The United States Breastfeeding Committee declared August as National Breastfeeding Month (NBM) to serve as an observance dedicated to improving the nation’s health by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding provides many health and emotional benefits to mother and baby, and the research supports that there is no better food than breast milk for a baby’s first year of life. This is why WIC has historically promoted breastfeeding to all pregnant women as the optimal infant feeding choice.

WIC promotes breastfeeding by:

• WIC staff receives special training in breastfeeding support, so they are able to answer questions a mother may have about breastfeeding and offer needed support.

• Fully breastfeeding mothers and infants receive the most WIC foods.

• WIC may be able to provide quality breast pumps to mothers who wish to provide expressed milk for their infant.

Have Questions about Breastfeeding or Breastfeeding Support? Click here.

Three Points Against Diabetes

The best offense against diabetes is a good defense.Without lifestyle changes, people with prediabetes are very likely to progress to type 2 diabetes.If you think you may be at risk for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, take these 3 steps: screen, test, and act today.

1. SCREEN:

   Take a quick quiz to see if you are at risk of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

2. TEST:

   Schedule an appointment with your doctor to have your blood tested for diabetes.

3. ACT TODAY:

   Eat more fruits and vegetables, less sugar and salt. Get active! Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day 5 days a week reduces your risk of developing diabetes by 50%.

Click here for more info.

You can now find fresh produce at JCDH locations! Get local produce, honey, homemade jam, relish, and so much more! Click here for the schedule.

At the Jefferson County Department of Health we are concerned about threats to the health of young people in our community. The decisions they make today can affect their health for a lifetime. Tobacco use continues to be a leading cause of preventable illness, disability and premature death. This includes regular cigarettes, but also other forms of tobacco, including vaping products or e-cigarettes that contain nicotine and other harmful ingredients.

Over the last several years we have seen a decrease in the number of teenagers who smoke regular cigarettes. Unfortunately, we have recently seen a dramatic increase in the number of teenagers who use e-cigarettes or vaping products. Many vaping liquids contain chemicals that can damage the lungs or cause cancer. Most contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Nicotine use before the age of 25 can damage parts of the brain linked to concentration, learning, and mood. Teens who use electronic cigarettes are four times more likely to smoke regular cigarettes. They may also be more likely to become addicted to cocaine and other harmful drugs. Watch Dr. Wilson's video on e-cigarettes and vaping here.