Everything You Need to Know About WIC

I started working at Clinton County WIC in February of this year and every day I am so thankful to have a job that has such a huge impact on those in need. Women, Infants and Children, more commonly known as WIC, is a public health nutrition program that is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The purpose of WIC is to provide education and proper nutrition to mothers of babies up to 6 months old, mothers of breastfeeding babies up to 12 months old and infants/children up to age 5. The wonderful people of WIC work to help families develop healthier habits so that they can live longer, happier lives!

How do I enroll? Call your local WIC agency or go online to find one closest to you! To qualify for WIC in New York State you must:

• Live in NYS
• Meet income limits OR get benefits from Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF
• 
  Have a dietary need

What’s New in WIC? 

• No more checks! WIC benefits are now on EBT cards.
• WIC2GO mobile app helps you track benefits, check upcoming appointments, and scan WIC approved items in the store.

What Does WIC Provide?

• Nutrition Advice: 
• Nutritionist can help with healthy meal planning and answer any nutrition-related questions.
• Breastfeeding Support: 
• Trained breastfeeding experts and peer counselors are available for support and education.
• Breast pumps are available to moms who breastfeed.
• Nutritious Foods: 
• Milk, cheese, yogurt, fresh produce, 100% juice, whole grains, cereal, eggs, formula, baby food and much more.
• Referrals to Other Services:
• Breastfeeding Experts
• Well baby and child care
• Medicaid
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Family Planning
• Head Start
• Domestic Violence
• Stop Smoking
• Vaccinations
• Prenatal Care
• Substance abuse 

Our goal is to provide families with the resources and education to live happier and healthier lives. We work hard to support the families we see in every way we can. Call us today to see if you or your loved ones qualify 518-565-4830.

Emily Hutchins, RD, CDN, CLC

WIC Public Health Nutritionist

Division of Health Planning and Promotion 

The ‘Art’ of Placemaking

“Working Together for a Healthier Community” is our motto here at the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD). I, for one, am excited that we are able to bring this motto to life by facilitating the creation of unique and healthy spaces throughout our community, with help from residents like you!

We recently partnered with 18 locally-owned businesses and community-based organizations in Clinton County through a grant called Operation: Light, Quick, Cheap (LQC) provided by the New York State Health Foundation (NYSHF). Partners were awarded funding to create safe, fun and eye-catching spaces that promote healthy behaviors.

This was such a fun grant to be a part of and I am so excited to share the ‘out of the box’ projects that were completed. They all involve placemaking which allows businesses to make cost effective improvements to their spaces to promote physical activity and/or healthy eating.  

If you have time this summer I would encourage you to explore some of Clinton County’s newest attractions:

1. Beekmantown Volunteer Fire Department - 6973 NY-22, West Chazy, NY 12992

Project Name: BVFD Memorial & Community Space

Project Description: An ADA sidewalk was installed for all community members to have convenient access from the parking lot to the pavilion area. Benches and lighting for the area were donated.

 

2. Black Brook General Store - 781 Silver Lake Rd, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912

Project Name: Bike & Visitor Friendly Space

Project Description: A bike repair station and bike racks were added to the store’s location to increase active transportation. Additionally, two oversized Adirondack chairs now sit at the store for photo opportunities and to increase visitors.

 

3. The Cat’s Meow Thrift Shoppe -90 Bridge St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901,  Accepted by Outside Art: Plattsburgh Public Art Project

Project Name: “Community Garden” Mural

Project Description: Coordinated by Outside Art: Plattsburgh Public Art Project, the Community Garden Mural features colorful flowers with an interactive “find the cats” element. This mural was completed with help from local community members, art students from Plattsburgh State, and individuals from the Autism Alliance of Northeastern New York. There are 20 cats, 15 snails, 9 mushrooms, and 5 bugs in the mural; can you find them all?

 

4. Central Nutrition Smoothie & Juice Bar - 11149 Route 9 Champlain, NY 12010

Project Name: Gathering Space

Project Description: A beautiful space with landscaping for the community to gather and just chat while playing a game of chess or checkers. Have a bike? Take a ride to this new location, there are new bike racks conveniently located next to this community area.

 

5. City of Plattsburgh Fire Department - 7 South Platt St, Plattsburgh NY 12901

Project Name: The “Splash!” Mural 

Project Description: This mural brings the community together and supports local essential workers. Outside Art: Plattsburgh Public Art Project collaborated with the local fire department, NYSATA art teachers, and local students to bring some life into a plain firehouse wall. The theme of water encompasses the firehouse’s proximity to the Saranac River, the lifesaving resource that firefighters use every day, and the feeling of joy people get from engaging in recreational activities in or near water. 

 

6. City Well - 30 City Hall Place, Plattsburgh, NY

Project Name: Community Well-ness Project

Project Description: This design features interactive sidewalk and concrete barrier art with an under the sea, fish theme that surrounds a community seating area. Want to play in the art? Head inside for some chalk!

 

7. Clinton County Child Advocacy Center – 130 Arizona Ave, Plattsburgh NY 12903

Project Name: Welcoming, Friendly Fencing

Project Description: A colorful, playful space was created for visitors to feel welcomed and comfortable with a whimsical flower pattern bordering the fenced in gathering area.

 

8. Clinton County Historical Association – Peace Park

Project Name: Tsi ietsenhtha (Jee Yeh Jen Ta)/Plattsburgh Art Project

Project Description: A turtle art sculpture was placed in Peace Park. The shell of the turtle has a different design on each, representing the history of the Native people.

 

9. Clinton County Mental Health & Addiction Services - 130 Arizona Ave. Plattsburgh, NY 12903

Project Title: We are Here!

Project Description: Sidewalk art and benches with encouraging words from the parking lot to the entryway creates a welcoming space for community members.

 

10. Cornerstone Pharmacy – 72 Champlain St, Rouses Point NY 12979

Project Title: Farmacy 2.0

Project Description: The Farmacy Project is an effort to provide locally grown and produced food to area residents. Items include: fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, eggs, and bulk food bins items. This allows the community to have access to a Farmers Market, that is usually a once a week event, everyday! SNAP/EBT accepted.

 

11. Cumberland Bay Market - 1544 Cumberland Head Road, Plattsburgh, New York 12901

Project Title: From Rays & Seeds to Rows & Harvest

Project Description: Raised garden beds were installed to grow fresh produce to use in the meals cooked by the market. A children’s tour of the garden was offered with a Master Gardener that taught children about the gardening process. The market also has their fresh produce for sale and encourages community members that are food insecure to help themselves to some produce.

 

12. D & D Meats – 8945 Rt 22, West Chazy NY 12992

Project Title: Corner Oasis

Project Description: Farm cutouts for photo opportunities, bike racks to encourage active transportation, and fresh produce are all located in this Corner Oasis.

 

13. Lakeside Coffee – 109 Lake St, Rouses Point NY 12979

Project Title: Project Sunburst

Project Description: This outside community park is newly constructed with benches, games tables, bike racks, and beautiful landscaping. If you’re feeling hungry or thirsty, head across the street to Lakeside Coffee for a bite to eat! Looking for other activities that are available in Rouses Point? Visit the message board in the park that maps out local businesses, community areas and events.

 

14. M’Akin Things Homemade - 1166 Cook St, Dannemora, NY 12929

Project Title: Welcoming Outdoor Space

Project Description: M’Akin Things Homemade just made the community more visually pleasing for customers, visitors, and residents. Check out the artistic balloon dog benches, sustainable greenery and homemade garden beds that double as safety railing on the corner of Cook and Emmons Street. 

 

15. Maui North – City of Plattsburgh

Project Title: Artistic Bike Racks Project

Project Description: Art and bike racks do mix! Maui North partnered with the City of Plattsburgh to install fun shaped bike racks throughout the City. Can you find all 11 locations? Hint: There’s a book shaped bike rack at the Plattsburgh Public Library.

 

16. Rouses Point Library - Rouses Point Civic Center, 39 Lake St, Rouses Point NY 12979

Project Title: Hop, Skip, Read!

Project Description: StoryWalk® is an innovative way for children and families to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time and it is now in Rouses Point. Visit the StoryWalk® to read and enjoy the interactive walkway with painted stencil activities.

 

17. Strand Center for the Arts - 23 Brinkerhoff St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Project Title: Melody Park

Project Description: An outdoor musical art park is here for you to enjoy the sound of music in an open air space. Check out the new addition during an artisan market, outdoor concert, or just when you’re out on your next stroll.

 

18. West Chazy Recreation Park

Project Title: Merry-Go-Cycle (coming in September!)

Project Description: Bring the kids to enjoy a newly installed merry-go-cycle while you enjoy playing tennis or pickle ball on the courts that were recently resurfaced in 2020.

 

Amanda Prenoveau

Public Health Educator

Division of Health Planning and Promotion

Your One Stop Shop for Breastfeeding Support

 

Like any other expecting mom, my mother had to decide how she was going to feed me once I was born.  She told me that it was an extremely difficult decision to make because she worked full-time and didn’t know how she was going to balance everything. However, her provider explained that breastfeeding was not only a bonding experience but also the perfect balance of nutrients that her body would make specifically for me, her baby.

Nature's Way Baby Cafe (R)

With the support of my father, she made the decision to start exclusively breastfeeding.  A couple months
into our breastfeeding journey, I proved to be a very fussy baby.  My mother recalled how frustrating it sometimes was to have to reposition every time I was feeding or how expressing milk was difficult without a pump.  Through all the hurdles she faced, she continued to breastfeed until I was 18 months old.  And let me tell you, she would do it all again if she could.

If you are a breastfeeding mother, odds are you have found yourself in similar situations to what my mother had to face.  With access to the internet and an increasing number of community resources it is easier to search for information. But, sometimes you still cannot find what you are looking for and don’t know where to ask for help. That is where the Clinton County Breastfeeding Coalition comes in!

The Clinton County Breastfeeding Coalition is comprised of community organizations and local moms and meets once a month to promote and advocate for breastfeeding in our area. The coalition created and maintains the Clinton County Breastfeeding Referral Guide which is your one stop shop for evidenced based breastfeeding related help. They are also spearheading a social media campaign aimed to normalize breastfeeding while highlighting the ‘realness’ because, let’s be honest, it isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. You can expect to see one post per month on CCHD’s social media platforms from June through November 2021. You will be able to interact by posting pictures of you and your nursling(s) with #ThisIsHowWeNurse.

Example of the Clinton County Breastfeeding Coalition's Social Media Campaign 

Chances are, at some point each of us will know a mom who wants to breastfeed. Just like my mom’s doctor and my father did, I am challenging each of you to support and encourage that mom to reach her goals. Sharing this campaign on your social media is one small way you can contribute to a cultural shift in which we all view breastfeeding as normal, accepted and welcomed.

 

Alexandra Mesick

Public Health Educator

Division of Health Planning and Promotion 

Happenings at CCHD: Public Health Educator

Typically, you wouldn’t think of someone with a Public Relations Degree and a Journalism Minor as a Public Health Educator at a local health department, but during college I completed health communication courses that kick started my passion for public health. Later, interning at Joint Council for Economic Opportunity the passion grew while working on the Backpack Program, which provided children in need with healthy food on the weekend.  When an opportunity opened up to work with schools and townships to improve the health of the community I was excited to apply. Here I am almost three years later at the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) working to create a healthier community!

Since starting at CCHD I have worked in multiple grants funded by the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Health Foundation. Currently, I coordinate the Creating Healthy School and Communities (CHSC) grant. CHSC is a public health initiative to reduce major risk factors of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. I work with schools, communities, retailers, and worksites to increase opportunities for nutrition and physical activity. 

Archery program at Northern Adirondack Central School.

Schools

I meet with school wellness committees to discuss wellness goals and improvements to their school to create a healthier environment for students and staff. These committees are key to school wellness, focusing on physical activity and healthy eating throughout the school day. The committees have had many successes including:

• Reviewing, revising, and passing Board of Education approved wellness policies.
• Increasing physical activity opportunities in the classroom and adding new and exciting physical education curriculum components like mountain biking, archery, and rock climbing.
• Increasing healthier options with fundraising, vending machines and classroom celebrations. 

Communities

I work with town representatives to pass Complete Streets Resolutions, making the streets safer and convenient for all ages and abilities to walk, bike and roll. One example is the addition of a crosswalk with signage on a street in Altona, to enable residents to easily and safely walk to the town office, church hall, food pantry, and park. 

Better Choice Retailer shelf tag.

Retailers

Better Choice Retailer (BCR) Program works with local store owners to make it easier for customers to identify and choose healthier options within the store. We strive to make the healthy choice the easy choice.  If you walk into a local BCR you will find colorful shelf tags placed throughout the store identifying healthier options. We encourage store owners to carry fresh grab-n-go produce options and have produce displays. To find a BCR near you or for information on how your store can apply visit: clintonhealth.org/bc.

Worksites

I connect with area worksites to develop Healthy Food, Beverage, and Wellness Policies. These policies encourage employees to eat healthier, have healthy options available at meetings, and engage in physical activity during the workday.

I use my background every day providing clear, concise health messages to our partners.  Some of the best parts of my day are hearing the excitement from students and faculty of the changes in the school districts; having town supervisors express gratitude for the Complete Streets transformations; and working with a great team at CCHD that does meaningful work on a daily basis.  What I like most about my job is being part of something that can impact so many lives.  For more information about Creating Healthy Schools and Communities, visit clintonhealth.com/chsc.

Amanda Prenoveau

Public Health Educator

Health Planning and Promotion Division

How to Nourish Your Way to Victory!

Cooler weather, new school schedules, and back-to-school shopping. Aside from buying the coolest new clothes and shoes, have you thought about what you’ll buy to nourish your children’s bodies every day? Proper  nutrition is essential for all students, especially athletes. Pop quiz! What are the 5 food groups that everyone should include in their diets? If you answered protein, fruit, vegetable, dairy, and grains- you are right! Over the years I have learned how to change my diet so that I can perform at my absolute best in the gym. Here are a few tips on how you can help your kids do the same this year.

Breakfast:

They say it’s the “most important meal of the day.” As it turns out, there is some truth behind this old saying and here are a few reasons why.

·         After a full night of rest and no eating, it’s important to refuel your empty tank to kick-start your day.

·         The brain uses 20% of the body’s total energy (or glucose, if we are getting technical). Just like an empty stomach early in the morning, the brain needs to be fed and recharged in order to prepare for the day ahead. If I miss breakfast, I feel foggy and find it hard to concentrate.

·         Starting the day with all 5 food groups puts you one step closer to reaching your MyPlate Plan.

Snacks:

Pre-workout or pre-game snacks should focus mainly on carbohydrates. That’s because they can be easily turned into energy (glucose) during exercise. Adding in some protein is also a good idea. Some of my favorite snacks are:

   

•  Banana and a PB&J;
• Yogurt with granola;
• Apple with peanut (or any nut) butter.

Lunch and Dinner:

Lunch time is when energy (or, you guessed it, glucose) is put into storage to be used later. Dinner is the time to re-fuel after a hard practice or game. Eating right after exercising is the perfect way to help rebuild and recover muscles. For strong and lean muscles try these recipes:

•         Turkey pinwheels (on whole wheat wraps) for a great game-day lunch;
•      Tuna wraps to spice up your lunch and keep you full and focused;
•      Mediterranean Orzo for a quick and satisfying post-game dinner.

Don’t forget about hydration!

The human body’s thirst reflex is 2 cups behind. This means that when someone feels thirsty, they are already dehydrated. It is important to drink water all day long. Follow these hydration tips on the day of a big game or practice:

·         Drink at least 1-2 cups of water every hour, 2-3 hours leading up to an event;

·         Drink 1 of water cup 15 minutes before the start of the event;

·         Drink ½ cup of water every 15 minutes during the event.

 

TRUE OR FALSE: The number one reason athletes underperform is because they don’t drink

enough water….TRUE! Our bodies can’t absorb more than 4 cups of water per hour but during intense exercise we can sweat out 4 or more cups per hour! Have your kids stay ahead of the game by keeping them hydrated all day long.

What about sports drinks?

You know, those brightly colored drinks full of carbohydrates, protein, electrolytes, and sugar? They are all the rage recently. You can find them in school vending machines, in coolers at sporting events, and in our refrigerators at home. But are sports drinks really needed? Probably not, except when exercising hard for over an hour. If this is the case, choose a sports drink with no more than 80 calories, minimal added sugar, and drink it in combination with water.

                                                              

Most importantly:

Have fun! Staying involved in sports is a great way for kids to stay active and build valuable life skills like leadership, confidence, and teamwork. Staying properly nourished and hydrated will make getting through practices and games all the more

enjoyable.

Emily Hutchins

Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern

Division of Health Planning & Promotion

Goodbye WIC Checks, Hello 21st Century!

The new eWIC card.

Remember the days of WIC checks, long check out times, and limited selections? I definitely do!

If you don’t know much about WIC, you can learn more here. WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children and the program provides healthy foods, nutrition information, and breastfeeding support to qualifying families.

We used to print out paper checks for participants that would list several healthy food items to be purchased at WIC approved stores. Shopping with these WIC checks was….. not always easy, to say the least! That all changed this past September when the WIC program in New York got a huge upgrade.

• To start, no more paper checks! WIC foods are now loaded onto an EBT card called eWIC (a pretty card decorated with fruits and veggies). At the register, WIC foods are run through at the same time as other groceries. This makes it much faster and more private than the checks, which had to be processed as a separate transaction. With the checks, you had to purchase every item that was listed on the check at once, even if you didn’t need it all. The bottom line – eWIC allows you to purchase WIC foods with more flexibility and convenience, getting foods as you need them.
• New York State WIC also developed an app, WIC2GO, which you can download.  WIC2Go links to your eWIC card and tracks WIC purchases so that they can easily see what foods they have left to buy.  It also lets you see what foods are WIC approved. Not sure if something is WIC approved? No problem, simply scan the barcode before you even get to the register. 
• Some things will stay the same, however. Our Farmers Market Coupons will remain as paper checks. Each participant will continue to get $20 once a year to spend on locally grown produce from our wonderful food growers. Thanks to all the farmers and markets that signed up this year!

It’s been about 9 months since we switched to eWIC and the feedback has been great. Most of you are finding it much easier, faster, and more discreet than shopping with the paper checks. It’s almost hard to believe it was any other way now!

If it’s been a while since you’ve looked into WIC you may be surprised with all that’s changed. The food package has evolved over the years to include more choices , we have more breastfeeding support on staff, and the income guidelines have gone up. Having SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF is an automatic qualifier but you don’t need them to get WIC if you meet the income guidelines.  Our guidelines are at 185% the poverty level; so many working families may still be eligible. In fact, WIC serves 53% of the infants born the in the United States! If you are not sure if you qualify for WIC, just give us a call (518-565-4830) and we can chat with you.

Kara Lennon, IBCLC

Senior WIC Nutritionist

Health Care Services

Clinton County Health Department

Happenings at CCHD: Senior WIC Nutritionist

Happenings at CCHD: Senior WIC Nutritionist

 “The Clinton County WIC Program has been growing healthy families for decades” and I have been working here for a good percentage of those years!  WIC provides an amazing and forever changing environment to work in.  On a daily basis I get to meet and greet new families, including pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants and children up to the age of five.  One thing I love about my job is sharing those oh so precious milestones with our families. The little ones are always quick to offer a great story, laugh or smile to get me through the day. How lucky I am!

One Stop Shop

Who doesn’t like a one stop shop?  The WIC program provides a variety of nutritious foods like milk, cheese, eggs, fruits and vegetables and my co-workers and I provide nutrition education, breastfeeding support and many necessary referrals to other community resources and programs. You can find all of this in one convenient, accessible location – your local WIC clinic! Did you know that we also offer offsite clinics in case you can’t make it to us?

Always Learning

Although WIC stands for Women Infants and Children, some may say it stands for, Wait It will Change.  The WIC program is always growing and adapting, which means I am always learning. As WIC switches from paper checks to the new Electronic Benefit System (EBT)  this fall my co-workers and I will be learning the in’s and out’s. What does this mean for you? An easier and quicker checkout experience for everyone involved…from the WIC participant to the cashier as well as other shoppers in the checkout line.  

It has been a real pleasure for me to meet and serve the wonderful families of Clinton County over the past thirty plus years. Hopefully, I play a small but pivotal part in your lives, like you do in mine. It is truly a sharing relationship. 

For more information on WIC visit http://www.clintonhealth.org/wic.

Arletta Duprey, Senior WIC Nutritionist