ADVICE ABOUT EATING DISORERS, OVERINDULGENCE DURING THE HOLDIAY: At the holidays, dinner tables overflowing with food, snacks and desserts may become a dilemma for people with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. They also can be a problem for people who tend to overindulge when there is so much food. December 2005
HOLIDAY FOOD GIFTS CAN HAVE SPECIAL MEANING: Whether holiday food gifts are healthy or fattening, tasty or otherwise, Leon Rappoport, professor emeritus of psychology at Kansas State University, said there are reasons beyond cost and convenience why your aunt, neighbors and others give the food they give over the holidays. November 2005
TIPS FOR SURVIVING 'MEET THE PARENTS' SCENARIO: Tony Jurich, a Kansas State University professor of family studies and human services, offers the following suggestions to help make first meeting a significant other's parents smooth and happy encounter. November 2005
K-STATE PROFESSOR OFFERS TIPS ON HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATING: At the holidays, a yearlong struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle can be threatened as creamy dips and rich desserts are offered as holiday treats. December 2004
CHANGES IN SOCIETY REQUIRE NEW APPROACH TO CELEBRATING HOLIDAYS IN THE CLASSROOM: Kathy Holen, assistant professor of elementary education and English as a second language at Kansas State University, said that with a variety of cultures in elementary schools, certain holidays should not be emphasized at the expense of others. November 2004
MIXED CULTURES CAN CREATE NEW PRESSURES, TENSIONS DURING THE HOLIDAYS: The holidays can be difficult for a family. Holiday stresses create new pressures, augment tension and leave members scrambling to finish the preparations for upcoming family gatherings. November 2003
COPING WITH LOSS OF A LOVED ONE OVER THE HOLIDAYS: The holidays are a time of great emotion: the stress of tight finances and finding that perfect gift; the joy (or more stress) of spending time with family; the pressure of having too much too do in too short a time. November 2003
K-STATE EXPERTS SAY HOLIDAYS INCREASE NEED TO BE CAUTIOUS OF POISONS: While enjoying the festivities of the holidays, Kansas State University experts say it's important to be aware of poisonous plants and other household items common during the holiday season. Winter 2002 SIDEBAR
DEALING WITH RELATIVES: Anthony Jurich, professor of family studies and human services at Kansas State University, said there are two positive ways and two negative ways to deal with abrasive relatives. December 1998
HOLIDAY EXPECTATIONS: Beware of idealizing or hoping for the perfect holiday season, warns Anthony Jurich, professor of family studies and human services at Kansas State University. Many people are often involved in holiday events, which is bound to increase the opportunities for mishaps. December 1998
WINTER BOREDOM: Holiday time is fast approaching and soon parents will again hear the pitter-patter of little feet. A Kansas State University professor has some ideas for parents to keep their children occupied during their vacation. December 1997
HOLIDAY STRESS TIPS: When you tire of mistletoe and egg nog, and are ready for the relatives to leave, here is some holiday stress advice that will get you through till the new year. October 1997
K-STATE HORTICULTURE PROFESSOR SAYS FLOWERS CONVEY FEELINGS WITHOUT WORDS: Whether it is a dozen red roses, a single carnation or a flowering potted plant, the emotional power of giving flowers on Valentine's Day remains strong, according to Richard Mattson, a Kansas State University professor of horticulture. January 2009
K-STATE HOSPITALITY EXPERT GIVES ADVICE ON CREATING A ROMANTIC DINING ATMOSPHERE AND TIPS ON HOW TO DO VALENTINE'S DAY ON A BUDGET: The perfect Valentine's Day dinner is all about planning, and with the big day right around the corner, the planning should start now, according to Pat Pesci, head of Kansas State University hotel and restaurant management program. January 2009
ROMANTIC FILMS NOT JUST FOR WOMEN: "Chick flicks" aren't just for women. According to research by Richard Harris, professor of psychology at Kansas State University, guys like romantic movies, too. January 2007
SEND FLOWERS: The flowers you send this Valentine's Day can be an example of your enduring love. February 1997
BREAKING UP: Breakin' up is hard to do. But what if you just can't get over a past love? February 1997
EASTER BUNNY: Some naysayers caution that telling children about the Easter Bunny is akin to lying to them. Tony Jurich, a Kansas State University professor of family studies and human services, disagrees. April 1998
K-STATE PSYCHOLOGISTS LOOK AT SOME REASONS BEHIND THE FASCINATION WITH FIREWORKS: Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate the Fourth of July, whether shooting them off from the backyard or watching a professional display. While there are many reasons why fireworks are so enjoyed on Independence Day, tradition and their dangerous side could be part of their attraction for some of us, according to two Kansas State University psychologists.
K-STATE EXPERT ON JOHN PHILIP SOUSA SAYS THE FAMOUS AMERICAN COMPOSER WAS PROUD TO BE KNOWN FOR HIS PATRIOTIC MUSIC: For many in the United States, John Philip Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever" is as much a part of the Fourth of July as parades and fireworks. According to a Sousa expert at Kansas State University, the prolific American composer would have wanted it that way. "It's hard to think of anyone being more patriotic than Sousa," said Craig B. Parker, K-State associate professor of music history. June 2007
SAFETY TIPS FOR PICNICS AND COOKOUTS: The Fourth of July means heat and sun plus picnics and cookouts, which can equal opportunities for food-borne illnesses. To keep your picnic safe, Kansas State University food safety experts said the two keys are temperature control and hand washing. June 2005
PET'S FEAR OF FIREWORKS CAN BE LESSENED WITH PATIENCE, PRACTICE: The fireworks celebrations so many enjoy on Independence Day are not much fun for many dogs. Their reaction to the loud noises makes them shake and quake with fear. June 2004
HOW FIREWORKS WORK: ALL THE PRETTY COLORS: Did you ever wonder what makes fireworks explode in a rainbow of colors? The answer: metals. When a metal burns, it emits photons that we see as light. June 2004
FIREWORKS: THE BANG BEHIND THE BEAUTY: Fireworks light up the night sky on Independence Day and have become as much a part of the July 4 ritual as American flags and cookouts. But behind the scenes, causing those dazzling explosions, is a combination of oxygen, metals and a whole lot of innovation. June 2004
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS: To keep your children safe this Fourth of July, Mike Bradshaw, an extension specialist in health and safety at Kansas State University, offers some fireworks safety tips for parents. July 1998
K-STATE MUSIC PROFESSORS OFFER SCARY MUSIC SUGGESTIONS FOR HALLOWEEN: Several famous musical compositions have become known for their terror-raising appeal through their association with various mediums of pop culture, according to two Kansas State University professors.
K-STATE LIBRARIAN SAYS HORROR STORIES HAVE LONG BEEN PART OF AMERICAN CULTURE; RECOMMENDS SOME SCARY TITLES FOR HALLOWEEN: The horror story has long been a part of Americana, according to Kansas State University's Roger Adams, an associate professor and rare books librarian at K-State's Hale Library.
STUDY SHOWS SEEING SCARY MOVIE ON A DATE REINFORCES TRADITIONAL GENDER ROLES: Planning to see a scary movie with that special someone this Halloween? Go ahead guys; act brave. And ladies? Feel free to grab your date if you become frightened. October 2006
HALLOWEEN SAFETY: To keep your little ghouls and goblins safe when trick-or-treating this Halloween, Mike Bradshaw, extension specialist in health and safety at Kansas State University, offers some tips. October 2001
SCARY MOVIES: Is it the chill on the backs of our necks, or the acceleration of our hearts pounding in our chests that make us watch scary movies? October 1997
FASCINATION FOR THE SCARY: From witches to haunted houses to scary sci-fi flicks, Halloween is notorious for bringing our fears to the forefront. K-State psychology Professor Leon Rappoport says we have a horrible fascination with looking at bad things. October 1996
COOKING WITH TURKEY AS AN ALTERNATIVE CAN BE HEALTHIER: As Americans have become increasingly concerned with health and diet, turkey meat has become a common alternative to beef and other types of meat. November 2003
TIPS FOR COOKING A TURKEY: As the holidays approach, some are wondering how to cook the perfect Thanksgiving turkey. November 2003
TIPS FOR AN AFFORDABLE THANKSGIVING DINNER: A Kansas State University nutrition educator believes even with all the extras, Thanksgiving dinner can be affordable. November 2002
TURKEY FACTS: The image of the golden-brown feathered turkey we associate with Thanksgiving is not the turkey you're likely to find on the farm. November 1998
TIPS ON APPROPRIATE GIFTS FOR TEACHERS: As the holidays approach, your child may wish to add one more gift to your growing list: one for his or her teacher. But don't worry about looking for something elaborate or expensive. November 2005
TIPS TO KEEP THE CAT FROM TERRORIZING THE CHRISTMAS TREE: If you own a cat, and see Christmas tree decorations flying around the room, you may realize Morris has terrorized the tannenbaum yet again. July 2005
PARENTS HAVE MUCH TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING HOW TO TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT SANTA CLAUS: Should parents tell their children there is one when, clearly, they cannot prove reindeer fly? December 2004
HOLIDAY BOOKS FOR EVERYONE: As the temperature drops and winter enters our lives, we remember holidays past. For many, these memories include beloved books like "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" or "The Night Before Christmas." Many parents may be searching for new books to share with their children to begin similar traditions. November 2003
SANTA HAS EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS: Just think, if Coca-Cola's trademark colors were purple and yellow, or powder blue and pink, that might be what Santa Claus would wear as he delivers presents to children across the country each Christmas. November 2002
PHYSICS OF SANTA'S TRAVELS: How Santa accomplishes all his deliveries on Christmas Eve remains a mystery. Dean Zollman, professor of physics at Kansas State University, offers some possible explanations for how Santa does it all on Christmas Eve. December 1999
HISTORY AND FACTS OF HOLIDAY CAROLS: Singing Christmas carols around the family piano or caroling at neighbors' homes are popular activities during the holidays, says a Kansas State University expert on art songs. December 1999
SOME HOLIDAY PLANTS POISONOUS: Poinsettias are safe around children, but other holiday plants are poisonous.