FOR RELEASE THE WEEK OF FEB. 28, 2000:
I am considering enrolling my 6-month-old in daycare and am wondering what provider-to-infant ratio I should be looking for. Can you help me?
Harriet Shaklee, University of Idaho extension family development specialist, recommends a ratio of one adult provider to every three or four infants under 15 months. That’s more conservative than Idaho’s state regulation of one provider to every six infants.
"I would be very careful about the adult-child ratio for infants," says Shaklee. "The years zero to three seem to be critical to the formation of connections in children’s brains. Responsive interactions with other humans is one of the very best things that can happen for a child’s brain development." Older children in the daycare setting can also provide some of that stimulation as they stop by for "peek-a-boo" or toe-tickling with the baby.
Shaklee notes that stimulation can also be excessive. "In your home or in a daycare setting, make sure your children have access to adult stimulation but that there is not too much chaos," she says. In particular, babies should be protected from conflict. "Very intense emotional experiences can lay down patterns that are difficult for children to change in the long run: you get babies who are chronically on edge."
"Plan to spend some time when you visit the center or home you’re considering for your child," she advises. "Are you comfortable with the care provider and with what your child will experience while there? If so, it’s likely to be a good place for your baby."
My grandfather and I own 10 horses. We recently started to breed and sell within the horse community and would like to know whether we can deduct from our taxes the expenses associated with the feeding, housing and maintenance of our horses.
In general, the answer is "yes, expenses can be deducted," says Neil Meyer, University of Idaho extension economist. Federal Schedule F, required by federal tax law, will step you through what is or is not deductible. Only a percentage of your expenses may qualify: the specifics require some detailed reading of both federal and state tax codes or hiring a knowledgeable tax preparer or accountant.
Because yours are breeding animals, depreciation schedules that allow you to deduct a portion of their value as they age may apply to your ponies. The equipment needed to produce and handle the breeding animals may also be depreciable.
Publications dealing with just your topic are available through The American Horse Council at 1700 K St. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006. You can reach the council on the Internet at www.horsecouncil.org or by telephone at (202) 296-4031.
We’re digging up our backyard this spring to remove an old oil heating tank. How long should we wait for the soil to settle before we replant?
Allowing time for the soil to settle is important to ensure that any plants installed in the filled area stay at the same relative level they were grown at the nursery, says Bob Tripepi, University of Idaho professor of horticulture. Plants that sink are more susceptible to diseases like crown rot and root rots.
One way to speed soil settling is to water the area weekly over a period of four to six weeks, applying at least one inch of water each time. During the settling period, avoid walking on or moving equipment across the area since wet, settling soil will compact easily, causing aeration problems in the soil. After the last watering, wait two or three weeks for the area to dry and settle before attempting to install plants.
I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and have heard that an over-the-counter supplement called glucosamine sulfate may be helpful. Is this true?
Osteoarthritis–the world’s most common form of arthritis–occurs when the cartilage that normally cushions bones in the joints starts to wear down. This can cause pain, stiffness and decreased physical function. According to Martha Raidl, University of Idaho extension nutrition specialist, glucosamine is one of the components of cartilage.
A three-year study of 200 Belgian subjects with osteoarthritis who took 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate each day showed that they had less pain, stiffness and cartilage deterioration. The glucosamine became effective within four weeks of taking it, Raidl says. Consequently, the Arthritis Foundation feels that glucosamine "can be considered a viable option," along with other treatments, such as pain medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs and exercise.
Some side effects can occur, including headaches, nausea, leg pain, itching and drowsiness. "Check with your doctor before taking glucosamine supplements," Raidl says.