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a mixture of fresh fruits and vegetables

Getting Your Five Cups

“Eat your fruits and veggies!” You have probably heard this saying since you were a little kid and perhaps you are now telling your kids to do the same. There is a reason we are encouraged to eat our greens from a young age; these colorful foods are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The USDA recommends adults consume two cups of fruits and three cups of vegetables per day.

Young woman holding her arms in the air while overlooking a mountain range.

Finding the Motivation to Exercise

Whether you are trying to become more active, reach new goals, or need tips to get moving on difficult days, learn some simple strategies to boost your motivation to stay active.

Dance video game on a monitor at the SDSU eSports lounge.

Do Active Video Games Count as Physical Activity for Kids?

Active video games, sometimes called exergames, are marketed as a way to turn screen time into physical activity time. These games can be a good option for increasing activity time in youth, but they have their limits.

Young woman applying insect repellant before an evening hike.

Enjoying the Outdoors Without Tick and Mosquito Bites

Outdoor activities seem extra inviting this time of year, and many people are already enjoying the long days and warmer temperatures. Ticks and mosquitoes share the outdoors with us, but there are things you can do to prevent bites from both.

Several kabobs with pieces of fresh vegetables and lean meats cooking on a grill.

Get Ready for Grilling Season

Spring and warmer weather is here, which means it’s time to dig the grill out and start cooking! Some might think grilled food can be only enjoyed in the warm months, but grilling can be done any time of the year. Grilling offers a delicious, healthy way to cook food!

Woman taking a break to drink a sports drink while exercising outdoors.

Safe Exercise Habits in the Summer Heat

Midwesterners always get excited when the temperatures warm up and daylight gets longer during the summer, but there is some extra care required to exercise safely in summertime heat and humidity.

Box of vegetables

SDSU Extension launches produce prescription program Dakota Food Rx

June 25, 2024

Dakota Food Rx, supported by the South Dakota Community Foundation, allows qualifying patients to receive “prescriptions” from participating health care providers. Not technical prescriptions, they can be redeemed for boxes of fresh, locally grown produce from farms participating in community-supported agriculture shares.

Teardrop shaped tick with a dark brown body and legs and an elongate white patch behind its head.

Ticks Becoming Active in South Dakota

The arrival of spring in South Dakota means warmer weather and more outdoor activities. However, it also brings an increase in tick activity.

Walking in the fall

SDSU Extension encouraging physical activity with virtual fitness event

September 11, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging South Dakotans to get active with its fourth annual Fall into Fitness seasonal activity challenge.

A young woman in workout clothes stretching on a pink yoga mat.

Keep Moving Indoors

There are so many opportunities to squeeze in activity during the day. The current Physical Activity Guidelines say that any activity counts towards meeting the recommended 150 minutes of activity each week. So, get creative, find what you enjoy and keep your body moving as much as possible every day.