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  I love all the snack ideas they have out this time of year.  It’s great to have new ideas of things to make in the kitchen especially the fall time of the year.  I love to fix snacks and treats but mine do not look as good when I make them as they do in the picture but they are just as yummy.  This is a great family time idea.  Both the parents and children can have fun making these and then top it off by eating them all up.  What is a great fall snack that you fix?  If you have any snack ideas for the fall, please send them to us at lmanley1210@gmail.com and we will include them on our facebook page.  Happy Fall Y’all! 

  It is one of my favorite times of the year… Fall!  There are so many things to do this time of year.  So many things to enjoy.  I love decorating for the fall.  I love the fall colors so much.  The orange, red, green, gold and browns are so beautiful.  Besides decorating, I love to see the fun things that you can create in the kitchen.  Check out the creation above.  Children can enjoy these and they are pretty healthy.  It seems simple...apples, peanut butter and marshmallows.  Now is a perfect time to make them!  Hope you enjoy them and Happy Fall Y’all! 

September is World Alzheimer's Month. This month marks the tenth global World Alzheimer’s Month™, an international campaign to raise awareness and challenge stigma.  Having had a grandmother who was taken hostage by this disease, I know all too well the utter heartbreak that comes from having someone that has been a loving part of your life for so many years, no longer know you.  Dementia is a term used to describe different brain disorders that affect memory, thinking, behavior and emotion.  Early symptoms of dementia can include memory loss, difficultly performing familiar tasks, problems with language and changes in personality.  While there is currently no cure for dementia, there are support options offered for people with dementia and their care givers.  Dementia knows no social, economic, or ethnic boundaries and affects both men and women.  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. There are currently estimated to be over 46 million people worldwide living with dementia. The number of people affected is set to rise to over 131 million by 2050.  There is one new case of dementia worldwide every three seconds.  The worldwide costs of dementia are estimated at US$818 billion. As a result, if dementia care were a country, it would be the world’s 18th largest economy. If it were a company, it would be the world’s largest by annual revenue exceeding Apple (US $742 billion) and Google (US $368 billion).Dementia is often hidden or ignored at a time when the person living with dementia and their family care givers are most in need of support within their families, friendship groups and communities.  The social stigma is the consequence of a lack of knowledge about dementia and it can have numerous long- and short-term effects, including dehumanization of the person with dementia, strain within families and friendships, a lack of sufficient care for people with dementia and their care givers, a lower rate of diagnosis of dementia, and delayed diagnosis and support.  To find out more and play your part in reducing the stigma and improving the lives of people with dementia and their care givers in your community, visit www.worldalzmonth.org.

 Children, young adults, and older Americans can have high cholesterol. Learning how to prevent high cholesterol and knowing what your cholesterol levels mean is very vital for your health.  September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high. National Cholesterol Education Month is also a good time to learn about lipid profiles and about food and lifestyle choices that help you reach personal cholesterol goals. Below you will find some information about cholesterol.  How many Americans have high cholesterol?  More than 102 million American Adults (20 years or older) have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which is above healthy levels. More than 35 million of these people have levels of 240 mg/dL or higher, which puts them at high risk for heart disease.  Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body and many foods. Your body needs cholesterol to function normally and makes all that you need. Too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries. After a while, these deposits narrow your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke.  High cholesterol usually doesn't have any symptoms. As a result, many people do not know that their cholesterol levels are too high. However, doctors can do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol. High cholesterol can be controlled through lifestyle changes or if it is not enough, through medications.  It's important to check your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. 

  Want to make smart food choices but confused by all the health claims, messages and logos on foods? Use these tips to avoid the brain strain while shopping online or in-person at the store. Read food nutrition labels, even for so-called “healthier” foods. Ingredients and nutrient content can vary a lot by brand and preparation. When there’s more than one choice, compare labels. Choose the item with the lowest amounts of sodium, saturated fat, trans fat and added sugars.  Beware of sneaky ingredients. For example, sodium and added sugars go by many different names, making it harder to tell just how much is in there.  Choose frozen, canned or dried produce when fresh isn’t available or practical. It can be just as nutritious as fresh, and will last longer. Choose canned fruit packed in water, light syrup or its own juice. With canned and frozen vegetables, choose the product with the lowest amount of sodium. Heavy syrups and sauces can add unwanted ingredients to your healthy fruits and veggies.  Choose whole-grain foods. Lots of products claim to be, but there’s a simple way to know for sure. Look for the word “whole-grain” (or “whole” followed by the grain name) as the first item in the ingredients list. And we’re talking about more than just bread. Include crackers, cereals, tortillas, pasta and other grain foods in your whole-grain quest.  To quickly and easily identify foods that can be part of an overall healthy eating plan. When it’s on the label, you know the product has been certified by the American Heart Association to meet specific science-based nutrition requirements. The Heart-Check is easy to spot and takes some of the guesswork out of comparing Nutrition Facts label information.  Keep in mind, not all red hearts or check marks on food packages are the trusted Heart-Check mark! Look for the American Heart Association name if you’re unsure. And, the Heart-Check program is voluntary. That means not every heart-healthy food, such as fruits and vegetables, will apply for a Heart-Check mark. But you won’t find the Heart-Check on desserts, candy, chips and other foods that do not meet our nutrition requirements. 

  Since the first volunteer blood donor service opened in 1921, there has been a constant need for donors.  The reasons for this are that there is no substitute for human blood and blood products cannot be stored indefinitely. Red blood cells must be used within 35-42 days of collection for the safety of the recipient.  Because blood may be needed at any time, it must be collected regularly. No one expects to need blood.   However, if it is not available when the need arises, the consequences can be fatal. Sadly, only five percent of eligible donors actually donate. That is why regular donors—those who commit to giving blood once a season—are so important in ensuring blood is available year-round.   Blood and blood products are used for patients of all ages for many reasons—from cancer patients or surgical patients, to those with battlefield injuries. Each unit is critical when you consider that 40 or more units of blood may be needed for a single trauma victim and that a single pint of blood can sustain a premature infant’s life for two weeks.   A visit for blood donation will only take about 45 minutes of your time.  You will be asked yes-or-no questions regarding your medical history.  You will also have your blood pressure, temperature, and hemoglobin level checked to determine your eligibility to donate. 

Blood donors should:

· Be in generally good health

· Weigh at least 110 pounds

· Be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with written parental consent)

· Have eaten a solid meal

· Be well hydrated

You may not be accepted to donate blood if you:

· Are suffering from cold symptoms such as sore throat, cough, or fever

· Are pregnant (or it has been less than six weeks since your delivery)

· Have had a blood transfusion within the last year

· Have an active infection or cold sore

· Have had a heart attack or heart surgery within the past year

· Have had malaria in the past three years or have lived in a malarial region within the past 5 consecutive years

· Have visited a malarial region within the past year

· Have had hepatitis at any time after the age of 11

· Your blood will be tested for transfusion transmissible diseases

Our children keep us so busy these days.  We tend to forget some of the most important things and one of them can be breakfast.  Who hits the alarm clock a few times in the morning?  We are just about all guilty for that.  We get up running and try to get out the door for school and work that we sometimes just say we are not hungry and keep running.  Truth is we all need breakfast.  The kids and the parents do.  Breakfast has benefits.  Breakfast equals better behavior.  Children who skip breakfast are more tired, irritable, or restless by late morning. These symptoms lead to aggressive behavior that causes children to get in trouble in school. Children who regularly eat a morning meal have more energy, are less likely to exhibit aggressive behavior, and have a better attitude toward school.  Breakfast leads to higher test scores.  Eating breakfast leads to better class attendance.  Children who eat breakfast are absent from school fewer days. They also spend less time in the nurse's office complaining of stomach pains. Ironic as it may be, children who claim they don't eat breakfast due to a lack of time in the morning are tardy more often than those who take time for a morning meal.  We all get more nutritious intake by eating breakfast.  Breakfast eaters generally meet vitamin and mineral requirements for prevention of deficiencies. They consume more fiber, vitamin C, calcium and folic acid. Unfortunately, children who miss breakfast do not make up for lost nutrients later in the day.  Eating breakfast helps weight control in all of us.  Eating breakfast helps to establish a normal eating pattern. Eating regular meals and snacks is a key to maintaining a healthy weight throughout life. Increasing childhood obesity is in part attributed to the disappearance of normal eating patterns in many of today's households.   Now I know some of you are asking” Why do some children still resist breakfast?”  Given the abundance of compelling information on the benefits of breakfast consumption, why does one out of eight school children start the day without eating breakfast? Some are not encouraged to do so by their parents, while others make arguments for avoiding breakfast. Some common arguments are lack of time, absence of hunger, and distaste for breakfast foods. No matter what the barrier, parents can and should find a way around them.  One way is creating healthy habits in your children.  Here are some tips for parents on incorporating breakfast into their children's before-school routines:  Prepare for school the night before by preparing the next day's clothes, lunch and backpack.  Set the alarm for 15 minutes earlier to allow more time for breakfast.  Say no to TV, video games and computers in the morning.  That may be hard but we can do it!  Choose foods that require little preparation such as fresh and canned fruits, milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, whole grain cereals or instant oatmeal.  Eat on the run with celery stuffed with peanut butter or cream cheese, dried fruits, string cheese, juice boxes, milk cartons, or breakfast bars.  For those with little hunger in the morning, offer juice, milk or a fruit smoothie made with skim milk and fruit.  For those who dislike breakfast foods, offer something non-traditional like cold pizza or leftover chicken. Set a good example to your children: eat breakfast yourself!  Children imitate the behavior of adults, so if they don't see their parents eating breakfast, they are likely to resist themselves. Children are not only more likely to eat breakfast themselves if they see their parents eating breakfast each morning, they are also more likely to develop healthier eating habits overall. Parents can encourage their children to eat breakfast by having them help plan the week's breakfast menu and making breakfast food readily available by storing them in low cabinets and having fresh fruit on the counter.   With breakfast and lunch being free at our schools, we should encourage our children to eat there.  Not only is there no charge, but it is healthy too!     

  Trigger finger is a painful condition that causes the fingers or thumb to catch or lock when bent. In the thumb it is called trigger thumb. Trigger finger occurs when tendons in the finger or thumb become inflamed. Tendons are tough bands of tissue that connect muscles and bones. Together, the tendons and muscles in the hands bend and straighten the fingers and thumbs. A tendon usually glides easily through the tissue that covers it (called a sheath) because of a lubricating membrane surrounding the joint called the synovium. Sometimes a tendon may become inflamed and swollen. When this happens, bending the finger or thumb can pull the inflamed tendon through a narrowed tendon sheath, making it snap or pop.  Trigger finger can be caused by a repeated movement or forceful use of the finger or thumb. Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes also can cause trigger finger. Treatment options include rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery.                                   

I say this all the time but I LOVE this time of year!  I love the fall smells and fall festivities.  I really love the fall colors and decorations.  What all do you have planned for the next several weeks?  There will be so many things going on in Sylvester and surrounding towns.  I am sure hoping it starts cooling down a good bit to feel more like fall all the time.  Be sure to stay tuned to the Facebook page so that you won’t miss an event!

  September is National Baby Safety Month. Since babies spend most of their time sleeping, it is important to focus on a safe sleep environment.  Safe sleep practices are key in reducing the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). ALWAYS put your baby on his or her back to sleep; every nap and every night. Use a firm sleep mattress with a fitted sheet.  Baby should sleep alone.  Remove all soft objects from the crib, including bumper pads, blankets, pillows, & stuffed toys. If you feel the need to use a bumper pad, use the mesh “breathable” kind.  Baby should wear a onesie, sleeper, or sleep sack for warmth rather than being wrapped or covered with blankets. Do not allow smoking in your home or around your baby.  Do not allow your baby to overheat. Room temperature should be between 68-72 degrees F.  Avoid the use of positioners & other products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS.  Check on your baby frequently.  Consider the use of a pacifier during sleep. If breastfeeding, wait approximately one month for breastfeeding to be well-established prior to introducing a pacifier.  Check your crib and other products to make sure they meet federal safety standards.       

   September is Mold Awareness Month.  Ever wonder exactly what molds are and what causes them?  Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist, but estimates range from tens of thousands to three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions.  They spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.  Some common types of indoor molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus.  Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people may even have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.  In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.  Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies, but more research is needed in this regard.  Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, indoors and outdoors, year-round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.  Areas with high mold exposures include antique shops, greenhouses, saunas, farms, mills, construction areas, flower shops, and summer cottages.  Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix the water problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.  If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:  Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.  Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.  Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.  Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.  Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans. Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.  Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.  Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.  For more information on mold, visit www.cdc.gov. 

TIFTON, Ga. (Sept. 8, 2025) - Sixteen farmers were recently recognized by the University of Georgia Peanut Team for their high yielding peanuts in 2024. The high yields ranged from 4,145 to 6,095 pounds per acre.

The winners were recognized at a dinner in August which was sponsored by the University of Georgia Peanut Team, the Georgia Peanut Commission, American Peanut Shellers Association, National Peanut Buying Points Association, AMVAC, Bayer, BASF, Fine Americas and Nichino America.

Many of the high yielding farmers agree that having a good rotation, good quality seed and good weather make all the difference with their yields. Additionally, the timing of applications for disease, weed and insect management are key in achieving high yields.

“Many of the state winners combine their management strategies like crop rotation, variety, planting date and critical timing of applications of pesticides to reach these high yields,” says Scott Monfort, University of Georgia Extension peanut agronomist. “The yields are counted for the entire farm, irrigated or dryland; and they continue to increase year after year.”

Another component of the farmers' success is following recommendations from the Extension service and asking questions.

According to a report on the production practices of the 2024 winners, the majority use a 3-year rotation plan with other crops such as cotton or corn. Most of the winners plant in twin rows during the month of May.  

Another trait among the high yield winners is cultivar selection with many of the winners planting the Georgia-06G cultivar. Other cultivars planted by the winners include TifNV-HG, Georgia-12Y and Georgia-16HO.

The 2024 Georgia Peanut Achievement Club overall state winners are Chase Farms, Macon County, with 6,095 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acre category; Reggie Bostick Sr., Mitchell County, with 6,058 pounds per acre and Stilson Farms, Bulloch County, with 6,082 in the 300-699 acreage category, and Sapp Bros. Farm, Mitchell County with 6,089 in the 700-plus acreage category.

The District 1 winners are Caleb Stephens, Webster County, with 4,201 pounds per acre in the 100-299 category, Ben Grimsley, Webster County, with 4,145 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category, and Storm and Kohler Tabb, Early County, with 5,331 in the 700-plus acreage category. 

The District 2 winners are TAC Farms, Mitchell County, with 5,087 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category and Jerry and Jeff Heard Farms, Baker County with 5,607 pounds per acre in the 700-plus acreage category.

The District 3 winners are Lane Goss and Barry Martin, Pulaski County, with 5,461 pounds per acre in the 100-299 acreage category, Trevor Cobb, Washington County, with 5,555 pounds per acre in the 300-699 acreage category and Kerry Hodges, Screven County, with 5,772 pounds per acre in the 700-plus acreage category.

The District 4 winners in the 100-299 acreage category are PTH Farms, Grady County, with 4,824 pounds per acre and Clint Webb, Brooks County, with 5,048 pounds per acre. The District 4 winners in the 700-plus acreage category are Clay McKinnon, Coffee County, with 4,832 pounds per acre and Creekwood Acres, Bulloch County, with 5,579 pounds per acre.