Address 2002 South 13th Street

Duncan, Oklahoma 73533

Phone 580-255-0510

Email brenda.gandy@okstate.edu

Website http:www.oces.okstate.edu/stephens

In this issue OHCE Leader Trng. .........2 State Mtg. Flyer .............3 2020 OHCE Dates ...........4 OHCE Council Mtg. ........5 OHCE District Mtg. ........5 OHCE State Mtg. ............5

Extension Educator FCS/4-H/CED Stephens County

Take a stroll down the candy aisle at your local grocery store and you will see shelves chock full of big red hearts filled with chocolates. It is February, the month of love and Valentine’s Day. It also is a time to consider the risks of heart disease as the country observes National Heart Month.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States and in Oklahoma. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to lower your risk of heart disease, including being more physically active, said Janice Herman, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension nutrition specialist.

Research shows regular physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. When combined with regular physical activity, other healthful lifestyle measures such as a healthful diet and not smoking, the impact is even greater. Regular physical activity can help with weight control. Regular physical activity also can help lower the risk of other conditions that can strain your heart, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.

For health benefits, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends adults strive for 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity, 75 minutes a week of vigorous physical activity or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. In addition, adults are recommended to do strength training exercises two or more days a week.

An example of 150 minutes a week of moderate activity would be walking at a brisk pace, for 30 minutes, five days a week. Moderate physical activity will get your heart pumping and leave you a little breathless. You do not have to do all your daily activity at one time. “Some people may get overwhelmed at the thought of 150 minutes of exercise, but breaking it down into smaller segments can make it seem less daunting,” Hermann said. “You can break activity into smaller amounts of time throughout the day, even small amounts of activity add up and can have lasting health benefits.”

February 2020

STRENGTHENING OKLAHOMA FAMILIES Family and Consumer Science News

Something else to keep in mind is not to let age be a deterrent. It is never too late, or too early, to improve your heart health. Even small changes make a difference when you Move with Heart. Try to move a little more every day. You can easily do this by taking the stairs, parking farther away from your office or the grocery store. Other ways to incorporate more movement are walking, gardening, taking the dog for a walk. If you work on a computer at a desk, simply get up and take a walking break from the screen. All of these active moments count toward your total minutes of exercise. “When starting a new exercise program, don’t start with strenuous physical activity. Start slowly and build up to activities that leave you feeling a bit breathless and that get your heart beating faster,” Hermann said. “Keep increasing the intensity, duration and frequency to reach the 150 minutes of recommended moderate physical activity each week. Your heart will thank you.”

2

Be Proactive with Respect to Emergency Preparedness and Safety

February 18 at 9:00am - Stephens County Fairgrounds Conference Center

Recognizing situations that put your safety and well-being at risk and being aware of ways to prevent danger or injury when participating in different activities are key to safe living and optimal aging. Practicing safety is important because it helps keep you out of harm’s way. Over the course of your life you learn and practice safety, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, wearing a seatbelt, or locking your doors when away or at night.

Keys to safe living include simple lifestyle changes, recognizing where most hazards can be found, and how danger or injuries can occur when participating in different activities. Safety across the lifespan includes a multitude of realms. Join Brenda, Gandy-Jones, Extension Educator, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service to discuss safety tips that reflect various life domains: home, transportation, health, recreation, and emergency preparedness.

How to Stay Mentally Fit: Brain Health and Social Activity

March 17 at 9:30am - Stephens County Fairgrounds Conference Center

The brain allows you to interact with the world, understand, analyze, and

respond to various surroundings. Therefore, a healthy brain is crucial to

survival, growth, and everyday successes. Similar to the rest of the body, the

brain needs exercise and maintenance in order to optimize and protect its

current and future health. In particular, the brain needs socialization, mental

stimulation, physical activity, nutrition, and sleep.

Socializing with others provides opportunities for communication, critical thought, creativity, and

emotional expression. It can also play a role in boosting personal meaning and identity. People who

isolate or segregate themselves are at greater risk of developing depression and dementia. Join Brenda

Gandy-Jones as we explore ways to stay mentally fit.

5

February 25 at 9:30 am Stephens County Fairgrounds Conference Center

Winter business meeting February 25th beginning at 9:30am. Hosted by Comanche Homemakers “Mardi Gras” will be the theme of the day.

All OHCE Members are encouraged to participate. This is our annual planning meeting. During this meet-ing, committees present their proposed projects/activities for the 2020 program year. Members are en-couraged to comment and ask questions prior to voting on the proposals. Voting delegates from each club will vote to select activities. Committee chairs please bring a written copy of your proposals to be given to the secretary. Awards will be presented for Outstanding Member and Heart of OHCE.

Potluck luncheon immediately following the business meeting. Everyone is to bring a favorite dish to share.

“Simple and Fun Decorated Cup Cakes” OHCE Community Workshop to share simple ideas for spring parties or fun after-noons with the grandchildren. Extension Educator, Brenda Gandy-Jones will present this hands-on workshop immediately following the council luncheon. Create your own colored sugars in minutes with items from your pantry. Combine colored sugars with marsh-mallow slices and you can decorate like a pro.

We would like for all Stephens County members to attend this conference to support Sandy Pogue as she is installed as OHCE State President. Stephens County will host a reception honoring Sandy following ves-pers on Monday evening during the conference. Please contact Vicki Malone to volunteer to help with the reception….. Conference details follow to help you plan ahead to attend!

Speaking of fun meetings, be sure to mark your calendars for our 85th Annual State Conference. This is a special Anniversary Conference. It will be held on July 12-14. The theme for this Conference is 85 Years Strong – Diamonds and Sapphires. The Conference will be held at the Embassy Suites Downtown Okla-homa City. On Sunday afternoon - early evening we will have a “Christmas In July” event. There will be four Make & Take Workshops. This will be on a rotation basis. You will attend all four workshops and take away with you four Christmas crafts for the price of just $20.00.

Start putting some money aside and make plans to attend the State Conference, our 85th Anniversary, AND we are lowering the registration price from $120.00 to $110.00.

The hotel room rates are as follows: $105.00 for a Single - $110.00 for a Double $120.00 for a Triple - $130.00 for a Quad

Price of rooms includes a Full Breakfast for the number that is registered in your room. For your conven-ience, credit cards will be accepted for registration. More information will be available at the District Meet-ing.

Oklahoma Home & Community Educa-

tion, Inc. is a local and state wide

partner with Cooperative Extension

which brings the best knowledge from

OSU to its members. Join a local OHCE

group and enjoy programs that help

make Oklahomans be their best.

www.OHCE.okstate.edu

Family & Consumer Sciences helps com-

munities, families, youth and individuals

address issues of health, wealth and well-

being through research-based Extension

education and programs that are proven

to work.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit https:///eeo.okstate.edu.

This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President of the Division of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, was printed at no cost to the taxpayers of Oklaho-ma. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President of the Division of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of $2.25 for 75 copies.

Stephens County Extension Office 2002 South 13th

Duncan, Oklahoma 73533

February 18 Leader Training 9:00am

February 24 Set up for Council 1:00pm

February 25 OHCE Council Meeting

March 17 Leader Training 9:30am

March 27 OHCE West Dist. Meeting