K-State extension specialist advises all adults to communicate their final wishes.

When young people turn 18, new opportunities come their way, such as the ability to vote in elections, serve in the military, and more. But it also comes with responsibilities now that they are legal adults.

On that to-do list is to make a plan for how they’d like their estate handled upon their death, says K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Science agent Renae Riedy, whose specialization is in family resource management and aging.

“Once people turn 18, young adults should make an estate plan, which is more than just what to do with the assets,” Riedy said.

Some of the key documents Riedy advises all adults to complete include a durable power of attorney for financial matters as well as health care directives, a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) privacy authorization form, and a living will (if desired) as well as a do not resuscitate directive (if desired). These forms are available in an online publication titled, Advanced Health Care Planning in Kansas.

She also advises people to make a plan that addresses what they want done with their assets. This can be set up through a will and by using other tools such as transfer on death deeds, naming beneficiaries directly on the assets or a payable on death designations, depending on the asset. If an individual has minor children or pets, designating who will care for them is very important. A trust may be appropriate, depending on the circumstance Riedy said.

“Make sure you have a conversation with the person who you are going to appoint as the power of attorney and executor about your wishes and make sure they know where these important documents are located,” Riedy said.

Along with the formal forms, she encourages everyone to create a list of important assets. To help get the process started, Riedy suggests people refer to another online publication, Our Valuable Records.

“When writing down everything that is valuable to you, make sure you include how you want your digital assets — such as your online records and social media accounts — managed upon your death,” Riedy said.

“When writing down everything that is valuable to you, make sure you include how you want your digital assets — such as your online records and social media accounts — managed upon your death,” Riedy said.

To ensure your wishes are followed, Riedy said it is important to work with an attorney to write a will.

These topics can be hard to talk about, so Riedy also encourages people write a last letter of instruction to share information about their final wishes regarding what becomes of their body upon death and any other pertinent information that their loved ones need to know.

Riedy said, “By completing these forms and making plans, you are giving your family a gift because knowing your wishes will create less stress for them in a time of intense grief. And if you don’t make a plan, the state will make one for you and it may not be what you want.”

On July Fourth, the aroma of barbecue will fill the air as the festivities bring together family and friends to celebrate with quintessential American cooking pastimes: grilling and smoking. Food is the biggest staple when it comes to celebrating Independence Day, aside from the fireworks. Whether you’re sizzling burgers on the grill or slow-cooking ribs in the smoker, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service is urging everyone to take food safety precautions during food preparations.

“Fourth of July is a great time to use the grill and smoker to cook delicious meats and poultry,” said Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Emilio Esteban. “Whichever method you use, reduce your risk of foodborne illness by using a food thermometer to measure the safe minimum internal temperature, and reduce cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry.”

Here are grilling and smoking food safety tips to keep in mind during your celebratory cookout:

Thaw meat or poultry first. Smoking uses low temperatures to cook food, and frozen food would take too long to reach a safe internal temperature before bacteria can start to multiply. Frozen foods can be grilled safely, but they will take longer and may cook unevenly.

Marinate in the refrigerator. Marinating tenderizes and flavors meat and poultry before grilling and smoking. Always marinate in the refrigerator and NOT on the counter. If basting meat and poultry during grilling or smoking, and you want to use some of the marinade as a sauce, you should put aside a portion of the marinade that has not been in contact with the raw meat or poultry. If using a marinade that has already been used on raw meat or poultry, boil first to destroy harmful bacteria.

Keep raw meat and poultry separate. Use different cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and poultry and food that is fully cooked or is ready to eat to avoid cross-contamination with bacteria.

Keep the smoker and grill at a safe temperature. If you are using a smoker or grill to smoke meats, you will need two types of thermometers: one for the food to determine safe internal temperature and an oven-safe thermometer to monitor that the air temperature in the smoker or grill stays between 225 and 300 F throughout the cooking process.

Cook meats to a safe internal temperature as measured by a food thermometer.

• Cook all raw beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145 F before removing meat from the heat source. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming.
• Cook all raw ground beef, pork, lamb, and veal to an internal temperature of 160 F.
• Cook all poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 F.

If you have food safety questions, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), email [email protected] or chat live at www.ask.usda.gov 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.