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December is a busy month for most folks - I know it is at my house. Every weekend is already filled with some sort of festive activity, meal, gathering, or program, and the calendar pages haven't even settled.

No matter how busy your season is, I encourage you to find time to reflect on the year and recharge yourself for 2023. If you find extra time beyond that, keep scrolling to read through some of the other fun things December brings.  

Elevate FCS!
December 3 is the day that we celebrate the value and impact of our Family and Consumer Sciences profession and that we commemorate the birthday of our founder, Ellen Swallow Richards. However, the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences celebrates FCS all month long!

Family and Consumer Sciences professionals are on the frontlines of solving some of society's most pressing issues by helping others develop essential skills to live and work in a complex world. From putting nutritious food on the table to knowing the value of a dollar, FCS prepares people for real life and builds a foundation for success.

The Safety Dance
December is Worldwide Food Service Safety Month. The goals of the month are to focus on keeping food safe as it is prepared in the service industry, as well as remind us to be safe and cook properly when we are making our own food at home.

Calls regarding safe food production have increased over the last month. In this article, I'll address some of the most common questions, and give tips on how to make sure your food is safe.

If you are interested in learning about safety regulations for home food production, there will be a class at Reconciliation House on December 10th at 1pm.

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Between Christmas and New Year's, 40 percent of deadly crashes involve drunk drivers. More pedestrians are killed on New Year's Day than any other day of the year. The hours between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. are the most dangerous during the New Year's holiday. This is why December has been set aside to
raise awareness that impaired driving can be deadly and encourages the public to put strategies in place for all of us to make it home safely.

Keep in mind, alcohol isn't the only impairing substance out there.

  • Some prescription drugs can induce drowsiness, cause nausea, affect judgment, and lessen coordination, all of which can prove fatal when driving.
  • Over-the-counter drugs may cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, irregular heartbeat, or shakiness. Users should avoid operating motor vehicles if they are experiencing any side effects from the medication.
  • Prescription drugs such as opioids, sedatives, muscle relaxants, and some antidepressants have been associated with increased crash risk.
  • Some medications may not impair you on their own, but if taken with a second medication or with alcohol, may cause impairment.
  • Violating state DUI laws that make it illegal to drive impaired by any substance can result in arrest. This includes prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.

Sticking to Your Resolutions
Studies show that almost half of those who make New Year's Resolutions give up before February. According to Strava, a Running and Cycling tracking app, the majority of them quit the second Friday in January. They call this “Quitters Day”.

Yancey FCS and Yancey 4-H are teaming up to help lower this statistic. By showing some easy, simple, and cost-effective "swaps" or changes you can make, hopefully we can help you stick to your resolutions. 

This class is appropriate for youth and adults, so if your family is making a resolution together, this class is for you!

Safely Handling Leftovers

Large meals mean larger amounts of leftovers. Follow these simple steps to keep your leftovers safe.
Harmful bacteria grow fastest between
41ºF and 135ºF, particularly at room temperatures. Minimizing time in this range, called the temperature danger zone, reduces growth of these harmful bacteria. Foods that can support the growth of harmful bacteria should not be left in this temperature range for more than 4 hours.
  • Throw away or compost any perishable food left at room temperature for more than 4 hours
  • Refrigerate perishable leftovers as soon as the meal is over
  • Place foods like soups, stews or dips in shallow containers before refrigerating for quicker cooling
  • Eat leftovers within 7 days

Never Miss Another Class!
Our office has an exciting new opportunity to offer text updates!

If you want to stay updated with the latest class offerings and get reminders about important updates, sign up using our simple form.

Be sure to put "FCS" in the Contact Area space provided to receive only updates and content related to Family & Consumer Science. If no area is specified, you'll be added to the general list and receive texts from each of our departments.  
 
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NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.


N.C. Cooperative Extension - Yancey County Center, 30 E U.S. Hwy 19E Bypass, Burnsville, NC 28714, United States

 


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