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Karen's Kolumn: Extension "Living Well" Week Slated

“Raising kids, eating right, spending smart, and living well”….this is the message brought to you on behalf of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.  March 8 – 14, 2009 has been designated at “Living Well Week” by the National Association of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences. 

“The health and well-being of the family is crucial to the functioning of our state and our nation.  The Cooperative Extension Service offers programs that provide adults and youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to help them achieve the best quality of life possible,” says Karen Armbruster, OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator, Woods County. “What better time than now to focus on your needs and those of your family.  Perhaps you want to eat healthier meals; feel better; update an estate plan; get along better with others. These are a few ways to improve your quality of life,” she continues.


Karen offers these ideas for you to celebrate Living Well Week:

  • Eat a variety of food to get the benefits each has to offer. An easy way to think about adding variety is to make sure your meals are colorful.
  • Eat five or more meals with others this week. If you live alone, consider inviting a friend or family member over or discover a senior lunch or church program. 
  • Get physical!  Now that spring is almost here, make time to be active. Whether it is at the park, in the yard, at the pool, be as active as you can be. Shoot for 30 minutes of activity each day. 
  • Grow some vegetables or herbs.  There is something magical about producing your own food!  If you don’t want to grow your own food, support the Alva  Farmer’s Market.   For information on growing vegetables in Woods County or on the Alva Farmer’s Market, contact the Woods County Extension Office at 580-327-2786.

  • If it has been more than two years since you reviewed your estate plan then do so now.  Topics that should be discussed with your financial professionals include making a will, charitable contributions, how to transfer wealth to reduce estate taxes, establishing a guardian for minor children, setting up a trust to manage money for minor children, durable power of attorney and health-care directive (should you become incapacitated) and settling your estate.

  • Join or start a Home and Community Education group in Woods County.  These groups receive research-based education programs about the home, family and community; learn leadership skills; and provide good works to others. 

  • The goal of Family & Consumer Sciences is to improve the quality of life in areas of Health, Wellness, and Nutrition; Family Financial Management; Family Relationships; and Leadership and Community Development.  Other programs offered through the Woods County Extension Service include the 4-H Youth Development; Agriculture; Horticulture; and Rural and Economic Development.

  •  “Perhaps your organization needs an educational program.  We offer workshops, presentations, publications and more to assist families and individuals.”   For more information in Woods County, call 327-2786.

  • The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.