ACTA Membership

REMINDER.... The deadline for sending in your Alleghany Christmas Tree Association Membership Form and dues is Tuesday, March 31, 2009.

Growing the Blue Ridge Farmers Market

There will be an informational workshop on how gardeners and producers of vegetables, fruits, meats, processed foods and baked goods can utilize the consignment method of marketing their goods with this newly organized retail market, the Blue Ridge Farmers Market. The workshop will be held on April 9th, 2009 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM in the conference room of County Office Building.

Pesticide Recertification

Alleghany County Cooperative Extension will be offering several classes that will help you meet your pesticide recertification credit requirements this year. Please click here for the class listing that was sent out.

Also, if you are unable to attend the classes being offered in Alleghany County, please be sure to check the NCDA website to view up-to-date recertification classes. You can also look up your credit information and current exam schedules.

FDA Peanut Recall News Release

On March 23, 2009, the FDA issued a press release with more information about the recent peanut product recalls. To read the full press release, please click here. Included in this release is a website address that lists all of the products being recalled.

Riverside Advisory Board Meeting

This is a reminder to the members of the Riverside Advisory Board that there is a planning meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2009.

Your Diet and Diabetes

Diabetes is the leading cause of premature deaths and the sixth leading cause of all deaths in the United States. If you fail to manage diabetes properly, it can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, leg and foot amputations and death. According to health experts at NC State University, minor changes in your lifestyle can greatly reduce your chances of getting the disease.

WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a disorder in which the body does not use the sugars in food in the usual way. Normally, some of the food you digest is changed into glucose (sugar) which the body uses for fuel. Diabetics produce too little insulin or none at all, or cannot use insulin properly. Then dangerously high levels of glucose can build up in the blood. If left untreated, high blood glucose can lead to all of the serious and potentially fatal conditions listed above.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT KINDS OF DIABETES?
Type I is the most severe form. It usually occurs early in life around age 12 or 13. Type I is often called “juvenile-onset” or “insulin-dependent” diabetes.
Type II is the most frequently occurring form, and is adult-onset, and sometimes insulin-dependent. Most Type II diabetics are older adults who are overweight and have or had a blood relative that has or had diabetes.
Gestational occurs in pregnant women. This type of diabetes generally disappears after childbirth.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES?
Abnormal thirst, frequent urination, weakness, excessive hunger, rapid or unexplained weight loss, poor growth, flushed skin, fruity breath or nausea and vomiting may be symptoms of diabetes. If you have any of these problems, on a regular basis, you should contact your doctor.
HOW IS DIABETES TREATED?
Each person needs individualized treatment. Type I requires insulin, diet and exercise. Type II usually can be treated with diet and exercise only. If you have diabetes, the American Diabetic Association suggests the following guidelines:

• Maintain a healthy weight;
• Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol;
• Increase your intake of fiber foods;
• Control sugar consumption;
• Use salt (sodium) only in moderation;
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Get regular exercise (always consult with your doctor prior to beginning any exercise program.)

There is no cure for diabetes, however, you can manage or delay diabetes through diet, exercise, weight control and if necessary, medication. For additional information on diabetes, contact Jacquelyne Gordon, via email or by calling 372-5597.

Home Vegetable Gardening

Spring is here and it is time to start thinking about gardening. Click here for a Home Vegetable Gardening Guide, created by Cooperative Extension, that is full of helpful information.

Welcome to the new Alleghany Extension Blog

This blog has been created as way to get information to the residents of Alleghany County. We will try to cover a wide range of topics, as well as information regarding our associations, community events, etc. We hope that you will enjoy the blog and find the posts here helpful.