
March 1: Baby Sleep Day

Throughout our lifespans, our sleep needs and rhythms look different. Newborns can take up to 10 weeks to develop a good sleep schedule where their longest period of sleep is at night. The fussiness of infants at bedtime is not only normal it is part of a learning process. They are learning to relax into sleep alone. Finding objects that provide comfort can help reassure babies during these periods. As many parents will tell you, infant sleep patterns can be disrupted by sickness, teething, unfamiliar surroundings, and stress within the family. To learn more about infant development and sleep check out this article on infant development by NC State Cooperative Extension.
March 3: American Red Cross Month

The American Red Cross is an organization many of us are somewhat familiar with. Their work provides relief and support to those in crisis. They are often the first on the scene in any emergency, they engage in programs worldwide, help military families and veterans, provide important trainings and certifications, and organize blood donation. They are always looking for volunteers and those willing to provide blood donations. This is especially helpful if you are Type O- as you are a universal blood donor. To learn more about the American Red Cross click here.
March 5: National Potty Dance Day

Incontinence, though embarrassing, happens to a lot of people for a variety of reasons ranging from urinary tract infections and pregnancy to diabetes, stroke, and cancer. These are only a few of the wide range of causes for why someone may have a lack of bladder control and experience leaking. You can help prevent incontinence in several ways. Exercising the pelvic muscle throughout your life is very helpful, but maintaining a healthy weight can also be beneficial. If you are struggling with incontinence. Learn more from Clevland Clinic.
March 7: Plant Power and the Peanut

Peanuts are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and help satisfy hunger. Georgia farmers produce more than 45% of the U.S. peanut crop each year!! This inexpensive and sustainable crop is a wonderful snack option and can be incorporated into many meals. Check out the National Peanut Board’s website for more information about peanuts and for some great recipes!
March 2: Teen Mental Wellness

Teen mental wellness is a BIG topic! There are so many things we could talk about related to this topic. This month let’s narrow it down to underage drinking. The brain does not reach developmental maturation until approximately 25 years of age. Because of this teens who engage in risky substance use behaviors like drinking, vaping, and drugs are often at more serious risk for serious mental health outcomes. Most teens who engage in underage drinking are binge drinking. This has health consequences that affect other organs and risk for accidents and injuries beyond the brain too. If you are a parent of a teen there are several important things to do: 1. Don’t encourage, support, or provide alcohol to your teen. Underage drinking can have life-long consequences that are very serious and it is illegal to provide alcohol to a minor. You are not keeping your safer by supplying it or allowing it to happen under your watch; you are encouraging illegal and dangerous behaviors. 2. If you suspect your teen has a problem with alcohol, or other substances, seek professional help. This may include seeking guidance on how to intervene. 3. Use research-based resources to learn how to discuss the topics of underage drinking and substance abuse with adolescents.
March 4: World Obesity Day
The topic of weight is a sensitive one for many people. We are told to maintain a healthy weight, but many don’t understand why. The CDC has a great resource on this (here), but the short of it is there have been LOTS and I mean lots of research on chronic disease and obesity. We know from this research that the chronic diseases that contribute to the most deaths in the U.S. are strongly associated with obesity. This includes heart disease, cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. We also know that obesity results in costly healthcare (around $173 billion in the U.S. alone). So, it matters for us as individuals and as a society. In fact this is a growing concern when it comes to our military. 14.8% of Americans (ages 17-24 in 2011) were not eligible for military service because of their overweight status.
March 6: Read Across America Week

March 8: International Women’s Day

March 9: National Meatball Day

This Kid-friendly meatball recipe from Diabetes Food Hub, is sure to please the whole family while making some diabetic-friendly substitutions. It also helps sneak in some of those veggies kids like to avoid (wink)! To see the recipe on the Diabetes Food Hub follow click here.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 lbs ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/2 zucchini (grated)
- 1 carrot (grated)
- 1/2 onion (grated)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking)
- 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese (freshly grated )
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and vinegar for the sauce.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients for the meatballs. Shape into 1-inch balls.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and top evenly with sauce (11/2 Tsp. per meatball).
- Bake for 45 minutes or until done.
March 10: National Pack Your Lunch Day
Packing your lunch can not only save you money it can be a better decision for your health. When you pack your lunch you have control over the calories, sodium, saturated fat, and how well-balanced of a meal your lunch is. This is particularly helpful if you have a chronic health condition such as Type 2 Diabetes or hypertension. It is also helpful if you have weight goals to maintain, lose, or gain weight. No matter what your aim is with your weight achieving those goals in a healthy way is what is most important.
March 12: National Groundwater Awareness Week

Did you know?
- 96.5% of the earth’s water is found in the oceans (too salty for drinking, growing crops, and most industrial uses).
- Only 2.5% of the earth’s water is fresh.”
March 14: Children’s Craft Day
Letting kids explore through arts and crafts doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as making various supplies and objects, age-appropriate of course, to a child and letting their creativity soar. It can also look more structured. Either way, providing kids the opportunity to be creative gives them an opportunity to gain new skills and learn how to solve problems in creative ways. Check out this quick resource from Georgia 4-H for further ideas.
March 16: Your Right to a Credit Report

Did you know you know that U.S. federal law gives you a right to a free credit report each year? Even better, if you are a resident of the state of Georgia you are entitled to THREE free credit reports. Check out this link to learn more about credit reports.
To order your free credit reports, go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. To request the second and third free credit reports you must contact the three credit reporting agencies directly.
March 11: World Plumbing Day
Plumbing is a very helpful blessing that we sometimes take for granted. But when something goes wrong with the plumbing we get a quick reality check on just how wonderful it is when it works as intended. Take the opportunity this month to get to know your system and understand how to keep your plumbing in good condition. This link from the CDC is a good place to start.
March 13: Brain Injury Awareness Month

March 15: Ides of March and Debt
March 17: Sleep

Have you heard about sleep hygiene? You probably have but don’t realize it. Sleep hygiene is a term used to describe habits that help encourage healthy sleep patterns. Here are 5 tips for better sleep from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- “Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature
- Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from the bedroom
- Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime
- Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.”
March 18: National Sloppy Joe Day
Sloppy Joes can be a great simple and easy dinner to make with the kids. This one, featured by the American Heart Association, is a “Heart-Check Certified recipe is brought to you by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff“

Ingredients
Servings 4 Serving Size 1 bun plus 3/4 c Sloppy Joes
- 1 cup chopped yellow, green or red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 pound ground beef (96% lean)
- 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns (halved)
- 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 can or bottle (12 ounces) 100% vegetable juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef, bell pepper and onion; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking beef up into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally.
- Stir in vegetable juice, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 7 to 9 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated and thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Evenly place beef mixture on bottom half of each bun; close sandwiches.
March 19: Nutrition and Hydration Week
Nutrition and hydration are important for health. There can be a lot of confusing information about nutrition and hydration out there. So where do you go for sound information that is research-based? Government websites like the CDC, NIH, and USDA sites like MyPlate are filled with sound information on these topics. In addition, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans has great information addressing all ages. If you need more help ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietician. Though Medical Doctors (MDs) have some training in nutrition most are not experts in the field of nutrition. Registered Dieticians are trained experts who work with individuals on specific nutrition concerns or goals.
March 21: Eat Healthy Fat

Dietary fats are an important part of our diet. The important thing is that you focus on the fats research has shown to be associated with good health outcomes and limit those, saturated fats in particular, known to be associated with chronic diseases like heart disease. To learn more about dietary fats, which kinds you need, how much, and what to stay away from check out the American Heart Association’s webpage on Dietary Fats.
March 20: Credit Card Reduction
“Commit to paying the same amount each month toward getting out of debt. For example, if you have five credit cards and pay each creditor $50 per month, continue to pay a total of $250 every month until you are out of debt. Instead of paying a little extra on each credit card, make only the minimum payment on all your credit cards but one and apply every extra penny you can find to one “power” payment to the last credit card. You will save more in finance charges if you apply the power payment to the debt with the highest interest rate. Sometimes it is worth selecting the loan with the lowest balance or shortest term for the power payment so you quickly get satisfaction from eliminating one of your debts.
Once you pay off the first debt, add the payment you were making to that creditor to the payment for the debt with the next highest interest rate. Turbo-charge your debt repayment plan by coming up with additional dollars to add to your power payment. The larger your payment, the faster that debt will be paid and the less interest you will pay. Consider applying a portion of your tax refund, annual bonus, gifts you receive, or other windfalls to your power payment for even greater savings.
Getting out of debt is one of the smartest investments you can make. Once you are debt-free you will have the amount of your regular debt payments to use for other things. Since you are already used to doing without the money, consider saving all or part of it every month. Set a goal to save three- to six-months of living expenses for emergencies. When you have reached that goal you can use the money for other important goals such as a child’s education or for retirement.” (Excerpt from How to Get Out of Debt by Michael Rupured)
March 22: Chips & Dip Day

You can always count on the FACS of Life to bring you suggestions for getting more veggies in your diet. This Greens and Beans Dip from FoodTalk.org is yet another way to diversify the plants you consume.
Ingredients:
Serves 4
- 1 cup cooked collard greens (leftovers or canned, or 2 cups uncooked fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil, divided
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cooked butter beans
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1/3 cup water or no-salt-added vegetable broth
- 1 medium tomato (optional)
Instructions:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- If using fresh, raw collard greens, rinse the collards and rub the leaves under cold running water.
- In a large pan on medium heat, add collards, ½ tablespoon oil, salt, and pepper and cover with water. Cook until tender and heated through, about 10 minutes if pre-cooked or about 25-30 minutes if using fresh collards.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, add collards (be careful- collards will be hot!).
- Wipe top of can and open can of butter beans. Drain, rinse, and add to blender with the collards.
- Wash whole avocado under cold running water. Peel and cut avocado into slices and add to blender.
- Add remaining ½ tablespoon oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and water or vegetable broth to blender. Blend until smooth (scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula to ensure all the spices are combined in the mixture).
- Serve with whole grain crackers or spread mixture onto a flatbread (like our Yeast-Free Skillet Flatbread). Add tomatoes (optional) or other toppings. Fold flatbread in half to cover the dip and enjoy on-the-go!
Notes:
- Use your leftover collards or any other dark leafy greens if you want a spread with more flavor and tender texture. If you don’t have cooked greens on hand, frozen options are great to keep on hand.
- Use the Slow-Cooker Stew Peas recipe for a cooked bean or try another type of bean—we think cannellini or chickpeas would be delicious!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and serve leftovers warm or cold.
March 23: World Math Day

There are several basic and essential skills that make up the workload for students to practice during their school years. Among those are Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. When you see or hear those words, it is likely there is an association of some good, bad, or mixed emotions…
See the full article by Nancy Adams here!
March 24: National Cheesesteak Day

The American Heart Association has a new family hit with this take on a Philly Cheesesteak
Ingredients
Servings 4 Serving Size 1 cheesesteak packet
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon water
- 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms, coarsely chopped
- 2 medium red or green bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 pound boneless top sirloin steak, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons canola or corn oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 cup shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese
- 4 small whole-wheat rolls
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 450˚F. Make 4 sheets of aluminum foil about 30 inches long. Fold the foil in half widthwise (into almost a square) so it’s extra-sturdy.
- Microwave the onions and water on 100% power (high) in a microwaveable bowl for 1 1/2 minutes, or until almost soft. Transfer to a medium bowl.
- Stir in the mushrooms, bell peppers, and beef.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian seasoning, balsamic vinegar, oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the vegetables and beef, tossing to coat.
- Place one-quarter of the mixture in the center of each foil square. Top each mixture with 1/4 cup mozzarella.
- Wrap the foil loosely (this leaves room for the heat to circulate inside) and seal the edges tightly. Transfer to a large baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Using the tines of a fork, carefully open a packet away from you (to prevent steam burns). If the beef isn’t cooked enough, reclose the open packet and bake all the packets for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Serve with the rolls.
March 25: International Day of the Unborn

Taking care of our children starts long before birth. It actually starts before conception. How we take care of our own bodies, and specifically how we support how women take care of their bodies, can have positive or negative outcomes on the children these women carry. It starts with good nutrition and habits surrounding good nutrition. Keep an eye out for my FACS of Life video podcast two-part episode on Infant and Maternal Nutrition coming out soon! In this two-part segment, I interview infant and maternal nutrition experts, Dr. Sina Gallo and Dr. Alex Kojo Anderson from the University of Georgia.
March 27: International Scribble Day
Sometimes it is just helpful to scribble when you are stressed or having trouble concentrating. Today as you go about your day take some colored pens, pencils, or crayons with you. If you feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or are having trouble concentrating try scribbling.

March 29: Whole Grain Sampling
Whole grains are an important part of the human diet. They provide the benefits of the complete grain. Refined grains have health benefits, but the process of refilling them results in the bran and the germ of the grain being stripped away. The bran and the germ contain important vitamins and minerals that you can’t get after the grain is refined. This month, try new whole grains! It will open a whole new world of tastes, textures, and health benefits.
Here’s a list to experiment with:
- Barley.
- Bulgur, also called cracked wheat.
- Farro.
- Millet.
- Quinoa.
- Black rice.
- Brown rice.
- Red rice.
- Wild rice.
- Oatmeal.
- Popcorn.
- Whole-wheat flour.
- Whole-grain breakfast cereals.
- Whole-wheat bread, pasta or crackers.
March 26: Spinach
Spinach is packed full of vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of iron. It is yummy when baked, sauteed, in a salad, and in so many other ways. We once baked it into brownies. Once they cooled you couldn’t taste the spinach at all. It is an interesting and versatile vegetable that gives you a lot of nutrient benefits with very few calories!
March 28: National Triglycerides Day
“Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in your blood. Your body makes triglycerides or gets them from the foods you eat. Your body needs some triglycerides for good health. However, high triglycerides in your blood can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke.
High blood triglycerides are a type of lipid disorder, or dyslipidemia. This condition may occur on its own, with other lipid disorders such as high blood cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol, or as part of metabolic syndrome.
You can lower triglycerides in your blood by making heart-healthy living changes.
Certain medical conditions, genetic, lifestyle habits, and some medicines are all risk factors for high blood triglycerides. Medical conditions that may increase blood triglyceride levels include:
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute – High Blood Triglycerides
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Overweight and obesity
- Thyroid disease”
March 30: National Fitness Recovery Day

Being physically active is super important, but so is getting the right amount of recovery after fitness. This doesn’t always look like no physical activity. Good nutrition and sleep are a big part of recovery from physically demanding workouts. Depending on the type of workouts, training, competitions, or the duration and intensity individuals will have different needs for recovery. For some this may mean doing a gentle yoga or pilates workout; for others going on an easy walk. And for others, it may mean getting a massage and focusing on hydration. For guidance on what is best for you start by having a conversation with your trusted medical professional and ask for appropriate referrals to help you stay on track to meet your fitness goals.
March 31: Clams on the Half Shell

As the weather gets warmer and beach vacations start we start to get excited about seafood dishes. Food safety is always important, but there are some precautions to take specifically with seafood. Before your next beach vacation or trip to the grocery store to make clams on the half shell, or other yummy dishes, check out these tips from the FoodSafety.gov website:
“Selecting Shellfish
- Look for the label: Look for tags on sacks or containers of live shellfish (in the shell) and labels on containers or packages of shucked shellfish. These tags and labels contain specific information about the product, including the processor’s certification number. This means that the shellfish were harvested and processed in accordance with national shellfish safety controls.
- Discard Cracked/Broken Ones: Throw away clams, oysters, and mussels if their shells are cracked or broken.
- Do a “Tap Test”: Live clams, oysters, and mussels will close when the shell is tapped. If they don’t close when tapped, do not select them.
- Check for Leg Movement: Live crabs and lobsters should show some leg movement. They spoil rapidly after death, so only live crabs and lobsters should be selected and prepared.
Purchasing Frozen Seafood
FoodSafety.gov website: Safe Selection and Handling of Fish and Shellfish
- Frozen seafood can spoil if the fish thaws during transport and is left at warm temperatures for too long before cooking.
- Don’t buy frozen seafood if its package is open, torn, or crushed on the edges.
- Avoid packages with signs of frost or ice crystals, which may mean the fish has been stored a long time or thawed and refrozen.
- Avoid packages where the “frozen” fish flesh is not hard. The fish should not be bendable.”