Alison Crane

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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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Find a Reason to Celebrate, Even If It’s Onions 

Onions are actually in the top five most-eaten vegetables. The average American consumes about 21 pounds every year.  By Alison CraneDo you need a reason to celebrate? Here it is… June 22, 2024, is National Onion Ring Day! Who doesn’t love a batter-dipped and deep-fried food item that comes in a fun shape? Onion rings are popular in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and even some areas in Asia.

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About the Cover . . .  

“Moku Playland”   Photo of Kate Zunick Courtesy of Hot Springs Sister City  Kate Zunick relaxes in one of the most beloved features of the Moku Playland exhibit — a giant wooden “hot springs” tub filled with hundreds of smooth wooden balls inspired by the bubbling thermal waters of Hot Springs.  Hidden somewhere among the

A One-of-a-Kind Wooden Play Experience Arrives in Downtown Hot Springs 

Moku Playland Pop-Up Opens June 1 with Interactive, Screen-Free Fun for Families  Families and visitors to downtown Hot Springs will have the opportunity to experience a unique style of hands-on play this summer as Moku Playland opens June 1 for a special month-long pop-up at 831 Central Avenue.  Open Thursday-Tuesday

World Championship Bathtub Races Set for June 6 

The Hot Springs Fire Department entry nears the finish line in the 2025 Running of the Tubs. — Courtesy Visit Hot Springs  The lineup is complete for the 2026 Stueart Pennington World Championship Running of the Tubs bathtub races through historic downtown Hot Springs. The race starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday,

Yoga: Two Months at The Yoga Place 

Where are we?” Missy Conry and Melissa Stevens  By Missy Conry & Melissa StevensCan you spot where we took this picture? Take a selfie in front of the same mural and text to 501-651-0545 for a free drop-in class! You can also text us for hints if you need a clue.  As we reflect