Weekly Column from Johanna Hicks for April 5th, 2019: Car Seat Check-up a Huge Success!

[adning id=”33097″]

Car Seat Check-up a Huge Success!

               Local parents and guardians showed up in full force for the car seat check-up held recently in Sulphur Springs.  It is heartwarming to know that parents care enough to take the time to ensure that their little ones are correctly secured in the car.  Cars were lined up from beginning to end of the 3-hour event, and we were very glad to have the opportunity to help families with the best practice education on car seats.

               The event was a partnership between Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Hopkins County, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Passenger Safety Project in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and the TxDOT Paris District.

               I want to take time to mention the Master Wellness Volunteers from Hopkins County who helped staff the event:  Joan Brennan, Susie Faltesek, Wendy Johnson, Patsy Neal and Pat Connally.  They worked tirelessly to see that accurate notes were taken, forms were filled out, and children were at ease while the technicians inspected for correct installation of car seats.  Also serving on the staff were Peoples Telephone, Texas Department of State Health Services, Grayson County of Emergency Management and Washington County EMS working together to make sure that every child left the event riding safely!

               Here are some interesting statistics from the event:

• 41 child safety seat inspections conducted
• 29 new seats were issued
• 4 children arrived totally unsecured or incorrectly in a seat belt

The proper use of child safety seats reduces the risk of injury and death, leading to reduced medical costs, avoidance of lost future earnings, and improved quality of life.  The economic benefits are an estimated $2,159 per child age 0 to 4, and $2,606 per child age 4 to 7 for new seats distributed, and $622 per child for seat misuse corrected with an assumed 75% continued use.

Based on this formula, the total economic impact for the 41 inspections at the event is $54,698.

Be Well, Live Well

               I’m excited to announce a new program for the 50+ crowd.  “Be Well, Live Well: A Program on Healthy Aging,” will help attendees learn to reduce risk for disease and to engage in a healthy lifestyle.  Topics will include:

• Be independent, Eat Well: learn which nutrients you need more of as you age, how to support cognition through food, and more.
• Be Able, Read the Label: Find out how to use the nutrition facts label as a tool to help you maintain a healthy eating pattern.
• Be Safe, Eat Safe:  Learn how to keep food safe while shopping, how to interpret dates on food packages, safe food storage practices, and more.
• Be Creative, Plan Meals:  Find solution to eating alone and learn how to plan meals for small households.
• Be Fit, Move More:  Learn the benefits of physical activity as you age, and ideas to include physical activity in your daily life.

There is no charge to attend.  The series will be held on Mondays and Thursdays, May 6, 9, 13, and 16, at 10:00 a.m. at the Extension Office.  Please call my office at 903-885-3443 by May 2 if you plan to attend, so adequate arrangements can be made.

Closing Thought

I might be shaking on the Rock, but the Rock does not move – Kenneth Rhoades

Recipe of the Week

Spicy Corn Bake

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15.25 ounces) corn, drained
• ½ cup onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
• ½ cup chili sauce

Directions:

1)      Sauté onion in nonstick skillet.  Combine with remaining ingredients.

2)      Place into a casserole dish and bake at 350° F for 25 minutes.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutrients per ½ cup serving:

146 calories; 2 g total fat; 5 g protein; 30 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber

[adning id=”33207″]

[adning id=”33207″]

[adning id=”33207″]