Technology Talks... let's try this again!

This year has been unlike any other with COVID-19 changing how we do many things. Between keeping your glasses free from mask fog and searching for the ever-elusive disinfectant, we are also attempting to adapt to virtual communication. However, figuring out Zoom or Facetime (or one of the other hundred virtual platforms) can be quite a struggle. Even those comfortable with technology under normal circumstances are often left scratching their head. Tech companies release new platforms and devices at a surprisingly rapid rate, simple phones have become a thing of the past and many are left feeling uncomfortable using their phone even for simple tasks. Upgrading to a smart phone can be intimidating and it comes with steep learning curve. Getting comfortable with a new device takes time and patience. The past few months provided us with a great deal of unexpected time, but patience was not necessarily included.

Ninety-six percent of Americans own some sort of cellular phone and 81% of those own a smartphone, a 35% increase from 2011. Furthermore, 53% of the 65-year-old and up population have traded in their trusty flip phone and transitioned to a smart phone (Pew Research, 2020). If you are new to the smart phone world or if this virtual communication norm has pushed you to the edge, please know I understand and I want to help!

Rains County AgriLife Extension is hosting Technology Talks, an introductory course on understanding (and using) your smart phone; this course will cover texting, email, internet use, and apps (virtual communication apps like Zoom and Facetime). Technology Talks is geared toward individuals new to their smart phone or those needing assistance using their current device. This course will meet for two extended sessions, Friday, December 4th and Friday, December 11th from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon at the Rains County Extension Office, 410 Tawakoni Drive, Emory, TX. Attendees need to bring their smart device (phone or tablet) to both sessions.

This is a welcoming and fun learning environment where no question is too basic. This course is free of charge and we welcome everyone to come and learn. Please call (903) 473-4580 or email (address below) to reserve your spot; due to social distancing requirements, space is limited and have your handkerchief ready to wipe those glasses because yes, masks are required.  

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. Follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook for additional information and upcoming events.

References:

Pew Research Center. (2020). Mobile Fact Sheet. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/

Holiday Stress (and Making Memories)

As the temperature drops and we officially move into holiday season, many are looking forward to the decorations, gatherings, meals, and time with family and loved ones. However, the joyful side of the holidays is often accompanied by the not so joyful side, stress and depression. The pressures associated with the holidays can be overwhelming and have a negative effect on your health. 

If you are looking for ways to make your holidays less stressful and more joyful, the Mayo Clinic (2019) suggests several helpful tips to prevents stress and depression from taking over. For most, holiday memories are associated with loved ones and generate feelings happiness; however, for some, this happiness can be accompanied by feelings of sadness and grief. If you are saddened during this time of year, acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself time to accept them; you are not required to be happy simply because of societal expectations. It is healthy to feel grief. It is also healthy to accept the absence of loved ones and focus on happy memories or making new memories. Reach out to positive friends and family members to may ease the weight you may be feeling.

Stress and depression are also connected to our own expectations of what the holidays should be. If you find yourself overwhelmed by your idea of the holidays, take a step back and re-evaluate the things you hold as important. Be realistic in your idea of the holidays, try not to expect too much or attempt to do more than you are capable. Scaling back gatherings and expectations can bring forth new traditions and restore your holiday delight. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic address budgeting and time management as ways to ease holiday strain. 

The holidays can be exhausting. It is important to find a healthy balance so you can focus on the things that make you happy. If you are looking for a way kick off a happy holiday mood, join me on Friday, November 1st at the Ben E. Keith Community Room in Commerce for Making Memories, the annual holiday craft, goodies, decor, and more program. The program will begin at 9:30 am and usually lasts about two hours. Local volunteers are preparing a full lineup of holiday demonstrations including festive crafts, tasty treats, budget friendly gifts, and home decor. Attendees may enjoy a variety of refreshments while following along with presenters in their copy of the project booklet. Tickets are $5.00 and may be purchased in advance at the Hunt County Extension Office.

If you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat, please feel free to call (903) 455-9885, email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu, or come by the Hunt County Extension office, 2217 Washington Street, Greenville, Texas 75401. You may also read more about this and many more topics on my blog, http://agentsarah.blogspot.com/.  For additional information on area issues and events, follow us on Facebook, by simply searching for Hunt County AgriLife. 

References:

Mayo Clinic. (2019). Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544

Making Memories Flyer:

2018 Making Memories

Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes

Over 2.7 million Texans are diagnosed with diabetes and it is the sixth leading cause of death.  Hunt County has a diabetes prevalence value of 10.3%, meaning approximately 1 person out of every 10 residents are diagnosed with diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes is growing and expected to quadruple over the next thirty years.  

The two most common forms of diabetes as Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), is an autoimmune condition where the pancreases produces very little, if any, insulin.  Relatively uncommon, roughly 5% of all diagnosed cases are Type 1.  Scientists agree, while an exact cause is unknown, genetics play a significant role. Type 2 diabetes, also known as Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is a chronic condition effecting how the body uses insulin.  The cause of Type 2 is also unknown; however, excess weight and inactivity are factors (American Diabetes Association, 2017). Both forms of diabetes are serious and should be addressed with proper attention.  Diabetes education can help ease the strain of living with diabetes and although it is not curable, it is manageable.

Hunt County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is offering Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes, a five-part educational series to help people understand how to manage their disease through healthy eating patterns, physical activity, and following proper self-care.  On Friday, November 17th, we will tackle this program as a one day, short-course program beginning at 10:00 am and ending around 3:00 pm.  There will be a hands-on lunch where attendees learn to use alternative food options to help manage their carbohydrates.  Diabetics and care takers are welcome to attend.  Registration is $10.00 per person.  Topics covered in the program will address how food effects blood glucose, the proper method to test blood glucose, understanding medications, incorporating a healthy eating pattern, and much more.   For additional information or to register for the Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes short-course, please contact the Hunt County Extension office, (903) 455-9885 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu.  

MAKING MEMORIES, the annual holiday program, is scheduled for Friday, November 3rd at the Ben E. Keith Community Room in Commerce from 9:30 am – 11:30 pm.  Holiday craft and gift ideas will be presented and you will receive a booklet including information on each item.  Tickets are available for purchase at the Hunt County Extension office, 2217 Washington Street, Greenville, TX 75401. Tickets are $5.00 each and tickets are limited.  Registration fee includes morning refreshments and the holiday idea booklet.  If you are interested in paying over the phone using an electronic payment, please call (903) 455-9885.

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat, please feel free to come by the Hunt County AgriLife Extension office, 2217 Washington Street, Greenville, Texas, 75401, call (903) 455-9885, or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. 

References:

American Diabetes Association. (2017). www.diabetes.org.