(Distributed 08/04/10) When parents become involved in their children’s schoolwork, including helping with homework, studies show the children do better in school, says Diane Sasser, an LSU AgCenter family life educator.

(Distributed 08/03/10) Perfectly grilled seafood is moist and flavorful – and it’s also fast and easy, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 08/03/10) The average American family will spend $606.40 on back-to-school clothes, shoes, supplies and electronics this year. Citing recent research, LSU AgCenter family economist Jeanette Tucker says that’s an increase of $56.72 over 2009.

(Distributed 07/30/10) We often associate many of our warm-season bedding plants with the spring and summer growing seasons. Often overlooked is the fact that many of these plants may actually do better in our Louisiana landscapes during mid- and late summer through fall. Zinnias and marigolds are two excellent examples of warm-season bedding plants to try from August through the first killing frost.

(Distributed 07/30/10) Hot summer weather can pose special health risks to older adults, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 07/29/10) A recent study funded by the U. S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service suggests that a woman’s weight during pregnancy may influence the likelihood of her child becoming an overweight or obese adult.

(Distributed 07/27/10) Starting in August, a new federal program will be available that provides help for homeowners who have become unemployed so they can temporarily reduce or suspend their mortgage payments while they seek employment, according to Gloria Nye, LSU AgCenter extension family economist.

(Distributed 07/22/10) Most people think of mid-summer as the “down time” in the landscape. Many of our warm-season bedding plants from earlier in the spring and summer have a tendency to not be performing as well by the time we get to late summer. We do, however, have a wonderful assortment of tropical plants that can be grown very successfully in south Louisiana.

(Distributed 07/20/10) Young athletes need adequate fuel, fluids and nutrients to perform their best. Eating right helps delay fatigue and allows them to push harder and recover faster, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 07/16/10) Summer is prime growing season for lawns in Louisiana. Lawns that are not performing their best can be made better through the fall. If you did not fertilize your lawn during the spring, you still have time to fertilize and get your lawn in good shape prior to fall