Walk-A-Weigh Program Deadline is January 22….NEW Virtual Friend Just Added

Starting January 26^th Walk-a-Weigh will launch! Do you want the skills to be equipped to help you achieve your fitness, health, and nutrition goals? This NEW Walk-a-Weigh program offered by the DeSoto County Extension Office of the Mississippi State University Extension Service begins soon. If you are a local resident of DeSoto County and want to participate you can attend our face-to-face meetings on Monday afternoons starting at noon January 26^th-March 30^th. If you are outside of DeSoto County or maybe you cannot make these face-to-face meetings there is another option!

The program will be offered for 10-weeks starting on Monday, January 26 and run through March 30, 2015 at the DeSoto County Extension Office in Hernando at 12:00 p.m. Join us during your lunch break! We will weigh-in each week from 11:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Each session will last about 1 hour and each weekly program will be divided into three parts. The first part is a short lesson, the second part will be a tasting session to sample a recipe or new food product related to the lesson, and the final part will be activity time to get physically active together.

If you want to participate but can’t make our face-to-face meetings here’s how you can participate by being a virtual friend. We are only accepting 10 virtual friends into our trial program! 

• First you will still need to register by emailing langel@ext.msstate.edu and telling her you want to participate in Walk-a-Weigh by being a virtual friend! 
• Second, you will need to mail a check for $15.00 (made payable to DeSoto 4-H, see below for address) ASAP. You are still paying a registration fee so you will be accountable! And we will add a prize for the person who loses the most percentage of weight that is our virtual friend online! 
• Third, Lara will email you a form to complete on January 26th. Our virtual Walk-a-Weigh friends will receive emails and challenges to motivate you to make healthy choices and be physically active each week. 
• Fourth, each Monday our virtual friends will need to complete a weekly “form” to weigh in and be accountable. This form will be emailed to you and you will report your current weight, the date, your name, and maybe answer  a question or two to see if you are looking at the materials we email and to gauge if you are “participating” in the challenge. 
• At the end of the program our virtual friends will be asked to complete an evaluation to help us see if our virtual component was successful. I am sure there are a few details I am leaving out, but I will be in constant contact with our virtual friends and this will evolve over time as the ten week challenge continues.  

Register and join our group today and set your own personal healthy lifestyle goals. The choice is yours! We hope that participants will join us and start making small steps towards a healthy lifestyle and being more active if they aren’t already, and then continue to maintain physical activity and healthy eating when the 10-week period ends. We hope the program will extend knowledge and be a lifestyle change that will improve participants’ quality of life!

Deadline to sign-up has been extended to January 22th.  By signing up you will ensure that there are materials available when you arrive. The cost is $15.00 and is due by the deadline of January 22th. If you divide $15.00 by the 10 weeks that is just $1.50 each week! At the end of the 10-weeks the (one female & one male) participant losing the most percentage of weight will win part of the “money pot”. The winner(s) will be announced on March 30. To be eligible to win participants must attend the first class on January 26 and the last class on March 30. Virtual friends will have a separate “money pot” and the virtual friend losing the most percentage of weight at the end of the challenge will win half of their money pot. Virtual friends are required to submit all weekly forms in order to win the virtual friend money pot challenge.  Contact the DeSoto County Extension office for more information about Walk-a-Weigh by calling 662-469-8480.

Checks can be mailed to our address at:

Mississippi State University Extension Service

DeSoto County

3260 Highway 51 South

Hernando, MS 38632

Setting a Savings Goal

Whatever your financial situation is there are things you can do to improve your overall financial health and stability. Since it is the NEW YEAR within the upcoming week take a moment and set a financial goal for yourself that you would like to accomplish in 2015.

Maybe you want to make an extra payment on a credit card, start an emergency fund, add to your retirement or save for a vacation. Kick start your savings by figuring out how you can save $100 toward your goal. There are ways that even on a tight budget you can reduce your expenses. For example....

• Review your cable and cell phone bills. Are you subscribed to premium services that you do not really need. My husband and I do not even have a cable or satellite package! Ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" 
• Adopt a cash only system for out of pocket expenses. If you are like me then you will be more likely to spend less whenever shopping if you only spend cash rather than using a credit or debit card. 
• Start packing your lunch two or three days per week. Yesterday my husband and I shared lunch together. We had a picnic in my office and enjoyed our brown bag lunches together while he was in town running errands. 
• Get up 5-10 minutes earlier and make your own breakfast and coffee instead of running through the drive-thru window. Your pocketbook and waistline will thank you!

These small steps will quickly add up to $100. Put any money saved directly into your saving account. Once you have gotten started on your savings goals, continue to add to the account every month until you reach your goal. Once you reach your goal start a new goal and start working towards it!

Another idea is to take the 52-Week Money Challenge for 2015. Start by saving $1 a week. Then in week 2 save $2, week 3 save $3 and so. By the end of the year you will have saved a total of $1378. That is enough cash to have a mini vacation, pay off a credit card, make a few extra mortgage payments, fund 100% of Christmas in 2015, buy new tires for your vehicle...the possibilities are endless.

If you need more help and tips on managing your money visit these Mississippi State Extension Service publications for more information or contact your local DeSoto County Extension Service. 

• Managing Your Money: A Family Plan
• Manage Money Successfully
• Money Traps That Keep You Broke
• Financial Fitness Exercises To Shape Up Your Spending

New Year's Resolutions

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions we make is to lose weight. Eating the correct portions of nutritious foods and engaging in physical activity are two keys to successful weight loss. One way that may help you keep your portions under control is to be mindful of what you eat. Another way to help you might be to join a weigh control program so you can change eating and activity patterns, learn to prevent and control chronic diseases, and have a support network for weight loss and maintenance.

Maybe you made this New Year’s resolution, but you need help finding a game plan on achieving your goal of trimming up this New Year. There is an upcoming program being offered by the DeSoto County Mississippi State University Extension Service called Walk-a-Weigh that you might be interested so you can make your New Year’s Resolution a reality. Whether you’re interested in learning about some new ways to eat and be active, or exploring how to not overeat when eating away from home the Walk-a-Weigh program offers many lessons that address just that!

The Walk-a-Weigh 10 Week Program will begin Monday, January 26, 2015 at the DeSoto County Extension Office, located at 3260 Hwy 51 South in Hernando, Mississippi. The classes will meet weekly at noon through March 30, 2015.  The class dates are January 26, February 2, February 9, February 16, February 23, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, and March 30. Join us during your lunch break! We will weigh-in each week from 11:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Each session will last about an 1 hour and each weekly program will be divided into three parts. The first part is a short lesson, the second part will be a tasting session to sample a recipe or new food product related to the lesson, and the final part will be activity time to get physically active together.

Personally my goal is to be healthier and reduce my body size. I have been on this journey for the last couple of years. My goal is to lose about 15-20 more pounds and then maintain my loss. It is a lifestyle change, not a diet. Therefore, if you want to reduce your body size like me, then this series might be for you! Your concern might also be your health, but you might also be thinking about looking better in clothes, having more energy, enjoying new and favorite foods, being able to move more easily, and feeling better about yourself. Whatever your case may be, consider joining us with our new series called Walk-a-Weigh.

This program will run on Mondays at 12:00 p.m. at the DeSoto County Extension Office from January 26 – March 30, 2015. If you’re ready, so are we. Contact the DeSoto County Extension Service and sign-up today for Walk-a-Weigh. Deadline to sign-up is January 20th.  By signing up you will ensure that there are materials available when you arrive. The cost is $15.00 and is due by the deadline of January 20th. If you divide $15.00 by the 10 weeks that is just $1.50 each week! At the end of the 10-weeks the (one female & one male) participant losing the most percentage of weight will win 50% of the “money pot”. The remaining 50% of the “money pot” will go towards costs associated with running the program. The winner will be announced on March 30.

For more nutrition and physical activity information, contact the DeSoto County Extension Service. Educational programs of the Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Facebook World

Today here at the DeSoto County Extension Service we started a Facebook page! You can visit and like our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DesotoCountyExtensionOffice. This is a new way of communication for us to help you stay informed about upcoming programs and events in addition it will be an easy way to provide you with news and info from the world of the Cooperative Extension Service. 

Happy Facebooking...

Tips for Holiday Survival!

The holiday season can bring financial stress that burdens your spirit. From purchasing gifts to traveling to planning an elaborate holiday meal, extra expenses make it hard on families this time of the year. Many families skip holiday traditions to avoid overspending. Skipping Thanksgiving or Christmas may not be the answer to pinching pennies but choosing your holiday activities wisely might release some of the holiday stress a little. Have a plan and try sticking to it.  

Here are some helpful tips that you might find useful this holiday season to get you through the month of December.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables can be costly at the grocery store. To avoid overspending, purchase fruits and vegetables currently in season. For seasonal produce, check out your local farmers market or visit a local orchard or pumpkin patch. Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are available at your local grocery store, perhaps on sale. They also have a longer shelf life compared to fresh fruits and vegetables, so be sure to stock up during sales and buy things you know you will need for holiday meals. 
• Survive holiday grief like marathon training!
• Pretty poinsettias make ideal Christmas accent!
• Handle with care when hanging holiday lights! 
• Adding a few things in your cart at the store can cost you many extra dollars at the cash register. Do not forget to look in your cabinets and refrigerators to see what you already have. Little expenses like salt and pepper, and other small condiments add up quickly. Look for the spices and herbs you will need at discount stores.

Last but not least.....

Happy Holidays from the Mississippi State University Extension Service in DeSoto County. Our normal office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We will be closed for the holidays December 23, 2014 through January 2, 2015. We will reopen using our regular schedule on January 5, 2015.

Beat the Bulge

My goal this holiday season is to maintain and not gain during the holiday season from now through December 31st, but come the NEW YEAR I want to beat the bulge! Yes, I am already thinking about my New Year's resolution. Have you thought about that yet too? Maybe you need some motivation and help achieving your goals. Starting in January here at the DeSoto County Mississippi State University Extension Service we will be offering a program called Walk-a-Weigh. Check out the flyer below if you are interested.

This program will run on Mondays at 12:00 p.m. at the DeSoto County Extension Office from January 26 – March 30, 2015. If you’re ready, so are we. Contact the DeSoto County Extension Service and sign-up today for Walk-a-Weigh. Deadline to sign-up is January 20th.  By signing up you will ensure that there are materials available when you arrive. The cost is $15.00 and is due by the deadline of January 20th. If you divide $15.00 by the 10 weeks that is just $1.50 each week! At the end of the 10-weeks the (one female & one male) participant losing the most percentage of weight will win their class participant fee back. The winner will be announced on March 30.

The Walk-a-Weigh 10 Week Program will begin Monday, January 26, 2015 at the DeSoto County Extension Office, located at 3260 Hwy 51 South in Hernando, Mississippi. The classes will meet weekly at noon through March 30, 2015.  The class dates are January 26, February 2, February 9, February 16, February 23, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, and March 30. Join us during your lunch break! We will weigh-in each week from 11:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Each session will last about an 1 hour and each weekly program will be divided into three parts. The first part is a short lesson, the second part will be a tasting session to sample a recipe or new food product related to the lesson, and the final part will be activity time to get physically active together. 

Personally my goal is to be healthier and reduce my body size. I have been on this journey for the last couple of years. My goal is to lose about 15-20 more pounds and then maintain my loss. It is a lifestyle change, not a diet. Therefore, if you want to reduce your body size like me, then this series might be for you! Your concern might also be your health, but you might also be thinking about looking better in clothes, having more energy, enjoying new and favorite foods, being able to move more easily, and feeling better about yourself. Whatever your case may be, consider joining us with our new series called Walk-a-Weigh.

For more nutrition and physical activity information, contact the DeSoto County Extension Service. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Terrific "T's" of the week...

It is the time of year that I think about a few Terrific T's...

1. Time with Family and Friends. In the mist of all the hustle and bustle enjoy the moments and conversations with family and friends. We all are going through the motions of life, but stop and enjoy it a little!  
2. Travel. Lots of people travel this time of year to see family and friends. As you travel this holiday season here are a few travel tips from Natasha Haynes via this weeks episode of the Food Factor before you hit the road this Thanksgiving.                       
3. Turkey. If you have a 20 pound turkey start THAWING your turkey today for THURSDAY! Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs of bird. Check out this tip and many others here. If you have questions on Thanksgiving call the USDA Food Safety Hotline at 1-888-674-6854.  The Hotline will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CT on Thanksgiving Day. Or simply follow the infographic below!  
      
4. Take temperatures. Cooked, hot foods should be kept at 140 degrees F or warmer. Be sure to use a food thermometer (the only safe way to ensure proper temperature) to check temperatures. The USDA recommends whole turkeys to be cooked to an internal temperature to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold foods should be kept at 40 F or less. Keep cold foods refrigerated until just before serving. If food is going to stay out on the buffet table longer than two hours, place plates of cold food on ice to retain the chill.
5. Take time to wash your hands! Proper hand washing is the most effective way to keep food and guests safe. Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water following restroom use, after handling raw meat products or before eating. A good tip is to sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself two times to make sure you wash your hands for 20 seconds. Clean hands help prevent the spread of potential illness-causing microorganisms.
6. Tracking food intake. Personally I want to not gain this holiday season so I am tracking my food intake. I want to "Eat Smart, Move More, Maintain and Not Gain"! So I am tracking my calorie intake via the app on my smart phone "LoseIt", but you can also do it the old fashion way with a pencil and piece of paper! 
7. Think cash only spending. In order to not over purchase items this holiday season, especially with all the "Black Friday" specials think about spending cash only this year for your holiday purchases. Literally freeze your credit card in water. Personally I know if I spend cash I will spend less money. Put your holiday cash in an envelope and once all the cash is gone out of that "envelope", then you should be finished shopping since you will have no money left to spend. If your credit card is "frozen" you will have to go to extreme efforts to thaw it! This is a great way to avoid running up your credit card this holiday season.  Spending with plastic almost always lets us overspend. 
8. Thank you's! Don't forget to tell others thank you and that you love and appreciate them if they do something for you. Use this week to reflect on what all you are thankful for this year. 

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Maybe these Terrific T's will be useful for you this week as you celebrate Thanksgiving later this week...