Family

LINCOLN-Nebraska Governor, Pete Ricketts, signed a proclamation, declaring October 15, 2022 “Slow Down, Move Over” day across the state of Nebraska. AAA - The Auto Club Group worked with community partners and the Office of the Governor on a proclamation to promote the protection of all motorists on the roadside in order to strengthen the existing “Slow Down, Move Over” law, Statute 61-6,378 “While all 50 states have a Slow Down, Move Over law, nearly a quarter of motorists don’t know these laws exist or how they vary from state to state,” explains Brian Ortner with AAA Nebraska.

Americans' busy lifestyles often show up in their cooking and eating habits. More than 54 percent of food dollars are spent on food away from home, which is typically higher in calories and fat and lower in calcium, fiber, and iron. Planning meals ahead can improve health while saving time and money. When families eat together, meals are likely to be more nutritious. Family meals also provide a great time for children and parents to reconnect. One way to increase meals at home is to use a slow cooker. Check out the following information on slow cooker benefits, food safety, and recipe ideas.

LINCOLN -- According to studies, more than 40% of Americans have difficulty obtaining, processing, and understanding basic healthcare information, which is necessary for making informed decisions. For more than 20 years, October has been recognized as Health Literacy Month, a time of international observance when hospitals, health centers, literacy programs, libraries, social service agencies, businesses, professional associations, government agencies, consumer alliances, and other groups can work collaboratively to integrate and expand the mission of health literacy.

Individuals diagnosed with celiac disease recognize they must avoid gluten. That's become easier over the last couple decades as manufacturershaverecognizedthe growing number of consumers on gluten-free diets. However, the Celiac DiseaseFoundationnotesthat variousfoodsmaycontainglutenin hidden or unexpected ways. That underscores how important it is that individuals with celiac disease readlabelspriortopurchasingfoods and beverages for the first time. In themeantime,suchindividualscan keep this list of potential hidden sources of gluten in mind as they shop for groceries or dine out.

Jean Burge The Lakeview area received a nice shower Sunday evening, which is always welcome with the dry conditions. I see there’s a chance of rain and maybe snow(?) Thursday or Friday, so we’ll see if the forecasters are right.

The Sparks Nebraska Spurs chapter of Cowboy Fast Draw Association hosted another successful event this past weekend with three days of competition at the Cherry County Fairgrounds. Most of the 77 competitors started arriving on Thursday, September 15, and stayed through Sunday.

Life is busy, especially for families. From late-night work meetings to school events and extracurriculars, families are on the go. This can often lead to rushed meals or meals on the go. With hectic schedules, it is important to plan relaxed family mealtimes into your schedule as often as possible. There are several benefits to relaxed family meals that include: the development of positive eating habits, creation of stronger parent-child bonds, and better school performance. The University of Nebraska’s EAT Family Style at Home website supports families with quick, easy, and fun ways to make mealtimes healthy, enjoyable, and less stressful for everyone.

Gardeners like a challenge and the sense of accomplishment when trying something new. Forcing poinsettias and Christmas cactus to rebloom provides such an opportunity.

Jean Burge Dan and Sheri Tinant visited relatives in Laramie, WY last week, and en route home visited their aunt, Caryll Homan at North Platte. Karla Walkling of Arizona and Karen Walkling of Omaha arrived here last week to spend some time visiting their mom, Wyonne Walkling, and other relatives.

Lincoln – September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and every Nebraskan has a role in saving lives. More than 47,000 Americans die by suicide each year, but suicide can be prevented. In Nebraska, a person dies by suicide once every 32 hours. One of the most effective methods is to raise the subject with a loved one or friend who may be considering suicide.