Laurel County Extension Homemakers

April, 2021

Cooperative Extension Service Laurel County 200 County Extension Road London, KY 40741-2406 (606) 864-4167 Fax: (606) 864-4168 laurel.ca.uky.edu

“We are so much more than you think!”

1st: Charlene Andrews (Sublimity)

3rd: Naomi Conaway (Sublimity)

5th: Edith Vaughn (Mountain Laurel Quilters)

14th: Honey Cottongim (Rough Creek)

22nd: Sue Dee (Mountain Laurel Quilters)

29th: Janice Bell (Sublimity)

KEHA State Meeting | June 22 & 23rd.

Cultural arts items that qualified through our WTA area judging and were eligible for the 2020 State Meeting will be submitted at this years meeting. More information

about bringing your items into the office for transport to the meeting will be sent. The cultural arts items will be presented for judging but there will not be an exhibit this year. A showcase video of all the state winners is planned. Congratulations once again to our Laurel County Homemakers who have items that advanced to State:

Naomi Conaway Rosemary Davenport

Pat Gray

Pauline Lewis Faye Miracle Myra Raiche

Teri Smith Lisa Sutton

Bonnie Wyatt

April, 2021 Page 2

Homemaker Leader Lesson Our lesson for April focuses on

how important posture is for our

health. Our publication on

“Healthy Back Habits: Position and

Posture” is included in this newsletter and includes

some tips for standing, sitting and sleeping to

encourage proper posture.

Bonnie Sigmon Laurel County Extension

Agent for Horticulture

HEEL-LR.921

Healthy Back Habits: Position and Posture

Correct posture doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. The way you hold your body while standing, sitting, and sleeping can influence back health. It often feels easier to slouch or hunch the shoulders, or sleep in a position that seems the most comfortable. Over time bad posture and position can cause unneeded strain on the back, resulting in pain. The spine of the back naturally forms an S-shaped curve. For good posture, the ears, shoulders, and hips should be aligned. This ensures that the natural curves of the spine are also in line. If you are seated or standing right now, envision that you are a puppet. Think about a string attached to your head that pulls your body up. Now you are probably sitting or standing up straight. This is good posture. When you are standing:

• Shoulders are back and chest is forward. • Head is upright and straight. • Stomach is tucked in, without tilting the pelvis forward or back.

This should be a natural stance and not rigid. Try to stay relaxed while holding your body in good posture. In addition, when you are sitting:

• Buttocks should touch the back of the chair with body weight evenly distributed on both hips.

• Place a rolled up towel at your lower back to provide lumbar support and keep the curve of the spine.

• Knees bent at a right angle, keeping them at the same level or a little higher than your hips.

• Feet flat on the ground.

Your back can be affected by the way you sleep. Sleeping in a position that puts your back in proper alignment can help to keep it healthy and relieve pain. It is important that your back muscles rest well during your sleep. Follow these tips for sleeping position:

• Lie on your side. • Bend your knees. • Place a pillow between your knees. • Be sure your pillow supports your head and keeps your head and neck level.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Office of Research Services, Division of Safety, Ergonomics Maintain Your Curves, available online at http://www.nih.gov/od/ors/ds/ergonomics/index.html.

• The Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center, Posture for a Healthy Back, available online at http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/0300/0359.asp?index=4485

Prepared by: Lori L. Rice, M.S., C.N. Extension Associate for Health UK Cooperative Extension HEEL Program January 2006

For information on health issues in Kentucky, log on to: www.ca.uky.edu/heel

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

Page 3 April, 2021

• April is National Humor Month and most of us could use a good chuckle. Make a point of laughing this month. Humor and the laughter it produces have many therapeutic effects on the body. Laughing not only relieves stress and improves your mood and emotional state, it also has many social and physical health benefits. The many benefits of laughter were shared in our January newsletter which you may find our website. Earn 5 miles for each day that you take 15 minutes for a good guffaw.

• The third week of April is “Organize Your Files Week”. Set and work on a goal to clear up some paperwork and earn 5 miles.

• April 22nd is Earth Day. Create a compost pile so you may begin recycling your coffee grounds, egg shells and scraps of food. Your compost will enrich your garden and earn 10 miles for the road race.

• Call one of your fellow club members to touch base. We are beginning to open back up for in-person meetings but not everyone will be comfortable doing so. Let’s keep our club members in the loop and connected. Earn 10 miles for each connection.

April Road Race Detours

NON-PROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE PAID

LONDON, KY

PERMIT NO. 103

Cookbooks Available

Our Extension Homemaker Cookbook fundraiser continues as we head into Mother’s Day and the wedding season. These cookbooks make great gifts for brides, newlywed or anyone that loves to cook. The cookbook is a reprint of a cookbook that the Laurel County Extension Homemakers did back in the early 1980’s so there are a lot of great recipes in there. We are currently offering curbside service at the office, so pull up, give us a call, and we will bring them out to your car. If you would rather, we can mail the cookbook and include a gift card on your behalf. Cost is $15 (pick up) or $20 (mailed).