MyPulseNews.com Mena Arkansas News covering Polk County and the surrounding area 
BY KIM HUGHES – The Extension Homemakers Council (EHC) is planning a workshop to teach people how to make an apron from a pillow sham, quilted fabric, or just regular fabric. This event is planned for Saturday, February 13 from 10:00 am until noon at the Extension Education Center at 211 DeQueen Street in Mena. Extension Homemakers started in Arkansas 104 years ago. Since 1912, members ...
February, 2016
January, 2016
- 27 January
The MIND Diet
BY KIM HUGHES – Newly published research suggests that a specific diet called the MIND diet may reduce the incidence of brain disease that increases a person’s risk in developing Alzheimer’s disease. The recent study shows that the MIND diet lowered the risk of Alzheimer’s by as much as 53 percent in participants who adhered to the diet rigorously, and by ...
- 20 January
January in the Garden
BY KIM HUGHES – Happy New Year, and let us hope we will have a great growing season in 2016! Our December was much kinder and gentler than last year, so let us hope that trend continues in January and February. The warmer than normal December had some plants confused and we had a few spring blooming plants thinking spring ...
- 13 January
De-clutter and Organize Your Home
BY KIM HUGHES – January – the time to start fresh, clear out the old, and get things organized. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? While many people have the desire to get things de-cluttered and organized, it is not always such an easy thing to accomplish. De-cluttering can often be a very time consuming, overwhelming, and emotionally draining experience. There may be emotional hurdles ...
December, 2015
- 16 December
Holiday Drinks Matter
Perhaps the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute said it best. “Many people don’t realize just how much sugar and calories we drink in a day.” When the holidays roll around, the calories skyrocket and the portions get more generous. The reason holiday drinks matter is threefold: One, drinks often contain a surprising number of calories. Studies indicate that beverage ...
- 9 December
Selecting Gifts for Grandparents
BY KIM HUGHES – Selecting gifts for senior citizens can be a real challenge, especially if they live in a residential or nursing center. The key is to talk to the person about what they could use and ask other family members for ideas and suggestions. This may also help to avoid several people giving the same item. For many ...
- 2 December
Poinsettia Care
BY KIM HUGHES – The poinsettias are here! Every year, Polk County 4-H sells poinsettias as a fundraiser to support educational programs for 4-H members. These are floral quality and come directly from Arkansas’ largest greenhouse growers and cost $10 each. They come in 6” floral wrapped pots in seven different colors – red, white, pink, marble, maroon, merlot and ...
November, 2015
- 24 November
Prepare Your Car for Winter Weather
BY KIM HUGHES – Prepare for extremely cold weather every winter – it’s always a possibility. There are steps you can take in advance for greater wintertime safety in your home and in your car. Avoid dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Have maintenance service on your vehicle as recommended. Check the antifreeze level. Keep the gas tank near ...
- 18 November
Closing Your Decorative Pond for Winter
BY KIM HUGHES – When the leaves start falling and the air turns crisp, it’s time to prepare your outdoor water feature for winter. A few steps this fall will save you time and money next spring. Continue to keep the pond free of leaves and plant debris. Loose vegetation left in the pond will break down over the winter ...
- 12 November
Countdown to Thanksgiving Dinner
BY KIM HUGHES – The Thanksgiving meal is the largest many cooks prepare each year. Getting it just right, especially the turkey brings a fair amount of pressure whether or not a host is experienced with roasting one. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issues specific food safety recommendations on how to properly ...
