FALL/WINTER 2013 UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

live well utahHoliday Edition

how to belearn

power

SUSTAINABLEFOR THEYEAR 2014 the truth

behind themistletoe

away debt

PAGE 12

PAGE 6

PAGE 18

LIVEWELLUTAH.ORG

Photo Credits: istockphoto.comclipart.com

Senior Editor:Mike Whitesides

Editors: Donna Falkenborgand Julene Reese

Publication Advisor: Scott Boyer

Graphic Design and Layout: Olivia Yeip

publication TEAM

Copyright 2013 Utah State University Extension

Subscribe to the Live Well Utah e-newsletter at LiveWellUtah.org

16

Turkey Talk

Pomegranates a Healthy Holiday Choice

Mistletoe: Our Favorite Holiday Parasite

Pucker Up This Holiday and Enjoy Citrus Fruits

Emergency Car Kit a Wise Investment This Season

Sustainable New Year’s Resolutions

Discover 4-H Clubs in 2014

Stay Connected and Make Family Communications a Priority This Year

Step Down to Power Away Debt

USU Extension 4-H Meat Donation Program Feeds Utah Food Bank

Discover the Benefits of Beinga Garden Member

In This Issue

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

21

6

2

10

4

2 | Live Well Utah

By: Darlene Christensen, USU Extension associate professor

Many people enjoy a traditional turkey dinner during the holiday season. It is estimated that each Thanksgiving, more than 46 million turkeys are

prepared and eaten in the United States. Because of the number of turkeys prepared, the

incidence of food-borne illness also increases during the holidays. If not

prepared properly, turkey and all other poultry can carry Salmonella,

a common type of bacteria that can cause food-borne illness. Consider these tips for preparing a safe and tasty turkey this year.

The first and most important food safety step

is to properly thaw the turkey. The best way to thaw it is in the refrigerator.

Make sure it is still in its original wrapper, and put a tray underneath it to catch juices and

prevent cross contamination. You will need 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey, so make sure you have enough time to

properly thaw it. Once thawed, cook the turkey within 1 to 2 days.

If you need to thaw the turkey more quickly, you can use the cold water method. Place the turkey in an airtight package or leak-proof bag. Submerge

the turkey in cold water for 30 minutes per pound, and make sure to change the water every half hour so it remains cold. Cook immediately.

1.

2.

Talking Turkey:HOW TO SAFELY PREPARE YOUR HOLIDAY BIRD

3 | Live Well Utah

If you purchased a smaller turkey, it

may be possible to thaw it in the microwave. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the size of turkey that will fit in your microwave, the minutes per pound and the power level for thawing. Roast it immediately after thawing.

It is never safe to thaw turkey or other

meat on the counter. This is putting the meat in what food safety experts call the danger zone, 40 to 140° F, which is where bacteria multiply rapidly. Under ideal conditions, bacteria can double every 10 to 20 minutes. That means one cell can increase to over 16 million cells in 8 hours. For this reason, perishable foods such as poultry should never be held at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

To roast a turkey, set the oven temperature

no lower than 325° F. It is not safe to cook a turkey for a lengthy time, such as overnight, at a low temperature. This encourages bacterial growth. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thigh. Do not rely on the pop-up thermometer alone. Meat thermometers are available at reasonable prices in most supermarkets and variety stores. To be safe, the thigh meat should reach 165° F. If the bird is stuffed, the stuffing should reach 165° F as well.

After the meal, promptly refrigerate

leftovers in shallow containers. Some families leave turkey and other perishable items out all day for people to nibble on. This is not safe. Place perishable items in the refrigerator. If people want to snack, they can get the food out of the refrigerator.

For more information on turkey preparation or storage, contact your local USU county Extension office. You canalso contact USDA’sMeat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline(888-674-6854).

3.

4.

5. 6.

3 | Live Well Utah

4 | Live Well Utah

Pomegranates aHealthy Holiday Choice

By: Carolyn Washburn, USU Extension associate professor

As the holidays approach, fresh pomegranates become available. Pomegranates are found in most Utah grocery stores from October into December, and two varieties are grown in Washington County. These native Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fruits used in anything from salads to desserts are an excellent source of phytochemicals, making them one of the best antioxidants available. The edible seeds of these yellow-orange to deep-red colored fruits have a citrus flavor and make a delicious juice.

Over the last few years, the health value of the pomegranate has been

studied. Preliminary research shows that the pomegranate may be one of the best antioxidant fruits that can fight cancer, slow the aging process, increase heart health and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Several studies from UCLA and USDA indicate that pomegranates are a major stabilizer of cancer. The naturally occurring antioxidants in this fruit fight the free radicals that promote disease.

One average pomegranate contains about 100 calories and 25 grams of sugar. Pomegranates are also a good source of potassium. Consider this information when preparing the healthy fruit.

• Opening a pomegranate can be messy; however, if you cut off the blossom end and score through the skin marking the fruit in quarters, you can submerge the pomegranate in ice-cold water and rub the seeds off the skin. The skin will float to the top, the seeds to the bottom and

then they can be drained.

4 | Live Well Utah 5 | Live Well Utah

5 | Live Well Utah

Pomegranates aHealthy Holiday Choice

3 1/2 cups pomegranate juice, fresh, bottled or frozen and thawed1/4 cup lemon juice1 package (2 ounces) powdered pectin4 1/2 cups sugar

Combine pomegranate juice, lemon juice and pectin in a 4 or 5-quart pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar until well blended; return to a boil and continue boiling, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes. Remove jelly from heat. Immediately put in jars and process in hot water bath for 15 minutes. Cool for 24 hours, then remove the rings before storing.

1 pomegranate, seeded2 oranges, peeled and cut into small pieces1 bunch cilantro, chopped1 jalapeño pepper, chopped 1 tomato, diced1/2 teaspoon ground cumin1-2 tablespoons lime juice Score pomegranate and break apart in ice water. Drain the seeds. Add all ingredients and chill for 2 hours before serving.

• To store pomegranates, keep them at room temperature for a week, refrigerate in an air-tight bag for up to 3 months or freeze the seeds for 6 months to a year.

Pomegranates are enjoyable as a salsa, in salads, with main dishes, as jelly and syrup or just by the handful, so eat them and enjoy!

DIXIE POMEGRANATE FRESH SALSA

POMEGRANATE JELLY

5 | Live Well Utah

6 | Live Well Utah

Mistletoe:Our Favorite Holiday Parasite

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant we associate with many Christmas traditions, said Jerry Goodspeed, Utah State University Extension horticulturist. A parasitic plant is one that invades other plants, robbing them of water and nutrients instead of developing its own root system. Parasitic plants are found throughout the world, and a few invade Northern Utah, although they oftengo undetected.

“At Christmas time we seem to honor one of the most tenacious parasites around as we buy mistletoe and drape it around our home,” Goodspeed

said. “There is a great deal of folklore and myth surrounding mistletoe. The name comes from the ancient

belief that the plant somehow

“Don’t get caught under the parasite”sounds like good advice any time of the year. Why is it that during the Christmas holiday we give so much attention to a plant that lives off other plants? And, what is romantic about it?

spontaneously sprung to life from bird droppings in the tops of trees. The word ‘mistel’ is Anglo-Saxon for dung, and the word ‘tan’ means twig. Thus, mistletoe could be translated to be ‘dung on a twig.’ And you thought calling it a parasite was bad!”

The term mistletoe sounds a little better, especially if you have to kiss under it, he said. Mistletoe was used in ancient wedding ceremonies to confer fertility and life-giving power on the newlyweds. In other parts of the world it was considered a peace plant. Those who were fighting stood under the mistletoe to resolve their conflict.

6 | Live Well Utah

By: Dennis Hinkamp, USU Extension communications

7 | Live Well Utah

Moving on from history — most parasitic plants contain an organ known as a haustorium that functions a little like a root, Goodspeed said. Instead of growing into the soil, it penetrates the bark and obtains its water and nutrients from its host. Of course, this weakens the hostplant and, in severe cases, can kill it.

There are two native mistletoes in northern Utah. Both are dwarf varieties, and not the leafy mistletoe we often use in Christmas decorations. Fir dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium

douglasii) is a parasite to the native Douglas fir and can attack sub-alpine firs. Limber pine dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium cyanocarpum) is not as common, but occasionally

is seen on limber, bristlecone,

ponderosa and lodgepole pines.“Mistletoe does

flower, although the blossoms are inconspicuous,” he said. “The flower leads to a small fruit that

contains one seed. This fruit

is eaten by birds in the trees. Then they deposit

the seeds in othertree tops.”

Dwarf mistletoe is not common, and since it blends in

so well with the host plant’s foliage, it often goes undetected, he said. It is rarely found in our landscapes and is not considered a major pest in northern Utah.

“Enjoy the Christmas holiday with all its traditions,” Goodspeed concluded. “And just be thankful we kiss under the mistletoe and not a ‘twig covered with dung.’”

“There are two native mistletoes in northern Utah. Both are dwarf varieties, and not the leafy mistletoe we often use in Christmas decorations.”

8 | Live Well Utah

Red fruit contains antioxidants that help fight heart disease, lower cholesterol and prevent some cancers.

contain beta-caro-tene that is essential for a good immune system and is rich in vitamin C, folate and vitamin A.

Orange &yellow fruit

provide phytochemicals which are antioxidants that protect against cancer and disease. The blue and purple also provide vitamin C, folic acid and fiber.

Blue &purple fruit

Pucker up this Holidayand Enjoy Citrus Fruits

By: Carolyn Washburn, USU Extension associate professor

There is an abundance of citrus fruits in grocery stores this holiday season. The prime harvest time for most of these fruits is in the late fall and early winter months, which makes the holiday season a peak time to enjoy these healthful foods.

Citrus fruits are full of vitamin C, which helps maintain a strong immune system and helps protect against scurvy. Citrus fruits promote heart health and reduce the risk of some chronic diseases. They can also aid in cancer prevention and are useful in diabetes sugar level control. Citrus fruit skin is high in essential oils used in flavorings or as fragrant essences in aromatherapy oils, cosmetics and soaps. Other important nutrients found in citrus fruits are fiber, folate, lypocene, potassium and vitamin B6.

Each fruit color provides different nutrients that our bodies need. It is important to include a variety of colors every day for these important nutrients. These include:

Green fruit provides phytochemicals to help protect eyes and pre-vent cancerous tumors. Greens have essential vitamins including folate, minerals and fiber.

provides allicin, sulfa-foraphanes, polyphenols and phyto-chemicals that help in fighting cancers and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

White fruit

9 | Live Well Utah

Citrus fruitsare alsoobjects of beauty and decor. A bowl of fresh fruit makes a great centerpiece. It can also remind you that selecting a piece of fruit rather than candy or cookies is a wise choice. It is smart to keep fresh fruit within reach to encourage daily consumption. USDA’s MyPlate recommends eating two cups of fruit every day. This may be in the form of juice, fresh, canned or dried fruits.

There are many ways to increase fruits in your daily diet. Add oranges and lemons to water to allow infusing overnight. Add fresh lemons and limes to drinks. Eat half a grapefruit every morning for breakfast. Have a citrus snack every day. Prepare salads using citrus fruit with lettuce and spinach. Top entrees with a fruit sauce.

As the peak fruit season begins

to level off, you may want to try home

canning grapefruits and oranges. This simple and fast process provides you with home-canned fruit that makes a wonderful breakfast fruit mix and prevents the waste of fruits. Begin by selecting firm, sweet grapefruits and oranges. Peel and remove the white tissue. Break the fruit into sections and fill jars with the fruit. Next, fill jars with water or hot syrup. Water works well, but a light syrup of 1 cup sugar to 4

cups ofwater provides an enriched flavor. Pour the liquid over the fruit in the jars, leaving one-half inch headspace. Apply the lids and rings and process pints or quarts in a water bath for 15 minutes at an elevation of 2,000 to 4,000 feet. Adjustments will need to be made for other elevations. Further information can be found in the Ball Blue Book, available at:tinyurl.com/loqv5buor from your county USU Extension office.

“Citrus fruits are full of vitamin C, which helps

maintain a strong immune system, promotes heart

health and reduces the risk of some chronic diseases.”

10 | Live Well Utah

Emergency Car Kita Wise Investment This Season

By: Cindy Nelson, USU Extension assistant professor

The best gift you could give yourself and your family this holiday season may be peace of mind. One gift to help bring peace of mind is an emergency car kit that includes needed supplies in the event of a misfortune on the road, such as a flat tire, engine trouble, being stuck in a remote area or something more serious like poor road conditions due to bad weather or natural disasters such as floods, fires or earthquakes.

An emergency car kit is like a 72-hour kit on the go but also includes tools specific to vehicle emergencies. You can purchase a ready-made emergency car kit, or you can assemble one that fits your family’s needs. Your kit should include items typically found in a 72-hour kit:

• Snacks, water, non- perishable foods and a can opener.• Water bottle with a purifier or a filter so you can use water from a stream or melted snow.• Emergency thermal blanket to provide warmth or shelter.

• Warm clothing, including gloves.• Contact information for family members, doctor, insurance, mechanic, etc., either on a piece of paper stored in the glove box or stored in your cell phone. Be sure to have a car charger for your phone as well as a backup charger that is either battery or solar powered.

• First aid kit, including basic first aid supplies and necessary medications for allergies, pain, etc.• Tissues or toilet paper and diapers if you have young children.• Matches or a lighter.• Cash.• Notebook and pen.• Microfiber towels that are highly absorbent and quick drying, and/or compressed towels that save space.

10 | Live Well Utah

11 | Live Well Utah

With information from Carolyn Washburn, “How to Pack a Car Emergency Kit;” KSL.com, “How to Make a Disaster Supply Car Kit;” and Teresa Hunsaker, Studio5.ksl.com, “Preparing Your Emergency Car Kit.”

Then add items specific to vehicle emergencies:

• Distress sign or emergency sign to hang in car window or on antenna.• Orange safety vest.• Portable power unit, which can be invaluable in many emergency situations.• Rope, tie downs, bungee cords. • Basic tool kit and a shovel.• Flashlight or spotlight with extra batteries, or solar powered or windup lights.• Portable radio that is windup or battery powered.• Jumper cables.• Snow and ice scraper.• Flares.• Spare tire, jack, lug wrench.

• Let someone know where you are going and when you will return.• Check weather and road conditions before leaving home.• Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times.• Assess your surroundings for safety.• Stay with your vehicle.• Carry a roadside assistance card at all times, or know how to use assistance such as OnStar.

It can be difficult to find space in a vehicle to store all of the necessary emergency equipment. Rather than using one big container, items can be stored in multiple small containers that can be tucked into cubbies, under seats, in the glove box, trunk or door compartments.

Other things to consider for peace of mind on the road:

Sustainable NewYear’s Resolutions

By: Roslynn Brain, USU Extension sustainable communities specialistand Paige Gardner, USU Extension sustainability

To make 2014 a great new year, challenge yourself to try these simple lifestyle changes each month. Each aspect of sustainable living presented is not only good for the environment, but for your health and wallet as well. Whether it is dusting off your bike, exploring vermicomposting or simply changing a light bulb, each small change you make will have lasting impacts.

JanuaryLose paper weight thisyear. Go paperless with your bills and unsubscribe from junk mail through Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service at dmachoice.org

MarchStart your (natural) spring cleaning. Make your own cleaning products to minimize toxin exposure, save money and be healthy. Visit tinyurl.com/q6g6pjz for tips and recipes.

FebruaryBe a cool Valentine. Save on your heating bill and turn your thermostat down while your house is empty during the day. See if you can sleep better with the thermostat down a few degrees at night as well. For other energy saving tips, visit tinyurl.com/orpyquf

AprilLet rainshowers wateryour flowers.Build gardenswales insteadof mounds tocapture naturalwater flow.Find pictures,explanationsand books onhow to do it attinyurl.com/23z6cbs

MayBe bright with LED and natural light. Switch the light bulbs in your home to more efficient LED lights and use natural light to brighten your home/office. Energy tips can be found attinyurl.com/oykmwa7

12 | Live Well Utah

13 | Live Well Utah

JulyBeat the heat with a native garden. Plant drought and heat tolerant native edibles and ornamentals this year to add natural Utah beauty to your landscape. Browse tinyurl.com/pspmw88for helpful information.

OctoberHappy Halloworms!Start your own household vermicompost systemwith red wigglers, a container, bedding, dirt, moisture and your daily food scraps. See Extension’s vermicompostingfact sheet attinyurl.com/mpxd34h

AugustBe thrift chic. Prepare your “new” work or school wardrobe with a visit to your local thrift store. While there, drop off clothes you no longer wear to keep the cycle going. Learn more about how to give clothes a second chance at tinyurl.com/n8xnyp4

NovemberGive thanks through local giving! Sign up for a community-supported agriculture program, and buy your Thanksgiving meal from local sources to reduce your family’s food print (the carbon footprint associated with how your food was produced and the miles your food has traveled between production and consumption). Find out more about the local food movement at tinyurl.com/o366kyo

SeptemberHead back to school/work with alternative transportation. Opt to bike, walk or ride the bus as your primary mode of daily transportation. Find out more by viewing the fact sheet at tinyurl.com/mep6ele

DecemberGive more while consuming less. Reuse newspaper and paper scrapsto make homemade upcycled (converting used materials into new items) gifts for your friends and family. Opt to draw names with family and friends to reduce the quantity and increase the quality of gifts. Host creative craft nights with friends and catch up while repurposing products that are typically thrown away. See Extension’s “Reuse” fact sheet attinyurl.com/o5o6hkk

For more information on sustainability, visit extension.usu.edu/sustainabilityLike us on Facebook for daily inspiration and to learn more about how to incorporate sustainability into your life.

12 | Live Well Utah

JuneAvoid June bugs withnatural pest control.Create your own garlic and dish detergent mixturefor aphids, orexperiment withother natural pestcontrol recipes toimprove your family’s health and your landscape. Visit tinyurl.com/26o6f58 for tips on natural pest control.

14 | Live Well Utah

The Utah 4-H program recently launched a new curriculum designed to guide new or seasoned 4-H volunteer leaders through the process of starting a 4-H club or exploring a new project area.

“We have received calls from parents and others who want to become volunteer leaders for a 4-H club, but they don’t know where to start,” said Stacey MacArthur, Extension assistant professor for the Utah State 4-H office. “Our new program, ‘Discover 4-H Clubs’ is designed for them. It walks them through the process of starting a club and gives them step-by-step instructions so it’s not so overwhelming.”

There are currently more than a dozen project areas such as cooking up science, cake decorating, sewing, forces of nature, robotics and shooting sports, with more being added all the time. Each of these areas has a step-by-step outline that includes everything needed to organize a club and hold the first six club meetings.

“At the end of the six meetings, club members can then try a different project area, or they can move on to the regular

4-H curriculum for their current project area,” MacArthur said.

Volunteers may be concerned that they don’t have the necessary tools or materials needed for a club, but most of these can be checked out at the local USU Extension county office.

“Our county office employees are a wonderful support and

will do all they can to help make volunteering a great experience,” MacArthur said.

Utah 4-H is the youth development

program of USU Extension and has more than 90,000 youth participants and 8,600 adult

volunteers. Each county (Daggett is

covered by Uintah County) has a USU Extension office that administers the

4-H program.

“Positive youth development is the primary goal of 4-H,” MacArthur said.“The program is about youth and adults working together, designing club and individual plans for activities and events to enrich our youth. The new year ahead is the perfect time to start this program with your child.”

Discover 4-H Clubs in 2014By: Julene Reese, USU Extension writer

Go to DiscoverUtah4h.org or visit your USU

Extension county o�ce and get a step-by-step

instructional packet for the project area of

your choice (see back).

Invite other families to join your children as they

discover and learn.

Simply follow the step-by-step activities in your

packet and HAVE FUN!2.

15 | Live Well Utah

To get started, see instructions below

“The 4-H program is about youth & adults working

together.”

Discover 4-H Clubs in 2014 Possible Project AreasCAKE DECORATING

FITNESS

LEATHERWORK

ROBOTICSSEWING

SHEEP SHOOTING SPORTS SPA AND RELAXATION THEATER ARTS

You can check out tools (for areas such as cake

decorating and leatherwork) at your USU Extension

county o�ce.

Utah State University is an a�rmative action/equal opportunity institution.

DiscoverUtah4h.org

Go to DiscoverUtah4h.org or visit your USU

Extension county o�ce and get a step-by-step

instructional packet for the project area of

your choice (see back).

Invite other families to join your children as they

discover and learn.

Simply follow the step-by-step activities in your

packet and HAVE FUN!2.

15 | Live Well Utah

16 | Live Well Utah

Stay Connected and Make Family Communicationsa Priority this Year

Technology has revolutionized the way people interact and has created a variety of implications for relationships. For example, texting has become the number one way many couples stay in touch, and many individuals initiate dates, argue and even end relationships through text messages. Social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, provide a way to connect to family and friends but can also create temptations and relationship problems when individuals reconnect with old love interests or connect with new potential romantic interests. Others use the Internet as a way to connect through creating online relationships that may distract and hinder them from having real-world connections.

So how do we stay connected and protect our relationships in an increasingly technological world? Consider the following tips.

By: Naomi Brower, USU Extension associate professor

17 | Live Well Utah

Communicate in person. When a conversation is important or personal, take time to discuss

the issue in person. More than half our communication is shared through body language, including eye contact, which is generally not possible to pick up on when communicating through technology. While many individuals include emoticons in their digital messages to share their expressions, without communicating in person, we risk a much higher chance of miscommunication and frustration. Taking time to talk face to face not only helps us better understand each other, but it also communicates that the relationshipis valuable.

Unplug. Decide on and create technology-free

zones and times when family members turn off all electronic devices and spend time together. For example, don’t allow electronic devices at the dinner table. It is becoming increasingly common in many households to use cell phones or other electronic devices to talk to others (or even each other!) at the dinner table. When we set down the technology, we can better connect with those around us and more fully enjoy the moments with those we care about.

Set boundaries. In a healthy relationship, couples should be able to be open and honest

with each other about who they are communicating with, and there should be boundaries and expectations about what is considered an appropriate relationship with others. Depending on what the couple feels comfortable with, it might be best to limit the amount of interaction with members of the opposite sex. Couples may also want to discuss the appropriate amount of information they will disclose about their relationship to others. For example, couples may agree to share with others only the positives about their partner to avoid the long-term damage that can occur when something negative is shared during a moment of conflict.

Use technology to bond. While technology is not the ideal way to share highly important or personal

messages, it can be a great way to stay connected during the day or while traveling for work. For example, send a text message letting someone you love know you are thinking about them, or share something you appreciate about them. Send a picture to your loved one of something you think would make him or her laugh. Share something you love about your partner on Facebook or Twitter for the entire world to see. Use your smart phone to schedule date nights or time together and sync your calendars regularly. If your partner has to travel and has access to a computer, use Skype or other programs to chatfree of charge.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Step Down to Power Away Debt

By: Dean Miner, USU Extension professor

Each new year many families set a goal to get out of or reduce their debt. Committing to no new debt, having a budget to manage where the money goes and determining how much money can be allocated toward debt reduction are all essential to accomplishing this.

In addition, many financial educators recommend using what is called the step-down approach. Instead of completely eliminating spending in a budget category, the step-down approach encourages consumers to reduce, lessen or step down what was previously spent.

For example, if you have a weekly date night of fine dining and typically spend $90, completely eliminating that activity may not be something you want to do. However, if you step down the activity by only going to dinner every other week, going to a less expensive restaurant or by having a fancy meal at home, you could reduce the amount spent on the activity and put the amount saved toward debt.

The same principle can be applied to a wide variety of other expenses: movies – rather than going to the theater, rent a movie; groceries – rather than using already prepared items, prepare your own basics for homemade meals; clothing – instead of going to boutiques, shop at discount stores.

The potential savings vary greatly, but the mentality of stepping down can make a marked financial difference and the “saved” money can be used for debt repayment or to accelerate debt elimination.

18 | Live Well Utah

19 | Live Well Utah

Crunching numbers will demonstrate the benefits. The most recent data reveals that the average credit card balance for U.S. households is $7,100. The average interest rate is 15 percent. If the consumer maintains a $150 monthly debt payment, it will take just over 6 years to be debt free and will cost more than $3,700 in interest. If the step-down method is applied and monthly expenses are reduced by $150 and that amount is added to monthly debt payments, that household would become debt free 3.5 years more quickly and save close to $2,400 in interest costs. That cuts down two-thirds of the interest costs.

You might also look to your tax refund for help in eliminating debt, as the average federal tax refund for U.S. families is close to $3,000. Work with your employer’s payroll office to adjust your W-4 forms and get a lower withholding amount

each paycheck. If you aren’t able to find any step-down savings, you can receive similar benefits by reducing the withholding amount by $1,800. Or, adding the tax refund money to the step-down additions (which would now total $300 each month), your household would save

nearly $2,900 in interest costs and could be debt free in just 18 months.

You could also put a portion of your tax refund toward debt

elimination when you receive it, but the benefits are not quite as good as adjusting your W-4 withholding.

Another tool for developing a debt elimination plan is the USU Extension website, PowerPay.org,which was used to develop the above projections. Consumers with several creditors can see how committing to no new debt and consistent full payments results in almost built-in extra money as payments are rolled over to remaining creditors and individual debts are repaid.

Before and after using the step-down method to reduce a $7,100 debt

CURRENT

MONTHLYPAYMENT

YEARS OFPAYMENTS

INTERESTPAID

$3,7006$150

WITHSTEP-DOWN $1,3002.5

$300 (additional $150 payment)

“the step-downapproach encourages

consumers toreduce, lessen or

step down what was previously spent.”

20 | Live Well Utah

Food banks and charitable organizations are usually successful in collecting cans and boxes of food, but donated meat is harder to come by. A group of Utah State University Extension 4-H youth from Farmington wanted to change this and found a way to donate high-quality meat to the Utah Food Bank in 2005. They created what has now become an annual program that has provided 761,000 pounds of meat to Utahns in need over the last 8 years.  According to Justen Smith, USU Extension Davis County director, the Farmington 4-H Lamb Club began the donated meat project by giving a few hundred pounds of meat to charity as their service project that first year. Then Kelly Maxfield, a long-time 4-H club leader in Farmington and now Utah Food Bank board chairman,

got help from his corporate connections, and donations came in from most of the northern Utah counties to pay for the meat.

“Now it not only involves 4-H youth, but many other people who donate trucking, packing, fuel and time to the project,” Smith said. “This year, 92,000 pounds of meat were donated from Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Wasatch, Morgan, Millard, Tooele and Uinta (Wyoming) counties to distribute to the 472,000 Utahns in need with the help of approximately 120 volunteers. It’s amazing how the program has grown.” The project works so well because donors raise enough money to buy up most of the 4-H livestock sold at county and state fair auctions and livestock shows over the course of about four months, Smith said. The auction “floor price” goes to the 4-Hers, and the meat goes to the food bank, so everyone wins. Now, every fall, volunteers from all over the state help sort and package the thousands of pounds of meat donated to the Utah Food Bank in Salt Lake City. The meat is then distributed by the food bank’s 130 partnering agencies throughout the state. “The significance of this program cannot be underestimated,” said Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank chief development officer. “Not only do the clients receive rarely available, highly nutritious meat products, but Utah Food Bank especially takes pride in the fact that many counties statewide are having a direct impact on our mission of ‘Fighting Hunger Statewide.’”

USU Extension 4-HMeat Donation ProgramFeeds Utah Food Bank

By: Julene Reese, USU Extension writer

Photo by Dennis Hinkamp

21 | Live Well Utah

Membership benefits include:

• Free 2014 USU Extension Garden Calendar. • Our monthly, e-mailed “Garden View” newsletter. • Invitations to “Members Only” seasonal events, wildflower walks and other garden tours. • Discount to Baby Animal Days. • Invitation to “Members Only” plant sale. • 20% discount on all regularly priced plants at the “Members Only” plant sale. • Discounts at participating nurseries (see website for details). • Discounts on all public classes and events at both gardens. • Free admission every 2nd Tuesday to Thanksgiving Point Gardens (March-October, excluding Tulip Festival).

Members enjoy the benefits and beauty of theUtah State University Botanical Center and theOgden Botanical Gardens for one low-costmembership fee. Share the gift of membershipor buy a family membership for your wholefamily to enjoy!

Find out more and become a member today atusubotanicalcenter.org/membership.

Discover the Benefits of Being a

Garden Member

M W F SS T T

KEY Extension publication available Registration required USUBC Utah State University Botanical Center OBG Ogden Botanical Gardens

1

8

15

22

29

2

9

16

23

30

5

12

19

26

3

10

17

24

31

6

13

20

27

4

11

18

25

7

14

21

28

Hobby Greenhouse #1 Series at USUBC 9:00-11:00am and at Thanksgiving Point 1:00-3:00pm

Harvest winter squash before it freezes

In October, water lawn ½ - 1 inch per week

Farmers Marketat USUBC5:00-8:00pm

Hobby Greenhouse #1 Series at USUBC 9:00-11:00am and at Thanksgiving Point 1:00-3:00pm

Plant fall bulbs and perennials for a colorful spring

Deep water all evergreen trees and shrubs to prevent winter injury

Members Only Apple and Cheese Tasting at OBG6:00-7:00pm

Divide and transplant spring and summer blooming perennials

Lower height of lawn mower to 1½ - 2 inches tall

Hobby Greenhouse #1 Series at USUBC 9:00-11:00am and at Thanksgiving Point 1:00-3:00pm

Amaryllis bulbs available at local nurseries

Winterize the sprinkler systemColumbus Day

Hobby Greenhouse #1 Series at USUBC 9-11:00am and at Thanksgiving Point 1:00-3:00pm

Zombie 5K atUSUBC 6:00pm

Clean upWrap young treesfor winter

Apply fertilizer to the grass one last time for a healthy spring lawn

Halloween

Pumpkin Palooza Family Night atthe USUBC6:00-8:00pm

Add compost andtill garden plot

2014 USU Extension Garden Calendars Now on Sale!

This year’s gardening calendar is full of stunning photos and useful gardening information. Calendars also include information about events being held at the USU gardens. Buy your calendar online atextension.cart.usu.edu. Cost is $5.

Save $5 when you become a member byDec 21, 2013.

Utah State University is committed to providing an environment free from harassment and other forms of illegal discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 and older), disability, and veteran’s status. USU’s policy also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment and academic related practices and decisions. Utah State University employees and students cannot, because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status, refuse to hire; discharge; promote; demote; terminate; discriminate in compensation; or discriminate regarding terms, privileges, or conditions of employment, against any person otherwise qualified. Employees and students also cannot discriminate in the classroom, residence halls, or in on/off campus, USU-sponsored events and activities. This publication is issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kenneth L. White, Vice President for Extension and Agriculture,Utah State University.

Copyright 2013 Utah State University Extension

4900 Old Main HillLogan, Utah 84322-4900

Nonprofit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDUtah State University