Memorial Day: We Remember

Ever wonder how many animals the County shelter takes in every month and/or where they come from?

With the good weather returning we are spending more time outdoors. Ticks have also returned and increased their hitchhiking activities.

Do you know how to reduce your risk of skin cancer? Read on for the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Rising first graders through eighth graders, put down those iPods and video games, turn off the TV and join us while we do a little fitness with a twist of fun.

Registration for summer reading will begin June 2 at your friendly neighborhood library.

Make sure your pet is up to date on its shots! Don't miss out on these low-cost shot clinics! Rabies is just $6!

Low Impact Development (LID) is an alternative to traditional site design, incorporating water treatment structures into the landscape and building footprint. Save $50 on your registration fee - register by June 9!

Would you like to learn to use your car's owners manual, how to check and add fluids (radiator, windshield wiper, oil and transmission), and more?

This week we are featuring some animals available for adoption from FurEver Friends. Please consider making one of these animals your "FurEver" friend by giving it a loving home.

Congratulations to Misty Baker of Leicester for her Barbecued Salmon recipe!

Recent research on whole grains shows promise that they support weight loss and especially belly fat loss. The fat that we carry around our stomachs or “belly fat” is linked with a higher risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The study group had a diet with whole grains while those in the control group were advised to have refined grains. The other recommendations on physical activity, dietary recommendations and other weight loss information were the same. The group that ate all their grains as whole grains, lost more fat from their abdominal region than the control group that ate the refined grains. This group also had a significant reduction in blood levels of C-reactive protein, a marker that is linked to risks of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes.

By eating the whole grains this group also had an increase in fiber and magnesium, which may prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. The whole grain group aimed to have products that had at least 51% of the grains coming from whole grains. This meant the group had to read labels carefully to avoid products that contain a small percentage of whole grains and those which stated multi-grains but not whole grains. Here are ways that you can increase and include more whole grains in your diet:

1. Whole grain breads and rolls: 7-grain or 9-grain, honey wheat or rye – they all add chewy goodness to toast and your favorite sandwiches.
   
   
2. Whole grain hot cereals: Instant or regular, oatmeal and other multi-grain hot cereals help kick-start your energy level into high gear.
   
   
3. Whole grain cold cereals: Make a morning parfait with layers of crunchy cereal, fresh or canned fruit, and low-fat vanilla yogurt.
   
   
4. Whole grain muffins: Bran muffins are just the beginning. Try whole wheat muffins with blueberries or oatmeal with bananas and nuts.
   
   
5. Whole grain pancakes: Multi-grain or buckwheat pancakes are a luscious morning treat with fresh or frozen strawberries or applesauce.
   
   
6. Whole grain pasta: Check out what’s new in the pasta aisle – new shapes and flavors made with whole grain goodness.
   
   
7. Whole grain veggie burgers: Most veggie patties are made from soybeans with cracked wheat, brown rice, barley and other yummy grains.
   
   
8. Whole grain crackers: Crispy crackers made from whole wheat flour are perfect with peanut butter or your favorite soup.
   
   
9. Whole grains in soups: Barley may be the best in soup, but whole brown rice is also very nice – especially with a variety of vegetables.
   
   
10. Whole grains in salads: Cracked wheat makes a super salad called tabbouleh. Leftover brown rice goes great with dries cranberries and walnuts.
    
    
11. Whole grains in snacks: Create a tasty mix with whole grain cereal, dried fruit bits, sunflower seeds and almonds.
    
    
12. Whole grains in desserts: Oatmeal is an ideal companion for fruit in home-baked
    treats like apple crisp or oatmeal-raisin cookies.

Source: Tuffs University: Health and Nutrition Letter. May 2008

While you are visiting the Extension Masters’ Plant Clinic at the WNC Farmers’ Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, you can also cross the street to visit the compost demonstration, just below Israel’s Garden Center. Volunteers will be available to offer advice from 11 am until 2pm.

For more information, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.

Although it may be ideal to never do any watering in the landscape, some of the plants you may want to grow may not grow well without occasional irrigation. You can still have a water efficient landscape with some good planning.

The trick is to group plants according to their water needs. If you have plants that need more water, put them all in one bed, paying attention to the sun/shade requirements of each plant. When watering is needed it can be applied efficiently in a single bed.

Likewise, segregate the most drought tolerant plants into beds. That way you won’t be wasting water on plants that do not need it while watering the ones that do. Logically the most drought tolerant beds can be farthest from the water source and the high water need beds closest to the water.

Take some time now to evaluate your plants’ needs. It may be worth relocating some plants or replacing some to better suit the location.

For more information, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.