is our first priority. Our office number is 270-653-2231. Remember to practice personal health habits daily! Hickman County Extension Team: Melissa Goodman Paula McCuiston Mattea Mitchell Lisa Dodson Cynthia Larkins
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https://my2020census.gov/
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that the best and easiest thing you can do to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is wash your hands! The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask to prevent the coronavirus. Only people who have the coronavirus or are showing symptoms should wear a facemask. Wearing a facemask protects others from infection. What you can do: · The No. 1 thing to do is to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. · Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wipes with at least 60% alcohol. · Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, like cellphones. · Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. · Stay home when you are sick. · Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Symptoms include:
Those at a higher risk:
· Dry cough
· Young
· Sneezing
· Elderly
· Fever
· Those with weak immune symptoms
· Shortness of breath
As the situation is constantly changing, the CDC is the most current and knowledgeable source on a national level. Use the CDC website to stay up to date with the most accurate information: https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. For the latest information on the novel coronavirus in Kentucky, please visit kycovid19.ky.gov Source: Natalie Jones, Family Health Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
Stress is the way your body responds to experiences and events. It helps you rise to a challenge in addition to preparing you to meet tough situations with focus, strength, stamina and heightened alertness. Negative stress, however, can prevent you from feeling and performing well. While reactions to negative stress are unique to each person, common emotional symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, increased forgetfulness, and difficulty making decisions. Physical reactions to stress is often associated with headaches, upset stomach, increased arthritis pain, tightness in the chest, and problems with sleep. Since there is no “one size fits all� solution to managing stress, it is important to experiment with different stress reduction strategies to ease negative stress. In addition to focusing on what makes you feel calm and in control, two common strategies for managing stress include changing the situation and changing your response to the situation. If there is a situation that you can identify that causes stress, avoid it if/ when possible. For example, if the crowds and chaos of the State Fair make you feel anxious to the point that you do not like to go, stay home instead. In unavoidable situations, you may have to change your reaction. Accept it for what it is, focus on what is really important or on what you can do, and adapt as best you can so that you can move forward. You can reduce stress in your life by making healthy lifestyle choices and taking care of yourself: Take deep breaths and count to 10 before you react/speak. Set aside relaxation time Connect with a support system Do something you enjoy every day Keep your sense of humor Stay physically active Do not get overwhelmed with the big picture: break down big problems into smaller parts Find light at the end of the tunnel Get temporarily lost in music or a book Seek therapy from your pet Source: Amy F. Kostelic, Adult Development and Aging Extension Specialist References: American Heart Association. (2020). 3 Ways to Manage Stress. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthyliving/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/3-tips-to-manage-stress Traywick**, L.S. & Hosier, A.H. (October 2014). Stress Management. University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service FCS778. http://www.uaex.edu/health-living/aging/09%20Stress%20Management%20.pdf
The spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, has captured the world’s attention on many levels. The societal response has created a lot of change in our daily lives from school closures to the cancellation and rescheduling of major sporting and community events. As hard as it for adults to make sense of these uncertain times, it is even harder for children. Talking to your children about coronavirus can go a long way in making them feel safe, secure, and loved. Ways you can help your child will be different based on your child’s age, knowledge of the situation, and their unique personality. Listen. Always be willing to listen to and answer your child’s questions, but realize not every child will want to talk about the subject. You know your child best, so if your child likes to process things slowly, let them. Allow them to bring it up in their own time. If you’re unsure whether your child has questions, simply ask them. Honesty. When they do bring up the subject, try your best to answer your child’s questions correctly and honestly. Talk about the subject in the terms of “strong germs or serious illness.” Relate it to something they may already be familiar with like the flu or a bad cold, but explain that some people respond differently. Remind children the reason for the cancellations is an effort to keep us all safe and healthy, and there are many people working hard to stop, treat, and cure the virus. Limit. Limit news media footage of the virus as these can increase anxiety and sadness, especially in younger children. If you find your child in front of a television showing virus updates, remain calm and try to move their attention elsewhere. Offer to play with them, ask about their day, or read a book with them. While you can’t promise your children the virus will never affect their community or affect people they know, you can reassure them that there are people who are doing their best to keep them safe. You can list these people like police officers, firefighters, health-care workers, and government officials who work to keep everyone safe. As new developments and information become available, it is always a good idea to check it against reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which offers a wealth of information on the virus, and the World Health Organization, which currently has information dispelling myths. You can also reach out to your local Cooperative Extension office for more information. Resources: Centers for Disease Control (2020). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): What you should know. Retrieved from https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html World Health Organization (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters. Retrieved from https:// www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters Source: David Weisenhorn, Senior Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development Education
http://www.purchasehealth.org/coronavirus-2019/?fbclid=IwAR3InlbULwvU9AB24i1HvZSHrNMCA0DpfCFtYmj0RGkfUdYI7ykiLYQqTQ
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Financial stress is a part of life for most people. According to a 2019 national survey, about 60% of adults report that money is a significant source of personal stress. Recently, many of us may have been experiencing more financial stress than normal, as we adjust to changing work schedules and business closings. Although financial stress may be unavoidable for most, we can control how we address it. Consider the following suggestions to manage your financial stress. Identify the Source Start by identifying the top two or three financial problems that you face. These could be having too much debt, having trouble saving money, or overspending. Limit the list to two or three problems so that you do not become overwhelmed. Make a Plan Once you have taken inventory, make a plan of attack. Focus on the most pressing of your financial issues first. Work out a step-by-step plan to reach your goal. It is important that you include small steps to address your financial problems so that they feel manageable. Do not move on to the next goal until you feel that you have a handle on your new financial behavior. This will limit stress and make you a more effective problem solver. Work through the list one problem at a time, while working through each problem one step at a time. Small change is the key to success. Recognize How You Deal with Stress
Many of us have unhealthy habits or coping mechanisms that we turn to when times get hard. For instance, many people smoke or overeat when they feel stress. Unfortunately, these behaviors usually make our stress worse; they are bad for our health, and they cause us to spend more money! As a result, our financial stress only seems to get worse. Consider replacing these behaviors with a healthier way of coping. For some people, this might mean taking a walk outside. Others may find that their stress is reduced when they exercise or meditate. Find what works for you. Ask for Help People are more effective at initiating and maintaining change when they have a support system that can hold them accountable and offer emotional support. You could seek professional help, or reach out to family and friends for support. Explain your problem and your plan to address it. Sharing specifics will help them to be more effective in supporting you to change your financial situation. Most of all remember this: Addressing financial stress is a process. It takes time. But with a specific action plan, you can begin managing your financial stress today. References:“Stress in America� Survey (American Psychological Association, 2019) https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/ stress/2019/stress-america-2019.pdf Source: Kelly May, Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management
Concern about the coronavirus has led to significant stock market declines. The U.S. stock market had been experiencing steady growth, with the S&P index reaching historic highs in mid-February. However, the market has experienced a significant decline the last few days. The U.S. stock market is following a global trend; markets around the world are down on average 10% to 12%. It is thought that markets will remain volatile until more is known about the global impact of the coronavirus. Market fluctuation is normal; however, as an investor, this level of volatility can be unsettling. It is important to remember that for most people, investments in the market are long-term. You do not earn or lose money until the investment is actually sold. Changes in the market today or tomorrow are only gains or losses on paper. Reviewing your investment accounts on a regular basis is a good financial practice, but checking on a daily (or hourly) basis will often add to anxiety. Indexes such as the NASDAQ or S&P 500 may be an overall gauge of the market direction but do not necessarily reflect your personal investments. A general financial rule for all investors is to have a balance among savings, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to help you earn more money and protect against fluctuations. For most investors, concern about the coronavirus is not a reason to change investment strategy. For those who may be near or in retirement, who are aggressively invested in the market and are worried about fluctuations, reaching out to a financial advisor might calm nerves. Discussing your financial goals and investment strategies with an expert might be helpful to keep your investments on track. Source: Jennifer Hunter, PhD., Family Finance & Resource Management, University of Kentucky, Family & Consumer Sciences Extension
Ingredients: 1 pound dry red beans 7 cups water 1 medium onion, chopped 1 medium green pepper, chopped 3 celery stalks, chopped 3 garlic cloves, chopped ½ pound turkey smoked sausage, chopped 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning Hot cooked rice
Directions: Place all ingredients except cooked rice into a 4-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook at high setting for 7 hours or until beans are tender. Serve over hot cooked rice. Nutrition facts per serving: 350 calories; 2g total fat; 0.5g saturated fat; 0g trans fat; 5mg cholesterol; 150mg sodium; 66g carbohydrate; 6g fiber; 2g sugar; 14g protein Source: Sarah Brandl, Extension Specialist for Kentucky Nutrition Education Program, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service
The sharp price drops across equity and commodity markets over recent trading sessions indicate investors foresee a drop off in economic activity over the near term. Only the duration and severity of the economic contraction remain uncertain. A severe contraction extending into the summer does not bode well for agricultural commodity prices. Corn demand will suffer over the short run with corn used for ethanol setting up for particular weakness. The wave of cancellations in response to the pandemic in the U.S. continue to pile up. An increase in canceled trips and reduced commuting in major metropolitan areas points toward a severe reduction in gasoline consumption. Estimates of a 15-20 percent reduction in gasoline use seem to be the expectation for many industry analysts over the next couple of months. While weekly estimates of ethanol production continue to show more than a million barrels a day through March 6, the prospect of reduced ethanol production looks certain. If gasoline consumption falls by the expected amounts over the next two months, corn used for ethanol production may lose 120 – 170 million bushels. A continuation of reduced economic activity for an extended period will only exacerbate the demand loss. The price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia in the oil market saw gasoline prices fall and appears set to continue into the summer driving season. If the U.S. economy can recover, strong ethanol use looks likely as we move into the final months of the marketing year. Over the short run, the reduced consumption of corn used for ethanol places an added emphasis on export markets for corn prices. Low corn prices helped pick up export sales over the last couple of weeks. The export sales for the week ending March 5 indicated 57.9 million bushels of net sales. Since the report, an additional 22.9 million bushels of sales came through the export sales reporting system. Using weekly export inspection and Census data, corn exports through March 12 totaled 669 million bushels. Exports need to average 42.9 million bushels per week for the remainder of the marketing year to hit the USDA forecast. The pace of exports still lags USDA’s 1.725 billion bushel forecast. The potential to reach the forecast requires an expansion of export sales. While U.S. exports still face competition from the Ukraine, buying out of South Korea and Japan hint at a continuation of corn sales over the near term. As China and other Asian nations emerge from the controls put in place during the coronavirus spread, an expectation of more robust exports appears plausible. The eventual size of Brazil’s second corn crop looks to be crucial for corn exports this summer. USDA projections for corn production in the 2019-20 marketing year stayed at 5.94 billion bushels for Brazil and Argentina. Brazil’s forecast production sits at 3.98 billion bushels. Forecasts for the second corn crop in Brazil currently sit near 2.88 billion bushels. The Brazilian corn supply situation remains tight. The expansion of livestock production in Brazil to meet Chinese demand places corn prices up significantly from last year. A substantial amount of the second crop in Parana, the second-largest corn region in Brazil, will go in outside the ideal planting window. Forecasts of dryness in the region require monitoring as the critical months of April and May arrive. A short crop in Brazil would pull down world supply and provide reduced export competition this summer for U.S. corn. The current USDA projection for feed and residual use sits at 5.525 billion bushels. First-quarter use estimates indicated 2.634 billion bushels for corn. Livestock on feed levels remain elevated and point toward strong feed use in the second quarter. If the historical pattern of feed and residual use in corn hold this marketing year, the second quarter use may be near 1.547 billion bushels. The March 1 corn stocks, due out on March 31, could reveal how quality issues and low corn prices impacted rations. Livestock prices fell sharply over the last few trading sessions on worries over reduced domestic meat consumption and disruptions to the supply chain for meat processing. Expanded meat purchases at grocery stores could offset some of the cancellations associated with restaurant and event closures. The impact on corn use for feed from the outbreak may not show up until later in 2020. Corn prices will reflect the uncertainty surrounding economic outcomes from measures put in place to combat the outbreak over the short run. If the actions put in place lead to a relatively rapid turnaround, underlying demand fundamentals hold the promise of higher prices than currently reflected in the market. A severe economic contraction leading to a global recession opens the way for continued weakness in prices. Source: Todd Hubbs, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois, March 16, 2020 Reference: Hubbs, T. "Corn Demand over the Near Term." farmdoc daily (10):48, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, March 16, 2020.
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