Have you heard of chikungunya? If you are planning a trip to Suriname, Bolivia or Seychelles, it would be a good idea to learn about this mosquito-borne illness.
Those who plan to travel overseas can contact Monongalia County Health Department to make an appointment with our 

.
While we don’t regularly stock the chikungunya vaccine, we can get it in pretty quickly, said Dr. Brian Huggins, Monongalia County Health Department’s health officer who is also certified through the International Society of Travel Medicine, a designation that has enhanced his knowledge of the topic and ensures that he is using standardized and proven metrics when he conducts exams.
In addition to providing vaccines that individuals might need as they venture out into the world, Dr. Huggins also offers helpful advice, like how to avoid traveler’s diarrhea.
“There are lots of places where you need bottled water,” Dr. Huggins said. “And a lot of people forget about brushing their teeth. People will drink bottled water whenever they need to drink water and then they go to brush their teeth and they rinse their toothbrush straight in the sink, and boom.”
Different nations require different vaccines, either as a routine matter or because of an outbreak or a rise in active cases, like chikungunya listed above. Sometimes, certain vaccines might not be required, but are a good idea. Rabies, for instance, is much more common in some foreign locations compared to the United States.


Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 (cdc.gov) is warning of polio in several countries, diphtheria in Guinea and yellow fever in Colombia.
If you are going to a place where yellow fever is a concern, it’s just a one-dose vaccine. But preventing Japanese encephalitis, another mosquito-borne illness more common in parts of Asia and the western Pacific, requires two doses 28 days apart, and a 12-month booster if you remain in the area.
That’s why anyone with international travel on their mind should call 304-598-5119 to make an appointment in time to get any vaccines and follow-ups necessary, and in the optimal frame for the inoculations to become fully effective.
It’s also good to make sure you are up-to-date on less exotic vaccines as well, including measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
Of course, vaccines aren’t the only items on your international travel checklist. There are definitely other considerations you want to address before leaving.
Such as: Are you planning ahead so you will have plenty of your prescribed medications with you, as well as proper documentation to get them through customs? Did you know that counterfeit meds are ubiquitous in some countries, so taking them with you from home is your best bet?
This is a good time to mention that Dr. Huggins can prescribe anti-malarials as well as medications to treat travelers diarrhea, altitude sickness, sea sickness, oral typhoid and oral cholera. These are available with an exam.
Also, do you know handy tips for surviving long plane rides comfortably? Hint: Compression stockings and hydrating are your best friends; contact lenses are not.
And do you know which to apply first, sunscreen or mosquito repellent — the latter of which you really want to slather on in areas with mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, Dengue, West Nile viruses or malaria? (Hint: sunscreen first, then mosquito repellent).
MCHD also offers student and family discounts. Find out more on our website at www.monchd.org/services/international-travel-clinic or by calling 304-598-5119.

Mary Wade Burnside is the public information officer at Monongalia County Health Department. 

Put the “bon” in Bon Voyage with MCHD travel clinic

 Week falls during mid-February. Created to take place around Valentine’s Day, it begins on Feb. 14 as people celebrate love and romance.
So it’s a great time to point out that condoms are free at Monongalia County Health Department. An appointment can be made for low-cost birth control or STI testing or treatment. Or an individual can just come by to our Clinical Service desk at MCHD, located at 453 Van Voorhis Road, Morgantown, and pick them up.
Also, MCHD Clinical Services staffers will be handing out condoms at the Safer Sex Fair, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Vandalia Lounge at the WVU Mountainlair.
In addition to condom and free rapid HIV testing, other items will be available, including at-home HIV test kits, fentanyl test strips, safer sex supplies and PrEP education and referrals.
The event is sponsored by the WVU LGBTQ-Center, WellWVU and the WVU Center for Black Culture, as well as Monongalia County Health Department.
When it comes to condoms, there are three major takeaways, according to information on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (cdc.gov) website.
They can prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
Condoms and dental dams offer protection during sex.
Correct use of condoms reduces the risk of disease but does not eliminate it.
Condoms can also protect against other diseases transmitted through sex, including Zika and Ebola viruses, the CDC notes.
When it comes to STIs, the good news is that rates for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have fallen in the past few years.
The bad news is that the numbers are still concerning. STI rates had been skyrocketing in recent years, and syphilis has really experienced a resurgence in the 21st century. There is still work to be done in order for these numbers to get even lower.
Also, congenital syphilis — the passage of syphilis from a mother to baby through pregnancy or childbirth — is still on the rise. Pregnant women are urged to get tested for syphilis to help ensure that the infection is not passed on to the infant..
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are highly avoidable — through correct, consistent condom use and by not engaging in high risk behaviors. Syphilis, however, can be spread even with condom use.
Caught early, all three of these STIs can be easily treated with antibiotics. If not, they can lead to a variety of health issues down the road. Even syphilis, in the primary stage, can be cured. But once it progresses to the tertiary stage, it can cause internal organ damage and even death.
In women, both untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can be painful and can cause ectopic pregnancies and infertility.
Go to this CDC 

 to learn more about prevention, symptoms and treatment of these and other STIs. Call 304-598-5119 to make an appointment, and keep in mind that our providers are friendly and non-judgmental and that your visits are confidential. The free testing and treatment also means insurance will not be billed.
We at Monongalia County Health Department have additional useful advice for safely navigating Valentine’s Day.
Planning on a dinner out? Our sanitarians inspect restaurants and you can see the reports by going to this 

. 
This guide will also provide information on other establishments that might be relevant to this holiday. Do you want to show your love with a heart and arrow tattoo? We inspect tattoo studios too! Staying at a hotel and maybe taking a dip in the pool? Those undergo inspection too, and our sanitarians check chlorine and pH levels at pools periodically. They respond to complaints as well and can be reached at 304-598-5131.

Mary Wade Burnside is the public information office at Monongalia County Health Department.

MCHD has got you covered on Valentine’s Day

If you want to make a delicious meal that also brightens up these cold days, perk up your regular hummus by adding in a colorful vegetable!
You can use your imagination but we made three different varieties — carrot, beet and avocado/spinach.
We paired this trio with a Bean Edamame Quinoa Salad that’s easy to make and that offers tasty, Middle Eastern tones in the flavor.
These dishes are great to make ahead for snacks or lunch on-the-go. You could also serve soup to heat things up at dinnertime.
Together, both the salad, featuring white beans, and the hummus, with a main ingredient of chickpeas, provide a heaping helping of fiber and protein.
The beans also are high in magnesium, folate and vitamin B6.
Chickpeas can help control blood sugar, as they have a low glycemic index. They also have a type of fiber called amylose that is slow to digest. This also helps with blood sugar regulation.
The salad also features artichokes, which are full of nutrients. They are rich in vitamins A, B, C. B6, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc (whew!).
Artichokes can strengthen the immune system, detoxify the liver and aid in the prevention of cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
The beets, an ingredient for one of the hummus flavors, are high in nitrates, which can aid in brain health and also keep blood pressure in check. They are also high in antioxidants, specifically betalains. This gives beets that deep red color and it also helps decrease inflammation in the body.
The salad and hummus pair well with each other flavor-wise and will provide a tasty, much-needed February pick-me-up!




2 15-oz. cans white beans, drained and rinsed*
2 cups shelled edamame, cooked and cooled*
2 cups quinoa (1 cup uncooked)
1 cup marinated artichokes, finely chopped*
1 cup celery, finely diced*
3 tbsp. capers (optional)
½ cup toasted pine nuts
¾ cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded or cubed*
¼ cup scallions, finely chopped*
¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
2 tbsp. fresh dill, finely chopped




3 oz. (a little over ⅓ cup) olive oil
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice*
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 large clove garlic, grated (or 1 tsp. garlic powder)*
1-½ tsp. kosher salt
½ tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. dried oregano




Cook quinoa and edamame according to package directions and let cool.
Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients.
Add everything to a large bowl and toss until well coated.
Enjoy right away or refrigerate for up to five days.




1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed*
2 tbsp. tahini
2 tbsp. lemon juice*
1 clove garlic*
2-3 tbsp. olive oil
2-3 tbsp. water (adjust for texture)
Salt to taste
Ice cubes




Blend all ingredients with ice cubes until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt, lemon or water to your liking.




Add ½ cup of any vegetable you would like to the blender to change the type of hummus. We added in two-three medium carrots for the carrot hummus, canned beets and the liquid for color for the beet hummus and one medium avocado and a ½ cup of frozen spinach the avocado and spinach hummus. Thaw and squeeze frozen spinach to remove as much liquid as possible.


*Ingredients with an asterisk next to them are available through Monongalia County Health Department WIC. Call us at 304-598-5181 for more information.

Brighten up your hummus — and your day — by adding colorful veggies

Do you live in a radon zone?
In Monongalia County, there is a 1 in 5 chance that homes have high levels of radon, compared to 1 in 15, the average in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
High levels of radon, an odorless and invisible gas that seeps into homes from the rocky formations of earth underneath, is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. Monongalia County Health Department conducts 

, and winter is the best time of year to do it.
That’s because the cold weather means it’s more likely that homes are closed up. That lack of ventilation provides a realistic gauge for radon levels, which shouldn’t reach 4 picocuries per liter or higher to be considered safe.
Because it’s such an ideal window for radon testing, MCHD will be offering a radon blitz for the month of February, and customers can go ahead and sign up now. Tests will cost $100, which is $25 off the usual price of $125. As long as the radon test is scheduled and paid for no later than the end of February, customers will get the deal, said Jennifer Costolo-Michael, program manager of MCHD Environmental Health.
There is an additional fee for out-of-county tests. The usual cost is $150 but it’s $125 as part of the February deal. Sanitarians can test within a 50-mile radius of Morgantown.
Sanitarian Evan Thomas has been conducting tests for about a year now.
“We come to your home or office and set up the equipment, and then leave it for 72 hours,” Thomas said.
He utilizes MCHD’s sophisticated continuous radon monitoring equipment, which yields more precise measurements than the charcoal canister test-at–home kits.
The ideal location to place the equipment is the lowest living area of a home, he added.
After the three-day time period, Thomas will return to collect the equipment and a report will be generated that provides the readings.
If the number is 4 picocuries per liter or higher, then the homeowner can perform mitigation techniques that will lower the radon levels in their home.
This might sound overwhelming, but a certified radon contractor can do the job by creating more ventilation and/or using a method that helps keep radon from entering a home. The average cost to have this done by a certified contractor is around $1,500, and generally can range between $1,000 and $2,500. New builds should automatically be better ventilated and more radon resistant, although a radon test should be conducted after any major renovations.
An MCHD sanitarian can provide a list of mitigation specialists.
Keep in mind that just because your neighbor has high levels of radon doesn’t mean you will too, and vice versa. Also, testing should be repeated every two years. The levels of radon can fluctuate in a neighborhood and over time. Another time to have a test done would be if residents start spending more time in a lower level of a home. A new home buyer might want to consider retesting if it’s been more than two years since the previous radon measurements were taken.
As noted, radon moves up through bedrock underneath the ground. Then it gets into the soil, and then up from the soil into the atmosphere. When radon comes up into the air outside, it’s harmless. When it comes up into your basement and into your house, it can become a problem.
This year, for the first time, individuals who want to schedule a radon test can use our online form by going to this 

The customer will then receive a phone call to schedule the test and pay over the phone, or the individual could come to the MCHD offices at 453 Van Voorhis Road to pay in person.
While smoking remains the No. 1 cause of lung cancer, remember that being a smoker plus being exposed to radon will increase the risk even more. If you want to quit smoking, the state of West Virginia can help with that, providing free counseling calls and tobacco cessation equipment. For more information, go to this 

Mary Wade Burnside is the public information officer at Monongalia County Health Department.

Do you know where radon comes from?

The regular, bi-monthly meeting of the Monongalia County Board of Health will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, in the Monongalia County Health Department's conference room.

Anyone who wants to attend the board of health meeting in person should enter through the front door at the upper level and walk through the temperature scanner before entering. To attend via Zoom, email Kelly Grow at Kelly.A.Grow@wv.gov or call 304-598-5147 to get a Zoom invite before 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28

More information and the agenda can be found 

Regular MCHD Board of Health meeting to be held Thursday, Jan. 29

The arrival of January heralds a great time to make the perfect winter food: chili.
There is no cozier meal than one that has simmered over a stove, warming the kitchen and filling your home with the scent of vegetables, spices and all the other hearty ingredients.
WIC Kitchen’s Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili provides a hot and satisfying meal while using ingredients of the season.
This chili is a great way to use leftover turkey from the holidays. Instead of including ground turkey, you can substitute diced leftover turkey that had been frozen from the holiday season.
Butternut squash is a winter vegetable that helps us during these cold months, as it is chock-full of beta carotene, potassium and antioxidants. It helps support immune function and gut health.
This chili pairs well with a salad made from another winter vegetable, beets. The roasted beet salad also includes walnuts and goat cheese.
Beets are an incredible source of manganese, potassium and vitamin C. They also help regulate blood pressure.
A quick tip for peeling beets is that once they are roasted, use paper towels to peel them to keep your hands from being stained. While they are still warm, use a few paper towels layered together and apply enough pressure to the skin of the beet to push it off and gather it into the paper towels.
“It is amazing how the vegetables that we eat seasonally are designed with our nutrition in mind,” said Anna Ash, a WIC breastfeeding counselor with a culinary background. “Beets have an incredible source of manganese, potassium and vitamin C.”
A single cup of raw beets has about 4 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein, and additionally, this vegetable helps regulate blood pressure.
Whether you are creating a family meal or having friends over to watch football or for game night, these recipes are healthy, warm and they hit the spot.



Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili
Ingredients


1 tablespoon olive oil
*1 large carrot diced
*1 stalk celery diced
*1 small onion diced
*Two cloves garlic minced
*1 teaspoon thyme minced
*2 cups butternut squash diced
*14 oz. Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
10 oz. ground turkey browned and crumbled
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
*2 cups fresh kale chopped and massaged



Add turkey meat to a sauté pan and cook over medium high heat until cooked completely and browned.
Drain excess oil in a colander and set aside. In a Dutch oven or stock pot, add olive oil, carrot, onion and celery.
Add turkey meat to a sauté pan and cook over medium-high heat until cooked completely and browned.
Sauté over medium heat for approximately three-four minutes or until the vegetables soften.
Add garlic and thyme and sauté for another minute.
Add butternut squash, beans, turkey meat and chicken broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the cream and chopped kale and stir to combine well.
Simmer for an additional four-five minutes until kale is wilted.
Serve topped with your favorite garnishes like avocado, cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, etc.



Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
Ingredients for salad


*Four medium beets, tops and roots trimmed
6 oz. goat cheese crumbled. Soft, fresh goat cheese works best.
3/4 cup walnuts roughly chopped
*5 oz mixed greens arugula, baby spinach, or a spring mix
*1 small red onion very thinly sliced
*1/2 cup pomegranate seeds optional, but recommended for a festive pop



3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste



Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash beets thoroughly and wrap each one in aluminum foil. Place on a baking sheet and roast for about 50 minutes or until a knife slips easily into the center. Once roasted, let them cool just enough to handle, then rub off the skins (gloves come in handy). Slice into wedges or rounds.
While beets are roasting, place the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for about five-seven minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
For the dressing, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt and pepper. Whisk until emulsified, or shake well if using a jar.
In a large salad bowl, add your mixed greens and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with a bit of the dressing and toss lightly. Arrange roasted beet slices over the greens. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts and pomegranate seeds on top.
Right before serving, give the salad a final drizzle of the remaining dressing.


*Ingredients with an asterisk next to them are available through Monongalia County Health Department WIC. Call us at 304-598-5181 for more information.


WIC Kitchen: Stay warm and cozy with chili and roasted beet salad

Whoever said, “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” didn’t have a long way to drive to reach their destination.
Now that winter is upon us, it makes a lot of sense to be prepared for the cold and snow that we've already been experiencing. It can help reduce bills and anxiety, and if an emergency situation occurs, you’ll be thanking yourself for that extra preparation.
Monongalia County Health Department’s Environmental Health and Threat Preparedness programs work to educate area residents on ways to get ready for the next few months with advice for everything from snow shoveling to making an emergency kit.
Here are some tips to help make your winter cozier and more safe.


 Do not shovel after eating or while smoking. Take it slow and stretch out first. Push the snow rather than lift it. If you do lift snow, only partially fill the shovel. Lift with your legs, not your back. Take breaks and don’t work until the point of exhaustion. And know the signs of a heart attack. If you experience any of them, stop immediately and call 911.


 Service the radiator and maintain the antifreeze level. Check the tires and if necessary, replace them with all-weather or snow tires. Keep the gas tank on the fuller side to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. You also will appreciate it if you get caught in traffic. Replace windshield wipers if needed and use a wintertime formula in the washer fluid.


 Prepare a winter emergency kit for your car. Include a cell phone, portable charger and extra batteries; blankets; snacks; booster cables; flares; tire pump; a bag of sand or cat litter for traction; compass and maps; flashlight and flares; and a first aid kit.


 Avoid driving in storms and on ice. Refer to WV 511, which features highway cameras for a real-time check of the roads, weather apps and other websites to get updates on conditions. Avoid long exposure outside during cold weather. Dress in layers and wear gloves and a hat in addition to a coat. Do not leave pets outside in the cold.


 Include supplies for each family member and pet for at least three days. Supplies should include a gallon of water a day for each person in the household as well as nonperishable food; manual can opener; battery-powered radio; flashlights; dust mask; wipes and other sanitary products; cell phone and charger.


 Put weather stripping around your windows and doors. Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Leave at least three feet of space around fireplaces and space heaters. Do not plug space heaters into power strips, keep them away from fabric and do not use them unattended. Never run a generator inside. If you are running a portable generator, you need to have a working carbon monoxide detector.


 If sick, stay home from work or school. Flu shots help keep you and others safe and also can save you from having to take time off work for you or your children.


 is a handy website that will provide additional information. Winter can be a cozy and fun time, especially with some preparation.

Winterizing goes a long way toward staying safe

Dry January begins on the first day of the new year as an opportunity to forego alcohol for a month and reexamine relationships with drinking.
But as the New Year’s holiday approaches, it’s a good time to discuss how to deal with alcohol a few days before we usher in 2026.
After all, a champagne toast is a common way to celebrate when the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1. And some revelers have been known to have some drinks before and/or after that glass of bubbly.
That doesn’t mean

 is off the table if someone has a drink after it’s already officially Jan. 1.
But it’s also important to address drinking and driving, and, if you plan to observe Dry January, some strategies for approaching it.
New Year’s Eve is a holiday, like Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day, when alcohol consumption rises.
In West Virginia, a blood alcohol concentration of .08%-0.149% can result in a basic DUI (driving under the influence) charge, according to information on the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles site. For any individuals under 21, there is zero tolerance for a blood alcohol concentration.
According to Alcohol.org, at 0.8%, “You will lose more coordination, so your balance, speech, reaction times, and even hearing will get worse.”
Anyone planning on drinking and attending an event should reconsider drinking plans, find a designated driver, take a taxi or Uber or celebrate at a hotel where they can stay in order to keep themselves and the community safe.
Those are good short-term goals as well as advice for those who don’t have a drinking problem but want to occasionally indulge.
Dry January can be practiced by anyone who drinks, whether it be occasionally, socially or chronically. Even those who don’t think they have a problem might want to see how they feel after not partaking for a while, and they might be surprised to find they feel better, less anxious and more rested.
Drinking is a public health issue that can affect just about every organ in your body, including your heart, liver and kidneys, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/index.html). It also negatively impacts sleep. People often drink to relax, but ultimately, drinking causes more stress, as well as, potentially, memory issues.
First of all, waking up on Jan. 1 with a hangover might encourage some to avoid alcohol, but it actually might be better to taper off. Tapering is definitely a strategy that people with alcohol addiction should follow, preferably while consulting with a health care professional.
But even if this does not describe you, it still might be a good idea not to look at New Year’s Eve as the last blast before experiencing a sober January, in spite of the temptations.
This not only allows you to start in a potentially better frame of mind, but you can also find strategies that will help set you up for success.
For instance, let friends and family know your plans and ask them to be supportive. Have other beverage options available and, if necessary, come up with activities that provide distractions or friends who can provide companionship away from an alcohol-infused setting.
As the month goes by, check in with yourself. Are you getting more restful sleep? Feeling better? It’s a great time to examine your relationship with alcohol and see if you want to make changes, or quit for good.
Remember, there is help if you need it. You can search the internet to find not only local 

 meetings, but also online, in just about any time zone, that might be more tailored to your preferences. Other online groups, some that charge a fee, might be more helpful for those who want to avoid “Five O’Clock Wine Time” feelings but otherwise might not consider themselves ready for AA.
Checking with your doctor never hurts, and there is also medication available that can help some folks.
Happy New Year, and, for those who participate, Delightful Dry January!


Dry January, and have a safe New Year’s!

The winter solstice is a few days away. The day officially ushers in winter, although we’ve already gotten a taste of it in Monongalia County. And while the days will technically start getting longer, it will still be pretty dark in the mornings and evenings.
The shorter days and wintry weather make for additional challenges when it comes to driving.
And depending on how merry and bright someone plans to be, transportation arrangements might need to be made for those who plan to add alcohol or other substances to their holiday celebration menu when they leave their home.
December is 

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

, and there are several reasons to highlight the dangers motorists face not only year-round, but especially in the dark, snowy days when people are gathering for parties and get-togethers.
According to the 

 website, two of the deadliest days of the year for car accident victims are Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, with alcohol sometimes being a factor. The NSC also estimates that about 131 people might die in car wrecks during the holiday Nationwide, in 2022, alcohol-impaired fatalities, in which a driver’s blood-alcohol level was 0.08 g/dL or higher represented 32% of the total traffic fatalities, the NSC information continued.
During the 2021 Christmas Day holiday period, 38% of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
Members of the 

Monongalia County Quick Response Team (QRT)

, which was organized using grants obtained by Monongalia County Health Department, work to reduce opioid use in the area among area residents, and they also help out individuals fighting different kinds of substance use disorders.
Of course, not all impaired drivers have long-term dependency issues. But, if help is needed, peer recovery support specialists from West Virginia Sober Living, a primary partner in the Monongalia County QRT, can help connect individuals with services and counseling. Call 304-602-3305 to reach the WV PEERS.
Most adults know that if they might be consuming alcohol at a party or an event, they should either designate a driver in the group, take a taxi or an Uber or plan to stay overnight. Hosts should offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks, and also remain sober enough to ensure that everyone has a safe plan to get home.
It’s also incumbent on parents with teen or young adults kids to impress upon them the importance of doing the same.
SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services) has a website devoted to how to talk to your kids about this issue in the 

 underage drinking campaign.
Here are five primary tips:
Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse.
More than 80 percent of young people ages 10–18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.
Show you care about your child’s health, wellness and success.
Young people are more likely to listen when they know you’re on their side. Reinforce why you don’t want your child to drink or use other drugs. Be open and show your concern.
Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs.
You don’t want your child to learn about alcohol and other drugs from unreliable sources.
Show you’re paying attention to help discourage risky behaviors.
Young people are more likely to drink or use other drugs if they think no one will notice.
Even if you don’t think your child wants to drink or try other drugs, peer pressure is powerful. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they’ll say “no thanks.”
Taking the time to educate your kids — and yourselves — about staying safe will help the entire community have holly, jolly holidays.

Drinking during the holidays? Don't drive!

By Mary Wade Burnside, Sarah Moore and Anna Ash

The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafts through the air. Fruit simmers in a pan and a crust awaits nearby.
It’s… Almost Apple Pie, and that fruit is zucchini, not apples. And it tastes authentic.
As usual, WIC Kitchen staffers want readers to enjoy their holiday meals while offering healthier options.
Sure, the pie still features sugar and butter, but zucchini is lower in calories than apples and high in nutrients like vitamins A, C and potassium.
Then there is the Healthy Chocolate Cake, sweetened with more zucchini plus bananas, dark chocolate and cocoa powder. Yes, that’s right, zucchini is actually a fruit, and it also helps support heart health and regulate blood sugar levels.
Biting into a piece is reminiscent of a brownie, with no vegetable taste to be detected.
Both confections look and taste as advertised and they will brighten up a holiday table. You don’t have to tell the guests that the recipes are healthy, unless that would be a bonus for them.
Of course, don’t tell the kids that the chocolatey and apple-tasting cinnamony goodness they are enjoying are good for them, as WIC Kitchen continues to highlight recipes that sneak fruits and veggies into recipes that the littles will eat.
Happy holidays!




¼ cup dark chocolate, chopped
two zucchinis, grated *
½ banana *
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp honey
½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
¼ cup soy milk *
2 eggs*
1 ½ cup almond flour
⅓ cup cocoa powder
1tsp baking powder
½ cup flour
½ whole wheat flour




Preheat oven to 365°F degrees and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients together and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, mash banana and add in wet ingredients. Mix well.
Incorporate the dry ingredients and stir until smooth. Add in chocolate.
Transfer to a baking dish. Cook for 40 minutes. Let it cool before slicing. Serve and enjoy!





Pie filling:
9-inch unbaked pie shell
5-5½ cups sliced zucchini*
1½ teaspoons cream of tartar
1 pinch salt
2 Tbsp all purpose flour
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 dash nutmeg
1 cup, 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Crumb topping:
½ cup butter softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
⅛ tsp cinnamon




Use medium zucchini. Peel them, then slice in half lengthwise, remove seeds and thinly slice. The slices should resemble apple slices.
Cook zucchini along with a small amount of water in a skillet over medium heat for 10 minutes. Begin timing when the water begins to bubble. Drain all of the liquid and allow it to cool.
To assemble
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Prepare pastry and place in a deep dish 9-inch pie plate.
Mix cream of tartar, salt, flour, lemon juice, sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon with cooked and drained zucchini slices. The zucchini will release more liquid and the filling will look wet. Pour into the pie shell.
Make crumb topping by mixing all ingredients until crumbly. You can use a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture.
Sprinkle crumb mixture over the pie pie.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the crumb is golden brown.
Cool before serving and enjoy!


*Ingredients with an asterisk next to them are available through Monongalia County Health Department WIC. Call us at 304-598-5181 for more information.




WIC Kitchen: Healthier holiday options

What do you want this holiday season? Peace and goodwill? Time with family and friends? To give and receive gifts? Good health?
The last one can be a bit unpredictable, with cold and damp weather, the start of flu season and the stress of trying to achieve the perfect holiday.
But there are steps you can take to ward off illness and to feel your best.
In early December, it’s time to observe both 

.
The messages are pretty simple: Your best bet to avoid 

 is to get vaccinated. Good handwashing with warm water and soap, and other tips such as avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, are also key. If you still haven’t gotten a flu vaccination, you can make an appointment at Monongalia County Health Department by calling 304-598-5119.
At MCHD, we like to encourage individuals to get inoculated at least two weeks prior to gathering with friends and family for the holidays. Even if you missed that deadline for Thanksgiving, we also like to say that it’s never too late to get a flu shot. Flu can remain in West Virginia into the spring and the inoculation is considered most effective for about six months.
It’s also true that currently, a flu strain called subclade K is not covered in the current flu vaccine. But this year’s shot is still effective against other strains and can help keep symptoms low if you do contract the virus.
Of course, there are other ways to keep yourself in check so you can avoid getting sick. These tips are good year-round, and we especially want to make sure to observe them now.
First up is get enough sleep. Of course, this isn’t always easy for everyone. To help get enough z’s, be consistent with your bedtime, including on weekends. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing and at a comfortable temperature. Also, avoid watching TV or reading on your tablet, laptop or smartphone in bed. And don’t consume large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night. This should be a goal year-round, but it also helps when dealing with darker winter days and the extra food we tend to eat during the holiday season.
Speaking of food… of course, holidays are a time that many of us indulge. Try not to overdo. Attending a holiday party? Don’t arrive starving. Have a healthy snack before heading out. Do you work in an office where cookies and other treats pop up, especially this time of year? Don’t feel the need to sample each kind. It tastes good but you might not feel so great later.
New Year’s is right around the corner and maybe you are thinking of resolving to lose weight then, but you can still try to avoid packing on pounds in the weeks leading up to 2026.
Alcohol is another area where it’s good to exercise moderation. It adds unnecessary calories to your diet. And if you are attending a holiday party or event, don’t drink and drive. If you do plan to have a cocktail or two, make sure you have a designated driver. Or call a taxi or Uber to get home safely.
Taking care of mental health is also important, whether it’s stress from running around trying to get everything done or loneliness from feeling left out of festivities or missing loved ones who are no longer with us.
Avoid setting unrealistic expectations. Overspending increases anxiety. Planning is also useful: Consider setting aside funds each month to buy presents.
And if you are lonely or struggling, seek help. Sometimes social activity might be the answer. Other problems might require counseling. If things get really bad, the National Suicide Hotline is only three digits away: 988.
Of course, holidays are a time to think about friends and family. But taking care of yourself first is another way to help ensure that it’s a wonderful time of the year.


Taking care of yourself is key to feeling jolly

As Thanksgiving approaches, many home cooks are planning menus as they prepare to gather with friends and family for a big feast.
In addition to anticipating a big day of dining (and giving thanks), it’s a good idea to also consider an approach that allows you to splurge on a once-a-year meal while avoiding the icky bloated and too-full feeling that comes from overeating.
Monongalia County Health Department offers 

, and MCHD Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) program manager Cami Haught, a registered dietitian, weighed in with helpful tips.
First of all, keep in mind that you don’t have to eat all of the foods all at once, and that smaller portions are better for you. You can always eat leftovers later. “You can enjoy a wonderful meal with friends and family. You don’t have to stuff yourself,” Haught said. “Take a plate home for later.” That goes for a restaurant too. Feel free to ask for a to-go box when you get your meal, especially if the portions are large.
November is 

 (gastroesophageal reflux disease) Awareness Week begins on Saturday. Both of these conditions present additional challenges during the holiday season.
It’s no coincidence that GERD Awareness Week is celebrated in the week of Thanksgiving.
Avoiding certain foods, including spicy dishes, as well as eating smaller portions, can relieve GERD symptoms.
Eating slowly, avoiding smoking and alcohol and targeting foods you like also help. If you know you’re going to have mashed potatoes and stuffing, maybe don’t put any dinner rolls on your plate, let alone three.
Even if you don’t have GERD, these are good tips to navigating Thanksgiving dinner without feeling gross.
As a nutritional counselor, Haught realizes that habits can be difficult to change, so she advises to start small.
“It’s important to pick one goal and work on achieving it,” she said. “If you pick a lot of goals to achieve at once, we might not be able to accomplish them and we kind of give up. Picking one thing you can work on will keep you motivated in continuing to change your lifestyle.”
Haught, who has counseled patients with diabetes and GERD throughout her career, also addressed how people with diabetes (or prediabetes) can make better choices in general.
“Basically, individuals with diabetes should be focusing on whole grains in their diet, trying to avoid processed carbohydrates, like cakes, cookies and soda,” Haught said. “They are also going to want to choose low-fat dairy items and leaner or more vegetarian proteins, such as beans, nuts and seeds.”
Diabetes is a condition that causes blood glucose — or sugar — levels to rise higher than normal, according to the American Diabetes Association’s website. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 226,300 adults in West Virginia, or 15.9% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes. Every year, an estimated 8,400 adults in West Virginia are diagnosed with diabetes.
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, GERD is a digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid, or food and fluids, back up from the stomach into the esophagus. About 20% of Americans have been diagnosed with this condition.
“When you overeat to the point of discomfort, you are going to be more likely to reflux,” Haught said. “It changes the pressure in your stomach and allows the contents to come back up through the esophagus. You can’t continuously overeat to the point of discomfort and expect to be OK.”
After all, the only stuffing you want is the kind that’s in the turkey. In small portions, of course.
For more information on diabetes, check out this link: diabetes.org/about-diabetes. For more information on GERD, check out this link: www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults. And to make an appointment for nutritional counseling at Monongalia County Health Department, call 304-598-5181.

Navigating diabetes, GERD and overeating at Thanksgiving

It’s time to vote for MCHD Dentistry as Best Dental Office so we can go for the three-peat in Morgantown Magazine's Best of Morgantown contest! Our friendly staff provides all general dentistry services, including cleanings, checkups, custom mouthguards, digital X-rays, dentures, partials, implants and tobacco cessation counseling in a pleasant, modern setting featuring two TVs in every operatory. Other services include Smile Express, Botox (therapeutic and cosmetic), fillers and same-day crowns done in-house that only require digital images instead of a messy, uncomfortable impression. You can vote every day through Tuesday, Nov. 25. Scan the QR code, or go to this 

, which will take you right to our entry. After you put in your information the first time, you can just click the button and vote!

Vote for MCHD Dentistry for Best of Morgantown!

Green beans and mashed potatoes are popular fare for many families’ Thanksgiving feasts.
But there are so many options when it comes to side dishes. The same can be said for desserts. Apple or pumpkin pie always hit the spot, but for those who want to try something new, or maybe create a dessert bar, WIC Kitchen has a couple of ideas with healthy alternative recipes.
This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is yummy while also keeping with the season’s theme by featuring cranberries, in addition to grated pecorino cheese, chives, pine nuts and more.
And nothing says Thanksgiving dessert like cranberry and cinnamon, which are featured in the Cranberry Crumble Bars.
In addition to being tasty, Brussels sprouts are high in vitamins A, C, E and K. Fiber and other nutrients help support cardiovascular health and manage cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins that can prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder, which helps lower the risk of urinary tract infections.
Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in cranberries can help reduce the risk of heart disease, and they also can improve gut health by promoting good bacteria, especially for those with diets high in meat, dairy and sugar.
Of course, Thanksgiving is a time to splurge. But adding in healthier options, especially those that can help with digestion, might be very appreciated.
Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy!



Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Ingredients:


4 cups shaved Brussels sprouts*
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
¼ cup fresh lemon juice*
½ cup pine nuts, toasted
⅓ cup dried cranberries*
⅓ cup grated pecorino cheese, optional
⅓ cup chopped chives
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper



Thinly slice the Brussels sprouts using a mandoline if you have one. Place them into a medium bowl and toss with the olive oil, lemon juice, pine nuts, cranberries, pecorino cheese, chives and pinches of salt and pepper.
Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then taste and adjust the seasonings. Finish with an additional drizzle of olive oil if you like.




1 cup (two sticks) unsalted butter melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups old-fashioned oats*
Pinch salt
2 cups (one can) whole berry cranberry sauce*



Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9”x13" rectangular baking pan with foil, extending the sides of the foil over the edges of the pan. Spray the foil liberally with cooking spray; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugars and vanilla and whisk to combine. Mix in the flour, oats and salt and mix together until moistened and combined; mixture will have some large crumbs throughout as well as some dryer parts. Reserve two cups of this mixture.
Press the remainder of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer. Top with the cranberry sauce and spread out almost to the edges — but keep a 1/4" barrier/edge of the oat mixture closest to the pan as the cranberry sauce will scorch. Top with the crumble.
Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the center and edges appear set and the top is light golden brown. Cool completely, then cut into bars.


WIC Kitchen: Give a high five to these healthy and tasty Thanksgiving sides

Do you have a child dressing up as a K-Pop Demon Hunter or donning a pink dress or green body makeup to channel their inner Glinda and Elphaba?

Halloween is a great night for kids to express themselves while seeking out treats. But remember, the No. 1 rule to keep in mind is safety.

After all, Halloween should be spooky, not unsafe.

Costumes should be flame resistant and have bright and reflective features, either built-in or by adding strips of tape. Hats and other elements shouldn’t obscure a child’s view and if make-up is involved (think Elphaba’s green body paint), test it in advance by putting a small amount on the child’s arm.

And wearing decorative contact lenses can cause eye injuries, so definitely avoid those.

Costumes are just one element of staying secure this Halloween. Other considerations include pedestrian safety and avoiding any loot that could be dangerous.

That means watching both ways before crossing the street (and driving slowly during trick-or-treat hours), and also inspecting the goodies in the bright lights of home before they are consumed.

One way to avoid both scenarios is to attend a Trunk-or-Treat event. This year, Monongalia County Health Department hopes that its second Trunk-or-Treat will be even better attended than the inaugural one last year.

The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30.

A group of staffers will be dressed up (in safe costumes, of course) to hand out candy to our attendees. All are invited to join the party outside our main building at 453 Van Voorhis Road in Morgantown.

Of course, because we are the health department, we’re also going to advocate for ways to make the eating experience better for children.

One way is to have a nutritious snack before going trick-(or trunk)-or-treating. Obviously, hunger is going to make those fun-sized candy bars and small bags of Skittles an appealing method to power through the difficult activity of knocking on doors or going from car to car, holding out a bag or plastic pumpkin.

Parents who have children with nut or other food allergies are accustomed to reading product labels, but it never hurts to put out a reminder. Also, for those throwing parties or taking treats to a class, consider avoiding peanuts and peanut butter. Jason Nguyen, a nutritionist with MCHD Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) program, also suggests looking into the 

. Teal plastic pumpkins containing non-food items are placed on a porch or doorstep or used to pass out fun little prizes.

For very young children, make sure to keep choking hazards such as gum, hard candy and small toys from the approved Halloween pile.

Finally, as Monongalia County Health Department is also home to MCHD Dentistry, of course we’re going to remind everyone that sweets are good in moderation and that there are ways to consume sugar to make it safer for your teeth. According to the 

Eating sugary snacks during or right afterward a meal helps mitigate the effects of sugar on your teeth.

Avoid sticky and sour candy as well as gummies that stay in your mouth (and on your teeth) for a long time. Also, sour candies are high in dietary acids that attack the hard, protective coating on the enamel of your teeth.

This is an instance in which, comparatively, chocolate is good for you, especially dark chocolate, which contains less cavity-causing sugar. And sugar-free gum is definitely preferable to the kind filled with sugar.

We hope everyone enjoys Halloween. And feel free to drop by Monongalia County Health Department’s Trunk-or-Treat, starting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30.

Halloween should be spooky, not unsafe!

Happy pumpkin season! What says fall more than “pumpkin”?
Of course, these bright orange orbs aren’t just for carving into jack-o’-lanterns. They can be turned into spicy, savory and, of course, sweet dishes.
These WIC Kitchen recipes, for Roasted Pumpkin Soup and Roasted Pumpkin Salad, also allow you to use a whole pumpkin so not much of it goes to waste.
Pumpkins are rich in antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamins C and E, which help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage.
Because of the high levels of vitamins C and A, plus iron and folate, pumpkins strengthen the immune system, which helps to fight infections.
The antioxidants and vitamins also help protect the skin from damage caused by pollution, inflammation and sun, contributing to a more radiant complexion.
And magnesium, an essential nutrient for strong bones, is abundant in pumpkins and its seeds, contributing to overall skeletal health.
So is sipping that Pumpkin Spice Latte going to provide all those nutrients? Probably not, but like other foods made from this gourd, it helps herald in this warm and cozy season.



1 red pepper*
1 beef tomato*
½ onion, garlic*
1 cup chicken stock
1 tbsp heavy cream
pumpkin purée (or roast leftover pumpkin from carving)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 tbsp olive oil



Cube the pepper, tomato and onion and put it on a pan.
Season with the instructed seasonings and drizzle with olive oil.
Place in oven on broil or 450 degrees and leave the pan in until the vegetables are soft.
Once done, take out and place cooked vegetables in a blender and add pumpkin purée and blend till smooth
Pour in bowls and drizzle the heavy cream on top.
You can serve it with the bread of your choosing and enjoy!




4 cups pumpkin or butternut squash, cut into cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
4 cups chopped kale
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
3 tbsp walnuts, chopped
2 tbsp mint, chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
salt & pepper to taste



Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss the cubed butternut squash in a bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Spread the pumpkin onto the baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl toss together the pumpkin, kale, feta, pomegranate, walnuts and mint.
To make the dressing, mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt and pepper together in a cup or a jar.
Pour the dressing onto the salad and toss it together. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.


October WIC Kitchen: Pumpkin dishes for the autumn season

In just three minutes’ time, you can let your voices be heard and make a contribution to health care in our region.
Interested? Then please take some time to fill out Monongalia County Health Department’s Community Needs Health Assessment (CHNA), which you can access by going to this 

. 
Residents of Monongalia, Preston and Marion counties are asked to consider filling out this survey, and the deadline has been extended so you can take the survey through Friday, Nov. 14.
“The CHNA is essentially a document that uses data collected to determine the health needs of the community, which is extremely important to us,” said Dr. Brian Huggins, MCHD health officer and medical director. “It helps inform our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and the CHIP is how we are going to allocate resources to solve problems we’ve identified through the CHNA.”
A Community Health Needs Assessment isn’t new. It’s a survey conducted every three years by WVU Medicine and Mon Health Medical Center in order to gather useful data to make changes and address as many people’s needs as possible. Typically, MCHD partners with both hospital systems in the CHNA.
For MCHD’s 2025 CHNA, however, the health department needed to gather additional data specific to public health. So while we will also be participating with the hospitals, we are also gathering some info on our own.
The survey is purposely short to help ensure that as many people as possible will take it and complete all the questions
“We realize that people’s time is important,” Dr. Huggins said. “If we are going to be able to get people’s opinions, we really wanted to make sure people weren’t spending a lot of time doing it. So it’s a three-minute survey with powerful questions.”
At the end, he noted, there is space so that individuals are free to bring up any topics that they feel weren’t addressed.
The survey is available on Monongalia County Health Department’s website (monchd.org) and social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn). We’re placing flyers with a QR code up around town and WVU School of Public Health students also will approach individuals in public settings to ask them to take the survey. The students will be wearing IDs, Dr. Huggins noted.
“They should clearly be identified that they are from WVU,” he added.
We owe a big thanks to WVU for placing an ad, also with a QR code, on the Jumbotron at the football team’s home games.
We’ll also have tables at the First Friday for the Arts/Arts Walk events as well as at the Morgantown Farmers Market, Dr. Huggins said.
The CHNA “will directly influence the decisions we make with the kinds of outreach that we give in the community and the kind of programming we provide, everything from classes to services to products that we produce.”
This makes it essential to get responses from as many different people as possible.
“Every voice is important,” Dr. Huggins said. “Even if you don’t have concerns, that’s important for us to know. We really need to hear from all corners of the county and everything in between. We really want to be able to get a good sample. Ideally, we’d like to be able to talk to everyone but obviously, that’s not possible.”
The CHNA is also a requirement for Monongalia County Health Department as it pursues accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), Dr. Huggins said.
For accreditation, it needs to be redone every five years, but MCHD does its survey every three years to sync up with the hospitals. The CHNA should be completed by the end of the year, and the CHIP will be completed in the spring of 2026 in order to meet the deadline for MCHD’s submission of measurements in 10 domains.
When it comes time to implement elements compiled in the CHIP, MCHD will collaborate with partners that can include the Morgantown City Council, the Monongalia County Commission, the WVU School of Health and health-related non-profits and businesses.
Some of the projects probably would require funding, which is one reason working with partners is helpful.
So what kinds of results could the community expect? It can run the gamut from classes offered by MCHD to helping to establish a coalition to work on transportation and sidewalks, two issues that have been flagged in previous surveys.
“This survey helps guide us on what are the priorities and where we should be putting our time,” Dr. Huggins said. “We’ll put our resources into things the community is interested in having us perform.”

Mary Wade Burnside is the public information officer at Monongalia County Health Department. 


CHNA survey extended through Friday, Nov. 14

Help us help you! Monongalia County Health Department conducts this Community Health Needs Assessment every three years. It helps us decide what programs to offer and who to partner with to make real community changes. 

Residents of Monongalia, Preston and Marion counties are encouraged to take this survey. It takes three minutes!

The deadline to take the survey has been extended through Friday, Nov. 14.

https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ePOndDhOd4VQfLU

CHNA survey deadline extended through Friday, Nov. 14

When it comes to apples, it used to be that people had to be reminded that there were varieties other than Red Delicious, which tends to be on the bland side in spite of its shiny crimson appearance.
But now a visit to the supermarket offers so many choices: Gala, Fuji, Gonagold, Granny Smith, West Virginia’s own Golden Delicious, and, in the case of the second of this month’s WIC Kitchen’s recipes, Honey Crisp. And many more!
That means when it comes to the Healthy Stewed Apples, you can make this dish your own, selecting any sweet or tart apple variety that you would prefer.
In addition to being extremely versatile in flavors, apples contain vitamin C and are fat-free, sodium-free and cholesterol-free. They’re rich in fiber, potassium and antioxidants, helping to lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation.
Plus, there’s nothing like that first bite of a crisp apple, any time of year, but especially as fall begins.
Speaking of West Virginia apples, according to the West Virginia Encyclopedia Online, the Golden Delicious was actually the second of the popular pome fruits to be cultivated in the Mountain State. The first is said to be the Grimes Golden, grown from a seedling planted by John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, in Wells County in the early 1800s. The Grimes Golden is thought to have been a cultivar for the Golden Delicious, which was grown for the first time in Clay County in 1912.
Thus concludes the history lesson for the day. And if history makes you hungry, here are two new apple-based recipes to try!




2 cups apples, cored and diced*
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tbsp cornstarch




Add all ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat. Cook covered. Stir occasionally, until the apples are tender, approximately 15 minutes.
Serve over yogurt and enjoy!




4 cups of apples (about 1 pound) peeled and sliced in ¼-inch thick pieces. Honeycrisp works best.*
1 tablespoon coconut oil melted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For the topping:
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup old fashioned oats
1/3 cup pecans chopped
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup




Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a greased 8×8 baking dish.
Peel and cut apple slices into ¼ inch thick slices.
Melt coconut oil. Toss apples with coconut oil, cinnamon and ginger. Set aside.
Mix together crisp topping.
Pour apples into the bottom of the baking dish. Layer crisp topping evenly on top of apples.
Cover apple crisp with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove cover and bake for another 10-20 minutes until apples are fork-tender and crisp topping is golden brown.
Serve and enjoy!

WIC Kitchen: Happy Johnny Appleseed Day!

When it’s Teisha Prim’s turn to participate in a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, she says, “I’m Teisha and I’m an addict.”
But when working with the 

, the terminology changes to say an individual struggles with “substance use disorder.”
It’s emblematic of Teisha’s dual life as a person in long-term recovery and also a professional who uses her experiences and what she has learned to help others — as well as how changing terms to describe the disease helps reduce stigma.
“Recovery is my whole life,” said Teisha, supervisor of the Peer Recovery Support Specialists at West Virginia Sober Living. “I separate my work recovery and my personal recovery. I work in recovery and I don’t let that become my own personal recovery.”
Her colleague Travis Teets, a Peer Recovery Support Specialist at West Virginia Sober Living, is happy to share his story of getting addicted to opioids after he had his wisdom teeth removed.
But these days, he’d rather be known as “a person in recovery that wants to help other people find their way.”
Both Teisha and Travis will be handing out naloxone and talking to community members during the Save a Life: Free Naloxone Day event organized by the Monongalia County Quick Response Team (QRT), which will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at 10 locations around Monongalia County. Go to monchd.org to see the locations.
Funded by grants obtained by Monongalia County Health Department, the Monongalia County QRT is a multi-agency approach to reducing opioid use. MCHD has a memorandum of understanding with West Virginia Sober Living, whose employees serve as the boots on the ground by following up on overdose reports within 72 hours. Their goal: Try to get individuals into treatment, or at least connect them to services and provide naloxone, which reverses the effect of an opioid overdose.


“One in 10 usually will talk about treatment options,” Travis said. “The other nine are usually willing to accept information and talk about it further.”
Peer Recovery Support Specialists know that it’s often a matter of cultivating a relationship and waiting until the person is ready to go to treatment.
Individuals with lived experience of substance misuse, Travis and Teisha completely understand. As a supervisor, Teisha doesn’t go out on calls very often anymore. But when she does, finding a receptive listener makes her day.
“I love when people answer the door and are super excited to talk to us,” she said. “They might not be ready today. One guy was very personable. He just wasn’t ready to stop. We kept working with him and eventually, he went into treatment.”
Growing up, Teisha did well in school, where she also played sports, and had a good family environment. “I had everything lined up for me to have a successful life,” she said.
But Teisha also had a group of friends who liked to party, so when she experienced a sad time, the desire to numb her feelings pushed her toward using. She was already studying early childhood education at WVU. She eventually dropped out of college, ran around with drug dealers and had brushes with the law.
“I got put in jail and sent to drug court,” Teisha said. “I relapsed one more time and I was sent to rehab.”
After completing a 28-day program, she set about to get her life back on track. She also got pregnant. “That was a big change, learning about myself.” Her sponsor suggested she look into becoming a personal recovery coach.
After brushes with the law, Travis found help with the Jacob’s Ladder program, living on a farm in Preston County. His now 8-year-old son doesn’t really remember much about those days.
“He just learned to walk and talk when I got incarcerated,” Travis said. “He doesn’t remember me being away. He remembers visiting the farm and the tractors. He doesn’t have a clear memory that his dad was ill and had to go get help.”
Serving as a coach for his son’s basketball team puts things in perspective for Travis. When he started, the players needed a lot of direction. By the end of the season, they were running up and down the court, making shots.
“Those are the things that wouldn't have happened if I didn’t get help,” Travis said. “Now I get to be a part of that and have fond memories that will last a lifetime.”

Using their lived experience to help others with substance misuse

MCHD celebrates 50 years in current location; searching for upgraded building

In the 50 years since the dedication and opening of the Monongalia County Public Health Center in September 1975, the health department housed within its walls has experienced many changes.
These include the addition of a full-service dental office, a new Threat Preparedness program to contend with increasing threats and a worldwide pandemic that prompted employee numbers to temporarily double in size.
Established in 1929 and initially placed in the Monongalia County Courthouse basement, Monongalia County Health Department moved to a few different locations before settling in at 453 Van Voorhis Road in a $1.259 million building dedicated on Sept. 13, 1975.
Now, five and a half years after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, Monongalia County Health Department leaders are embracing the future with an eye toward a new home.
“After 50 years as a staple of public health in our community, it’s time to find a more modern facility that meets our growing needs,” said Anthony DeFelice, Monongalia County Health Department’s executive director.
MCHD is strategically located off Van Voorhis Road, adjacent to the WVU medical campus and near two hospitals, and DeFelice wants to find the right space for the right price as he continues the search for a good opportunity.
“Location is extremely important,” he said. “We are fortunate to be currently situated near both major hospitals and accessible to public transportation, which is vital for the citizens we serve.”
Also, he noted, MCHD is the only academic health department in West Virginia. “Proximity to the WVU School of Public Health is also crucial to maintaining strong partnership, student engagement and collaborative relationships.”
MCHD’s original programs, Clinical Services and Environmental Health, fulfill legislated requirements laid out in West Virginia State Code Chapter 16, Article 2, to inspect restaurants and other businesses, offer food safety instruction and to provide disease reporting.
The health department has undergone many changes throughout the years. In 2010, MCHD Dentistry, established in 1974, began meteoric growth from a small staff that treated children only to a full-service dental office with two dentists, six full- or part-time hygienists, three dental assistants and three office staff members, plus patients of all ages and income levels.
“We’re really proud to have the only full-service dental office in a health department in West Virginia,” DeFelice said.
In 1972 came the creation of the federally-funded Women, Infants and Children’s program; in 1980, six West Virginia counties were put under the MCHD umbrella. That program just moved to the White Birch Towers building across from Mon Health Medical Center in early 2025.
And MCHD’s fifth program, Threat Preparedness, was created in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks on the World Trade Center.
During the pandemic as the health department workforce nearly doubled in size, Environmental Health and Threat Preparedness moved to rented offices near Morgantown Municipal Airport.
But those employees returned to the home base as of July, and accommodations have been made to comfortably house 55 staff members.
“We’ve had to get creative with our use of space,” DeFelice said. “By adopting a hybrid/remote work model for some of our team, we’ve been able to meet our current needs without expanding our physical footprint.”
However, “Our employees have been hard-working and dedicated, especially considering the challenges that the pandemic brought. So we want to be able to provide a good space for them to work, preferably all under one roof.”
Doing so has required the work of two skilled maintenance workers, Greg Campbell and Ben McGaha, who have, in some instances, torn down walls only to build them back up a couple years later as spaces have been repurposed several times, including for two new, state-of-the art dental operatories that opened in 2023.
“Greg and Ben have touched every square inch of the building,” DeFelice said.
In addition to inadequate space, the infrastructure of the building is old, still requiring a boiler and chiller for heating and cooling. It’s also not up to current IT standards.
When it came time to find a dedicated space for MCHD in the 1970s, federal funding was secured through the Hill-Burton Act in 1973. Additional funding came from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Monongalia County Commission, the Benedum Foundation and the Davis-Lynch Glass Co.
Monongalia County Health Department will celebrate a centennial of providing free and low-cost care to area residents in 2029.
With all the technological advances and changes in the way Monongalia County Health Department serves the public, it’s once again time to find more modern digs.
“An upgraded facility is essential to support the future of public health in our community,” DeFelice said. “It will provide the space needed to properly house our growing workforce, offer a state-of-the-art environment to deliver high-quality care, significantly improve our infrastructure and create dedicated space to collaborate with more effectively with our community partners.”


In recovery, helping others is key as Save a Life Day, held Sept. 25, approaches

 — Two different people, two relatable stories.
Teisha Prim played sports, got good grades and attended WVU, but when she went through a sad time in college, she wanted to numb her feelings.
“Other friends had begun experimenting with opioids,” she said. “I had been prescribed them my whole life, for dental surgery, kidney surgery, but it never became a problem until that moment.”
At the age of 21, she became dependent on opioids. “That’s when my life went downhill. I started not going to class.” Her first arrest was for a DUI.
Travis Teets dabbled with opioids in high school, but he only began seeking them out after he was prescribed painkillers after getting his wisdom teeth out.
“Like most people, I never intended on being addicted to anything,” Teets said.
He really liked the opioids he had been prescribed and started using them daily. A friend gave him Percosets. “I thought, ‘I don’t know what this is, but I want to feel like this the rest of my life,’” he said. “That was a good sign I was headed down the dark road.”
Both Teets and Prim traveled frightening paths of addiction, incarceration and struggles to overcome substance use disorder before they were able to quit using and find a new, healthier way to live.
These days, Teets said, he would prefer to be known as “a person in recovery that wants to help other people find their way.”
Teets and Prim now work as Peer Recovery Support Specialists for West Virginia Sober Living in Morgantown, and Prim supervises the support specialists.
They also take part in the Monongalia County Quick Response Team (QRT), a multi-agency group funded by grants obtained by Monongalia County Health Department that work to reduce opioid use in the community.
After more than six years of QRT members engaging with individuals who overdose with a goal of connecting them to services, naloxone and, if possible, rehabilitation, the results are obvious, Teets noted.
“We’ve lowered the overdose rate in this state, mainly because of naloxone saturation,” Teet said. “It’s available and it’s out there in the communities. Therefore, loss of life is lower. A lot of West Virginians have the ability to enter recovery because they are alive to try it.”
Monongalia County residents will have another chance to stock up on naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, during the QRT’s next Save a Life: Free Naloxone Day event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 at 10 locations. They are the WVU Health Sciences Center, the WVU Rec Center, the WVU Mountainlair, the courthouse plaza, Sabraton and Suncrest McDonald’s, Terra Cafe, Pop the Soda Shop, Clinton District Library and Pierpont Landing Pharmacy.
QRT members and volunteers will be on hand to distribute the fentanyl test strips and the Narcan brand of naloxone, and also train individuals how to administer this nasal-spray type of naloxone.
Save a Life Day began in West Virginia in 2021 and has quickly grown to other regions, according to information released by Soar WV, a Charleston-based community group that “promotes the health, dignity and voices of individuals who are impacted by drug use.”
This year, the observance will be held in all 50 states, with more than 100,000 doses expected to be handed out. Brittany Irick, the Monongalia County QRT coordinator, said the state has provided 1,704 two-dose kits to be distributed throughout the community.
“We’re happy that this has grown to be a nationwide event and every state will have at least one Save a Life Day location,” Irick said.
It’s an important day for Prim, who spent seven years on probation before finding Narcotics Anonymous, which she says helps her to this day.
“It’s really cool to see community members who don’t have anyone who is in active addiction who wants to carry naloxone,” Prim said. “It’s not just about people who are experiencing substance use disorder. Someone’s grandparents can overdose while taking their prescription medication. A kid can find something on the street.”
She also has the opportunity to teach people who have a bias, she added.
“I tell them about the importance of giving out naloxone. There will always be that stigma surrounding naloxone, and it gives us the chance to educate people on the benefits of naloxone and carrying naloxone no matter who you are.”
As for Teets, who eventually found long-term recovery through Jacab’s Ladder in Preston County, he noted: “Everyone deserves a second, third chance. No one needs to die from this disease. I'm living proof that a person can change.”



For up-to-date information on health and wellness in Monongalia County, check out monchd.org and follow the health department on Facebook and Twitter @WVMCHD and on Instagram at #wvmchd.

You don’t have to look far to see disasters happening. This past Father’s Day weekend, our neighbors to the north and south were devastated by flooding. Images of water pouring out of a collapsing apartment building in Fairmont shocked and disheartened viewers. And then there was the flooding in the Northern Panhandle. I saw the photos first thing the next morning and immediately texted a friend, who had traveled to Wheeling with her daughters to listen to a band at an establishment near the river. “I got an alert on my phone saying there was an imminent flood risk,” she recalled. “I had never gotten a warning like that. I wasn’t sure what to do. I didn’t want to panic. Others got the notice too and were wondering if we really should evacuate right away.” The decision was made for them because the place was closing down, so her crew headed back to Morgantown. By the time they returned, her daughters had messages from friends about cars being swept away in swift water and other damage that had occurred, although not near the venue where they had been. When you hear stories like that, it’s hard not to take stock and wonder if something like this could happen to you. And, if so, what will you do? Established in 2004, September’s National Preparedness Month highlights the importance of being ready for whatever emergency situation you might encounter. Monongalia County Health Department’s Threat Preparedness staffers undergo training to help community members help themselves, if the need arises. In addition to CPR/AED training, we also offer Stop the Bleed instruction, which can be utilized in emergency situations using, if necessary, ordinary objects to pack a wound or apply a tourniquet. To schedule a training, email Joseph.L.Klass@wv.gov. Threat Prep employees also participate in drills and training to prepare them to help the community in a variety of situations, including radiation, weather, active shooters, and more. While MCHD Threat Preparedness is here to help, it’s also good for individuals to plan ahead so they will know what to do if the unexpected happens. Ready.gov, FEMA’s preparedness site, encourages individuals to make an emergency kit to have useful items on hand. You can refer to www.ready.gov/kit to see a list of practical items to gather. Other suggestions include:

Make plans for both sheltering in place and also evacuation.

Create a communication plan with your family in case disaster strikes when you are at different locations. There are also financial preparations you can make to better help in the event of an emergency.

Keep financial, critical household and medical information handy, including printed copies.

Purchase homeowners or renters insurance, as well as health and life insurance if you don’t have them. Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATMs and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food. Remember, homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover flooding, so if you believe this is a risk to your property, consider looking into it.

Additionally, so many people are pet owners and you don’t want to forget about your furry (or scaly) family members. Microchipping dogs and cats will aid in them being reunited with you more easily. Stocking extra pet food also is a good idea. You also might want to make a plan with your neighbors, including those with pets who can serve as an evacuation backup in case you are gone, and vice versa. But getting to know your neighbors is also a good idea in general, because you can help each other out and check on the elderly and others who might need assistance when an incident occurs, even if it’s just a short-term power outage. ​Disasters aren’t fun to think about but being prepared makes them easier to handle when something happens.

Mary Wade Burnside is the public information officer at Monongalia County Health Department. Email her at MaryWade.Burnside@wv.gov.

'Be prepared' isn't just a motto 

Monongalia County residents will have another chance to stock up on naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, during the QRT’s next 

 event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 at 10 locations. They are the WVU Health Sciences Center, the WVU Rec Center, the WVU Mountainlair, the courthouse plaza, Sabraton and Suncrest McDonald’s, Terra Cafe, Pop the Soda Shop, Clinton District Library and Pierpont Landing Pharmacy.
QRT members and volunteers will be on hand to distribute the fentanyl test strips and the Narcan brand of naloxone, and also train individuals how to administer this nasal-spray type of naloxone.
Save a Life Day began in West Virginia in 2021 and has quickly grown to other regions, according to information released by Soar WV, a Charleston-based community group that “promotes the health, dignity and voices of individuals who are impacted by drug use.”
This year, the observance will be held in all 50 states, with more than 100,000 doses expected to be handed out. Brittany Irick, the Monongalia County QRT coordinator, said the state has provided 1,704 two-dose kits to be distributed throughout the community.
“We’re happy that this has grown to be a nationwide event and every state will have at least one Save a Life Day location,” said QRT coordinator Brittany Irick.

Save a Life: Free Naloxone Day will be held Sept. 25 at 10 locations 

MCHD sanitarians will distribute ORV baits Aug. 27-29 in Morgantown

More than 1,300 oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits will be distributed in Morgantown from Wednesday, Aug. 27 through Friday, Aug. 29 by Monongalia County Health Department Environmental Health sanitarians.
Additional baits will be dropped from fixed-wing aircraft by the United States Department of Agriculture around rural areas in Monongalia County in mid-September, as MCHD and the USDA continue efforts to reduce rabies incidents.
Annually, the USDA drops ORV baits in zones across the eastern United States, including Monongalia County, while MCHD Environmental Health sanitarians will drive and walk around to throw them into grassy areas of the city.
“We do it in conjunction with the USDA to make sure we keep that line of rabies from spreading out west,” said Jennifer Costolo-Michael, MCHD Environmental Health program manager.
Sanitarians will be distributing the baits in areas including along the rail-trail and in Krepps, Marilla and White parks, as well as the grassy spaces around the WVU Coliseum.
About 8 million ORV baits will be distributed in 13 states this summer and fall.
The process will change this year, as a different style of ORV baits provided by the USDA require storage in a freezer until distribution. Therefore, Costolo-Michael scheduled extra time for distribution.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of coming back to the health department to refresh the supply, so that’s the reason it’s going to be extended,” she said. “Hopefully, we’ll get it done in two days but if not, we have it scheduled for another day.”
Baits previously distributed in Monongalia County were covered in a fish scent to appeal to wildlife, but the new baits for this year, ONRAB, have a sugar coating that smells like marshmallows. ONRAB baits have the appearance of a camouflage green blister pack, similar to the previously distributed baits.
“They smell better than the fish baits that we are used to but they will melt if they get hot,” Costolo-Michael said.
Advice to the public with this different style of ORV baits remains the same. Anyone who encounters baits should leave them alone unless they are in the path where children or pet dogs could find them. In that instance, the baits can be moved with gloved hands. If touched by bare hands, wash them with soap and warm water as soon as possible.
“The baits are safe if a dog eats them, but too many could make them throw up,” Costolo-Michael said.
According to information released by Jordona Kirby, field coordinator for the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), ONRAB ORV baits have been used experimentally since 2011.
“In some rural habitats, data suggests that ONRAB may perform up to twice as well” as the previous baits, RABORAL V-RG, she said, noting that ONRAB has virtually eliminated rabies in areas where it has been used in West Virginia.
In addition to new baits, USDA APHIS will be employing a new strategy in the state.
“The use of ONRAB on the leading edge of the ORV zone — the western side — has essentially eliminated raccoon rabies from that region,” Kirby stated. “However, because rabies continues to encroach from enzootic areas east of the entire ORV zone, the National Rabies Management Program strategically changed the placement of the ONRAB and RABORAL V-RG ORV baiting areas in West Virginia so that ONRAB will be distributed in areas where rabies is more likely to spread from non-baited areas east of the ORV zone into baited areas.”
Enzootic is defined as “relating to or denoting a disease that regularly affects animals in a particular district or at a particular season.”
Rabies is a viral disease found only in mammals that attacks the brain and nervous system, ultimately causing death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov). Mammals, including people, can be infected via the saliva of a rabid animal through a bite or a scratch.
More than 90% of rabies cases reported in the U.S. annually occur in wildlife, including raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes. Rabies in humans and pets is 100% avoidable through appropriate vaccination. In West Virginia, mammalian pets must be up to date on rabies vaccines, according to the West Virginia State Code.
Early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to other illnesses, such as fever, headache and general weakness and discomfort. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (an increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing and fear of water. Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms. Very few human deaths from rabies occur in the U.S. due to extensive prevention efforts.
When an individual interacts with a potentially rabid animal, or with a pet that has interacted with one, it is critical for the person to seek medical care at an emergency department and, if deemed necessary, receive post-exposure prophylaxis.
The process for the pet varies depending on its level of rabies vaccination.
USDA APHIS has managed wildlife rabies in West Virginia using ORV since 2001. By 2019, the USDA had actually moved west of almost all of Monongalia County with airdropped baits. But five weeks into 2019, Monongalia County Health Department already had two positive cases of rabies in a year that ended with a total of 20. MCHD officials met with APHIS staffers based in Elkins in spring 2019 to request that the airdrop line be moved back east to cover Monongalia County and also asked for enough baits for the sanitarians to distribute them by hand.
The efforts paid off and the incidence of rabies has dropped dramatically. So far this year, there have been two confirmed positive cases in Monongalia County, both in raccoons.
The bait distribution takes place this time of year in order to wait for wildlife born in the spring to be old enough to feed on the vaccine.
Both the fishy- and marshmallow-flavored baits are popular with wildlife, as they are consumed promptly.
“They are usually eaten within four days and will be gone in a week,” Costolo-Michael said. “The wildlife eat them up.”

MCHD sanitarians will distribute ORV baits from Aug. 27-29 in Morgantown

Monongalia County Health Department sanitarians will distribute oral rabies vaccine baits in grassy and wooded areas around Morgantown from Wednesday, Aug. 27 through Friday, Aug. 29.

Jennifer Costolo-Michael noted that this year, the United States Department of Agriculture has provided MCHD sanitarians with a new type of baits that have a  marshmallow scent, rather than previous baits that smelled like fish.

"It's supposed to be attractive to wildlife," she said. "They smell better than the fish baits that we are used to."

The baits do not vary in appearance from the older ones, in order to blend in with the natural areas where they will be distributed.

ORV baits inoculate wildlife, including raccoons, against rabies and have helped lower the numbers of positive cases from 20 in 2019 to just a couple a year. 

They are not harmful to pets but if a dog gobbles up several, it might make the pet throw up. Individuals who see the baits on a trail are encouraged, if possible, to use a gloved hand to move them into a woodsier area.

Anyone who touches them should wash their hands with soap and warm water ASAP.

The USDA will follow up this hand distribution with the ORV bait drops from fixed-wing aircrafts in more rural areas in mid-September.

More information will follow on Monongalia County Health Department's social media.

MCHD sanitarians will distribute oral rabies vaccines in late August


A Mediterranean diet is chock full of fruits and vegetables, grains, olive oil as a fat source and dairy products, eggs, fish and poultry in small amounts.
That’s the definition provided by the American Heart Association, which touts eating foods that come from the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea as very healthy.
According to our Monongalia County Health Department WIC dietitians, following a Mediterranean diet provides several benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, brain health, reduction of chronic diseases, improved gut health and increased longevity overall.
Add in spices, olives, lemon and herbs such as mint, and it’s also a very tasty way to eat!
August heralds the start of the Mediterranean harvest season, although ingredients for these WIC Kitchen recipes are available year-round.
And for those who want to celebrate National Zucchini Day, which takes place on Aug. 21, the Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a great way to mix it in with a variety of fresh flavors.
(And yes, some Mediterranean dishes do include red meat).
Zucchini is a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health. Along with vitamins A and C, fiber and antioxidants, zucchini promotes overall wellness by aiding digestion, immunity and cardiovascular health.
The Greek Salad makes a great side dish or even an entire meal. It’s also easy to customize. You can add chickpeas for extra protein and fiber, peel the cucumbers, or whatever else to tailor it to your liking.
These two dishes make an easy and tasty meal to throw together, utilizing some of the same ingredients for streamlining dinner.



Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients:


1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped*
3 cloves garlic, minced*
1 red bell pepper, sliced*
1 zucchini, sliced*
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved*
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)




Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, paprika, salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese.
Serve and enjoy!





For the dressing:
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano, more for sprinkling
¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
For the salad:
1 English cucumber, cut lengthwise, seeded and sliced ¼-inch thick*
1 green, yellow or red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces*
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes*
5 ounces feta cheese, cut into ½ inch cubes*
⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion*
⅓ cup pitted Kalamata olives
⅓ cup fresh mint leaves




Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, mustard, salt and several grinds of pepper.
On a large platter, arrange the cucumber, green pepper, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onions and olives. Drizzle with the dressing and very gently toss. Sprinkle a few generous pinches of oregano and top with the mint leaves. Season to taste. Serve and enjoy!


Mediterranean cuisine is tasty and healthy

School starts soon in Monongalia County. Are your kids up-to-date on their immunizations?
In West Virginia, students generally receive back-to-school vaccines if they are new to state schools, before entering kindergarten and before the seventh and 12th grades.
“Vaccines are not only about protecting your child from the disease, but also stopping spread of the disease to other children — and teachers — in the school,” said Dr. Brian Huggins, Monongalia County Health Department’s health office and medical director.
According to West Virginia State Code, “No child or person may be admitted or received in any of the schools of the state or a state-regulated child care center until he or she has been immunized against chickenpox, hepatitis B, measles, meningitis, mumps, diphtheria, polio, rubella, tetanus and whooping cough or produces a certificate from the commissioner granting the child or person an exemption from the compulsory immunization requirements of this section.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov), vaccines are among the “Ten Great Public Health Achievements” that aided in increasing life expectancy by 62% in the 20th century, from 47.3 years in 1900 to 76.8 years in 2000.
Not only do vaccines help individuals, but they also work to keep entire communities healthy too.
"Some children are born with immune disorders and are more susceptible to infection,” Huggins said. “They may also not be able to take some vaccines because of this illness.”
Vaccines provide herd immunity, Dr. Huggins noted. “That gives that child a fair chance to attend school without acquiring a disease that is more likely to cause them serious illness or death because of their condition."
Not only do vaccines prevent death, but they also keep individuals from having lifelong disabilities such as muscle paralysis, nerve pain or chronic breathing problems from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“People frequently ask what are the chances of dying from a particular disease, but that doesn't describe the whole picture,” Dr. Huggins said.
All vaccines used in the United States require extensive safety testing before they are licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
As for the schedule, children ages 4 to 6 years old should get their second dose of chickenpox, their second dose of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), their fourth dose of polio, and their fifth dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis/whooping cough (DTaP).
Teens and pre-teens should get three vaccines before the new school year: meningococcal conjugate vaccine to protect against meningitis and blood infections, or septicemia; Tdap, the adult vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough for anyone over the age of 6; and Gardasil to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV).
The CDC recommends Gardisil for those ages 11 and 12, but it can be given as early as age 9.
Also, the CDC recommends that just about everyone over the age of 6 months get an influenza vaccine annually. These are generally available at your pediatrician’s office, at area pharmacies and at the health department in the fall.
Go to this 

 to find out the specific requirements for attending school in West Virginia.
Schools are a prime venue for transmitting many vaccine-preventable diseases and school-age children can further spread disease to their families and others with whom they come in contact. Being vaccinated helps stop the spread of disease to family, classmates and others in the community.
“In addition to being vital for health, immunizations also lower school absences and the necessity of parents needing to stay home from work to look after a child,” Dr. Huggins said.
 

Back to school: Are your kids up to date on their immunizations?

Raccoon trapped in New Hill Community in Mon Co. tests positive for rabies

A raccoon trapped in the New Hill Community off Route 7 near the Meadow Ponds development was confirmed positive for rabies on Thursday after biting an individual.
“Rabies is a high priority for Environmental Health,” said Jennifer Costolo-Michael, Monongalia County Health Departments Environmental Health Program Director. “Anytime there is an exposure, we take it very seriously.”
Area residents are urged to make sure their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
“We strongly recommend that all owners of pets confirm rabies vaccination in their animals,” said Dr. Brian Huggins, MCHD’s health officer. “If they are out of date, contact your vet to get them vaccinated as soon as possible.”
In West Virginia, it’s state law to have animals current on rabies vaccines. Pets that are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated are usually quarantined for a period of time after an encounter with a rabid animal, and in some cases euthanasia is necessary.
Rabies is a viral disease found only in mammals that attacks the brain and nervous system, ultimately causing death, according to the 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

. Mammals, including people, can be infected via the saliva of a rabid animal through a bite or a scratch.
Early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to other illnesses, such as fever, headache and general weakness and discomfort. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (an increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing and fear of water. Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.
Dr. Huggins noted that residents in the area should be on alert for any mammals that are exhibiting atypical behavior, including foaming at the mouth and abnormal gait patterns.
“If a nocturnal animal is out during the daytime, that also can be a clue,” he said.
Monongalia County Health Department’s sanitarians will be out distributing flyers in the area on Friday, making sure that residents are aware of the situation and letting them know of steps they can take in order to keep their families and pets safe.
Area residents are urged to contact Monongalia County Health Department during business hours at 304-598-5131 to report an animal acting strangely. For emergencies after hours, the on-call number is 304-680-4357. Find more information on MCHD's 

.
Other action items include making your home secure against vectors such as raccoons. This includes keeping lids tight on garbage and checking your home for any holes that or openings would allow unwanted animals to enter.
In 2019, Monongalia County reported about 20 cases of rabies. Because of the rising number, Monongalia County Health Department contacted the United State Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which conducts rabies surveillance and also organizes the distribution of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits by fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
MCHD officials asked the USDA to move the ORV air distribution line east to include more of Monongalia County, and since then, incidents of rabies has been reduced dramatically.
Sanitarians will be distributing baits around Morgantown on Aug. 28 and 29, said Costolo-Michael.
“The airdrop that covers most of Monongalia County also takes place in August, because the USDA wants to wait until animals born in the spring are old enough to eat the baits and be inoculated,” she added. “We’ll also ask them to specifically target the area where this raccoon was found.”


A raccoon near the old Meadow Ponds Golf Course off W.Va. 7 has tested positive for rabies, a viral disease that affects mammals and is almost always fatal. Area residents are urged to make sure animals are up to date on the rabies vaccine and, if possible, to keep them inside for now. Anyone who sees a mammal acting erratically should call 304-598-5131 during the day. The after-hours number, for emergencies only, is 304-680-4357.

Rabies found in raccoon near Meadow Ponds Golf Course off W.Va. 7

Breastfeeding awareness events highlight support available in community

When Ceranda Hines was pregnant with her daughter Ophelia, she figured she would use formula after her baby was born.

But a visit with breastfeeding counselor Lynne Ryan at Monongalia County Health Department’s Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) program convinced her to give breastfeeding a try.

“What stuck with me is that what I was giving her helps with her gut health and provides antibodies,” Hines said. “It’s the best start for their immune system.”

More than four years later, Hines just weaned Ophelia this spring and now works as a certified breastfeeding specialist at MCHD WIC.

That doesn’t mean breastfeeding started off easily, but with WIC counselors guiding Hines on how to get Ophelia to latch, she was able to exceed the recommended minimum threshold of six months for the practice by 3-½ years.

“It was one of the most difficult but one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” Hines said.

To highlight August’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month, MCHD WIC will hold two events to get the word out about breastfeeding’s benefits as well as the support that exists in the community to help individuals who want to nurse their babies.

The 15th Annual Baby Buggy Stroll will take place from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Aug. 6 at the Meadowbrook Mall in Bridgeport, coordinated by MCHD WIC’s Harrison County office.

Participants can meet at 10 a.m. in front of JCPenney in the center court to register for prizes and then stroll around the mall with decorated strollers to raise awareness.

Then the Breastfeeding Awareness Walk will be held (for the first time since 2019) from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 at the Morgantown Farmers Market Pavilion, featuring vendors, food trucks, MCHD Smile Express and a walk around downtown Morgantown.

“In the past, the walk was focused on the rebellion of breastfeeding,” said Anna Ash, an MCHD WIC certified breastfeeding specialist who spearheaded the event. “The walk was started because of a mother who was having pushback around breastfeeding in public.

“The transition is now more based around an educational need. There are so many women who don’t know the benefits of breastfeeding and don’t know they have support in the community.”

MCHD WIC operates in six counties: Preston, Marion, Doddridge and Taylor, in addition to Monongalia and Harrison.

Indeed, as Angie Rebrook, MCHD WIC’s breastfeeding liaison noted, “Breastfeeding has just taken off and moms feel more supported and more educated. There is more information out there that makes moms more accepting of the idea.”

Breastfeeding offers many benefits, not just better gut health and immunity for babies. It’s also relaxing for the mom and also can aid in losing baby weight. It’s less expensive than formula and provides a bonding experience for mother and baby.

MCHD WIC’s breastfeeding support includes in-person appointments with clients. Both participants and members of the public can take advantage of a free 24/7 app through the Appalachian Breastfeeding Network as well as free breastfeeding classes offered in all six counties. More information can be found at www.monchd.org/services/breastfeeding.

WIC clients are pregnant and nursing mothers and children up to their fifth birthdays who qualify financially.

In addition to resources including WIC, another reason that breastfeeding numbers are on the rise is federal legislation enacted in 2022 called the PUMP (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections) for Nursing Mothers Act (www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pump-at-work), which entitles most workers to reasonable breaks as well as an area to pump breast milk during work hours.

While the Baby Buggy Stroll took only one year off at the start of the COVID pandemic, the breastfeeding walk that WIC co-sponsored at the WVU Erickson Alumni Center fell by the wayside and is being resurrected this year with a new location and vibe.

In addition to food trucks, light refreshments will be provided and WIC members can use their issued farmers market vouchers to purchase WIC-approved items from vendors.

Also, Monongalia County Health Department’s Smile Express mobile dentistry unit will be available for tours and quick dental assessments for kids.

A few signs will be provided for the walk, but participants are encouraged to make their own if they can.

Ash noted that the City of Morgantown has been very supportive of MCHD WIC, which was reiterated in a statement from Brad Riffee, director of public relations and communications.

"The City of Morgantown recognizes that the services provided by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women serve as a strong support network for women in our community,” Riffee said. “With events like the Breastfeeding Awareness Walk and our continued support for meaningful causes through proclamations, we aim to inspire awareness and build a more connected community."

Ash received a proclamation from Mayor Danielle Trumble at the July 22 city council meeting.

“It has been just astounding, the amount of support we have gotten from the city,” Ash said. “They went above and beyond to assist me in all things that I didn't even know about that we were going to need to hold the event downtown. Everyone I spoke with in the city clerk’s office, police department and the parking authority were just so kind and very understanding.”


Breastfeeding numbers are on the rise. Laws, information and the availability of instruction have helped moms with nursing who otherwise might have stopped quickly or who may never have tried at all.
So it’s a great time for Monongalia County Health Department’s Women, Infants and Children’s 

 program to bring back the Breastfeeding Awareness Walk, which will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Morgantown Farmers Market Pavilion on Spruce Street.
This revived event has a new location and vibe. There will be light refreshments as well as food trucks that will allow attendees to buy their own snacks or meals. And Monongalia County Health Department’s new, state-of-the-art Smile Express mobile dentistry unit will be available for tours and maybe some quick assessments of young children’s teeth.
The walk will start off the activities at 6 p.m., with participants strolling around town with signs to raise awareness and spread the word about breastfeeding’s benefits to both baby and mom. Participants can feel free to make their own signs although a few will be provided.
“In the past, the walk was focused on the rebellion of breastfeeding,” said Anna Ash, an MCHD WIC certified breastfeeding specialist. “The walk was started because of a mother who was having pushback around breastfeeding in public.
“The transition is now more based around an educational need. There are so many women who don’t know the benefits of breastfeeding and don’t know they have support in the community.”
MCHD WIC operates in six counties: Monongalia, Preston, Marion, Harrison, Doddridge and Taylor.
Additionally, the Harrison County office will hold its 15th Annual Baby Buggy Stroll at Meadowbrook Mall in Bridgeport from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
Pregnant and breastfeeding moms can begin registering at 10 a.m. in the center court of the mall in front of JCPenney. There will be goody bags for the first 30 registrants and participants are encouraged to decorate strollers with positive breastfeeding images and/or slogans for the walk around the mall.
“We can answer questions about breastfeeding,” said Angie Rebrook, MCHD WIC’s breastfeeding liaison and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Rebrook notes that breastfeeding has become trendy, in addition to the growing support that exists for breastfeeding moms.
“It has just taken off and moms feel more supported and more educated,” Rebrook added. “There is more information out there that makes moms more accepting of the idea.”
MCHD WIC is instrumental in helping new moms with their breastfeeding techniques and can help with latching, an issue that WIC breastfeeding specialists often see.
Also, Ash said, “One of my goals is to break down this stigma that formula is a status symbol. In Appalachia, formula has been a status symbol in the past, because it shows you’re doing well in life.
“The focus should be on healthier children, which is the true sign of wealth.”
Breastfeeding is a completely natural part of the human experience that provides both mother and baby with many benefits, including the obvious one: nutrition for the infant.
“It helps the baby’s immune system and gives them a healthier gut,” says Lynne Ryan, IBCLC, of MCHD WIC.
For the mom, breastfeeding helps normalize her weight and the state of lactating releases hormones that are relaxing, which help her body readjust after going through a pregnancy, Ryan added.
And it’s also cost-effective.
Pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding mothers as well as children up to their fifth birthdays who financially qualify can take advantage of all of MCHD WIC’s breastfeeding offerings. This includes in-person appointments, in addition to access to the Pacify app, which provides 24/7 help with questions. Our hospital liaison program has been revived at WVU Medicine Children’s and expanded to United Hospital Center in Bridgeport. Liaisons meet with new moms to sign them up for WIC if they are eligible, and they also can help with the initial latch and answer questions too.
But any member of the public can attend free breastfeeding classes in the six counties MCHD WIC covers. Our 

, has more information plus times and dates.
And you can also attend the Breastfeeding Awareness Walk on Aug. 7, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions!


MCHD WIC celebrates Breastfeeding Month with two events

Like everyone else, I’ve been experiencing the thick hot air that’s been permeating lately, and hearing a lot of news about extreme heat and heat-related illness.
After one story focused on the extra risks endured by those with outdoor jobs, including construction workers and letter carriers, I put some bottles of water in our fridge and asked my husband to offer one when our mail arrived.
Our carrier really appreciated the opportunity to hydrate with some cold H2O.
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) 

 dated April 18, 2024, emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses “substantially increased across several U.S. regions compared with previous years” in the period from May to September 2023.
These incidents overwhelmingly affected men 18 to 64 years old who had been outside in the sun, performing physical activities.
“In recent years, health emergencies caused by heat exposure have become more frequent and widespread in the United States,” the report summarized.
During hot days, individuals who can limit their time outside should consider doing so.
Anyone who does spend time outdoors, especially those who are engaging in strenuous or lengthy activity, should take precautions to stay safe and also know signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Providing water and getting them to a shady spot and helping them cool down in other ways, by removing any excess clothing, is key.
Illnesses include

 heat stroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope and heat cramps

, according to the CDC. Here’s a list of symptoms for each:


Symptoms include confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, loss of consciousness (coma), hot and dry skin or profuse sweating, seizures and a very high body temperature.
This can be fatal if treatment is delayed. Calling 911 and staying with the individual until emergency service workers arrive is vital. Wet the skin and place cold, wet cloths on the skin and circulate air around the individual to speed cooling.


 is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating, according to the CDC.
Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, elevated body temperature and decreased urine output.
In this situation, the individual should still seek medical care. Call 911 if going to a medical clinic or the emergency department is difficult.


 is a medical condition associated with heat stress and prolonged physical exertion. Rhabdo causes the rapid breakdown, rupture and death of muscle. When muscle tissue dies, electrolytes and large proteins are released into the bloodstream. This can cause irregular heart rhythms, seizures and damage to the kidneys.
Symptoms include muscle cramps/pain, abnormally dark (tea or cola-colored) urine, weakness and exercise intolerance, although individuals can be asymptomatic.
Individuals should stop the activity, drink water, seek medical attention and ask to be tested for Rhabdomyolysis.


 is a fainting (syncope) episode of short duration or dizziness that usually occurs when standing for too long or suddenly standing up after sitting or lying down. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization.
Symptoms include fainting for a short time, dizziness and light-headedness from standing too long or suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position. Individuals should sit or lie down in a cool place and sip water, clear juice or a sports drink.


 usually affect individuals who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps. Symptoms include muscle cramps and pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs.
Get medical help if the individual has heart problems, is on a low-sodium diet and/or has cramps that do not subside in an hour.
Of course, you also want to wear sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher. Also, for recreational activities or yard work, try to go as early in the morning or later in the afternoon or evening as possible.
For more information, go to this link: www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html.
And if you see someone who could use some water and you have some handy, feel free to offer it to them.

Learn how to recognize signs of heat illnesses

Monongalia County Health Department at 453 Van Voorhis Road will be closed on Monday, July 28, due to a water outage. Updates will be provided as we learn more. Anyone who needs to connect with the health department can use the contact form at the bottom of our home page at 

MCHD closed Monday, July 28 due to water outage

 is holding its first Breastfeeding Awareness Walk since 2019, with a new location and format!

The event takes place from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 at the Morgantown Farmers Market Pavilion. Anyone can come learn about and support breastfeeding, and pregnant and breastfeeding moms can register at the event for prizes.

There will be a short walk around the block to support breastfeeding. Light refreshments will be provided and a food truck will also be on site. 

Come join us as we renew this event to help make it bigger and better than ever!

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