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Weekly Outlook: Uncertain Corn Prospects

rsampson@uiuc.edu (Bob Sampson) — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:01:30 CST

URBANA - Assuming that the majority of the corn crop gets planted before the middle of May, prospects for a 2008 average U.S. yield at or above trend will be maintained, said a University of Illinois Extension marketing specialist.

Forum Raises Awareness about Maternal Depression

p-pickle@uiuc.edu (Phyllis Picklesimer) — Mon, 05 May 2008 08:30:00 CST

URBANA - Although doctors are now required to screen pregnant women and new mothers for perinatal depression, many obstetricians and gynecologists are unaware of the new law and know little about the disorder, said speakers at a forum on maternal depression held in Champaign recently.

Dealing with the Challenge of Generations

rsampson@uiuc.edu (Bob Sampson) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:21:03 CST

URBANA - A research-based program for improving communication among different generations and improving their performance in the workplace is now available through University of Illinois Extension. "Engaging Generations" is offered statewide and coordinated by Terry Feinberg, a U of I Extension community and economic development educator.

Exotic Pet Dental Care: What Happens When Teeth Grow Too Far?

ope@cvm.uiuc.edu (Sarah Dowling) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:26:25 CST

An archive of Pet Columns from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is available online at www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/. Requests for reprints of this article may be directed to Mandy Barth, mandyb@uiuc.edu.

Cold Temperatures Take a Toll on Plants

mandyb@uiuc.edu (Amanda Barth) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:56:51 CST

Urbana -- Recent cold temperatures have affected many yard and garden plants and may continue to do so for the next month, says David Robson, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. For most of Illinois, the average date of the last spring frost is between April 15 and April 25. Yet here we are with still a chance of damaging cold temperatures the last week of April. This is why planting dates between May 1 and May 15 are given. Now, plants that are already in the ground will have to withstand Mother Nature's chill.

Weekly Outlook: Soybean Market

rsampson@uiuc.edu (Bob Sampson) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:01:12 CST

URBANA - While the pace of the domestic soybean crush is slowing, the pace of exports and export sales of U.S. soybeans remains generally strong, said a University of Illinois Extension marketing specialist.

Microbes in Natural Illinois Wetlands Protect Water Quality

dlarson@uiuc.edu (Debra Levey Larson) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:39:41 CST

URBANA — Wetlands are filled with highly diverse plant and animal life that create self-sustaining ecosystems and benefit the overall water quality and environment. But in the past 200 years, due to increasing land development and agriculture, the United States has lost 53 percent of its wetlands and Illinois has lost 90 percent.

Future of Illinois Master Gardener Program to Be Determined

dlarson@uiuc.edu (Debra Levey Larson) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:32:58 CST

URBANA — Don Nekrosius is one of the 3,355 active Master Gardeners in Illinois. "I took the Master Gardener training in the winter of 2006 at the Chicago High School of Agricultural Sciences on Chicago's far south side," said Nekrosius. "I volunteer both in Chicago and at the Oak Park Conservatory, which is near my home. I've also staffed the Plant Clinic at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Does Fido Really Need that Vaccine?

ope@cvm.uiuc.edu (Ashley Mitek) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:24:14 CST

Multi-State Earthquake Conference

rsampson@uiuc.edu (Bob Sampson) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:44:34 CST

URBANA - Registrations for a multi-state earthquake conference, scheduled before Friday's tremors, have been extended until April 25. The New Madrid Earthquake Emergency Preparedness Conference will be held May 6-7 at Harrah's Conference Center in Metropolis.

What Works to Lower Cholesterol? Try This Chocolate Bar

p-pickle@uiuc.edu (Phyllis Picklesimer) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:48:28 CST

URBANA - Have recent news reports sent you hurrying to the doctor to evaluate your cholesterol medications? The results of a new University of Illinois study have demonstrated one effective way to lower cholesterol levels--and it's very easy to take your medicine.

Disinfecting Drinking Water Can Create Toxic By-Products

miles@uiuc.edu (Irene Miles) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 01:56:12 CST

URBANA - Safe drinking water is something we've all come to take for granted in this country and in much of the developed world. By eliminating infectious diseases from drinking water, we have made much of the world a dramatically safer place. However, the process of disinfecting drinking water has led to its own set of concerns.

Hortanswers Website Debuts

dlarson@uiuc.edu (Debra Levey Larson) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:44:32 CST

If you have an interest in gardening, University of Illinois Extension has created a new website that can help called Hort Answers. You can find the site at www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/hortanswers. U of I horticulture educator Greg Stack said you can search the site by category of plant such as annuals, groundcover, perennials, and shrubs. Or you can search the site if a specific problem is affecting your garden such as a pest or disease.

Science Supports Making Small Changes to Lose Weight

dlarson@uiuc.edu (Debra Levey Larson) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:38:12 CST

Based on research, making small, healthy changes in your diet is the best way to sustain weight loss, says Karen Chapman-Novakofski, a University of Illinois professor of nutrition. She says that if you cut back by even 250 calories daily, which can be as easy as not putting cream cheese on your bagel and switching to a nonfat latte instead of a regular, you'll start losing about 1/2 pound a week. And, because you won't feel ravenous, you'll be more likely to stick to your plan and not regain the weight you lose.