take a moment
 Volume 5 February
2005
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Welcome to TAKE-A-MOMENT!
The Take-A-Moment newsletters strive to provide quick-to-read content to improve and enhance the quality of life at home and in the work place...for when you can "take-a-moment" from your hectic schedule. Take-a-Moment is provided by the Louisville Area Cooperative Extension Agents. When you have "more-than-a-moment" visit our web site for expanded articles, article archives, sign-up and contact information, and links to other web sites of interest. ("Netiquette" statement is at the end of this email, see below.) Email subscribers@take-a-moment.com and request the PLAIN TEXT VERSION of the newsletter. Did You Know...?
C O N T E N T S
STAIN REMOVAL Dry cleaning will remove and this is the best choice. But you can pre-treat items with pre-wash product that contains petroleum distillates- such as Shout or Spray-N Wash and launder with detergent formulated to remove dirt and odors such as Surf or Dash. No endorsement of companies or products mentioned is intended nor criticism of companies or products not mentioned implied.
FINANCIAL FITNESS "Shoulder surfing" and "dumpster diving" are not new sports activities. They are some easy ways criminals can assume your identity. Identity theft is a serious crime that may now affect one in five families. Consumers may spend years, and thousands of dollars to correct the problem. Victims may lose job opportunities, be denied loans for cars, housing or education, and possibly arrested for crimes they did not commit. "Shoulder surfing" occurs in public places when criminals watch from a nearby location as people punch a credit-card number or listen as it is given over the telephone for a rental car or hotel eservation. Near home or office, criminals may go through garbage cans or communal dumpsters to get copies of checks, credit card or bank statements and other personal records that make it easy to assume your identity. Some criminals send unsolicited e-mail requiring you to give identifying data to gain a promised benefit. This type of scam is known as 'phishing.' A new twist is on-line gift cards that supposedly come from major retailers, but they are just scams to obtain personal information to use in identity fraud. Criminals also have used computer technology to obtain personal data. So how can you protect yourself from identity theft? Be "stingy" about giving personal information to other people unless you completely trust them; regularly "check" your financial information both for what should and should not be there; periodically "ask" for a copy of your credit report; and "maintain" careful records of your banking and financial accounts. Adopt a 'need to know' approach to personal data. Remember, the more information printed on your bank checks, the more personal data you routinely give out. Avoid giving out personal financial information from a telephone in a public place. Instead, wait until you are in a more private location to make the telephone call. If you are not receiving monthly statements for known bank or credit card accounts, immediately call to find out why. If the statements are being mailed to another address that you did not authorize, immediately tell the financial institution or credit card representative that you did not authorize the new address and that someone may be improperly using your account. Also, carefully check monthly statements to be sure there are no unauthorized withdrawals or charges. Put passwords on credit card, bank, telephone and other personal accounts. Avoid using information that is easily available, such as your mother's maiden name, last four digits of your Social Security number and your birth date. Instead, use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols. Annually order a report from each of the three main credit-reporting bureaus. This information should list all bank and financial accounts in your name and provide other indications if someone has wrongly opened or used these accounts. Immediately close any tampered accounts. Credit-reporting bureaus, their Web sites and toll-free telephone numbers are: Equifax, http://www.equifax.com, 800-685-1111; Experian, http://www.experian.com, 888-397-3742; TransUnion, http://www.transunion.com, 800-8884213.
FAMILY LIFE Americans are seeking balance. When asked to describe what would make their lives more satisfying, the answers usually do not focus on material goods. Instead of newer gadgets, more expensive cars and bigger homes, most Americans say they want simpler lifestyles more in line with their core values. In a recent study, 66 percent of Americans said they would be much more satisfied if they were able to spend more time with family and friends, while 56 percent called for a less hectic, more relaxed approach to life. Over 80 percent agreed that most of us buy and consume far more than we need. Particular concern was expressed about today's youth being overly focused on buying and consumption. The respondents basically said that our values are out of whack. The excessive, frenzied quality of American life has left more and more people yearning for balance and simplicity.
NUTRITION & WHAT'S COOKING Cutting, chopping, mincing or dicing are a part of virtually all our food preparation activities. A cutting board, along with a good knife, is an essential tool I the kitchen. Whether you use a wood or plastic cutting board, following proper food handling and sanitation practices can help prevent cross-contamination that can lead to food-borne illness. Designate specific boards exclusively to cut raw meat and poultry. Frequently sanitize your cutting board, especially after you finish using it for a specific food item. Use a solution of one teaspoon of liquid chlorine bleach to one quart of water to sanitize the cutting board after you have thoroughly cleaned it with soap and warm water. Be sure the surface is hard and smooth to prevent pitting that could harbor growth of illness-causing bacteria. Always replace cutting boards before they become worn and battered. A good knife also is an essential part of food preparation. Be sure it is easy to clean, fits your hand and has a good quality blade. Also, know how to properly use the right knife for the right purpose. Since most stainless steel blades are rust-or- stain resistant, rather than rustproof, keep them clean and wipe them dry after use. High carbon steel blades are rust resistant, but is easier to sharpen.
HOME TIPS Cleaning and clearing to make your bathroom clutter-free!
WAYS TO WELLNESS Compared with the Dietary Guidelines most recent revision in 2000, the 2005 Guidelines place a greater emphasis on consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, foods that are naturally high in nutrients and low in calories. The keys are eating a variety of foods in moderation, paying attention to portion sizes and engaging in regular physical activity. While the recommendation of one hour of physical activity may seem daunting, keep in mind that the goal is to achieve that total time throughout the day. Many people are still working toward a total of 30 minutes of activity at least 5 days a week. The new one hour recommendation illustrates the importance of daily physical activity to good health. You can learn more about the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans at http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines/. Source: Janet Tietyen, Extension Specialist in Food and Nutrition, University of Kentucky
IN THE WORK PLACE During the cold and flu season, we're reminded to drink plenty of water. The absence of perspiration and heat conspire to make drinking water during the winter less likely. Increased sickness in the flu and cold season disrupts normal eating and fluid consumption patterns. Fever and diarrhea also cause fluid loss. Water makes up 60 percent of the human body. We need an adequate supply of water each day for a healthy life. Water transports nutrients through our blood, keeps us mentally alert, assists food digestion and waste elimination and regulates our body temperature. Try to increase the amount of fluids in your diet, as well as that of your family and friends. Drink more water. Adults should drink at least 64 ounces of water or caffeine-free beverages each day. If an exercise plan is part of your New Year's resolutions, remember to boost liquid intake, preferably water, as your activity and perspiration increase. If your like our newsletter, tell your friends to sign-up...
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