Host: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Associate Extension Professor for Nutrition and Health, University of Kentucky Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment

Guest: Liz Combs, EdD, RD, Assistant Professor, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Season 8 | Episode 42

In this episode of Talking FACS, hosted by Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf, with guest Dr. Liz Combs of the University of Kentucky Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, they explore why nutrition matters for kids who play sports and how proper fueling supports growth, focus, mood, immunity, recovery, and performance.

Topics covered include what a balanced meal and snack look like (carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and colorful fruits/vegetables), timing strategies including pre- and post-practice fueling, hydration guidance and when sports drinks are appropriate, and quick, budget-friendly breakfast and snack ideas for busy families and picky eaters.

Key takeaways:

• carbohydrates are an athlete’s friend,
• small consistent habits beat perfection,
• plan ahead with grab-and-go options, and
• use recovery snacks within an hour after activity to support performance and overall well-being.

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

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FCS Learning Channel

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guest: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Associate Extension Professor for Nutrition and Health

Season 8, Episode 41

In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf discuss how to make fast food choices that support nutrition, budget, and busy lifestyles. They cover practical strategies—like choosing grilled proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; understanding menu language (grilled, baked, a la carte); customizing combos; and considering kids' meals for appropriate portion sizes. Examples of balanced meals are given for burgers, breakfast, and Mexican-style bowls, plus tips for planning, reducing sodium/saturated fat/added sugars, and managing costs compared to grocery options.

Listeners will learn small, consistent changes to improve on-the-go eating, when to indulge without guilt, and how to align food choices with personal health and financial goals.

For more information:

Quick Bites, Nutritious Picks: A Fast Food Guide

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

Website

Facebook

Instagram

FCS Learning Channel

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guest: Dr. Mansi Shah-Jadeja, MD, Assistant Professor, Thoracic Surgery, Markey Cancer Center

Cancer Conversations Episode 73

Welcome to Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS. In this episode host Mindy McCulley speaks with Dr. Mansi Shah, Assistant Professor in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, about using robotic surgery to treat lung cancer.

They explore what robotic surgery is, how it differs from traditional thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and the main robotic platforms — including navigational bronchoscopy, multiport robots, and the new single-port robot. Dr. Shah discusses benefits such as 3D visualization, wristed instruments for greater precision, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, training requirements for surgeons, patient candidacy, and limitations for large or centrally invasive tumors.

The episode closes with a look at the future of robotic thoracic surgery, the growing adoption of minimally invasive techniques, and how advancing technology aims to speed recovery and improve outcomes for lung cancer patients.

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