Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension
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Kansas State University’s popular Living Well Wednesday webinar series returns this fall, continuing a tradition that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and grown into a trusted resource for health, safety, and family well-being topics across Kansas.
“We’ve been doing this since COVID when we were looking at ways to program more intentionally through a virtual framework,” said Sharolyn Jackson, the northeast Kansas family and consumer sciences specialist with K-State Extension. “Living Well Wednesday was so popular, we just kept it going.”
The free webinars are held the third Wednesday of each month from September through November. The sessions begin at 12:10 p.m., with the virtual room opening at noon to allow participants time to log in, grab lunch and get settled.
Registration is free and available at bit.ly/41E7kqJ.
“You can find us easily; just do a search for ‘Living Well Wednesday Extension,’ and it should pop right up,” Jackson said.
The 2025 fall series kicks off Sept. 17 with a webinar on fentanyl and opioid awareness, presented by Jenni Ebert, a community health educator with the Riley County Health Department.
“Jenny does a fabulous job explaining how one pill can kill,” Jackson said. “Fentanyl can be lethal even with a first use. It only takes about two milligrams, or five to seven grains of salt. She helps people understand how to be more aware of those dangers and what they can do to protect themselves and their families.”
On Oct. 15, the focus turns to recognizing, avoiding and reporting scams, with Ed Burr, an investigator with the Kansas Attorney General’s office.
“He will go into detail about how to recognize and avoid a scam, but also what to do if you are a victim,” Jackson said. “Scams can have devastating financial and emotional consequences. This is important information for everybody.”
On Nov. 19, the series will address energy drinks, which Jackson calls “a timely topic” for families, students and health-conscious individuals.
“Energy drinks aren’t for everyone,” Jackson said. “They’re high in caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants, and while they may provide a short-term energy boost, they can also lead to heart issues, anxiety, and even insomnia or gastrointestinal problems.”
She adds that youth, pregnant women, and people on medications should be especially cautious.
“Over the years, Living Well Wednesday has shown the real breadth and depth of Kansas State University’s family and consumer sciences work,” Jackson said. “We’re proud to bring these timely topics to Kansas families.”
More information on all of this spring’s Living Well Wednesday offerings is available online. Interested persons can also find more information at their local Kansas extension office.
