Extension Rural Health & Nutrition

Microplastics and Health: What You Need to Know  

What are Microplastics? Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters (mm) in size, originating from larger pieces of plastic that break down over time through various processes. Due to their small size, the plastics are often difficult for the human eye to detect. However, the impact they leave does not go unnoticed. […]

How Caring for Plants Can Improve Your Well-Being

A toddler holding a bucket of flowers in the sun.

Gardening and caring for plants is much more than a hobby. While there are many well-known health benefits of having plants in and around your home, including the physical activity involved in gardening and nutritional value of consuming produce harvested from the garden, there are many other ways tending to plants can support our overall […]

Protein: For Diabetes, It Is a Balancing Act

A bowl containing two herb-baked chicken thighs served with roasted potatoes

What You Need to Know Protein is one of the three macronutrients considered the foundation of the foods we consume and is a necessary component of a wholesome, well-balanced diet. Good-quality proteins include: Proteins are made of amino acids, which are often called the building blocks of proteins. Within proteins, there are non-essential amino acids […]

PCOS Is Now PMOS: Why Names Matter

An exam room at an OBGYN office.

In May 2026, the condition formerly known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was officially renamed to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). What is PMOS (formerly PCOS)? PMOS is a condition that affects over 170 million women worldwide and is linked to hormonal dysregulation in the body. The exact cause is unknown but is linked to […]

Walking for Wellness

Walking is an effective activity for improving overall health. Even modest increases in daily steps can provide significant physical and mental health benefits. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Walking Overview Walking is a simple, free, and safe activity that most people can realistically do. It requires no fitness equipment beyond a comfortable pair of […]

FLOUR POWER (Part 1)

In this two-part series, discover the power of flour from its impact on the Standard American Diet to the benefits of freshly milled flour. Whole wheat is packed with vitamins and minerals, while white flour has been stripped of the bran and germ, leaving a high-starch, low-fiber product.  Image Credit: RHN Picture Bank The Anatomy […]

Uncovering Nutrition Misinformation

Introduction: With the rapid rise of media and its influence – including television, the internet, and mobile applications – society’s wellness culture has become increasingly oversaturated with information related to fad diets, trends, and presumed quick fixes. Amidst the overwhelming influx of “health-related” noise, it can be difficult to distinguish what is fact from fiction, […]

The Intersection of Elder Abuse and Diabetes 

Elder abuse is a serious and often overlooked public health issue. Estimates of elder abuse vary, but systematic reviews and population studies consistently show that abuse and neglect are under-reported and affect a substantial number of older adults. Elder abuse is defined as intentional or negligent action(s) by a trusted adult or caregiver that induces […]