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Use MyPlate to Make a Better Pizza
(Posted on 2/2/2012)
One food with the potential to include all the food groups is pizza. But can this well-loved entree that is notoriously high in fat, sodium and carbohydrates fit on MyPlate? Yes it can, with a few modifications,says an ISU Extension and Outreach nutrition specialist.

Don't Miss this Tax Credit for Eligible Education Expenses
(Posted on 1/30/2012)
Iowa Tax Law includes tax credits to help families. The Tuition and Textbook Credit has no income restrictions and can result in an Iowa Tax Credit of up to $250 per student in grades K-12. Parents of children age 3-5 may be eligible for the Early Childhood Development Credit.

Show Your Love for the Iowa State Fair
(Posted on 1/25/2012)
What's not to love about the great Iowa State Fair? From funnel cakes, ferris wheels, food on a stick and free entertainment, to premier livestock events, expansive art exhibits and the country's largest state fair food department, the Iowa State Fair has something for everyone. This year, Iowans can show their love for the Fair on their tax returns and help the Fair continue on the path of preserving the historic Fairgrounds.

Words on Wellness February 2012
(Posted on 1/25/2012)
February is Heart month and one aspect of healthy eating for the heart is limiting salt and sodium intake. Looking for a special red dessert for Valentine's day? Check out the Fruit Salsa and Cinammon Chips recipe. Don't forget that physical activity is important. See if you can fit a Break Time physical activity into your schedule. For more information on these topics check out the February edition of Words on Wellness.

Tis the Season of Winter
(Posted on 1/25/2012)
The days are shorter and even though we haven't had much bad weather yet we know it will eventually come! Winter is the perfect time to clean out the pantry, freezer or refrigerator. We can answer questions about what to keep and what to throw away. Don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions 1-800-262-3804!

Free Income Tax Return Preparation
(Posted on 1/25/2012)
Do you have income of $45,000 or below? Is your family investment income less than $1,500? There is help for you! Free tax preparation for individuals and families by IRS Certified tax preparers.

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Staff

Donna Donald - Family Life Field Specialist
Phone: 641-446-4723
Fax: 641-446-6142
Email: ddonald@iastate.edu

Debbie Haub - Child Care Food Program Coordinator
Phone: 641-342-3316
Fax: 641-342-3316
Email: dhaub@iastate.edu

Joyce Lash - Family Resource Management Field Specialist
Phone: 641-464-3333
Fax: 641-464-3333
Email: lash@iastate.edu

News From Iowa State University Extension
Kids Learn Healthy Habits from Caring Adults
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
Adults need to adapt healthier lifestyles and be role models for kids if Iowa is going to be the healthiest state in the nation, says Ruth Litchfield, an Iowa State University associate professor and state nutrition extension specialist.
Science of Parenting: How to Parent Spirited Children
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
When it comes to temperament, some kids are as dependable as pickup trucks, while others are as touchy as high-end sports cars. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach examines the “engine” that drives a child and how parents can manage spirited children.
Connect to Nature at February Virtual Eco Family Conference
(Posted on 1/25/2012)
“When we love the place where we live, we take better care of it,” said Kristi Cooper, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She will discuss how to develop a sense of place and build communities that connect people with nature during the Virtual Eco Family Conference on Feb. 2.
Parent-Child Cell Phone Debate Continues
(Posted on 1/17/2012)
Parents can exert a measure of control over their child’s mobile phone use by limiting use, checking its contents and using it to monitor the whereabouts of their offspring. However, with a few exceptions, these activities by parents do not seem to impact patterns of cell phone use by teens, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life specialists.
Women: Register for Money Talk Online Class by Feb. 1
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
At some point in many women’s lives, they will have to make major financial decisions. Money Talk, an online class offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, gives women the knowledge to make those decisions and improve their lives. The registration deadline is Feb. 1 and the class begins Feb. 6.
Science of Parenting: Using Technology to Help with Parenting
(Posted on 1/3/2012)
From podcasts to text messages and Skype, many parents are adding technology to their parenting toolkit. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach takes a closer look at how parents can use information and communications technology for parenting.
Virtual Eco Family Conference Connects Families to the Environment
(Posted on 12/22/2011)
Iowa families throughout the state will be getting together — virtually — once a month from January through June for an Eco Family Conference from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. It’s an opportunity for families to improve the environment, reduce their carbon footprint and create community close to home.
Extension Offers Free Monthly Parenting Newsletter
(Posted on 12/16/2011)
Any parent, new or seasoned, may have questions regarding his or her children. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers a free monthly newsletter, Just in Time Parenting, with helpful information on parenting young ones.
Phone App Is Winter Preparedness Tool for Motorists
(Posted on 12/14/2011)
A new smartphone application from the North Dakota State University Extension Service will help motorists prepare for winter weather travels. And should they get stuck in winter weather, the app provides on-the-spot assistance.
Parents Can Help Kids Deal with Bullying
(Posted on 12/1/2011)
Relational aggression in children is another way of saying that kids can be mean to one another. Parents may not be able to stop this bullying, but they can help their children learn how to deal with the behavior, says Kimberly Greder, an extension specialist and associate professor of human development and family studies at Iowa State University.

Resources from ISU Extension