It’s back-to-school time and there are many preparations to make before sending kids off to school. If you send lunch with your child, make sure it’s a healthy lunch by using MyPlate as a guideline.

Your immune system is your defense against disease. Its many different parts need to work in balance and harmony to protect our bodies from harmful germs and viruses; in essence to attack and destroy any they find.

A healthy immune system uses many defenses including skin, mucous membranes, white blood cells and the lymphatic system. You can help your immune system do the best possible job of keeping you healthy by maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood pressure, not smoking, being active and choosing healthy foods.

August is peach month and now is the season to enjoy this sweet little fruit according to Christeena Haynes, a nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

"A peach is a nutritious, low-calorie fruit to add to any meal or snack. They are a source of vitamin A, which helps keep your eyes healthy and may lower your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers, and Vitamin C, which helps heal wounds," said Haynes.

Peaches also contain potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure and magnesium assists with building strong bones. Fiber works to lower cholesterol and keep the gut healthy.

Tomato plants are beginning to yield, and with the new crop comes a new activity: home canning. But whether canning whole tomatoes, homemade ketchup, pasta sauce or anything in between, adding acid to canned tomato products is a must, according to University of Wisconsin-Extension food safety specialist Barbara Ingham.

A big part of summer for many people is attending fairs, festivals, carnivals, and rodeos. There are always fun things to see and experience, including art work, music, games, and rides. One of the biggest draws to these events is the many different types of foods and drinks available. Follow these tips to have a safe cooking, eating, and drinking experience at those events.

I’ve been overweight all my life. Recently, I’ve read a little about what controls hunger and appetite. Are there foods I can eat that will help me feel fuller sooner, so I eat less?

As you suspect, the connection between eating and feeling full isn’t as simple as most people think. Scientists are still uncovering new information about the mechanisms involved.

It’s vacation season—and many travelers are on the lookout for food that’s simple, quick and easy when they’re on the road. Fast food is one option, but unhealthy choices can leave you feeling uncomfortable and low-energy.

“The key to healthy eating when you’re traveling involves planning,” says Jenny Wehmeier, Walworth County UW-Extension family living educator. Wehmeier offers some tips that will keep you eating healthy while you and your family are away from home.

Just because healthful foods are available in school cafeterias doesn't mean children are going to eat them, but in some cases, the very presence of such foods as whole fruit may actually prompt kids to make healthier choices, even if fruit is never selected.

A study by researchers at Cornell's Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs (BEN Center) found that the mere presence of applesauce and fruit cocktail on the school lunch line sent students to seek out sugary snacks, increasing the number of cookies, ice cream bars and Little Debbie snack cakes they purchased, while green beans and bananas inspired them to make more healthful choices.

 Summer is the perfect time for healthy eating. Many fruits are at their peak for freshness and flavor. They can be a great addition to any meal or a tasty snack. By choosing fruit instead of other high-calorie snacks, your body is able to main­tain a healthier weight.

Fruits are naturally low in fat, sodium, and calories, and they contain several important nutrients, including vitamins A and C. These vitamins help with vision, healing, and fighting infections. The fiber in fruit can also help to lower cholesterol. Fruit may also help reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. By choosing fruits of every color, your body will get the nutrients it needs to gain all of these benefits.

To enjoy your summer, here are some checkpoints for safe grilling the next time you fire up the grill.