Alison Crane

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The Most Delicious Month of the Year 

Try blueberries in yogurt, fruit salad, or any salad; on waffles, pancakes, and cereal; in muffins, cookies, cakes, and pies; in smoothies or beverages; or just rinse and enjoy munching.  By Alison Crane July is here, and along with the celebration of Independence Day, we observe National Blueberry Month. Blueberries are tasty, healthy, and incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them at any time of day, from an early breakfast to a

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Beat Summer’s “Silent Killer” 

High temperatures and heat-related issues make heat the biggest summertime weather hazard.  By Alison Crane As the temperature rises, so does the need to take precautions and prevent heat-related problems. Unlike floods and tornadoes, the deadly damage caused by heat is often unrecognized because of its silent nature. High temperatures and heat-related issues make heat the biggest summertime weather hazard.  The human body has a built-in system for maintaining temperature. Varying

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Garland County EHC Celebrates 95 Years! 

GCEHC members Pat Zeller and Gail McKee work together in the EHC fair kitchen.  GCEHC members, Cindy Rossa and Merylann Black, are checking in quilt entries for the Garland County Fair.  By Alison CraneOriginally known as the Home Demonstration Clubs, the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council (EHC) was initially established in 1912 and focused on practical skills related to home economics and food preservation. The clubs were a practical way to

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Make Your Journey a Healthy One 

A positive perspective on the choices we make for our health takes the drudgery out of it and emphasizes the benefits.  By Alison CraneScientists and researchers are constantly gaining more information on how to extend the length of life. Doctors provide patients with detailed lists of things to do or not do to be able to live longer. The things listed are research-proven, beneficial, and even common-sense things to do,

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Stress: The Good, the Bad, and the Helpful 

When feeling stressed, take breaks to calm yourself and refocus.  By Alison CraneWould your perfect day be stress-free? Do you wish you could get rid of all the stressors in your life? Be careful what you wish for—what you get may be different from what you expect.   In 1936, Hans Selye, who coined the term “stress” as currently used, defined stress as the non-specific response of the body to any

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What’s Your Game Plan? 

Create your game plan for a healthier lifestyle now!  By Alison Crane Having a game plan leads to a greater likelihood of achieving your goals. When it comes to preventing diabetes following a game plan can save your life. According to CDC, 8 in 10 adults are living with prediabetes and do not know they have it. This means almost 100 million American adults are at risk of developing type 2

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Show and Tell: Loving Your Kids Every Day 

Participating in enjoyable activities with children is one of many way–s to show how much you care for them.  By Alison Crane Happy Valentine’s Day Month! Although Valentine’s Day ads and cards typically focus on romantic love, showing your children how much you love and care for them is a wonderful way to celebrate.  Dr. Brittney Schrick, Family Life Specialist with the University of Arkansas Extension Service shares some intentional acts

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January is Slow Cooking Month 

There are more than six hundred thousand Google searches involving the words, “slow cooker,” every month. You’re sure to find a great recipe to put your crock pot to work.  By Alison Crane Chances are there is a slow cooker in your house. Many might wonder, “what is so great about a slow cooker?” Let’s celebrate Slow Cooking Month with some Slow Cooking Trivia. Did you know?  Research by USDA FSIS

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Seasonal Affective Disorder 

It’s normal to have some days when you feel down.  By Alison CraneWhile the winter holidays are often the most wonderful time of the year for many people, for others, winter is a SAD time. According to the National Institute of Health Fact Sheet, the acronym SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder.   People who experience Winter pattern Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD may start to feel “down” when the days

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Holiday Eating with Diabetes 

When dining out, ask for sauces and dressings to be served on the side to control your portions.  By Alison CraneIs holiday food a stressor for you or someone you know? It can be if you or a family member are managing Type 2 Diabetes. Food affects how we feel and overindulgence or eating high-fat or sugary foods can cause blood sugar and blood pressure issues.   To have a happy

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What’s on Your Fall Bucket List? 

Alison Crane checked a 4-H High Adventure Trip in Minnesota off her bucket list this year.   By Alison Crane A bucket list is different than a to-do list. A bucket list is a list of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish before “kicking the bucket.”  To-do lists help us keep track of several tasks we need to complete or a task that requires multiple steps to

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Keep Your Future Bright – Wear Shades! 

With all of the risks of UV exposure, wearing sunglasses is an easy way to protect your vision.  By Alison CraneMost everyone has seen a movie scene where the actor either lowers sunglasses to get a clearer look while someone passes by or puts them on to signal the end of a conversation. Depending on the designer or style, sunglasses are also a status symbol or to make a statement.

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About the Cover . . .  “ARKANSAS DIAMONDS” Photographer – Jeremy Rodgers 

Thriving Under Pressure:  Arkansas Diamonds Manager Lauren Hatten Discusses the Team’s Success and Goals  By Lana Pierce Fans (and future fans) of the Arkansas Diamonds: Tune in! Arkansas’s best indoor arena football team, established in Hot Springs as the “Wiseguys” before expanding this year, the Arkansas Diamonds are bringing back the hard-hitting entertainment. The sport’s

Yoga: Benefits of Mermaid Pose 

Can you tell where this mural is located? The First person to snap a selfie in front of the same mural and text it to 501-651-0545 will receive a free drop-in class! Photo by Missy Conry & Melissa Stevens  By Missy Conry & Melissa Stevens Yoga offers countless opportunities to build strength, improve flexibility, and create

Happy 150th Birthday, Hot Springs!  

Each person attending the birthday gala will receive this special commemorative coin.  Hot Springs’ 150th birthday gala will be held August 11 in Horner Hall at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Funds generated by the celebration will be given to the Garland County Historical Society.  “Although our city’s history goes back hundreds of years

Melissa Carper Will Open Inaugural Birding Festival of the South 

Singer Melissa Carper. — Courtesy Visit Hot Springs  Melissa Carper, the nationally acclaimed country singer with deep ties to Arkansas and a profound commitment to nature, will open the inaugural Birding Festival of the South Presented by Oaklawn Hot Springs, with a concert October 8 on Bridge Street in downtown Hot