NEWS BRIEFS from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service

Diabetics Can Still Enjoy The Holidays

Foods that are good for diabetics are good for everyone, says Debra DeRossitte, Craighead County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“Whether managing your own diabetes, or trying to accommodate a family member who will be visiting, you and your family can enjoy tasty remakes of holiday favorites,” she said.
Diabetes in Arkansas has been at or about the national average for the past 10 years with an estimated 227,000 adults in Arkansas being diagnosed with the disease, according to the state Health Department.

Because diabetes is characterized by high levels of blood glucose, or blood sugar, eating less sugar may help control blood sugar levels. Because people with diabetes have an increased risk for heart disease, total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol should be limited. In addition,
people with diabetes are at increased risk for hypertension and stroke. Excess sodium can increase the risk of developing these problems.

Common holiday recipes can be altered to reduce sugar, salt, fat and cholesterol, DeRossitte said.

“For example, a traditional casserole could taste just as good with fat-free or light sour cream, and the green beans could be steamed this year instead of being sautéed in butter,” she said.

“Try using herbs to reduce salt, and forego the generous serving of salt,” DeRossitte said.

Get – and Stay – Organized for the Holidays

If the holidays bring a sense of dread, the answer may lie in some simple planning and maintaining order in our lives.

“Don’t let all the stress of the holidays make it difficult to spend quality time with family and friends,” says Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “What we need is a practical solution that will help us organize and balance our professional and personal lives.”

And McKinnon offers enough practical solutions to take us all the way to Jan. 2, 2009:

• Start planning early.


• Don’t leave things to the last minute.


• Make a list of tasks and cross off completed ones.


• Keep a calendar for the entire family.


• Include the kids in the division of chores.


• Hire help if you need it.

“If you’re going to do a lot of cooking, go ahead and get your kitchen clean and organized right away,” McKinnon continues. “Throw our most of those extra butter containers and save just enough to send food home with your visitors.”

McKinnon offers tips for shopping:

• Make a list, but buy a few extra reasonably priced gifts for emergencies or overlooked friends or co-workers.


• Shop early to avoid crowds.


• Shop online and have gifts delivered to your front door.


• Keep receipts for easy returns.


• Buy extra storage bins for new lights and decorations.


• Add extra batteries to your shopping list.

If you’re traveling during the holidays, pack early and make arrangements for pet care.

Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

Conflict is going to happen, and solving conflicts without causing bad feelings is not easy, according to Dr. Wally Goddard, professor and extension family life specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Goddard offers insight into why conflict happens – and some reasons for our reactions: When something happens that is different from what we expected or hoped for, we may interpret the difference as unfair to us. Or when someone blames or accuses us, we react – often because we feel hurt and angry.

Our reaction may be either to fall silent or to fight back.

If we choose to go silent, a cold war may begin. If we choose to fight back, there may be an explosive situation. Whether we pout or fight back, a lot of time and energy can be wasted, and the relationship can be damaged.

Goddard offers advice for curbing our reactions.

First, realize there are two sides to every situation. We usually understand one side—the way we feel.

Second, try to understand what the other person is thinking or feeling – and attempt to show that understanding.

Goddard acknowledges we all may say unkind things sometimes and it is hard to say peaceful things when we feel attacked. However, if we can keep ourselves from reacting, we will have fewer repairs to make later.