take a moment
 Volume 6 July 2006Important Reminder: Many users and ISPs are adding SPAM filters to their computers or servers. If you already have one, or will shortly be implementing a SPAM filter please remember to configure the filter to ALLOW email from take-a-moment.com domain, or you will not be able to receive your newsletter. 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 Perspiration stains are a particularly annoying problem during the summer. Although perspiration stains usually are found on the underarm area of clothing, they can appear anywhere on fabric that comes into contact with the body. A perspiration stain may be invisible at first, but can oxidize and turn yellow with time. For example, an untreated stain may severely damage silk fabric possibly leading to deterioration. Clean-perspiration-stained garments as soon as possible after wearing. Normally, you can remove perspiration from washable garments by using good laundering techniques. Apply a commercial pre-wash stain remover to the area, or rub it with a bar of soap. If perspiration has changed the fabric color, apply a few drops of ammonia and water to a fresh stain, or a white vinegar-water solution to old stains, and rinse well before washing the garment. Launder perspiration-stained clothing using the hottest water safe for the fabric or garment. Stubborn stains frequently respond to washing with an enzyme laundry detergent or oxygen bleach. Don't put clothing in the dryer until all stains have been completely removed. If the stained garment must be dry cleaned, it's important to alert the person at the dry cleaning establishment to existing perspiration stains because this professional can use special detergents and formulas to eliminate this clothing maintenance problem. However, these procedures might cause shrinkage or texture change in some fabrics; so the dry cleaner might ask you to sign a consent form before attempting to remove the stain. Prevention is the best way to prevent perspiration stains. Using an antiperspirant deodorant or wearing perspiration shields or undergarments helps prevent this clothing maintenance problem. An ounce of precaution might be worth the many dollars or minutes spent on a cure if you perspire heavily, anticipate a situation that can cause heavy perspiration, especially when you're wearing delicate fabrics such as silk. Sources: Linda Heaton and International Fabricare Institute
FINANCIAL FITNESS The federal government has taken several stabs at helping Americans better understand their money. It makes sense these efforts would be made; we are doing something every day with money – balancing checkbooks, shopping for loans, reviewing credit card statements, saving, investing, viewing a credit report, or simply deciding whether to use cash or to charge a purchase. To aid consumers in this daily battle, 20 government agencies formed a Financial Literacy & Education Commission (in response to Title V of FACTA (Fair & Accurate Credit Transactions Act) Legislation) and created a very easy to use website with links to resources that can benefit anyone at any stage of life to better manage money:
In addition to the online resources, consumers are provided an opportunity to order a free “My Money” tool kit containing information to help you choose and use credit cards, get out of debt, protect your credit record, understand Social Security benefits, insure bank deposits, and start a savings and investment plan. Simply complete the online form and they’ll send the tool kit materials at no cost. You can also order the kit by calling toll free (888-mymoney). The site: http://www.mymoney.gov
FAMILY LIFE When you are calm, you can more easily avoid unhealthy conflict. And inner peace will help you handle growth-producing conflict more skillfully. What helps you feel peaceful? Figure out what works for you. Then build more of those activities into your daily life. Look for these signs of increased inner peace:
NUTRITION & WHAT'S COOKING When it is hot outside, our bodies also become hot, especially when working or playing outdoors. By taking some simple precautions, we can reduce the possibility of overheating and other health problems caused by the combination of high summer temperatures and humidity. Adults normally need about 64 ounces of liquid a day, more during warmer weather. During strenuous activities, drink one-half to one cup every 10 to 15 minutes, and continue to consume fluids afterwards to replace what you lost in perspiration. Water is an ideal drink to cool your body. When choosing other fluids consider the caffeine and sugar content. Sweetened drinks add calories and the sugar draw fluids away from the muscles where they are needed. Alternatives are fruit juices, decaffeinated iced tea, herbal tea or coffee, carbonated water and unsweetened sports drinks. Drinking water is the best way to replace fluids unless you are under strenuous exercise or conditions. Another way to increase your fluid intake is to choose foods with high water content such as lettuce, pears, tomatoes, oranges, apples, green beans, corn and bananas. Perspiring is one way the body loses water. Dehydration occurs when we lose more fluids than we consume. Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, dry nasal passages, cracked lips and overall discomfort. Dehydration may occur more rapidly in elderly people. It is a leading cause for hospitalization of people older than 65. You still can enjoy the great outdoors by taking some simple precautions. When possible, reduce or eliminate strenuous activities, or schedule them for a cool time of day. Dress to help your body maintain its normal temperature. Light-weight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight. Remember, alcohol contributes to dehydration. If you drink an alcoholic beverage, chase it with a large glass of water. Sunburn makes heat dissipation more difficult and is a high-risk factor in skin cancer development. If you must be outside, use a sunscreen with a skin protection factor of at least 15 and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Air conditioning markedly reduces the danger of overheating so spend more time in air-conditioned places. If you must be outside, stay in the shade as much as possible.
HOME TIPS Excess moisture indoors often causes mold growth, especially if the problem is hidden or is not addressed. This contributes to health problems for people with respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies. Mold spores float through indoor and outdoor air. When spores land on a damp spot indoors, they begin to grow and digest whatever they’re growing on to survive. Molds can grow on wood, paper, and carpet. Although there’s no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores, you can constrain mold growth inside your home by cleaning up existing mold problems and eliminating sources of excessive moisture. It’s impossible to completely remove mold from porous surfaces such as paper, drywall and carpet padding, so these type materials should be removed and discarded. To remove mold from non-porous materials, brush surfaces with a detergent solution and rinse well. Be sure your work area is well ventilated. Then apply a solution of water and chlorine bleach, according to label directions, to the cleaned surface; leave it on for 15 minutes; rinse well, and dry quickly. Just splashing full-strength bleach will not remove mold. The surface must be cleaned as described above. There are many ways to eliminate sources of moisture, including the following: Vent bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside and use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens when cooking or using the dishwasher and in bathrooms when showering or bathing. Use air conditioners and de-humidifiers. To improve ventilation, use fans. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of excess water. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24 to 48 hours. Sources: Linda Adler UK Family & Consumer Sciences Specialist and Environmental Protection Agency
WAYS TO WELLNESS A cold, crisp salad is the perfect menu item when your appetite is drained by the summertime heat. The following summer salad is nutritious and delicious. Quick and easy to make, this salad is sure to be a requested recipe at this summer's family reunions, cook-outs, and church fellowships. For extra nutrition you can add sliced strawberries and kiwi. To make an easy complete meal in one dish, just add some pieces of grilled chicken breast.
Prepare the dressing by whisking together the orange juice, oil, vinegar, pepper, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the romaine, spinach, and mandarin oranges. Just before serving, add enough dressing to coat and toss well. Sprinkle with almonds and serve. Yield: 10 large servings Nutrition Facts per serving: 150 calories, 9 g fat, Many daily nutrients are found in this salad especially minerals and vitamins. One serving provides 50% of the daily requirement for Vitamins A and C. Iceberg lettuce can be substituted for the romaine and spinach, but the nutritional value of the dish drops significantly.
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