Expert Pitches

The holiday season is now upon us, and many West Virginia families will be decking their halls with garland, tinsel, lights and most commonly, the Christmas tree. While some opt for the ease and convenience of a pre-lit, artificial tree, others prefer the authentic look and smell of a fresh-cut Christmas tree. A fresh-cut tree does require a bit more attention and care, but according to West Virginia University Extension Service expert Dave McGill, if you take a few simple precautions, you and your family can safely enjoy your tree all season long.

It’s important to keep food safety in mind when storing your leftover turkey, dressing and other Thanksgiving fixings. Molly Poffenbarger, health educator with the West Virginia University Extension Service Family Nutrition Program, offers some tips on safely storing leftovers.

Preparing a Thanksgiving turkey requires planning. Thaw your frozen bird too early and you could unknowingly serve your guests a foodborne illness. Leave it in the freezer too long and it won’t be ready for the big day. Molly Poffenbarger, health educator with the West Virginia University Extension Service Family Nutrition Program, shares tips on how to properly thaw your frozen turkey.

West Virginia University Extension Service Family and Community Development agent Andrea Hoover suggests opting for the gift of an experience over material goods this holiday season.

What should be a happy, joyous time of celebration with friends and family is being met with challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. WVU Extension Service Family and Community Development agent, Ami Cook, offers advice on how you, with a positive attitude and proper planning, can make the most of this year’s holiday season and do it safely.

Current and former smokers can get free virtual lung cancer screenings this month (November) as the West Virginia University Cancer Institute Lung Cancer and Screening Program continue to improve lung cancer screening access and eligibility for West Virginians. November is National Lung Cancer Awareness month.

Anne Lofaso of the West Virginia University College of Law says it will be important to watch how the newest member of the U.S. Supreme Court interacts with Chief Justice John Roberts as the high court hears arguments beginning Tuesday (Nov. 10) that could decide the fate of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare challenging its constitutionality. Meanwhile, WVU health policy expert Christopher Plein of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences notes the ACA has been a “game changer” for West Virginians and the state’s health care system.

Several West Virginia University faculty members can provide insight and expert commentary to the media regarding Tuesday’s (Nov. 3) election and its fallout.

As the Trump administration prepares to open Alaska’s Tongass National Forest for development and logging, West Virginia University experts Nic Zegre and Brenden McNeil discuss what that means for a planet in the throes of climate change.

As part of Bat Week (Oct. 24-31), Sheldon Owen, West Virginia University Extension Service associate professor and wildlife specialist, challenges residents to learn more about the species of bats found in West Virginia and their important role in nature.