OSU Extension: Health Disparities in Oklahoma

07/15/2026

Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause illness. People may become sick after eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated. Cyclospora has sometimes been linked to fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Help reduce your risk:

• Wash hands before preparing food.
• Rinse produce under running water.
• Scrub firm produce with a clean brush.
• Refrigerate cut produce within two hours.
• Do not use soap or bleach on produce.

Washing produce can help remove dirt and some germs, but it may not remove all Cyclospora. Cooking produce is the best way to destroy the parasite.

The most common symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, bloating, and weight loss. Contact a healthcare provider if you have symptoms.
For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/index.html

07/07/2026

Confidence isn't just a feeling — it's what pushes you to do things that feel hard, scary, or even impossible. Think of it like a tiny coach living in your head, cheering you on.

The secret to building it? Smart risks. Not peer pressure, not anything that feels wrong. They are things you'd normally shy away from — but that your gut tells you could make your life more fun, adventurous, or accomplished. Things like:

✅ Joining a new club
✅ Speaking up about something you care about
✅ Trying a new move, even if you fail
✅ Telling a friend, they hurt your feelings

The best part is every time you take a smart risk, you don't just use confidence — you create more of it! What smart risk can you take to build your confidence?

05/29/2026

The Science of Journaling
Journaling isn't just writing — it's a way to actually understand what's going on in your head and express yourself. Words, doodles, whatever works for you. No rules, no grades. Journaling has real benefits for your mental health! People who journal can manage their stress better and can better understand their own emotions. Writing about our feelings can help with problem-solving and clarity. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can try one of these.
-Copy down lyrics or a quote and write about what it means to you
-Tell the story of a hard thing you got through
-Write about one person or thing that you are grateful for
-Draw how you are feeling. You don’t have to use words to use a journal.

01/14/2026

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released on January 7th, 2026, offering updated guidance to help individuals and families make healthier food choices. The message stays familiar focus on eating more whole foods and getting enough protein. While many recommendations remain the same, this latest update also includes a few new changes that are shaping conversations about nutrition and healthy eating.
Read more at: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/

08/04/2023