Sound Living

The 2026 student survey results from Kansas Communities That Care shows positive trends continue in terms of mental health and substance use, while bullying at school or   cyberbullying remain consistent or slightly below 2025. Kansas Health Foundation's Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, Elaine Johannes, says more than 26,000 students in 6th, 8th, 10th and 12t...

The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that did hundreds of millions of dollars of damage across Texas in in the 1960s and '70s, had been considered eradicated from the U.S. for decades. However, it has returned and poses a serious threat to cattle, wildlife and pets. Because it could move into Kansas, plans have been developed to control its spread. Kansas State University veterinary en...

Estate planning is defined as the process of arranging your affairs to meet your objectives regarding the use, conservation, and disposal of your property. However, a K-State Research and Extension family resource management and wellness agent says it's also a gift that you can give your family. Renae Riedy (reed-ee) has developed publications to make the estate planning process easier to understa...

The American Psychological Association has done quite a bit of research on what extreme heat does to us and how we respond to extreme heat. Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation's Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, says the findings show that extreme heat puts mental health at risk. She says prolonged extreme heat can have a cumulative effect – anxiety,...

While summer break often provides a more relaxed schedule for children, maintaining structure around meals and hydration is one of the most important ways families can support healthy habits during the warmer months. K-State Extension nutrition and wellness educator, Priscilla Brenes, says children benefit from continuing a regular eating schedule and that successful summer nutrition involves a fe...

Food labels provide consumers with useful information about ingredients, nutritional value, and allergens. Additionally, they help buyers compare products and allow manufacturers to substantiate health claims. However, Kansas State University food scientist, Karen Blakeslee, says that fully understanding food labels isn't easy. She has revised a K-State Extension publication that breaks down FDA a...

When boredom sets in this summer -- and it always does -- and children begin getting restless, it's time to find something new to keep them engaged. K-State Extension has a series of publications,  Suddenly in Charge , that family and consumer sciences agents created as a resource to help parents and caregivers. That series includes 11 publications. Tristen Cope, family and consumer sciences agent...

Whether it is intentional or random, a growing body of research indicates that kindness is a critical component of our overall health and well-being. As part of the 2026 Walk Kansas webinar series, Elaine Johannes, Kansas Health Foundation's Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, discussed the importance of kindness in the community and the workplace. Sound Living...

The connection between our brain and gut is stronger than most people think. In fact, it's so strong it's often called the "brain-gut axis" that helps link our digestive system with our brain through nerves, hormones and chemical signals. Kansas State University Extension nutrition agent for Johnson County, Chelsea King, recently presented a Walk Kansas webinar on good gut health. She says that wh...

TV, smartphones and tablets have become part of our culture. However, we shouldn't be spending every waking minute staring at a screen. Research shows both adults and children benefit from limiting their screen time to a few hours a day outside of work and school. K-State Extension child development specialist, Bradford Wiles, says screens aren't the problem…they're just a tool. He says the proble...

April is stress awareness month. It serves as a reminder to pause, reflect, and take proactive steps to protect our health and well-being. K-State Extension Johnson County family and community wellness agent, Joy Miller, says regardless of age, background, or lifestyle, stress affects everyone. When it becomes persistent, it can contribute to serious health concerns. According to Miller, recognizi...

Today's fast-paced world can make finding time to prepare and sit down to home-cooked meals a challenge. However, cooking at home has many benefits. It promotes better nutrition, saves money and strengthens family bonds. With a little planning, practice and strategy, Christina Holmes, Extension family and consumer sciences specialist for K-State's Southeast Region, and Cloe Mills, a K-State Extens...

After receiving a lot of questions about hospice care, K-State Extension developed a four-page Fact Sheet, Understanding Hospice. K-State Extension specialist in adult development and aging, Erin Martinez, is one of the co-authors. She says it helps answer the questions people have about how hospice care works, including how to qualify for end-of-life care, finding a provider, common myths about h...

According to Kansas State University researchers, getting outside for even a few minutes each day can provide measurable health benefits. Gina Besenyi and Emily Mailey say nature exposure – even without vigorous exercise – plays a powerful role in overall well-being. "Energize Your Workday: Movement and Nature for Focus and Vitality" was the topic for an April 1st Walk Kansas webinar. The K-State...

With spring grilling season now underway in Kansas, food safety should be at the top of the list when preparing food outdoors. Kansas State University food scientist, Karen Blakeslee, discusses the importance of hand washing, keeping raw meat, poultry and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods, and using a thermometer to check the doneness of all grilled meats. Sound Living is a weekly public af...

We all make day-to-day decisions about money. While most decisions are small – buying coffee on the way to work, going out for lunch or hitting the vending machine for an afternoon snack – the choices we make impact our financial success. April is Financial Literacy Month and K-State Research and Extension family resource management specialist Elizabeth Kiss (kish) shares five tips to promote fina...

March is National Nutrition Month. Established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the campaign highlights the essential role of food in fueling daily life, preventing chronic disease, boosting immunity, and enhancing overall physical and mental health. This year's theme is Discover the Power of Nutrition . Kansas State University Extension nutrition, food safety and health expert for Johns...

Kansas State University's Walk Kansas, an eight-week health and wellness program, begins March 22nd and runs through May 16th. In addition to a physical component, the annual event features webinars, weekly newsletters and additional resources to help participants reach their individual or team goals. Walk Kansas State Leader and northeast area family and consumer sciences specialist, Sharolyn Jac...

Kansas has moved up one spot in the latest edition of America's Health Rankings, moving from 28th to 27th among the 50 states. The improvement may not seem impressive, but the Kansas Health Foundation's Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, Elaine Johannes, says the annual report offers more than a pat on the back. It provides a roadmap for how communities, policy...

Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas is set for March 2nd through the 6th, with a statewide tornado drill on March 4th. Spring marks the peak season for dangerous storms. Chip Redmond, a meteorologist at Kansas State University, says the annual campaign is designed to remind residents of the state's wide range of weather hazards and the importance of being prepared. He says the most important s...

Kansas State University's long-running health and wellness program, Walk Kansas, is gearing up for its 26th year. The eight-week program, offered by K-State Extension, begins March 22nd and runs through May 16th. As the program continues to evolve, a new online tracking system is being implemented this year, and additional virtual trails are being designed for future years. Walk Kansas State Leade...

Valentine's Day is much different for adults than for children. For adults, the day typically involves flowers, candy, a sentimental greeting card and maybe a romantic dinner at a favorite restaurant. For children, Kansas State University child development specialist, Bradford Wiles, says the day is more about kindness than love. He says children don't begin to view Valentine's Day in terms of rom...

High blood pressure remains a significant health concern. Nearly half of U.S. adults – 46.7% -- have hypertension. In Kansas, the number of adults diagnosed with high blood pressure is 34.7%. This troubling health trend prompted Kansas State University and K-State Extension to develop and offer a free program to help residents better understand and manage their blood pressure. The program, Hyperte...

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans are released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services every five years. The new 2025-2030 guidelines were released January 7th and focus on prioritizing "real food," emphasizing high-quality protein, healthy fat, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while reducing highly processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbs. Priscilla...

When it comes to being a grandparent, Kansas State University aging and adult development specialist, Erin Martinez, suggests trying not to take the grandparent "fun card" too far. Instead, stay within the boundaries and expectations of the parent and spend time with grandchildren in a meaningful and purposeful way. Martinez says there are some unique considerations that go along with becoming a g...