Sound Living
317 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingSound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more.
Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected].
K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.
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Episodes
Summer Food Safety Tips
May 23, 2022 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBThe warmer weather provides an opportunity to move much of our meal preparation outdoors. Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee says food safety needs to be a priority, especially when grilling food outdoors and hosting large outdoor get-togethers. This includes washing our hands, using a food thermometer to check for doneness and keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. ...
Growth In Extension Health
May 16, 2022 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBHelping to promote healthy lifestyles in Kansas is one of the missions of K-State Research and Extension. Gayle Price, an Extension specialist at the Southeast Kansas Research Center in Parsons, has been a part of that mission for 35 years – and she’s seen a lot of changes during that time. Price, who is retiring later this year, has seen partnerships work successfully with Extension programs that address opioid addiction, food insecurity, child nutrition and wellness, physical activity and ...
Sustaining Rural Grocery Stores
May 09, 2022 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBResearch shows grocery stores are critical to maintaining vibrant, healthy and thriving communities. Unfortunately, rural grocers are facing a challenging and ever-changing retail landscape that makes it difficult to stay in business. The Rural Grocery Initiative – housed within K-State Research and Extension – aims to sustain locally-owned rural grocery stores to enhance community vitality and improve access to healthy foods by identifying and sharing resources that support grocers and rura...
Learning to Manage Stress
May 02, 2022 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBStress is how we react when we feel under pressure or threatened. If it lasts for a long time it can impact physical, emotional and mental wellness. K-State Research and Extension’s Stress and Resiliency Team provides educational information about stress, stress management and resiliency to Kansans. Extension behavioral health specialist Brad Dirks says stress impacts us all and that we all react to stress differently. However, there are steps we can take to manage stress and live a healthie...
The Opportunity Cost of Screen Time
April 25, 2022 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBTV, smartphones and tablets are part of our culture. That doesn’t mean we should spend every waking minute staring at a screen. In fact, research shows both adults and children benefit from limiting screen time to just a few hours a day. K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles says not establishing rules for screen use or having screen-free zones in the home comes at what he calls an “opportunity cost” – the things we miss out on by watching our screens ins...
Initiating Public Health Efforts
April 18, 2022 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBPublic health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. In the U.S., there’s an expectation that no matter where we live, work, learn or play, we all have an equal opportunity to be healthy. However, that’s not always the case. Kansas State University Extension agents Tristen Cope and Clara Wicoff were selected to participate in an 18-week course titled Public Health Essentials, designed to build capacity of non-traditional public health organizat...
Dealing With Higher Prices
April 11, 2022 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBThe cost of everything seems to be going up. So how do you deal with increased prices? A K-State Research and Extension family resource management specialist says strategic budgeting, planning, and cutting costs where possible can help reduce the financial impact of higher prices. Elizabeth Kiss (kish) also suggests buying only the things you actually need, cooking at home to reduce your overall food costs and shopping with a list to avoid impulse buying. Sound Living is a weekly public af...
Bonding Thru Board Games
April 04, 2022 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBResearch shows newer style board games, such as Euro-style games – also called Eurogames – can be used as a tool to strengthen family relationships and expose children to life skills that enable them to have success at home, school and – eventually – the workplace. K-State Research and Extension family life and resource management agent for Sedgwick County, Liz Brunscheen-Cartagena, is familiar with Eurogames and has written two publications on the benefits of playing board games. Sound Li...
Small Space Gardening
March 28, 2022 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBIf you’re limited on space, don’t have enough time or energy to care for a large garden or simply don’t want to plant more than you can consume, container gardening or raised bed gardening are a great alternative. K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent for Johnson County, Dennis Patton, says the only difference between a traditional in-ground garden and container gardening or raised bed gardening is that you’re doing it in a more confined space where you have more control. Soun...
Community Health Equity
March 21, 2022 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBWe all make choices every day that impact our health. However, linking our health solely to the choices we make doesn’t tell the whole story. There are other factors that influence our health and individual behaviors. K-State Research and Extension has developed a framework for health and well-being that focuses on three core themes – health equity, social determinants of health, and working through coalitions to increase community health assets. Associate professor and Extension specialist ...
Avoiding Identity Theft and Scams
March 14, 2022 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBWhether it’s called a scam, con, fraud or theft, people taking advantage of others financially continues to be a major problem. K-State Research and Extension agent for the Southwind District, Barbara Stockebrand, says it can happen anytime to anyone and that technology has opened the door for people with bad intentions to steal your identity or coax you into a scam simply by gathering personal information from an email or financial transaction. Stockebrand and Janae McNally, an adult develo...
Severe Weather Preparedness
March 07, 2022 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBKansas experiences a wide variety of summertime severe weather events, including tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, lightning and flash flooding. Assistant meteorologist for the Kansas State University Weather Data Library and manager of Mesonet, a network of environmental monitoring stations across the state, Chip Redmond, says we need to prepare for all types of severe weather – and know what to do if we’re at home, outdoors or in a vehicle. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs pr...
Prepare for Unexpected Events
February 28, 2022 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBAs students, we practiced what to do in the event of a fire or a tornado. The goal was to learn what to do in an emergency. As adults, we know how to protect ourselves when a tornado warning is issued or what to do if a fire occurs. However, we may not know the steps we can take to protect our family and business finances from unexpected events. K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences agent in the Central Kansas District, Deb Wood, and the family and consumer sciences age...
Eight Weeks to a Healthier Life
February 21, 2022 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBWalk Kansas, K-State Research and Extension’s annual physical activity and wellness program, attracts thousands of participants each year. This year’s event runs March 27th through May 21st. Extension family and consumer sciences specialist for northeast Kansas and Walk Kansas State Leader, Sharolyn Jackson, discusses how this eight week challenge helps participants lead a healthier life. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. I...
Helping Children Cope with Stress
February 14, 2022 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBChildren start developing many new emotions around two years. These strong emotions, including frustration, anger, embarrassment and excitement, can sometimes be overwhelming and they may need to calm down. K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles says there are number of steps that can be taken to help children cope with normal childhood emotions and the stress caused by the pandemic. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues relat...
Kansas Value Added Foods Lab
February 07, 2022 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBThe Kansas Value Added Foods Lab at Kansas State University includes facilities, equipment, and instruments to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs with food product development, packaging, and physical, chemical and microbiological analyses of foods. The KVAFL also allows undergraduate and graduate students to develop new food products and work with entrepreneurs to develop their products to sell commercially. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues re...
Languages of Appreciation
January 31, 2022 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBK-State Research and Extension’s Living Well Wednesday webinar series continues in February with programs on the Five Languages of Appreciation and the MIND Diet. The series, produced by family and consumer sciences agents and specialists from across the state, covers a variety of topics to improve our overall health and well-being. LaVerne Williamson, employee relations and engagement specialist with Kansas State University’s Human Capital Resources, will present Languages of Appreciation o...
Strategies for Transitions
January 24, 2022 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBTransitioning from one activity to the next can be challenging for young children and their providers. However, K-State Research and Extension family and youth development agent for the Chisholm Trail District, Tristen Cope, says there are strategies that childcare providers can use to help young children better manage transitions and routines. This includes providing an advanced warning, using a visual calendar and teaching them songs that signal it’s time to move from one activity to the n...
Food Safety hazards and Culprits
January 17, 2022 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBProtecting against foodborne illness involves more than just practicing the four basic food safety principles: clean, separate, cook and chill. To ensure our food is safe to eat, Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee says we also need to learn about the three types of food safety hazards: biological, chemical and physical. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares t...
Planning This Year's Spring and Summer Gardens
January 10, 2022 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBWhether you’re an experienced gardener or just a novice, winter is a good time to plan spring and summer gardens. According to Dennis Patton, K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent for Johnson County, it’s an opportunity to think about what you want to plant, research new varieties and consider any changes you’d like to make. He also says planning for spring and summer gardens during winter will save time, energy and money when planting season arrives. Sound Living is a weekly p...
Improving Health and Well-Being
January 03, 2022 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBK-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences agents and specialists are offering a winter webinar series in January, February and March to improve our health and well-being. Extension family and community wellness agent for the West Plains District, Jennifer LaSalle and community health and wellness agent for the Chisholm Trail District, provide an overview of the first two webinars in the series: Parents Guide to Social Media and Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude. Sound ...
Strengthening the Connection with Kids
December 27, 2021 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBThe start of a new year often brings a variety of resolutions: to be more active, improve our food choices or bolster our savings. However, Kansas State University child development specialist Bradford Wiles says strengthening the connection with their children is one of the best resolutions a parent can make. In fact, he advocates for parents to be intentional with kids. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Je...
Stretching Grocery Dollars
December 20, 2021 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBExpect to keep paying more for groceries in 2022. According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics earlier this month, prices shoppers paid for groceries in October were 5.4% higher than at the same time last year. K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist Sandy Procter says planning meals before shopping, being aware of what you already have, looking for bargains, substituting lower-priced items for similar products, and planning for leftovers helps stretch food dollar...
Take the Long View for Setting Goals
December 13, 2021 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBOften when it comes to goal-setting, Kansas State University family resource management specialist Elizabeth Kiss (kish) says we think it’s all or nothing…”We think ‘I have to do this or ‘I have to be focused…’ However, that’s not necessarily the best or most successful way to achieve what your goals. Instead, Kiss says to take the long view on goals – which is a kinder, gentler approach. To improve your success rate, she recommends writing down your goals, sharing them and reviewing them pe...
The "WHY" for Physical Activity
December 06, 2021 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBWinter, because of its shorter days and colder temperatures, can be a challenging time to be physically active. However, a K-State Research and Extension northeast family and consumer sciences specialist and coordinator of the Walk Kansas program, says if we can identify our “WHY” for wanting to be physically active, have a plan for being outdoors and identify ways to stay active when we’re stuck indoors, we can enjoy the benefits that come from being physically active. Sharolyn Jackson says...
Connect and Communicate Through the Holidays
November 29, 2021 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBFamily dynamics can be difficult, particularly during the holiday season. As part of its Living Well Wednesday series, K-State Research and Extension Regional family and consumer sciences specialist JoEllyn Argabright and Chisholm Trail District family and youth development agent Tristen Cope, are hosting a webinar on December 8th that focuses on communicating effectively with family members to reduce stress, creating an inclusive environment and making the most of the holiday season. They p...
Holiday Food Safety Reminders
November 22, 2021 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBThe holiday season has arrived. Food – usually a lot of it – is part of the holiday celebration. Whether it’s the traditional large meal with family and friends, potlucks at work or the company party, food is everywhere. While we often worry about gaining a few extra pounds during the holidays, Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee says we should be equally concerned about food safety. She says following four basic food safety principles, along with regularly washing our han...
A Healthier Thanksgiving Feast
November 15, 2021 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBThe cost of a typical Thanksgiving feast will be more expensive this year. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, prices will be higher on just about everything because of inflation. The average cost of preparing Thanksgiving dinner last year was about $47. This year the cost is expected to be at least 5% more. While we can’t control costs, we can control what we serve and how it’s prepared. The typical Thanksgiving meal – turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green b...
Living Well Wednesday Series
November 08, 2021 06:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBK-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences agents and specialists are getting ready to launch a new series of virtual webinars that cover a variety of topics that improve our health and well-being. The Living Well Wednesday Webinar Series kicks off with a soft launch on November 17th and December 8th with virtual webinars on managing stress through the holidays. K-State Research and Extension northeast area family and consumer sciences specialist Sharolyn Jackson, Extension...
Health Equity and Well-Being
November 01, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBIn a 2020 report on America’s Health Rankings, published by the United Health Foundation, Kansas ranks 26th among the 50 states on health outcomes. A team of K-State Research and Extension professionals is receiving training from the National Leadership Academy for the Public’s Health to foster community conversations about creating a more robust and effective approach to health. Ed Ehlinger, the senior assistant surgeon with the National Health Service Corps and the ‘coach’ of the team, was...
Reducing Salt in Our Diet
October 25, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration made a recent request for food manufacturers to voluntarily reduce salt in their products by 12% over the next two-and-a-half years. More than 70% of the sodium Americans eat comes from what has been added by the food industry to products later purchased in stores or restaurants. K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist Sandy Procter says that’s why the FDA is asking those two groups to reduce sodium levels in 163 categories of the most consum...
Simple Holiday Toy Ideas
October 18, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.43 MBAs children start making their holiday wish list, A Kansas State University child development specialist encourages parents to consider whether a toy promotes creativity and engaging with others, such as puzzles and board games. Bradford Wiles says toys with lots of bells and whistles often do things children would do on their own with a simpler toy. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episo...
Managing Holiday Spending
October 11, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBHalloween is fast approaching. For many, that marks the beginning of the end-of-year holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas and other December celebrations, and New Year’s Eve. Kansas State University family resource management specialist Elizabeth Kiss (kish) retailers want us to be thinking about the holidays. She says they’re already starting to stock holiday merchandise, so this a really good time to plan ahead, think about how you’d like to celebrate this year and then determine how much yo...
Dining with Diabetes E-mail Challenge
October 04, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBSound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 34.2 million Americans are living with diabetes. In Kansas, 9.4% of the adult popula...
"SMILE BIG" For Healthy Aging
September 27, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBResearch shows that having a positive outlook on aging actually adds 7-and-a-half years to your life. Erin Yelland, a K-State Research and Extension specialist on aging, has come up with an acronym – SMILE BIG – that supports her belief that living with positivity is the healthy path for most. She explains the concept and how Extension agents across Kansas are working to help older adults remain independent, healthy, and able to stay in their homes for as long as possible. Sound Living is ...
Safely Preparing Frozen Foods
September 20, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBAs students, parents and caretakers adjust to a physical return to classrooms this fall, the USDA has issued a reminder about handling frozen foods safely. When it comes to packing lunches, preparing after-school snacks, or quick, convenient dinners between after-school activities, frozen foods – especially not-ready-to-eat frozen chicken products – are a popular option. However, K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist Sandy Procter says there are food safety concerns to be aware...
Not growing Old, But Aging Well
September 13, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBThe nation is aging. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2040, about one in five Americans will be 65 or older – up from about one in eight in 2000. K-State Research and Extension offers a variety of programs and publications to help people grow old gracefully, successfully and with increased longevity. K-State Extension aging specialist and interim director of the university’s Center on Aging, Erin Yelland, says some of the keys to aging well are healthy eating, positivity, and being ph...
Teen Mental Health Update
September 06, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBA 2020 survey commissioned by the National 4-H Council found more than 66% of the teens surveyed believed the COVID experience would have a lasting impact. Unfortunately, it looks like they may have been right. K-State Research and Extension youth development specialist Elaine Johannes and James Roberson, vice president of Behavioral Health Services at KVC Hospitals, discuss the current situation for young people’s mental health and how the state and Extension are making mental health assess...
The Full Weather Outlook
August 30, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBFor decades, Mary Knapp has been the “go-to” person for agricultural weather in Kansas. As a climatologist at Kansas State University, she has helped advance and improve the collection of weather data. As she gets set to retire in mid-September, we look at the role data collection plays in research and everyday life. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State...
Affording Healthy Food
August 23, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBAccording to a USDA study published earlier this summer, nearly nine in 10 participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, reported facing barriers to achieving a healthy diet, with the most common barrier being the cost of healthy foods. A USDA evaluation of the 2021 Thrifty Food Plan, which puts healthy food in reach for low-income families, determined benefit levels are too low to provide for a realistic, healthy diet. K-State Research and Extension nutrition speci...
Introduction to Organic Gardening
August 16, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBGardening was one of the activities people turned to during the pandemic, and the K-State Garden Hour Webinar Series was started to offer tips and training. There has been an increased interest in organic home gardening. During a recent webinar, Johnson County Horticulture Extension agent Zac Hoppenstedt provided an introduction to organic agriculture and growing techniques that can be adapted for the home garden. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to...
Back to School Anxiety
August 09, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBThe start of a new school year often creates anxiety, especially for younger children. After spending a good deal of the last school year working remotely due to the pandemic, anxiety is expected to be running much higher than normal when classes start this fall. To help children transition back to school, K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles encourages parents and caregivers to talk to them about how they feel and to let them know that it’s normal to ha...
Snack Happen: Have a Plan
August 02, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBA study from the Harvard School of Public Health reported that nearly one-fourth of Americans says they snack multiple times per day, and at least one-third say they snack at least once a day. K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist Sandy Procter says that snacks happen, but having a plan for what you eat – and how much – is key to providing the energy your body is asking for, and avoiding unwanted weight gain. She discusses some of the options for snacking healthfully. Sound L...
The Science of Freezing Food
July 26, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBAs gardeners continue to bring in this year’s harvest, a Kansas State University food scientist says when you’ve run out of friends and neighbors faster than fruits and vegetables, it’s time to think about food preservation – and freezing is one of the most effective methods. However, after harvesting fruits and vegetables, Karen Blakeslee, who is also coordinator of the university’s Rapid Response Center, says there is a lot of science behind how food freezes that can affect the quality of ...
Replenishing Emergency Savings
July 19, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBStudies show many Americans don’t have enough emergency savings to cover expenses for three months. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many are more aware of just how crucial an emergency fund can be. Building an emergency fund has always been an essential step toward achieving financial security. However, K-State Research and Extension resource management specialist Elizabeth Kiss (kish) says there’s no magic number for an emergency fund because everyone’s savings goal depends on a ...
Choosing Healthy Recipes
July 12, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBWith many of our favorite restaurants closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we dusted off seldom-used cookbooks, rediscovered family recipes and searched the Internet for new recipes. While recipes can be fun, K-State Research and Extension northeast area family and consumer sciences specialist Sharolyn Jackson says they’re really a science. As we cook at home more often, she says to think about choosing healthy recipes or adapting existing recipes to make them healthier. Sound Living i...
Storing Fresh Produce for Best Flavor
June 28, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBA variety of fresh fruits and vegetables are available at farmers markets and local grocery stores. Most are picked for peak freshness, but how you store them at home will determine how long they maintain their best flavor. K-State Research and Extension food safety specialists Karen Blakeslee says some fresh produce should be refrigerated, some needs to ripen on the counter and then be refrigerated and some should be stored only at room temperature. In addition, she says fresh produce can b...
A Healthy Plate of Food
June 21, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBTen years ago, when a pyramid of food was too confusing, USDA updated the Federal nutrition symbol to become MyPlate – a simple graphic that serves as a general healthy eating guide on what and how much to eat from each of the five food groups – fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. According to K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist Sandy Procter, MyPlate is a visual reminder that we need to eat a variety of foods from each food grou...
Men Should Be Talking About Health
June 14, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBStudies show men are twice as likely to go two years between doctor visits and 40% only go if they have a serious issue on their hands. So, what keeps me from seeking routine medical care? Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University and Brad Dirks, the associate director of the Physician Assistant Program at K-State, say society’s norms – telling boys to brush it off, walk it off or don’t cry – may make it more difficul...
Strengthening Families
June 07, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 7.42 MBStudies suggest that combining warmth and sensitivity with clear behavioral expectations produces better-adjusted children. A group of K-State Research and Extension agents in the state are offering a program that helps parents and children develop successful relationships. Deb Andres, a family and consumer sciences agent in Geary County, says the program is designed to help people who are raising kids build skills that help them deal with the many challenges that come with childhood, adoles...