News Filed Under Health

Almost 37% of American adults do not get the recommended seven hours of sleep a night, and that lack of sleep is causing some serious problems.
Leslie Woolington, safety specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said a lack of sleep can affect a person’s productivity, mental and physical health, driving ability and even their chances of getting hurt at work.

A new year is perfect for resetting and refocusing on your health and wellness goals. Being more present or mindful is a great way to start. What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the process or practice of gently focusing on your awareness in the present moment. Being more mindful can help you feel your best and meet the goals you set for yourself.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- An instructor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service was recently recognized by the Mississippi Public Health Association for her commitment to helping Mississippians live healthier lifestyles. Qula Madkin, a dietitian nutritionist in the MSU Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion, was awarded the Vonda A. Webb Nutritionist of the Year Award at the association’s fall conference.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Space heaters and fireplaces can help keep temperatures comfortable during cold weather. However, all types of heating equipment can be fire hazards if safety precautions are not taken. According to the National Fire Protection Association, home heating fires happen most often in December, January and February, accounting for almost half of all home heating fires.

The holidays are here! With all the activity, it's easy to skip your daily exercise. But these tips can help keep you active.

Incorporating healthier eating habits into your daily routine can help prevent and manage diabetes by helping you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Check out these tips to help you get started.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- As the holidays approach, consider three ways to share the joys of the season by supporting local food pantries. Gifts of money, time and food items are all welcome.

Check out these facts about electric pressure cookers and get some tips on how to use these popular countertop appliances.

Did you know that September is National Fruits and Veggies Month?  Check out these tips to help you get more produce into your daily meals and snacks.

Back-to-school schedules have you pressed for time when it comes to evening mealtime? The air fryer can make this meal a breeze on busy nights.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- The first of August is usually one of the hottest stretches of the year in Mississippi -- not the best timing for the many high school and college athletes who begin practices and camps during that time.

Because the temperatures associated with fall sports are still weeks from arriving, managing heat exposure and staying hydrated are key for anyone working or playing outside to prevent heat-related illness.

Shopping at your local farmers market is a great way to add more nutritious foods to your diet, eat in-season produce, and support and connect with local farmers and the agriculture industry.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- An award-winning program within the Mississippi State University Extension Service will welcome a new leader July 1.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Longtime dairy farmers David and Will Gilmer made the tough decision six years ago to get out of the dairy cattle business. The father-and-son team decided to transition their farm to beef cattle. However, the beef cattle business comes with its own stressful challenges.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Heat-related illness is a concern for anyone as summer temperatures rise, but older adults are at greater risk of being negatively impacted. Extreme heat -- when temperatures rise above 90 degrees and combine with high humidity for two or more days -- is even more dangerous and can be deadly.

June is National Dairy Month! As the temperatures rise, it is a great time to cool off with a tasty and nutritious dairy-based smoothie.

Dr. Kim Klunk expected a certain level of stress when she began practicing veterinary medicine two years ago near her hometown of Magnolia, Mississippi. “It’s one of those things that you hear other people talk about when you’re in vet school, but you don’t realize the complexity of all of it until you experience it yourself,” said Klunk, who works with her mother Dr. Rachel Bateman at her mixed-animal clinic in McComb. It’s a common realization for many veterinarians who deal daily with financial concerns, work-life balance, compassion fatigue and client relationships among other stressful challenges of the profession.

While every job has stress points, few people go to work knowing they could lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in any given day. That is a reality for many in the agricultural sector, and mental health struggles are a frequent result.

JACKSON, Miss. -- Food pantry clients may soon find healthier options more often thanks to new food service guidelines.

Thirty-five participants representing 10 food pantries across the state recently received hands-on experience after being trained in the Supporting Wellness at Pantries, or SWAP, guidelines. The collaborative training by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and the Mississippi Food Network took place in Jackson.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Sam McLemore had exceptional strawberry harvests in 2020 and 2021, but he still couldn’t grow enough produce to meet increased local demand, so he took out a bank loan for a new tractor and began expanding his farm.