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!


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


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!


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

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.

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

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

The regular, bi-monthly meeting of the Monongalia County Board of Health will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 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, July 30.

More information and the agenda can be found 

Regular MCHD Board of Health meeting to be held Thursday, July 31

 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!

Additionally, the MCHD WIC's Harrison County office will hold its 15th annual Baby Buggy Stroll from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Aug. 6 at the Meadowbrook Mall in Bridgeport.

Pregnant and breastfeeding moms can begin registering at 10 a.m. at the center court of the mall in front of JCPenney.

There will be door prizes as well as small discounts provided at mall stores to registered attendees, in addition to a stroll around the mall to raise breastfeeding awareness. 

Breastfeeding awareness events to be held Aug. 5 and 6

Crews are working to repair a leak in the Bretton Woods area off of Bloody Run. That area is without water. Water from Boy Scout Road to the Taylor County Line is currently off. Clinton has ongoing leak testing efforts working its way toward the Taylor County line. Residents will be getting intermittent water back on. Customers should anticipate periodic disruptions into tomorrow.

A BOIL WATER and WATER CONSERVATION ADVISORY is STILL IN EFFECT for the ENTIRE system as the Clinton Water Assn. works to normalize water levels. This includes customers in the U.S. 119 S area and side streets and customers along Route 73, such as Ashton Estates.

A Water Distribution Center has been set up at the Hornbeck Road Walmart, in a big white tent in the parking lot until 6 p.m. today. Water to fill jugs is available until 6 p.m. today at the Clinton Water Assn. office at 703 Green Bag Road. Continue to monitor the Clinton Water Assn. website (https://clinton-water.com/) for updates. If you have further questions or if you can’t travel to a water distribution location, please call or text 681-867-8631. If you leave a message, you will receive a return call. 




Water alert for Clinton Water Association customers


Who doesn’t love a banana split in the summer? It’s a refreshing go-to and a crowd pleaser when it comes to kids.
Have you ever thought of making one with yogurt instead?
It’s a fun treat that you can make, maybe with ingredients you already have around the house.
This easy recipe is a guideline for how to make one, but feel free to customize it anyway you want. Toppings can make it even more fun and tasty.
Bananas are packed with potassium, which supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure. They’re also a good source of vitamin B6, essential for brain health and energy metabolism. They also contain fiber that aids digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Strawberries support immune health, aid in reducing inflammation and they contribute to bone health and metabolism. Raspberries help with digestion and, like strawberries, immunity and inflammation reduction. They also are good for bone health and blood function.
Next, the refreshing Watermelon Sorbet is very hydrating on hot July days. The water in the name is not just a coincidence, it’s also what watermelon is primarily made of. Watermelons were originally cultivated for their high water content and stored to be eaten during dry seasons, as a source of both food and water.
This summer gourd is also high in antioxidants such as lycopene, vitamin C and beta carotene, which all help reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Just like with the Breakfast Banana Split, you can add your own finishing touches to the Watermelon Sorbet, such as mint or another herb.



1 banana, peeled and sliced lengthwise*
1 cup of vanilla whole milk yogurt*
Fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and/or blackberries*
1/2 cup granola
(Optional garnishes: sprinkles, almonds, etc.)




Place the bananas in a long bowl or plate. Spoon the yogurt over the top.
Sprinkle the berries, granola, and optional add-ons onto the bananas and yogurt.
Serve as a fun breakfast or snack!




2 cups watermelon, cubed *
1/2 lime Juiced*
Honey, to taste




Dice watermelon and place the pieces in the freezer overnight. You can proceed after several hours but make sure the watermelon is completely frozen to ensure that the sorbet has a solid texture. Place diced, frozen watermelon into the food processor and add some lime juice. Use 2-3 cups of watermelon for each half lime, but just add a little at the beginning and add more, to taste, later on. Start with just a few drops of juiced lime to keep it from splashing out of the food process, and slowly add in more as you process your sorbet to keep .
Continue to process watermelon and lime juice in the food processor until mixture turns into a sorbet texture. Add a little more lime juice as needed for taste and texture.
For a sweeter sorbet, add in a little honey or another sweetener. Serve immediately.


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

July WIC Kitchen: Cool treats for hot days

The Fourth of July weekend is a time to gather together, play, grill out, have fun and watch fireworks. For many, it’s a highlight of summer.

Fireworks help make the Fourth of July special. However, when it comes to individuals putting them off in residential areas, they can be a delight to those using them but a nuisance to neighbors and their pets. They also can harm people, start fires and even cause death.

 received reports of eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks. Out of the eight deaths, five were associated with firework misuse, two with a device malfunction and one involved unknown circumstances.

, fireworks typically start 19,000 fires each year. Setting them off during periods of high temperatures and dry weather also is more conducive to fires, and adding in high winds can make fire spread more rapidly.

Here are tips to follow when using fireworks:

Never allow young children to handle fireworks.

Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.

Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.

Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.

Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.

Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.

Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.

Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.

Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.

So what are illegal fireworks in the city of Morgantown? You can access this information in the city code on Morgantown’s website, morgantownwv.gov. Hover over the “Government” heading, click on “City Code” and then search for fireworks, under section 545.10.

While it’s not unexpected that some fireworks will still be popping in Morgantown neighborhoods after hours, keep in mind that your neighbors probably don’t want to hear loud crackling noises outside their bedrooms at, say, 12:45 in the morning.

Fireworks also impact pets, especially dogs, cats and horses. Fireworks can frighten them and if they escape from their homes, it’s not a good night for them to be out and about. If your pet or pets get scared when the fireworks start flying, it’s recommended to check with your veterinarian well before the holiday to employ their help with behavioral therapy or medication that can calm them down.

In the meantime, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that dogs and cats wear collars and that their owners get them microchipped. Also, have current photos of your pets just in case.

Be sure they are safely enclosed if you have guests over and keep them away from any fireworks and grills.

In addition to firework safety, preparedness is another topic important on the Fourth of July. There are several obvious reasons for that — a fully-stocked first aid kit is handy to have for minor fireworks injuries, falls, bicycle crashes, etc.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that barbecue season also makes it easier to get out and meet your neighbors. Knowing the people who live close to you can be vital not only during a disaster that may or may not occur, but also during a routine power outage.

And when you know your neighbors, it might make it easier to talk to them if their fireworks are impeding your peace and feeling of safety.

Mary Wade Burnside is the Public Information Officer at Monongalia County Health Department.

When fireworks “Oooohs and Ahhhhs” turn to “Arghhh” and “Owww”

When Madison Baughman delivered her daughter Maggie in March, she already had a lot on her plate.

The dramatic birth followed a preeclampsia diagnosis, a medical helicopter ride from Fayette County with her fiancé Bryan Brugnoli — recovering from surgery himself — racing up I-79 to be with her, a Caesarean section and a stint for Maggie in the NICU at WVU Medicine Children’s.

So when Chrissy Rodeheaver, a breastfeeding peer counselor with Monongalia County Health Department’s WIC program, stopped by to see Baughman and get the family signed up for the 

 (WIC) federally-funded nutrition program, it was a huge relief and convenience.

“She came directly to my recovery room and took care of all the paperwork for us,” Baughman said. “It felt like we were just having a conversation rather than doing paperwork. She asked how the baby and I were doing and shared some of her similar personal experiences with the NICU.

That makes perfect sense because that is Rodeheaver’s job as MCHD WIC’s hospital liaison to new mothers at WVU Medicine Children’s.

Rodeheaver spends most of her working hours on the labor and delivery floor of WVU Medicine Children’s. She visits mothers, usually as they are being discharged, to see if they qualify for WIC. If they do, they receive nutritional counseling as well as benefits loaded onto an EBT card and help with breastfeeding through on-site advice, classes and/or a 24-hour app.

Sometimes the client is new, and sometimes she already has previously qualified and gone through the program.

“Everyone who we’ve been able to certify or re-certify has been really grateful,” Rodeheaver said. “We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response. It’s one less thing for them to worry about during their postpartum period.”

WIC clients include pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding mothers and children up to the age of 5 who financially qualify. Mothers on Medicaid and foster parents automatically qualify. Click 

MCHD WIC oversees the WIC program in Monongalia, Preston, Marion, Harrison, Doddridge and Taylor counties, but the hospital liaison can help new mothers who live outside of that region, such as Baughman, from Ansted.

A pilot program between WIC and WVU Medicine Children’s began in late June 2023 and lasted through January 2024. After some changes, the program started back up full time last September. A similar program was launched at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport in December 2024, with Stephanie Marshall of MCHD WIC’s Harrison County office serving as liaison.

“They are so thankful to have us there,” Marshall said. “Having a baby is a big deal, even if it’s not the first. I have a 6-year-old and a 2-year-old, and the four-year difference — I thought I didn’t know how to hold a baby.”

In addition to talking to the new mothers and loading benefits on the card, Rodeheaver and Marshall can also provide breastfeeding tips, although they are not allowed to touch the mother or the baby.

“You can guide them to tweak positioning so the babies can latch,” Marshall said. “The most minor things can help them with their breastfeeding journey.”

Said Rodeheaver, “Increasing rates of breastfeeding increases positive health outcomes for mothers and babies overall.”

Before the hospital liaison program, some new mothers would stop by the Morgantown WIC office on their way home from the hospital, which can be unwieldy and uncomfortable just after giving birth and with a newborn baby in tow.

This program can eliminate the need for that, as well as aid in finding potential clients who might have otherwise fallen through the cracks.

“The program is going really well,” said Cami Haught, MCHD WIC program manager. “The staff and participants at Children’s are really receptive and excited to have us there.”

Numbers have been good at both locations, Haught said. Since the September re-launch at WVU Medicine Children’s through April, 176 mothers had been certified (111) or recertified (65).

Since December at UHC, 106 mothers have been certified (57) or recertified (49).

Officials at the statewide WIC office are so pleased that the program will be expanded to seven additional WVU Medicine hospitals across four local WIC agencies between fiscal years 2025 and 2027, said Heidi Staats, director of the Office of Nutrition Services at the West Virginia Department of Health.

This will be funded with a WIC infrastructure grant, Staats added, and MCHD WIC’s two programs will be transitioned to this grant during that same time period.

Regina Scott, project manager for Patient and Family-Centered Care at WVU Medicine Children’s, said that having the WIC liaison stationed at the hospital has been helpful.

“This partnership helps to ensure that we are closing any resource gaps that the families may have,” she said.

Although the liaison program helps to keep new moms from having to visit the WIC office upon leaving the hospital, Maggie’s stay in the NICU gave Baughman and Brunoli plenty of time to swing by to visit Rodeheaver at WIC and look through the clothes closet provided for clients.

“Chrissy has been lovely!” Baughman said. “She made everything so simple and walked us through everything we needed to know about getting started with WIC.

“It was so nice to have someone who understood our situation and wanted to help rather than adding to our already very full plate.”

WIC hospital liaisons sign up new moms and help close the gap

As West Virginia Day approaches, we can reflect on words that describe our beloved state: Wild and Wonderful.
Unfortunately, that quality also makes our area a good place for 

 to settle in and latch on to humans and animals alike, causing a variety of illnesses.
“We have lots of forest and a lot of vegetation growth,” said Jamie Moore, program manager for Monongalia County Health Department’s Threat Preparedness program. “‘Wild, Wonderful West Virginia.’ That’s what it means.”
In 2017, according to state entomologist Eric Dotseth, West Virginia became one of 12 “high-instance Lyme disease” states.


, of course, is an illness caused by the bite of the black-legged tick, or deer tick, and it has been on the rise for some time.
And now there are two more illnesses caused by that same tick that Mountain State residents should watch out for.
On May 20, the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, part of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, issued a health advisory noting that while Lyme disease remains far ahead in numbers by comparison, physicians and individuals alike should be aware of the increase in two other illnesses: 

.
In 2024, the number of reported Lyme disease cases was 3,207, “surprisingly” a bit down from 2023’s figure of 3,242, Dotseth said.
The numbers for Anaplasmosis, 15 in 2023 and 29 in 24; and Babesiosis, two in 2023 and four in 2024, are significantly lower, but noticeable for the fact that they are on the rise.
In dealing with ticks, it’s important to realize that there are steps that can be taken to avoid these parasitic arachnids that live by feasting on the blood of humans and animals, as well as that checking yourself, kids and pets for ticks after returning from grassy places is essential.
“We kind of have to exist with these creatures, so if you want to do the things you want to do, it’s important to take precautions whenever you come out of the woods,” Moore said.
Because not everyone sees a tick before it disengages itself, it’s good to be aware of symptoms that these illnesses can cause so individuals can better advocate for themselves when seeking treatment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease can cause a bull’s-eye rash at the site of the tick bite. Other symptoms can be somewhat generic, including fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches and swollen lymph nodes. If you experience these symptoms and believe there is a chance you’ve been exposed to a tick bite, tell your health care provider, who can prescribe an antibiotic that can prevent Lyme disease.
As for the two lesser-known illnesses, Dotseth noted there are some distinct differences between the two.
Anaplasmosis, he said, “doesn’t have the long-term possibilities like with Lyme disease. This resolves in a few weeks.”
While the illness usually does clear up, complications can occur if medical treatment isn’t provided, including respiratory and organ failure.
Like with Lyme disease, the treatment for Anaplasmosis is an antibiotic.
As for Babesiosis, it attacks red blood cells, which can result in anemia and liver damage, Dotseth said. Unfortunately, an antibiotic is not a treatment for this illness. Individuals should consult a physician to see what steps to take.
Periodically, designated Monongalia County Health Department employees conduct tick surveillance, collecting them and sending them off to the West Virginia Office of Laboratory Services to be tested for disease.
To avoid ticks in the first place, steer clear of places where ticks live. Stick to trails instead of grassy areas. Wear tick repellent and treat clothing and gear with .5% permethrin. Upon returning home, check yourself, kids and pets for ticks. Take a shower and throw the clothes you were wearing in a dryer.
Moore also suggests, if possible, to tuck pants into socks so ticks cannot crawl up legs.
“The emphasis is caution and prevention,” Moore added. “Don’t avoid living your life because you’re worried about getting a tick disease. Follow precautions and keep on enjoying the outdoors.”


Tick tips in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia 

In West Virginia, June is the time of year that the results of spring planting start to pay off in a bounty of beautiful fruits and vegetables. It’s also when farmers markets benefit distribution begins.
The 

, provides vouchers that can be used at farmers markets by WIC recipients from June through November.
It’s the perfect time to highlight WIC Kitchen recipes that showcase farm fresh produce that is not only tasty but also healthy and accessible.
The Cauliflower Sweet Potato Couscous Salad is an easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table, featuring couscous and mint and topped with a pesto tahini dressing.
Cauliflower is high in antioxidants, which have anti-cancer benefits. Cauliflower is also high in choline, which is essential for brain development.
And sweet potatoes can help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol. One sweet potato contains the recommended daily intake amount of Vitamin A, which is essential for keeping your eyes healthy and also aids in immunity.
The Summer Berry Salad offers a twist — in addition to being packed with the titular berries, it also features spinach, basil, avocado, almonds and goat cheese.
By now, most people know that blueberries are a superfood — high in antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber, which support brain health, boost immunity and aid digestion. They also help reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
Avocados are rich in healthy fats, fiber and potassium, which support heart health, digestion and blood pressure regulation. They also provide vitamins C, E and K, which benefit skin, immunity, and bone health. Strawberries are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber and manganese. They also support immune health, aid in reducing inflammation, promote heart health and contribute to bone health and metabolism.
The Farmers Market Nutrition Program was established by Congress in 1992, to provide fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants, and to expand the awareness, use of, and sales at farmers' markets.
Eligible WIC participants are issued FMNP coupons in addition to their regular WIC benefits. To learn more about WIC guidelines, go to our website at www.monchd.org/departments-programs/pages/wic-eligibility-guidelines
Of course, anyone can make these dishes any time of the year. But they will be at their most flavorful when made at the peak freshness of local ingredients. Enjoy!

Cauliflower Sweet Potato Couscous Salad
Ingredients


1 sweet potato, medium, peeled and diced
½ head cauliflower, cut into small florets
14 oz chickpeas, one can, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp salt and pepper, adjust to taste
1 cup pearl couscous, dry
1 cup boiling water, or vegetable broth
¼ cup parsley, chopped
¼ cup mint, chopped
¼ cup dill, chopped
¼ cup pumpkin seeds, for crunch


¼ cup tahini
1 clove garlic, small, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
4 tbsp water, adjust for consistency
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp nutritional yeast, optional, for a cheesy tang
3-4 tbsp pesto, homemade or store bought



Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sweet potato, cauliflower and chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly crispy.
In the meantime, cook couscous according to package directions.
For the dressing, whisk all the ingredients in a jar until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine couscous, roasted sweet potato, cauliflower, chickpeas, herbs and pumpkin seeds.
Drizzle with the pesto tahini dressing and toss to combine. You can serve it warm or chilled.


9 oz baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup raspberries
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/3 cup chopped basil
1 avocado, chopped
4 oz goat cheese
Choice of balsamic vinaigrette dressing


Divide baby spinach between plates then top with berries, almonds, basil and chopped avocado.
Crumble goat cheese on top then dress with salad dressing.



It's a berry good time to get fresh produce at the farmers market 

A recent late April day started out normally at the Grafton-Taylor County Health Department, administrator Annie Kennedy said, with her friend and receptionist Jennifer Stolzenfels acting like her “normal, goofy self.”
Then, Stolzenfels looked like she was out of it, and a nurse yelled that something was wrong.
“By the time I got there, Jen was drawn up and stiff,” Kennedy said.
A retired nurse who happened to be at the health department started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while Kennedy grabbed one of two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) kept at the health department to shock her friend’s heart.
“After the second time, her color started to come back and you could see she was breathing on her own,” Kennedy said.
The health department has a system installed that, at the push of a button, alerts employees to an emergency and automatically dials 911. When EMS showed up, they had to shock Stolzenfels’ heart again.
Only 41, Stolzenfels was driven to the hospital. When she was taken off a ventilator three days later, she learned she has a condition called Torsades de Pointes, a life-threatening arrhythmia that can lead to cardiac arrest if not attended to quickly.
Stolzenfels’ treatment includes getting a defibrillator inserted into her chest. Soon she will begin cardiac rehab, and she’s working part-time as she builds up her strength.
Stolzenfels considers herself lucky that if her ordeal had to happen, it took place at the health department, where everyone knew CPR and could easily access an AED.
If it had occurred anywhere else, “I would not be alive,” she said.
The incident is still a sensitive subject for Kennedy and Stolzenfels, but the commencement of 

, which started on Sunday and runs through June 7, motivated them to tell the story.
At Monongalia County Health Department, CPR is one of the lifesaving practices that Joe Klass, chief of operations of the Threat Preparedness program, teaches to the community. The 

 takes around three to four hours and also includes instruction on how to operate an AED and how to save someone from choking using the 

.
Klass, who is also a paramedic, can teach Heartsaver CPR, which is geared to community members, as well as Basic Life Support to medical personnel.
“There really aren’t a lot of differences between the two,” Klass said. “Basic life support goes into more detail on how to manage cardiac arrest in a health care setting, using a couple of tools that non-medical people don’t usually have access to.”
Individuals who take Klass’ training learn on both adult and infant mannequins, he noted.
According to the American Heart Association, “CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after 

.”
Every year, according to the AHA, 350,000 people in the United States die from cardiac arrest, a number that can be improved as more individuals learn how to do CPR and also have access to equipment such as an AED.
Anyone who finds themselves in the position to help someone who has stopped breathing should first call 911. In addition to sending out an EMS unit, a dispatcher can also provide advice on how to perform CPR, Klass said.
Modern CPR was developed in 1960, although techniques have improved throughout the years.
There is even music that people can refer to in order to follow for the recommended rhythm while doing chest compressions, Klass said. As comically highlighted in a scene from the NBC TV show “The Office,” the best-known song is, coincidentally, “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. Spotify even has an entire CPR playlist of songs that work for CPR because the rhythm is 100 beats per minute.
“The big thing is, you never know when you might need it,” Klass said. “Everyone should have CPR training.”
Kennedy and Stolzenfels wholeheartedly agree. “We train for this to happen,” Kennedy said, “But you don’t train for it to be your own people.”
To learn more about CPR and how to organize a class, go to this link on the health department’s website: www.monchd.org/community-training#cpr.

CPR saves lives. Recently, it saved one of our colleagues.

At 71, MCHD WIC’s Lynne Ryan bikes to work and jogs on her lunch break

MORGANTOWN, WV — On the two days a week that Lynne Ryan works as a breastfeeding counselor and nutritionist at Monongalia County Health Department’s WIC program, she pulls up to the office on one of her bicycles that she rides from the Star City rail-trail to WIC’s new location on Pineview Drive, across from Mon Health Medical Center.

But the 71-year-old Ryan’s exercise for the day doesn’t stop with her daily cycling session to (and from) work.

After a morning of teaching new moms breastfeeding techniques and nutritional tips, she dons her exercise clothes again and runs four to five miles during 50 minutes of her hour-long lunch break.

“When we were next to the health department, I would run up to Core Arboretum and then run around the arboretum,” Ryan said. “I was worried when we moved (in February), but I got on Google Maps and found that there is a whole trail system behind Mon Health. I’m loving it.”

Ryan’s overall fitness routine includes running four to five times a week, in addition to biking and other activities such as hiking and swimming.

She sticks to her biking work commute and lunch run year-round, unless the streets are in really bad shape. Arriving at MCHD WIC one recent May morning on a blue Cannondale in light rain, she said, “I’m not going to let a little drizzle stop me.”

May is Older Americans Month, which highlights healthy living as we age.

Then the last Wednesday — May 28 this year — is National Senior Health & Fitness Day.

Ryan, who works part-time at MCHD WIC after retirement, is Monongalia County Health Department’s poster child for this celebration, often out-exercising her younger co-workers.

Growing up, Ryan enjoyed bike riding and she had always skied and hiked, but she didn’t enter this exercise phase of her life until she turned 49, after her four children had grown up.

She was motivated by Morgantown’s first Sprint, Splash ‘n Spin Triathlon.

“I think I want to try that,” she said at the time of the race that required swimming, cycling and running.

Even though her feet hurt after running her first mile, “I pushed through and it was fun. I was completely hooked.”

Eventually, she realized that running is her strength. “As I’ve gotten older and wiser, I’ve learned that it’s important to do the vast majority of my running on softer surfaces. I do no more than 10 percent of my running on pavement.”

While some people might be surprised at Ryan’s level of activity at 71, she has a group of friends, ranging in age from around 60 to 78, who call themselves “The Gang of Five.” They’ve gone on adventure trips to locales such as Baja, Mexico and Croatia, where, with the help of an outfitter, they distance swim in the ocean.

“It’s always a beautiful place, beautiful water,” Ryan said.

The outfitter takes the group out into the ocean in a boat and stays nearby in case anyone needs help because of fatigue or cramps.

Their next destination is Greece in September. “We do five days in a row,” Ryan said. “It’s a mile and a half before lunch and a mile and a half after lunch, and it’s a lot. I can really feel it at first and then I get used to it, and at the end I feel great.”

Exercise is important for all age groups, but for older individuals, it’s especially vital.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity can prevent or delay many health problems that can often occur with age. It’s also well-known that individuals typically start to lose muscle mass around the age of 30, a process that can accelerate after 60. Recent studies have shown that increased physical activity can also reduce the risk of dementia.

Ryan’s career at MCHD WIC began about six years before she started on her exercise journey. She began in 1997 as a lay breastfeeding counselor. Through the years, she returned to college to get a regents degree at West Virginia University with an emphasis in women’s studies and public health and took graduate courses in nutrition. She also earned her International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) designation.

In the nearly 30 years since she started at MCHD WIC, she’s seen breastfeeding rates rise from about 13% to the 60%-range.

“It’s really correlating with breastfeeding support — more support and counselors and classes,” Ryan said.

Those higher numbers are not just for initiation — mothers who try breastfeeding — but also those who go on to do it for six months or longer. “I hope it never goes backward,” she said.

WIC clients include pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding mothers and children up to the age of 5 who financially qualify. Mothers on Medicaid and foster parents automatically qualify. To see the financial guidelines, go to www.monchd.org and click on the WIC/Breastfeeding tab and then the WIC Eligibility Guidelines tab.

And while WIC provides specific breastfeeding guidance to clients, anyone can attend the free, public breastfeeding classes held at all six of MCHD’s WIC locations: Monongalia, Preston, Marion, Harrison, Doddridge and Taylor. To see times and dates, go to www.monchd.org/services/breastfeeding.

As for nutrition, even someone who has studied it sometimes needs to take stock.

“What I’m really realizing is how important calcium intake is,” she said. “If I don’t take enough calcium as I get older, my bones might not be fine.

“I feel like there is not a lot of room in a healthy diet to have empty calories.”

Another fact that might sound surprising for someone who bikes to and from work and then runs on her lunch break is that Ryan doesn’t always want to go out and do it.

“There are days when I have to talk myself into it,” she said. “But here’s the crux. I’m always glad afterward. I don’t want to go out there on a cold rainy day, but I know if I do it, I’m going to feel good.”

“Have a great summer!”
“Where are you going on vacation?”
“Road trip!”
Memorial Day weekend is the official start of summer, if not the scientific one.
And while you may hear phrases such as the ones above, Monongalia County Health Department’s Environmental Health program has an important message to add:
“The No. 1 rule of swimming (other than knowing how to swim) is to avoid doing No. 2 in the pool.”
According to the 

 (CDC) (and feel free to finish breakfast before continuing), “One person with diarrhea can contaminate the entire pool.” These rules also apply to splash pads. “Swallowing even a small amount of water contaminated with diarrhea germs can make you sick for up to three weeks.”
So in addition to not taking a dip into a pool if you have diarrhea, it’s also important for swimmers to avoid swallowing water at a pool or a splash pad.
Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or having contact with contaminated water. Diarrhea is the most common RWI, but others include skin, ear, respiratory, eye and neurologic infections. Children are more likely to get these illnesses than adults.
Here are some tips to follow to make swimming healthier for everyone:
• Don’t swim or let your kids swim when sick, including with diarrhea.
• Don’t swallow the water.
• Check out the pool’s latest inspection report. You can do that by going to this website: https://inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/monongalia.
• Take kids on bathroom breaks every 60 minutes or more if needed.
• Check diapers every 30–60 minutes and change them in a bathroom or diaper-changing area, not waterside.
• Shower before you get in the water.
• If you are so inclined, you can do a mini-inspection of the pool. Instructions on how to do that, as well as other safe swimming advice, can be found at this link: www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/about/index.html
MCHD Environmental Health’s 

 also inspect pools and teach several Certified Pool Operators classes throughout the year. Each pool undergoes a full inspection twice a year. Sanitarians also stop by each pool bi-weekly to check pH and chlorine. If they receive a complaint, sanitarians respond within 10 days.
Of course there is more to swimming safety than the quality of the water. Swimming lessons are a great idea for anyone who needs them, and individuals should only swim in areas protected by lifeguards. The 

 also reminds parents of young children to supervise them yourselves even when there is a lifeguard on duty and cautions against relying on inflatable devices to be a substitute for parental supervision.
Swimming in lakes, rivers, streams and at a beach have additional sets of advice to follow. Always enter unfamiliar water feet first. Do not dive in an area unless you know the water is deep enough and there are no obstructions that could cause harm.
And when it comes to 

 in the ocean, if you try to fight the rip current and swim against it, you'll get worn out, notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Float instead, and if you're a good swimmer, swim parallel to shore until you've cleared the pull of the rip current. Swim with the waves, allowing them to push you to shore.
Swimming is a great way to get exercise and have fun this summer, and following a few rules will help ensure that you will be safe at the same time.


Swimming 101: Avoid No. 2 in the pool

MCHD WIC hospital liaisons sign up moms at WVU Medicine Children’s & UHC

When Madison Baughman delivered her daughter Maggie in March, she already had a lot on her plate.
The dramatic birth followed a preeclampsia diagnosis, a medical helicopter ride from Fayette County with her fiancé Bryan Brugnoli — recovering from surgery himself — racing up I-79 to be with her, a Caesarean section and a stint for Maggie in the NICU at WVU Medicine Children’s.
So when Chrissy Rodeheaver, a breastfeeding peer counselor with Monongalia County Health Department’s WIC program, stopped by to see Baughman and get the family signed up for the Women, Infant and Children’s (WIC) federally-funded nutrition program, it was a huge relief and convenience.
“She came directly to my recovery room and took care of all the paperwork for us,” Baughman said. “It felt like we were just having a conversation rather than doing paperwork. She asked how the baby and I were doing and shared some of her similar personal experiences with the NICU.
“She made us feel right at home.”
That makes perfect sense because that’s Rodeheaver’s job as MCHD WIC’s hospital liaison to new mothers at WVU Medicine Children’s.
Rodeheaver spends most of her working hours on the labor and delivery floor of WVU Medicine Children’s. She visits mothers, usually as they are being discharged, to see if they qualify for WIC. If they do, they receive nutritional counseling as well as benefits loaded onto an EBT card and help with breastfeeding through on-site advice, classes and/or a 24-hour app.
Sometimes the client is new, and sometimes she already has previously qualified and gone through the program.
“Everyone who we’ve been able to certify or re-certify has been really grateful,” Rodeheaver said. “We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response. It’s one less thing for them to worry about during their postpartum period.”
WIC clients include pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding mothers and children up to the age of 5 who financially qualify. Mothers on Medicaid and foster parents automatically qualify. To see the financial guidelines, go to www.monchd.org and click on the WIC/Breastfeeding tab and then the WIC Eligibility Guidelines tab.
MCHD WIC oversees the WIC program in Monongalia, Preston, Marion, Harrison, Doddridge and Taylor counties, but the hospital liaison can help new mothers who live outside of that region, such as Baughman, from Ansted.
A pilot program between WIC and WVU Medicine Children’s began in late June 2023 and lasted through January 2024. After some changes, the program started back up last September. A similar program was launched at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport in December 2024, with Stephanie Marshall of MCHD WIC’s Harrison County office serving as liaison.
“They are so thankful to have us there,” Marshall said. “Having a baby is a big deal, even if it’s not the first. I have a 6-year-old and a 2-year-old, and the four-year difference — I thought I didn’t know how to hold a baby.”
In addition to talking to the new mothers and loading benefits on the card, Rodeheaver and Marshall can also provide breastfeeding tips, although they are not allowed to touch the mother or the baby.
“You can guide them to tweak positioning so the babies can latch,” Marshall said. “The most minor things can help them with their breastfeeding journey.”
Said Rodeheaver, “Increasing rates of breastfeeding increases positive health outcomes for mothers and babies overall.”
Before the hospital liaison program, some new mothers would stop by the Morgantown WIC office on their way home from the hospital, which can be unwieldy and uncomfortable just after giving birth and with a newborn baby in tow.
This program can eliminate the need for that, as well as aid in finding potential clients who might have otherwise fallen through the cracks.
“The program is going really well,” said Cami Haught, MCHD WIC program manager. “The staff and participants at Children’s are really receptive and excited to have us there.”
Numbers have been good at both locations, Haught said. Since the September re-launch at WVU Medicine Children’s through April, 176 mothers had been certified (111) or recertified (65).
Since December at UHC, 106 mothers have been certified (57) or recertified (49).
Officials at the statewide WIC office are so pleased that the program will be expanded to seven additional WVU Medicine hospitals across four local WIC agencies between fiscal years 2025 and 2027, said Heidi Staats, director of the Office of Nutrition Services at the West Virginia Department of Health.
This will be funded with a WIC infrastructure grant, Staats added, and MCHD WIC’s two programs will be transitioned to this grant during that same time period.
Regina Scott, project manager for Patient and Family-Centered Care at WVU Medicine Children’s, said that having the WIC liaison stationed at the hospital has been helpful.
“This partnership helps to ensure that we are closing any resource gaps that the families may have,” she said.
Although the liaison program helps keep new moms from having to visit the WIC office upon leaving the hospital, Maggie’s stay in the NICU gave Baughman and Brunoli plenty of time to visit Rodeheaver at WIC and look through a clothes closet provided for clients.
“Chrissy has been lovely!” Baughman said. “She made everything so simple and walked us through everything we needed to know about getting started with WIC.
“It was so nice to have someone who understood our situation and wanted to help rather than adding to our already very full plate.”


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.

Traveling abroad? Add Monongalia County Health Department’s

 to your to-do list.
Different nations require different vaccines, either as a routine matter or because of an outbreak. 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.
And not to be a henny penny, but sometimes a trip can come to an abrupt halt because the traveler has not obtained the proper vaccine.
Take the time that musical duo Tenacious D planned to open for the Foo Fighters in Rio de Janeiro. That lineup didn’t happen because Tenacious D members were turned away at Brazil’s customs because they had not been vaccinated for yellow fever.
If only they followed Monongalia County Health Department on social media! Even we were publicizing that outbreak to warn area residents who might be traveling there.
If you are familiar with the area to which you are traveling, the situation may have changed so it’s good to get an update.
For instance, yellow fever as a cause of concern in Brazil has been replaced in that country by another mosquito-borne illness, Oropouche fever.
But yellow fever cases are now elevated in Nigeria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travel’s Health 

. 
If you are going to a place where yellow fever is a concern, it’s just a one-dose vaccine. 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? And are any of your prescribed medications not allowed into a country where you are traveling?
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.
It might be recommended to drink bottled water at your destination, but don’t forget to also use it to brush your teeth and to avoid letting shower water get into your mouth.
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).
Dr. Brian Huggins, Monongalia County Health Department’s health officer, is a seasoned traveler himself and is now conducting the appointments.
MCHD’s 

offers more information about the International Travel Clinic.

Put the "Bon" in Bon Voyage at the MCHD Travel Clinic

A couple of years ago, my incentive to wear sunscreen increased exponentially.
Previously, I have to admit, vanity was my primary motivation, in spite of the fact that my father, fair-skinned and freckled like me, had to get pre-cancerous lesions removed during his lifetime.
I knew that the sun contributes to aging and wrinkling skin. With a few painful sunburns under my belt from childhood, I figured it wasn’t worth it. Plus, the burns didn’t even ever turn into a tan. I just looked beet-red.
But in December 2022, I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on my calf. As someone who has been covering health topics for 15 years, I immediately knew that of the 

, this wasn’t the least harmful one, basal cell carcinoma. (Nor, luckily, it wasn’t the most dangerous kind, melanoma.)
My dermatologist performed a 

 procedure to burn the cancer off of my skin, taking what looked like a car cigarette lighter to create a perfect red circle on my calf that took a few months to heal.
The scar was starting to look a lot better in March when I noticed that there was a pizza sliced-shaped mark inside the circle.
Once again, it was squamous cell carcinoma. This time, I had 

, coincidentally two years ago on May 1, the day which Skin Cancer Awareness Month commences. During the surgery, the doctor peeled back layers of skin to remove the cancerous cells and conducted lab testing in real time to see if he would need to continue until the margins were clear. Luckily, he only had to do this once.
The surgery left a scar that is much larger than the original small circle burn, because the calf is a difficult area to stitch up, and, as I found out, to heal.
Now I really try to keep myself safe from the sun. I’ve bought some serious sun hats. And I’m really making sure to get good sunscreen and apply it correctly.
Still, I had some learning to do when I found out that just randomly applying sunscreen is not the optimal way to proceed. Here are some tips I learned:
Use a lot. Studies have shown that people use much less sunscreen than is needed to effectively protect them, so use more than you think you need.
Make sure the sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50.
When it comes to selecting sunscreen, coconut oil is NOT a good ingredient. But a mineral such as zinc is and will help keep the lotion on your body longer.
Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you are sweating, in water, etc.
Sunscreen quality has improved in recent years and it doesn’t have to be greasy. Nor does it have to be a thick paste that is difficult to smooth into your skin.
When I switched to mineral-based sunscreen a decade or so ago, it was like putting on kabuki makeup, which was self-defeating in the mornings when I was getting ready for work. But now there are several on the market that go on more easily and are absorbed more quickly.
And finally, take other precautions. Remember, the sun is at its most direct between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There are clothing options you can choose that also can deflect the sun. A straw hat is not one of them! The holes created by the weaving pattern allow the sun to shine on your head.
Sure, I get it. All of this sounds like a hassle. But take it from me, it’s much preferable than having painful procedures and surgery, and visiting a dermatologist every six months to have her look you over for any potential strange growths on your skin. Which anyone can do periodically even if they haven’t had skin cancer, just to be sure.


Slathering on sunscreen? Make it count!

Is spring cleaning on your to-do list? Don’t forget your medicine cabinet.
If you have unused medications piling up, 

 is almost here.
Five locations around Morgantown will be set up by the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department so people can drop off medications that are no longer being used. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26.
Think this might not apply to you? You might want to reconsider that.
According to the 

, the leading cause of emergency department visits for adverse drug events are blood thinners, antibiotics, diabetes medications and opioid analgesics, such as tramadol or fentanyl.
And, notes the 

, many prescriptions, especially those to help individuals sleep or treat pain as well as anxiety and other mood disorders, are often misused. Keeping them in a safe place, or, if possible, safely getting rid of them if they are not being used, is important.
Children or people with memory issues, or just about anybody, can accidentally misuse a potentially dangerous drug that can be found in a home.
Coordinated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), this event is typically held twice a year, in April and October, to provide the opportunity for the safe disposal of drugs that might be around the house.
Drug take-back events are the No. 1 recommended way to dispose of drugs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to making a home safer for everyone, it’s also kinder to the environment to make sure drugs are safely disposed of.
The EPA also warns against 

 any drugs, unless instructions say to do so, so that medications do not reach the wastewater system.
The same could be said for just throwing away prescriptions, which could end up in a landfill and eventually get into a body of water.
An acceptable second choice requires a bit of a process to safely put them in the garbage. Guidance calls for taking the meds out of their original bottle, mingling them with a substance such as kitty litter or coffee grounds and then putting them in something like a plastic margarine container.
However, garbage disposal of drugs can also lead to dogs, cats and other animals getting sick if they decide to rummage through trash. Did you know that human medications are the leading cause of pet poisoning?
Both Monongalia County Health Department and the 

Monongalia County Quick Response Team (QRT)

 recommend a product to actually keep in your medicine cabinet at all times: naloxone. Naloxone, also known as Narcan in its nose spray form, reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and it’s important to have around. Just about anybody could get into a legitimately prescribed medication or take the incorrect dosage and need to be revived.
The Monongalia County QRT, funded with grants obtained by Monongalia County Health Department, just held a Free Naloxone Event on Friday. These events give us the opportunity to distribute naloxone and fentanyl test strips test strips, which can be used to make sure recreational drugs haven’t been unknowingly tainted with the deadly fentanyl.
Take back locations are the Monongalia County Sheriff's Office, Pierpont Landing Pharmacy, Suncrest Kroger Pharmacy, Mon Health Medical Center and Villages at Heritage Point.
If you can’t make it on April 26, both the Morgantown and Granville police
departments have year-round drop-off bins.
Check out the health department’s 

Cleaning house? Don’t forget medications.

April signifies the end of peak carrot harvesting season but they are also perfect for spring, a sign of rebirth and the perfect snack food to leave out for any visiting rabbits, real or imaginary.

Being a key part of a candy-centered celebration might be a disadvantage for a crunchy vegetable. But they do pair well with fruit and spices, making them versatile, healthy and yummy.

High in vitamin A, carrots play a key role in eye health. They are also high in vitamin C, so they help maintain your immune system. Carrots are also high in beta-carotene, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

And here’s a fun fact about beta-carotene – if you consume a lot of carrots (or any food high in beta-carotene) you can develop an orange tint to your skin. But it’s only temporary!

These Carrot Pineapple Muffins are a great example of how carrots blend well with a lot of fun flavors, including brown sugar, cinnamon, coconut and vanilla.

You can make the muffins on the weekend and snack on them throughout the week. They also freeze well, so you also have the option of making them ahead of time too.

Showcasing a more savory side of carrots (with some sweet touches), this Sweet & Crunchy Carrot Salad provides a light and refreshing side dish option for dinner with family or even for guests.

1 cup whole-wheat flour (or substitute another cup of all-purpose flour)

3/4 cup packed brown sugar (use 1/2 cup if you prefer a less-sweet muffin)

1 1/2 cups carrot (grated (about three medium carrots))*

1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons sweetened flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease or place cupcake wrappers in a standard-size, 12-cup muffin pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg and vanilla extract.

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and whisk just until all ingredients are incorporated. Gently stir in the carrots, 1/2 cup coconut and pineapple.

Use a cookie scoop to divide the mixture among the muffin cups. Cups should be filled to the top.

Sprinkle tops evenly with remaining 2 tablespoons of coconut.

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until muffin tops spring back when poked and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Serve plain or with butter, if desired.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for two-three days or freeze.

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice*

1 pound carrots, peeled and shredded (about 4 heaping cups)*

2 green onions, chopped (light green and white parts)*

1 handful fresh parsley, chopped (about 1/4 cup packed)

1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped (optional)

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, maple syrup, salt and about five grinds of black pepper. Stir well.

Add in the shredded carrots, green onions and parsley and gently toss everything together, to make sure the dressing coats all of the vegetables evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add extra lemon juice if you want a more tart flavor, or a little more salt to punch it up.

Stir in the raisins and pecans, if using, and serve. If you don't plan on serving this salad right away, wait and add the pecans right before serving if you make this in advance.

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