Healthy swimming behaviors play an important role in stopping the spread of illnesses through recreational water, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

"Germs on and in swimmers' bodies end up in the water and can make other people sick," said Dr. Kirk Smith, waterborne disease supervisor for MDH. "Even healthy swimmers can get sick from recreational water illnesses, but the young, elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk."

Specific actions you can take to promote healthy swimming include:

By Kathleen Lovett, University of Minnesota Extension

Dining out is one of the fun things in life. It might be for a special occasion or when you are limited with time. If your budget is tight, try not to let dining out become an expensive habit for you. It is so easy to say, “I am too tired to cook,” or “I don’t have the right ingredients.”

When you do eat out, there are ways to save money at the restaurant, such as:

>Set aside money each month just for eating out and then don’t overspend.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has reached a settlement agreement with plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the Service’s 2009 rule removing Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the Western Great Lakes. Under the terms of the agreement, which must still be approved by the court, the Service will provide an additional opportunity for public comment on the rule to ensure compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act.

By Mary Schroeder, University of Minnesota Extension

Whether they’re on a tight budget or not, most people enjoy saving money on food. These tips will help you save money next time you are at the grocery store:

University of Minnesota Extension is celebrating 100 years of providing Minnesotans with access to practical, research-based information to help improve their lives. Minnesotans have helped shape Extension’s history – whether learning how to grow healthy food, serve it on a tight budget, or raise children during challenging times. To honor our shared history and stories, Minnesotans of all ages are invited to submit photos and memorabilia in the form of a special Extension Centennial 4-H project.

Outstanding contributions to rural health were honored at the Minnesota Rural Health Conference on June 16 in Duluth. Tim Rice, Staples, and the Breast Health Team, Aitkin and Brainerd Lakes, were recognized for their innovations and leadership in rural health care.

By Lou Ann Jopp, University of Minnesota Extension

Blanching (scalding vegetables in boiling water or steam for a short time) is a must for almost all vegetables to be frozen successfully. It slows or stops the enzyme action which can cause loss of flavor, color and texture.

The blanching time is important and varies with the vegetable and size. Underblanching actually stimulates the activity of enzymes and is worse than no blanching. Overblanching causes loss of flavor, color, vitamins and minerals.

Readers of the weekend Meeker County Advertiser will find a bonus section inside the Sunday, June 14 edition.

By Connie Burns, University of Minnesota Extension

Preparing meals at home is a great way to save on the family food budget. With a little planning, and some savvy shopping, preparing meals can be economical and even fun! If you’re not used to preparing meals at home, the very thought may be daunting. But, as with all new habits, start slowly with achievable goals.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Cooking outdoors was once only a summer activity shared with family and friends. Now more than half of Americans say they are cooking outdoors year round. So whether the snow is blowing or the sun is shining brightly, it's important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying and causing foodborne illness. Use these simple guidelines for grilling food safely.

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