UConn Extension is excited to welcome Eniola Fasola as Connecticut Trail Census‘s newest graduate assistant. Eniola obtained her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Economics at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and the University of Connecticut, respectively. Currently, she is doing her Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics at The University of Connecticut. Eniola will be […]
Health
Enhancing health and well-being locally, nationally, and globally
Extension Impacts – 2020
Extension is a part of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR). We have over 100 years of experience strengthening communities in Connecticut and beyond. Extension programs cover the full spectrum of topics aligned with CAHNR’s strategic initiatives: Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply Enhancing health and well-being locally, […]
CT Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Member Spotlight: Heather Peracchio MS, RDN, CD-N
Heather Peracchio MS, RDN, CD-N Do you have a current/past position with the CT AND Board? I have been many positions on the CT AND board but currently I am the Food Security and Sustainability Co-Chair. What inspired you to become a RDN? My first year at UConn I found the course ‘The Science […]
Making Maple Syrup in Your Own Back Yard CLEAR Webinar
As winter winds down, and you’re considering outdoor, low-risk activities, making a small batch of maple syrup at home with your family might be a fun and healthy choice. This webinar will provide all the essential information you’ll need to get started, from identifying which of your trees might be sugar maples, to tapping, boiling […]
Connecting Connecticut: A New Podcast from UConn Extension
Land-grant universities have provided communities, organizations, farmers and individuals with practical knowledge rooted in research through the Cooperative Extension System since the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914. Over the last 107 years a lot has changed with our Extension systems. The program has expanded beyond its agricultural production origin to encompass a […]
Indoor Air Quality Interactive Tour
Indoor air quality is important to a healthy home, especially during these cold winter months! Use this interactive home tour to identify ways to protect your indoor air quality. This tour is also available in Spanish! http://bit.ly/IAQTour
National Heart Health Month
February is National Heart Health month! Hiking provides all of the classic health benefits you get from most cardio exercises. It improves blood pressure, lowers your risk of heart disease, decreases cholesterol, and helps control your weight. There is nothing better than getting some fresh air in Winter if you feel cooped up. Hiking is […]
Seeing Your Breath: Using Science to Choose the Proper Mask
Do you know which face covering is the best at preventing the spread of the coronavirus? In this video, the Exploratorium collaborated with Stanford researchers to observe temperature differences in the air with different face coverings to help you pick the best one. Spanish
La Dieta Sin Gluten. ¿Es para mí?
Artículo por Sherry Gray, MPH, RD, CD-N Article also available in English. Click here to view. La etiqueta alimentaria sin gluten está en muchos alimentos en la tienda de comestibles y es popular seguir una dieta sin gluten. Se estima que más del 30% de la población de América del Norte ha adoptado un estilo […]
The Gluten Free Diet. Is it for Me?
Written by Sharon Gray, MPH, RD, CD-N El artículo también está disponible en Español. Haga clic aquí para ver. Gluten free labeling is on many foods in the grocery store and following the gluten free diet is popular. It is estimated that over 30% of the North American population has embraced a gluten-free lifestyle. But […]
Explore CT Trails with Help from Our Trails 101 Video Series
Written By Marissa DiBella Connecticut offers a wealth of outdoor spaces from city parks to rural area trail systems where people can engage in all types of activities such as hiking, biking, and nature watching while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Spending time outdoors is a great way to get exercise, reduce stress, and can […]
Rooting for Winter – Put Local on Your Tray
Are you root-ing for winter? Winter roots include carrots, beets, potatoes, and more! Click here for ideas on how to incorporate these delicious roots into your meals. Put Local on Your Tray’s “Root-ing for Winter” campaign is working towards connecting schools with local farmers to increase the incorporation of local root vegetables in school meals. Click […]
What is Extension – New Video Released
UConn Extension connects thousands of people across Connecticut and beyond each year, with the research and resources of the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. We are comprised of more than 100 educators and a vast network of volunteers. UConn Extension works collaboratively to build more resilient communities through educational initiatives […]
Cleaning and Disinfecting High Touch Surfaces
Cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces is more important than ever. We curated a variety of resources to help you keep your high touch surfaces clean and protecting your health. Click here to view.
Eat SMART in the New Year!
Written by UConn registered dietitian-nutritionist Donna Zigmont, RDN, CD-N Source: Free goal setting clip art Every January, millions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions to make positive changes in their lives. After a very difficult 2020 due to COVID-19, we are hopeful that 2021 will be more promising for all of us. Many of […]
Chicken Vegetable Soup with Kale Recipe
Chicken Vegetable Soup with Kale is a protein-packed recipe that will warm you up and fill you up. Heather Peracchio and Juliana Restrepo Marin walk us through the recipe for this delicious soup.
Holiday Greetings
Happy holidays from your friends at UConn Extension. We are committed to a sustainable future. Thank you for your partnership in creating transformational programming for Extension participants and stakeholders in all 169 municipalities of Connecticut.
Tips to Control Bed Bugs
Don’t welcome bed bugs into your home! Their bites can result in a number of health impacts including skin rashes, psychological effects, and allergic symptoms. Don’t panic, here are some helpful tips if you find these little vampires in your bedroom: Start with corners and edges of an open wall, dig things out of cracks […]
Mackenzie and Alyson’s Volunteer Experience with the Coordinated Program Dietetics
Mackenzie Lane and Alyson Gaylord, Coordinated Program Dietetics students in the Department of Allied Health Sciences in the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources volunteered with Foodshare at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. The experience is part of the dietetic education program. Watch to learn more about the food distribution center and how […]
UConn 4-H in 40: Surviving the Holidays
UConn 4-H presents 4-H in 40 A Series of Virtual Workshops for Adults the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm. These workshops are open to any interested adults- volunteers, 4-H leaders, parents, and community members. The opportunity to register will continue through the year. Each presentation is 20-30 minutes long, followed by 10-20 minutes […]
How do Covid-19 tests work?
Are you curious about the difference between antigen tests, PCR tests, and serologic tests for COVID-19? Do you want to learn about the science behind viral testing, and how tests can help us bring an end to the current pandemic? Watch SciToons’ new video “How Do COVID-19 Tests Work?” to learn more!
Ebony Horsewomen: Empowering Hartford for Over 36 Years
Ebony Horsewomen, Incorporated is a non-profit equestrian facility in the North End of Hartford that has been empowering Hartford, Bloomfield, and Windsor residents through equine programs for over 36 years. Patricia “Pat” Kelly is the program founder and CEO. The programs offered by Ebony Horsewomen include youth development, mental health, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. An […]
Trails 101 Video Series Helps New Users Enjoy CT Trails
This time of the year, Connecticut residents are heading outside to enjoy the cool fall temperatures and beautiful New England scenery. Connecticut offers a wealth of outdoor spaces from city parks to rural area trail systems where people can engage in all types of activities such as hiking, biking, and nature watching while adhering to […]
Food Safety Tips For Your Holiday Turkey
The holidays are a time to enjoy your family and friends— Avoid putting a damper on the holiday fun because of unsafe food handling and cooking practices. Follow these tips to play it safe this holiday season: http://bit.ly/Turkey_FoodSafety. Los días festivos son días para disfrutar en familia y con amistades— Evite poner un amortiguador a la […]
What has changed on your trails as a result of COVID-19?
Our Connecticut Trail Census has launched a survey to understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on trails and trail management. The survey is intended for trail managers of non-motorized trails in Connecticut takes about 10 minutes to complete. Please take a few moments to respond to the survey. The survey will remain open until Wednesday, […]
Mystic Aquarium and CVMDL are Enhancing Animal Health and Learning Experiences
Visiting an aquarium transports people to another world, an underwater world filled with many different plants and animals. Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut cares for 5,000 animals from over 355 species, from octopus to beluga whales and sea lions. Studying these animals offers a unique opportunity to learn about conserving these species in the wild, […]
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds!
Written by UConn Dietetics Student Hannah Waxler The Fall season brings to us a favorite squash!! Pumpkin! Did you know it’s a squash? Pumpkin and the spices that seem to flavor it best are added to just about everything: pumpkin coffee, pumpkin muffins, and of course, pumpkin pie! As delicious as pumpkin treats are, did […]
Pumpkin’s a Good Pick for Your Health!
Written by UConn Dietetics Student Alexa Horkachuck Autumn is finally here, which means that pumpkin flavored products are flooding into your local grocery store. If you’re a fan, you will find everything from pumpkin cream cheese and pumpkin spice lattes to pumpkin pastas and soups. There is bound to be a recipe that you would […]
Fall is Here – Stay Hydrated
Written by UConn Dietetics Masters Student Shawn Lada We may be having cooler days now, but it is always important to stay hydrated. Keeping your body hydrated helps your heart, brain, muscles, and joints to stay healthy, along with keeping you regular and preventing urinary tract infections! During hotter days and summer months your body […]
Cholesterol Education with the UConn Dietetics Program
Written by UConn Dietetics student Madeline Fulton 93 million U.S. adults age 20 or older have total cholesterol levels higher than 200 mg/dL. Nearly 29 million adult Americans have total cholesterol levels higher than 240 mg/dL.1 Too much cholesterol circulating in your blood can put you at risk for developing heart disease and stroke. What […]
UConn 4-H Global Handwashing Day Media Contest
UConn 4-H and the Healthy Homes Partnership are sponsoring a media contest for Global Handwashing Day. Youth are invited to submit their media creations by October 7, 2020.
Power Up with Breakfast! Go-Grow-Glow!
Written by UConn Dietetics Student Alyson Gaylord You have probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why? The term breakfast means “break- the- fast.” After 8-10 hours of fasting as you sleep, your body is looking for calories and energy. Scientists tell us that kids who eat breakfast tend […]
What to Eat (and Drink) Before, During, and After Exercise
Article by Mackenzie Lane, UConn Dietetics Student Do you ever stop to think about taking a bite of a granola bar before your morning jog? Or force yourself to skip a mid-hike snack so you can feast at the next meal? Or think post-workout meals will make you gain weight? No need to look any […]
UConn Extension Releases Evidence-Based Information Sheets on the Impacts of Trails
UConn Extension and the National Park Service are pleased to announce the publication of the Impacts of Trails info-sheet series. As communities throughout the U.S. and the world cope with the devastating toll of COVID-19, the pandemic has brought a renewed focus on the importance of local trails. These one-page color, downloadable resources provide evidence–based information […]
Overnight Oats with Molly Basak-Smith
Molly Basak-Smith, a registered dietitian with our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) walks us through the process of making overnight oats.
Italian Veggie Balls Recipe with UConn EFNEP
Heather Pease from our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) walks us through the process of making Italian Veggie Balls. You can make this delicious and nutritious recipe with a few simple items. It’s healthy and budget-friendly.
Food Safety with Megan Davenport
Megan Davenport, a UConn Extension summer intern with Hartford County 4-H teaches us about food safety and why it’s important for you and your family. Learn about the four guidelines to food safety, date labels, and much more.
Tropical Smoothie – A Healthy Recipe with Dianisi Torres
Dianisi Torres of our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) makes a healthy tropical smoothie with you using ingredients from the Dollar Store. The presentation is in English and Spanish. Dianisi Torres, de nuestro programa Educación Alimentaria y Nutricional Expandida de la Extension de UConn, conocido como EFNEP, hace un licuado tropical […]
Velazquez Answers Nutrition Questions on Radio Amor in Bridgeport
The global pandemic is challenging everyone. It’s made many of us more conscience of the threats surrounding us every day. Many people are more aware of the food they eat and health impacts of their nutritional choices. Extension educator Zoraida Velazquez is answering questions for Bridgeport and residents of surrounding communities each Friday morning on […]
Food and Nutrition Security in Fairfield County
Seniors Eating Well Program: A community partnership between UConn Extension SNAP-Ed Food Security project, Elmwood Hall Senior Center, Danbury Farmers’ Market and Clatter Valley Farm provides a free produce box ($10 value) for seniors in need. SNAP-Ed provides nutrition education materials following the Penn State Seniors Eating Well curriculum and includes a postcard with QR […]