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Show Your Heart Some Love
February is American Heart Month. As you may expect, at Spend Smart. Eat Smart. we usually focus in on our diet and physical activity during heart month. But did you know there are many other ways to show your heart some love? Here are a few:
Be Mindful of Holiday Debt This Season and Beyond
Holiday spending can sneak up on us—gifts, travel, meals, and more. If you followed Barb Wollan’s recent 4-step plan to map out your holiday budget, you are already ahead. Now, take it a step further by using resources from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Utah State Extension, to stay mindful and in control of your personal finances this holiday season and beyond!
Spend Smart for the Holidays
When there is not enough money for everything we want (and there never is!), we can get the most value for our dollar by carefully planning how we’ll use the money we have. As the holiday season approaches, it is a great time to think through what your spending will look like to avoid starting the new year with money stress.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Prebiotics and probiotics – I cannot always remember which is which and I usually have to look it up when someone asks me a question about them. What I do know for sure is that they are important for a healthy gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is made up of the bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that live in our digestive tract, mainly the colon. Having a healthy gut microbiome may have positive impacts on the rest of our body such as a stronger immune system, better absorption of some nutrients, and cardiovascular health.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers: A Lifeline You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s be real—being a caregiver is one of the most loving, selfless things you can do. But it’s also one of the hardest. Whether you’re caring for a parent, spouse, child, friend, or neighbor, the emotional and physical toll can sneak up on you. That’s where Powerful Tools for Caregivers comes in. And trust me, it’s not just another class—it’s a game-changer.
Double Up Food Bucks
One of the best things about summer in Iowa is the wonderful fruits and vegetables that come into season. Sweet corn, summer tomatoes, and fresh green beans are high on my list. In Iowa, we are lucky to have a program that helps Iowans who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eat more fruits and vegetables while sticking to their grocery budget.
