Fear of Falling? You need A Matter of Balance!

According to a compiled list of fall-related statistics by the National Council on Aging (2023), 1 in 4 Americans over age sixty-five fall every year, making falls the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in the United States. Additionally, every eleven seconds someone over age sixty-five is treated in the emergency room for fall-related injuries and every nineteen minutes someone dies from a fall-related injury. In other words, falls are responsible for more than 3 million ER visits and more than 32,000 deaths annually. The fear of falling can lead to reduced activities, physical health decline, social isolation, and depression.

Aging comes with a variety of unique quirks, oddities, and issues, but falling and fall-related injuries are at the top of the list of concerns. Factors contributing to fall risks include,

• Physical Factors: Age-related changes in vision, balance, and muscle strength can increase the likelihood of falls. Chronic health conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and Parkinson's disease can also impair mobility and balance, making individuals more susceptible to falls.
• Environmental Hazards: Cluttered living spaces, inadequate lighting, slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and lack of handrails or grab-bars significantly contribute to fall risks.
• Medications: Certain medications, particularly those that cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in blood pressure, can increase the risk of falls.
• Lifestyle Factors: Sedentary behavior, lack of physical activity, and poor nutrition can weaken muscles, decrease bone density, and compromise overall health, thereby increasing susceptibility to falls.

Falling, fall-related injuries, and a fear of falling do not have to be a guaranteed part of aging. Falls can be avoided through lifestyle changes and participation in evidence-based fall prevention programs. A Matter of Balance (AMOB), an eight-session evidence-based fall prevention program, has been specifically designed to help seniors aged sixty and older reduce their fear of falling and increase activity levels. Many older adults who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. Activities are conducted in two-hour sessions once a week over an eight-week period. AMOB addresses physical, environmental, medical, and lifestyle factors associated with falling along with introducing evidence-based exercises. Attending an AMOB course significantly reduces the risk of falls and helps improve quality of life for aging individuals.

Rains County AgriLife is hosting A Matter of Balance. This eight-session program will be held every Wednesday from 10:00 am -12:00 noon beginning April 1st at the Rains County AgriLife Extension office, 410 Tawakoni, Emory, Texas 75440. Please consider joining us if you are concerned about falls, have fallen in the past, have restricted your activities due to falling concerns, or have an interest in improving balance, flexibility, and strength.

Call to reserve your spot! If you or someone you love has experienced a fall or has a fear of falling, click here or call the Rains County AgriLife Extension office at (903) 473-4580 to reserve your spot. Space is limited. This program is open to all and is free of charge.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.

Stress Is Serious.

How much do you know and understand about stress? Stress is the body’s reaction to pressure, demands, and challenges and as we prepare to act, stress may present a mental, physical, and/or emotional response. A 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association found 76% of respondents experienced at least one symptom of stress in the previous month.

Stress does not always stem from negative experiences. Positive life changes, such as starting a new job, planning a wedding, spending time with family over the holidays, or welcoming a new baby, can also be stressful. At other times, stress comes from more difficult situations like illness, heavy workloads, financial woes, or family conflict. Regardless of where your stress comes from it is not something to be overlooked.

There are three main kinds of stress: acute, episodic acute and chronic.

• Acute stress. Acute stress is short-term stress that comes and goes quickly. It can be positive or negative. It is the feeling you get when you are riding on a rollercoaster or having a fight with your loved one. Everyone experiences acute stress from time to time.
• Episodic acute stress. Episodic acute stress is when you experience acute stress on a regular basis. With this kind of stress, you never get the time you need to return to a calm, relaxed state. Episodic stress frequently affects people working in certain professions, like healthcare providers.
• Chronic stress. Chronic stress is long-term stress, going on for weeks or months. You may experience chronic stress due to marriage troubles, issues at work or financial problems. It is important to find ways to manage chronic stress because it can lead to health issues.

When you are experiencing stress, your body releases cortisol and other stress hormones. While this response can be helpful in short bursts, ongoing or chronic stress can take a toll on both mental and physical health. Long term exposure to stress may increase your risk for digestive issues and weight gain, anxiety and depression, headaches, sleep difficulties, memory and concentration problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Stress is something we all experience from time to time but if you are experiencing stress over an extended period, you might need to evaluate and make a few changes to help eliminate some of your stressors. Stress-reducing habits can be incorporated into your daily routine and small changes can make a big difference.

Stress may be reduced with even simple actions. Try taking a quick social break and send a message to a friend, even a simple “hello” can lift your mood. If it turns into a longer conversation, roll with it. Strong social connections are essential for emotional well-being.

Physical activity is always good for your mental and physical well-being, benefiting both your heart and your mind. Dance to your favorite song, go for a brisk walk, try hula-hooping, or sign up for that exercise class you have been curious about.

Getting enough rest can help you feel calmer, more focused, and more creative. Aim to power down earlier by turning off screens and winding down with a book or another relaxing activity. Most adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Although breathing is automatic, mindful breathing can help activate your body’s relaxation response. Get comfortable and take a normal breath. Slowly inhale through your nose, filling your chest and belly. Let your stomach expand. Gently exhale through your mouth or nose. Repeat several times.

Managing stress does not have to be complicated. With small, enjoyable steps, you can support your health and find moments of calm throughout your day.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.

95th Annual Rains County Fair

The 95th Annual Rains County Fair is just around the corner! The fair begins on Tuesday, September 9th and runs through Saturday, September 13th. If you are planning to attend or get involved with the fair, here are a few places to start! Additional details are available at https://rains.agrilife.org/county-fair/.

Creative Arts. The Rains County Fair Creative Arts contests are open to residents, young and old, from Rains and surrounding counties. If you have not entered before, give it a try; we love new exhibitors! Rains County Fair Creative Arts Divisions include Antiques, Canned Foods, Collections, Fine Arts, Handcrafts, Horticulture, Needlework, Photography, and Quilting. Special age groups, senior and youth age categories, are judged in special age divisions.

Rains County Fair Creative Arts entries will be accepted next week! Make sure you mark your calendars; you do not want to miss out! Entries will be accepted on Tuesday, September 2nd, and Wednesday, September 3rd, between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. at the Creative Arts Building at the fairgrounds (with Horticulture entries only accepted on Wednesday). Creative Arts Judging is closed to the public. Entries will be on display in the Creative Arts Exhibit building and will be open to the public starting with the fair on Tuesday, September 9th at 6:00 p.m. All grand and reserve Creative Arts entries win a cash prize!

Baked Goods. If baking is more in line with your areas of interest, you do not want to miss entering the Youth or Adult Baked Goods contest. Entries for the Youth Baked Goods contest will be accepted on Tuesday, September 9th in the Creative Arts building between 6:00-6:30 p.m. and judging will begin at 7:00 p.m. Entries for the Adult Baked Goods contest will be accepted on Saturday, September 13th in the Creative Arts building between 6:00-6:30 p.m. and judging will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Miss Rains County Pageants. The 2025 Jr. Miss and Miss Rains County pageants will be held on Wednesday, September 10th at 8:00 p.m. Tiny, Wee, Petite, and Little Miss Rains County pageants will be held on Thursday, September 11th at 6:00 p.m. If you have not attended one of our pageants in the past, you should check them out this year, you will not be disappointed! We have a wonderful group of young ladies ready to wow you! Follow Rains County Fair Pageants on Facebook for up-to-date information.

Mutton Bustin’. For youth ages 4-7 years of age, the annual Mutton Bustin’ contest will be held Friday, September 12th at 7:00 p.m. If you are too old to participate, you can still enjoy the fun, make your way to the fair on Friday evening and check out this fan-favorite! Arrive early if you would like to get a seat in the stands.

Parade. Get your parade floats ready! We welcome entries from organizations, individuals, businesses, or anyone else wanting to join the fun. The Rains County Fair Parade will be held on Saturday, September 13th in Downtown Emory. The parade line-up will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Emory City Centre and the parade will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Chili Cook-Off. Looking for something with a little more spice? The Annual Rains County Fair Chili Cook-Off will be held on Saturday, September 13th. Entries are due Friday, September 12th. Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

Youth Floral Design. The Rains County Fair Youth Floral Design Contest will be held on Saturday, September 13th. The Grand and Reserve winning entries will be sold in the live auction and all other entries will be available for purchase via silent auction.

Livestock. Youth livestock shows are a county fair staple. Rains County youth may show animals in the following categories: Breeding Beef Heifers, Market Steers, Market Goats, Market Lambs, or Market Pigs. Come out and support our local youth as they show off their dedication and hard work. The steer, lamb, goat, and breeding beef shows will be held on Thursday, September 11th beginning at 9:00 a.m. The pig show will be held on Friday, September 12th at 8:00 a.m. Market animals will be auctioned off during the Junior Livestock Sale on Saturday, September 13th beginning at 6:30 p.m.

If you are interested in becoming a livestock buyer, please call (903) 473-4580 or visit https://rains.agrilife.org/buyer/ to register online (online registration will close at noon on September 12th). You may also register in-person before the sale on Saturday, September 13th between 6:00-6:30 p.m. in the livestock arena.

The Rains County Fair is a fun-filled week of activities offering something for everyone. Please visit our website for a complete schedule of activities, contest entry forms, and much, much more https://rains.agrilife.org/county-fair/. Be sure to follow Rains County Fair on Facebook for regular updates. We look forward to seeing you at the fairgrounds!

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.

New World Screwworms

In May, the U.S. Department of Agriculture suspended livestock (cattle, horses, and bison) imports from Mexico following detection of the New World screwworm (NWS) in Veracruz. While the detection was roughly 600 miles from the southern tip of Texas, many producers are wondering if they need to be concerned about the health of their livestock. 

The New World screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s. However, it has occasionally reemerged in Central America and Mexico. The NWS is controlled only through the sterile insect technique (SIT), a pest control method involving the release of sterilized male insects into the wild to mate with wild females, preventing reproduction and thus reducing the pest population. This approach, along with regular active surveillance and livestock inspections, has proven highly successful.

The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly found in the Western  Hemisphere. It deposits its eggs in the living tissue of fresh wounds on warm-blooded animals. The resulting larvae (maggots) consume the host’s flesh, creating serious wounds. The name screwworm comes from the feeding behavior of the maggots, which burrow (or screw) into wounds. Using sharp mouth hooks, they tear into the host’s tissue, causing extensive damage. As additional eggs hatch and more larvae feed on the living flesh, the wound grows larger and deeper. If left undetected and untreated, this can result in severe or often fatal harm to the animal.

Adult New World Screwworm fly

Adult New World screwworms are metallic blue blow flies with large orange eyes and three distinct stripes running along the top (thorax) just behind the head. They closely resemble the related secondary screwworm (Cochliomyia macellaria), which is also a metallic blue blow fly with three stripes; however, in the secondary screwworm, all three stripes start at the same point behind the head. Unlike the New World screwworm, adult secondary screwworms do not lay eggs on living animals, and their larvae do not infest them. Adult secondary screwworms do not pose a threat to animal health.

Adult flies of interest can be photographed and emailed to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at screwworm@ag.tamu.edu. 

Routine monitoring and evaluation of all livestock is essential for maintaining herd and flock health. Livestock producers should stay alert for signs of possible infestation, such as:

• Foul-smelling wounds with visible maggots
• Animals biting or licking at wounds
• Lesions in navels, ears, dehorning or branding sites
• Unusual restlessness or lethargy

Producers should be proactive and take preventive measures by treating wounds promptly and maintaining sanitation. 

Any mammals or birds (wild or domesticated) with signs of irritated behavior or head shaking, those that express a smell of decay but are alive, or those that show evidence of fly strike and/or the presence of fly larvae (maggots) in wounds should be isolated and reported immediately to your local veterinarian or the Texas Animal Health Commission, (800) 550-8242.

For additional information, please visit https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm/.  

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.

Skin Cancer Awareness

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to share information, encourage skin checks, and promote healthy habits. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide with at least one in five Americans developing skin cancer by the age of 70. Despite its prevalence, skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, and early detection significantly improves outcomes; when detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%. Raising awareness about skin cancer is essential to encourage protective behaviors, promote regular screenings, and ultimately save lives.

Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the skin’s layers, often due to DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. The three main types of skin cancer are:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common and least aggressive, often appearing as a pearly or waxy bump.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Typically appears as a firm, red nodule or a scaly, crusted lesion.
• Melanoma: The deadliest form, developing in the pigment-producing melanocytes. It can spread quickly if not treated early.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing skin cancer:

• Excessive sun exposure, especially without protection
• Use of tanning beds
• Fair skin, light-colored eyes, and a history of sunburns
• Family or personal history of skin cancer
• A large number of moles or atypical moles

When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Melanoma has a high survival rate when caught in its initial stages. That is why skin self-exams and regular dermatologist checkups are crucial. The ABCDE rule can help identify warning signs of melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
• Border: Edges are irregular or blurred
• Color: Varied shades of brown, black, or other colors
• Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
• Evolving: Changing in size, shape, or color

Skin cancer is largely preventable by adopting simple yet effective sun safety habits. If you plan on being outdoors, even on a cloudy day, it is extremely important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). Also, make sure you reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats adds an additional layer of protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Seek shelter or shade between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest. 

Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. Awareness is the first step toward prevention and early detection. By educating ourselves and others, we can reduce the incidence of skin cancer and protect our health. Remember... your skin is your body’s largest organ, make sure you take care of it!

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.