(Distributed January 2005) Athletic turf is often abused. Many people think that grass just grows and grows, and you can’t wear it out. The truth is that most fields are overused and undermaintained, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed January 2005) Few treatments are required by warm-season grasses that go dormant in winter. The wrong treatments at the wrong time can create a weak and lethal situation, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed January 2005) The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans will be released early next year. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says the guidelines are considered to be the best science-based dietary advice available for Americans over the age of 2.

(Distributed February 2005) Exercise is a vital partner to good nutrition. Many people are beginning to enjoy the benefits of aquatic exercise, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed January 2005) Folate or folic acid is a B vitamin found in some foods and vitamin supplements. This vitamin can help prevent up to 70 percent of birth defects of baby’s brain and spine, according to LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu.

(Distributed January 2005) St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is one of our two most popular lawn grasses in Louisiana. It is widely adapted to the humid Deep South, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed February 2005) A new federal law, known as Check 21, makes it easier for banks to electronically transfer check images instead of physically transferring paper checks. Because of Check 21 and other check-system improvements, your checks may be processed faster – which means money may be deducted from your checking account faster, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed January 2005) Policies that exclude sick children from child-care centers may seem like a hassle to a working parent with a sick child, but those policies are put in place to protect other children, says LSU AgCenter expert Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed January 2005) If you’re in the market for child care, it’s important to learn about the options. That will help you to pick the best setting for your child, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed January 2005) As the New Year begins, so returns the threat of too much rain for the Bayou State. With the distinction as the nation's "wettest" state, Louisiana must always be on guard for the potential for flooding, according to LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes.