Jefferson County WIC

“Fruits & Veggies—More Matters is here to help you focus your attention on eating MORE fruits and vegetables! Add one more. Try something new. Educate yourself. Teach the kids. Try a new recipe.”

“More than 90 percent of both adults and children do not eat the amount of fruits and vegetables recommended by the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPlate nutrition guide. But just remember two (2) things… fill half your plate with fruits & veggies at every eating occasion (including snacks) AND all forms … fresh, frozen, canned, dried  and 100% juice … count toward your daily intake!”

 (Produce for Better Health Foundation, 2015)

Agencies

The Jefferson County WIC Program is part of the North Country Family Health Center.
NCFHC is a Federally Qualified Health Center with offices in Lowville and Watertown.

 The North Country Family Health Center;

  • Offers high quality, patient-centered healthcare to anyone who needs it —                   regardless of their insurance coverage or income;
  • Sees any patient, of any age who needs care; sees patients with insurance and those without;
  • Offers an income-based, reduced fee to patients who are NOT covered by insurance. This reduced fee can also be applied to charges for underinsured patients – those with high deductibles and co-pays;
  • Will not turn a patient away because of inability to pay;
  • Provides services that are coordinated, compassionate comprehensive and collaborative.  NCFHC’s Family Health and School-based Health programs include medical, mental health, and dental care as well as other services necessary to meet patient needs;
  • Provides care that is culturally sensitive and non discriminatory; is accessible to patients, providing appointments when they need them, providing after-hours care and showing a commitment to removing barriers to care for all patients.

Nutrition

Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays many essential roles in the human body. Incorporating Vitamin C enriched foods such as citrus fruits and dark leafy greens to your daily diet will help keep your family healthy! Vitamin C improves the collagen in your body. Collagen is the structural protein in connective tissues that is most commonly found in our bones, teeth, and scars. Vitamin C also plays a significant role in our bodies disease prevention and immune function. Simply eating fresh fruits and veggies including kale, bell peppers, broccoli, citrus fruits and berries help your body eliminate free radicals, a substance that may be considered cancer causing. So stock up on bright colored fruits and veggies while the seasons are changing this year!

Fitness

Why Exercise?

Staying fit and active provides your body with the physical and mental benefits that your family needs to stay healthy! Did you know, “children and adolescents should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity each day” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). Adults require approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of exercise each week. It is important to engage in a different variety of exercise including aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. “Aerobic activity or “cardio” gets you breathing harder and your heart beating faster. From pushing a lawn mower, to taking a dance class, to biking to the store – all types of activities count. As long as you’re doing them at a moderate or vigorous intensity for at least 10 minutes at a time” (CDC, 2015). Exercise is key when it comes to lowering your risk of developing hypertension and type II diabetes. Also staying active, improves mental health, encourages weight loss, acts as a natural stress reliever all while helping your body sleep better at night! Live well, stay active!


Nutrition & Fitness Group

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the healthiest start you can give your baby. The Jefferson County WIC Program is here to support you and your breastfeeding goals with knowledgeable  staff that are Certified Lactation Counselors and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors. The breastfeeding peer counselors are moms just like you that have had their own personal breastfeeding experiences and are here to help you with yours! Our peer counselors work in clinic, at temporary sites, and from their own home. They have 24 hour cell phone numbers you call or text anytime for breastfeeding support when the office is not open.  The peer counselors also facilitate monthly breastfeeding groups on Fort Drum and in Watertown. For more information on the Breastfeeding Program at the Jefferson County WIC Program, check out our Facebook page!