Upcoming Meditation Series

Livingston County Health Center is excited to announce an upcoming series of Meditation Classes led by Kasey Peyton.  Classes will be held every Wednesday for six weeks, beginning on Wednesday, January 10th at 12:15 p.m. in the Health Center classroom, located at 800 Adam Drive.

A regular meditation practice can reduce stress, improve focus, stabilize emotions, promote physical health, and increase compassion towards others and ourselves. 

This six-week course will introduce students to a different type of meditation each week with instruction on proper posture and breathing.  The first class is an introduction to meditation itself.   Information and helpful tips will be shared to encourage students to develop a home meditation practice of their own. 

Those that attended the first Meditation Series held last fall are welcome to attend this series as well.  There will be some of the same meditation styles, as well as a few new ones.  Class starts a little later at 12:15 to allow those coming from work a little more time to get to the health center for class.  Classes run for 30-45 minutes, although students can leave when they need to.

Kasey Peyton is a certified yoga and meditation instructor and a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance.  In a culture and age of fast-paced, outward focus, Kasey enjoys bringing people back to themselves through the inner work of yoga and meditation.  She is rewarded by the serene look of transformation on her students’ faces at the end of every class.

The Health Center requested Kasey to teach meditation to educate county residents about alternative methods of preventive self-care. 

For more information about the upcoming classes, please call 660-646-5506.

Show Me Health - Diabetes Month - Living with Diabetes

You may have heard people say they have “a touch of diabetes” or that their “sugar is a little high.” These words suggest that diabetes is not a serious disease. That is not correct. Diabetes is serious, but you can learn to manage it.  Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. It can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems if it’s not controlled.  One in 10 Americans have diabetes — that’s more than 30 million people. And another 84 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot respond appropriately to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to absorb and use glucose (sugar) as fuel for the body’s cells. Without a properly functioning insulin signaling system, blood glucose levels become elevated and other problems can occur, leading to the development of serious, disabling complications.

Many forms of diabetes exist. The 3 common types of diabetes are:

• Type 2 diabetes, which results from a combination of resistance to the action of insulin and insufficient insulin production
• Type 1 diabetes, which results when the body loses its ability to produce insulin
• Gestational diabetes, a common complication of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can lead to complications in mother and child and substantially increases the likelihood of cesarean section delivery. Gestational diabetes is also a risk factor for the mother and, later in life, the child's subsequent development of type 2 diabetes after the affected pregnancy.

People who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes or the complications of diabetes can lower their risk by more than half if they make healthy changes.  This can be accomplished by making healthy food choices, staying at a healthy weight, moving more every day, and taking their medicine even when they feel good. It’s a lot to do.

As this year’s Diabetes Month Theme says: It’s not easy, but it’s worth it!  This theme highlights the importance of managing diabetes to prevent diabetes-related health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, and amputation.  The theme also serves as a reminder to people who may be struggling with the demands of managing diabetes that they are not alone. 

Taking care of yourself and your diabetes can help you feel good today and in the future. When your blood sugar (glucose) is close to normal, you are likely to:

·        have more energy

·        be less tired and thirsty

·        need to pass urine less often

·        heal better

·        have fewer skin or bladder infections

You will also have less chance of having health problems caused by diabetes such as:

·        heart attack or stroke

·        eye problems that can lead to trouble seeing or going blind

·        pain, tingling, or numbness in your hands and feet, also called nerve damage

·        kidney problems that can cause your kidneys to stop working

·        teeth and gum problems

Living with diabetes can be challenging to manage every day. You are the most important member of your diabetes care team, but you don’t have to manage your diabetes alone. Seek support from health care professionals, your family, friends, and community to manage your diabetes.  

At LCHC, we are committed to provide support and education to the people of our county who are living with diabetes. Our goal is to help in understanding that with proper care or perseverance, people living with diabetes can live normal, fulfilling lives. 
Feel free to contact our Diabetes Educator Anita Perry at 646-5506 with any questions or concerns you may have.

Health Center Announces Upcoming Flu Shot Clinics

Livingston County Health Center has announced two upcoming opportunities for county residents to receive their vaccination for influenza for the 2017-2018 flu season.

On Friday, November 3rd, Health Center nurses will be holding a walk-in clinic at their office, located at 800 Adam Drive, for residents 19 and older from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

On Tuesday, November 21st, another walk-in flu clinic will be held at the health center, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Those with private insurance or Medicare should bring their card to the clinic. 

More opportunities to get vaccinated will be announced until vaccine supply runs out. 

Smart Connections Class Series

Livingston County Health Center would like to announce a Smart Connections® class series at the Livingston County Health Center, located at 800 Adam Drive.

Smart Connections® is a free program from Trauma Smart® for caregivers to connect, network and enhance skills in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Anyone who deals with kids can add tools to address challenging behaviors as well as to increase connection with your child.

Mary Taylor, RN and Maternal Child Health Coordinator at the Health Center will be the instructor. Classes will be held through the school year, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Classroom at the Livingston County Health Center.   Classes include: “Managing the Ups & Downs”; “Reading the Signs”; “Creating Comfort”; “Encouraging Growth”; “Feelings Detective”; “Expressing Feelings”; “Blowing Worries Away”; “Build a Calm Down Spot”; “Encouraging Learning” and “Identifying the Superhero in Your Child.”

The first class will be held next Wednesday, October 18^th at 5:30 p.m. in the Health Center Classroom.  Visit www.livcohealthcenter.com for more dates through March of 2018.

Classes are interactive, featuring educational information and an activity to craft things that can help a child calm themselves down when they’re in hard and scary situations.  

Teaching behaviors at home will reinforce the in school program, which hopes to make it easier for kids and school staff to deal with issues that come up in the classroom.

Smart Connections® complements the Trauma Smart program implemented in Chillicothe R-II grades Kindergarten through 5th grade.  The project was initiated by the Livingston County Health Center, Chillicothe R-II School District and the Crittenton Children’s Center.

There is no charge to attend classes.  Parents and Caregivers who are interested in attending should visit our website: www.livcohealthcenter.com to access the online registration.  Those who don’t have Internet access can call the Health Center at 646-5506.

For more information about the program, contact Mary Taylor, RN at 646-5506. 

Smart Connections - Show Me Health

Trauma Smart is a program created by Crittenton Children’s Center to provide support to children who have experienced trauma as well as caregivers and teachers who love and take care of them. 

Un-resolved trauma in childhood can have life-long effects and is linked to adult aggression, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, and suicide.  Trauma Smart helps resolve the effects of trauma so children can live confident, productive lives. 

Trauma can be one event or a series of events that frighten, confuse or hurt a child.  What is hard and scary for one child, may not be hard and scary for another.  Some examples of trauma are; death of a loved one, painful or extended medical procedures, separation from family, physical or sexual abuse, violent crime, incarcerations or arrest of a loved one, house fire or car accident, hurricane, tornado or flood.

Children may show these signs if they are suffering the effects of trauma.  Children may have a change in sleep pattern, nightmares or night terrors.  You may see frequent crying, anxiety, nervousness, more quiet than normal or a change in eating habits.  Other signs are frequent temper tantrums, aggressive behavior, acting younger than their age or trouble separating from caregivers. 

In the event of a traumatic event, parents and caregivers should remain calm, soothe and comfort your child.  Then parents can encourage their children to express their emotions while maintaining a consistent routine and preparing children ahead of time for any changes to routine.

Smart Connections, the parent education piece to Trauma Smart, teaches parents the skills to connect with their children.  Starting October 18^th, Mary Taylor from the Livingston County Health Center will offer Smart Connections at the Livingston County Health Center.

On October 18, parents and caregivers can learn how to Manage the Ups and Downs by learning how to take care of themselves so they can better care for their children.

The next session on November 1, will teach parents how to Read the Signs and strengthen connections with your children.

On November 15, you learn how to Create Comfort by implementing routines and rituals with your children.

At the November 29 class, parents will find out about Encouraging Growth by learning about praise and how it affects behaviors.

After the first of the year on January 10, learn how to become a Feelings Detective and help your child identify his/her feelings, energy and moods.

At the January 24 session, parents and caregivers learn ways to teach children to Express Feelings and the effects of grief and loss.

On February 7, Blow Worries Away and help the child regulate their energy level, mood or feelings.  Also learn the calm down steps and how to implement these steps.

Build a Calm Down Spot is the topic for February 21, where participants will and learn the importance of having a safe place for every child.

Encouraging Learning and ways to help a child problem solve will be the topic on March 7^th.

The final class of the series on March 21 parents will learn how to “Identify the Superhero in Your Child”, by identifying their unique, positive, coherent ad future selves.

If you would to attend please call the Health Center at 646-5506 to sign up. Every parent and caregiver is welcome.

Meditation - Show Me Health

If stress has you anxious, tense and worried, consider trying meditation. Spending even a few minutes in meditation can restore your calm and inner peace.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention to bring the mind to a deep state of concentration. Our mind wants to think in a linear fashion about past worries and future anxieties.  Meditation brings our mind to the present moment to witness what is happening here and now.

There are many different meditation styles and techniques. Some are practiced sitting still while others can be set in motion, such as Tai Chi.

Why Meditate?

A regular meditation practice can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, stabilize emotions, promote physical health, and increase compassion towards others and ourselves.

■ It brings your attention to the current moment and helps you realize that life’s conditions
are not permanent which can reduce stress and anxiety.

■ It shifts your mind from a state of distraction to deep concentration and focus.

■ It trains you to observe your thoughts and feelings before acting on them which stabilizes emotions.

■ It changes gene expression patterns that bring biological systems into better balance which improves physical health.

■ It disrupts habitual thought patterns which can increase compassion towards others and ourselves.

■ It allows you to discriminate between useful and non-useful thoughts. With practice, you will be able to identify the non-useful and negative thoughts quickly and push them away to find ease in everyday life.

Anyone can practice meditation. It's simple and inexpensive, and it doesn't require any special equipment.

You can practice meditation wherever you are — whether you're out for a walk, riding the bus, waiting at the doctor's office or even in the middle of a difficult business meeting.

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Meditation originally was meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. These days, meditation is commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction.

Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind.

During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.

Benefits of meditation

Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health.

And these benefits don't end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day and may help you manage symptoms of certain medical conditions.

Meditation and emotional well-being

When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress.

The emotional benefits of meditation can include:

•  Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations

•  Building skills to manage your stress

•  Increasing self-awareness

•  Focusing on the present

•  Reducing negative emotions

•  Increasing imagination and creativity

•  Increasing patience and tolerance

Meditation and Illness

Meditation might also be useful if you have a medical condition, especially one that may be worsened by stress.

While a growing body of scientific research supports the health benefits of meditation, some researchers believe it's not yet possible to draw conclusions about the possible benefits of meditation.

With that in mind, some research suggests that meditation may help people manage symptoms of conditions such as:

•  Anxiety

•  Asthma

•  Cancer

•  Chronic pain

•  Depression

•  Heart disease

•  High blood pressure

•  Irritable bowel syndrome

•  Sleep problems

•  Tension headaches

Be sure to talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons of using meditation if you have any of these conditions or other health problems. In some cases, meditation can worsen symptoms associated with certain mental and physical health conditions.

The health center is hosting an “Introduction to Meditation” Class Series every Wednesday at 12 Noon for six weeks.  The class is led by Kasey Peyton, a local yoga instructor popular with many of our residents.  The first class was an introduction to meditation and a short practice of one style.  The remaining classes will feature a different type of meditation each week

Meditation isn't a replacement for traditional medical treatment. But it may be a useful addition to your other treatment.

Sources: WebMD, Kasey Peyton

Upcoming high-dose flu clinic for county residents 65 and older

Livingston County Health Center has announced an upcoming high-dose flu clinic for county residents 65 and older on Tuesday, September 19^th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Livingston County residents 65 and older can walk-in anytime during the hours of the clinic to receive their high-dose vaccination.

Those with private insurance or Medicare should bring their card to the clinic. 

More opportunities to get vaccinated will be announced until vaccine supply runs out. 

Health Center to Host Free Meditation Series

Livingston County Health Center is excited to announce an upcoming series of 30-minute Meditation Classes led by Kasey Peyton.  Classes will be held every Wednesday for six weeks, beginning on Wednesday, September 13^th at 12 Noon in the Health Center classroom, located at 800 Adam Drive.

A regular meditation practice can reduce stress, improve focus, stabilize emotions, promote physical health, and increase compassion towards others and ourselves. 

This six-week course will introduce students to a different type of meditation each week with instruction on proper posture and breathing.  The first class is an introduction to meditation itself.   Information and helpful tips will be shared to encourage students to develop a home meditation practice of their own.

Kasey Peyton is a certified yoga and meditation instructor and a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance.  In a culture and age of fast-paced, outward focus, Kasey enjoys bringing people back to themselves through the inner work of yoga and meditation.  She is rewarded by the serene look of transformation on her students’ faces at the end of every class.

The Health Center requested Kasey to teach meditation to educate county residents about alternative methods of preventive self-care. 

For more information about the upcoming classes, please call 660-646-5506.

Tai Chi for Arthritis - Show Me Health

Originating in ancient China, tai chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn and soon delivers its health benefits.  For many, it continues as a lifetime journey.

In 1997, Dr. Paul Lam led a team of tai chi and medical specialists to create the Tai Chi for Arthritis program. It is easy, enjoyable and safe for people with arthritis to learn. Medical studies have shown the program to relieve pain for people with arthritis and improve their quality of lives, as well as preventing falls for the older adults.  For this reason, arthritis foundations around the world and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in America are giving it their full support.

Although especially effective for arthritis, it is a great start for beginner to improve health and wellness. The program is proven to be effective to prevent falls, that is why health departments around the world have utilized it for this purpose. 

Tai chi is a slow motion, low-impact exercise that promotes physical and mental health and relaxation. It is practiced as an effective exercise for health through a series of flowing, graceful, gentle postures and movements. The gentle flowing movements contain inner power that can strengthen the body, improve mental relaxation and mobilize joints and muscles. Tai chi is an especially suitable therapy for arthritis because of the slow and gentle movements. Here are some of the benefits, according to Nina Chen, Ph.D., CFLE, Human Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

Tai chi improves balance, strength and flexibility and lowers the risk of falls. A study from the Oregon Research Institute found that tai chi improved balance and reduced the frequency of falls and risks of falling among older people.

Tai chi also reduces pain, stiffness and stress. Researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine noted that patients older than 65 with knee osteoarthritis who practiced a 60-minute tai chi class twice a week for 12 weeks showed a significant decrease in joint pain and stiffness compared with those in the control group. They also found the patients in the tai chi group had improved physical function, self-efficacy, depression, and health status.

Both the Oregon and University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) researchers reported that tai chi improves sleep quality in older adults.

Other UCLA studies also suggested that tai chi helps people reduce high blood pressure and tension headaches.

Tai Chi for Arthritis isn’t for everyone.  If you are looking for a drop in class you can attend when you have time, this is probably not the course you are looking for.  Learning the movements of Tai Chi is a progressive effort.  It takes time and repetition to learn the series of moves, so class attendees need to be present for as many classes as possible. 

Learning Tai Chi can also be slow-paced for some. Health Center Instructors have been trained in the Step-Wise Method created by Dr. Paul Lam, so each move is taught in steps.  The method intended to ensure safety for those with balance issues. 

The Health Center will be starting Tai Chi for Arthritis Classes in September.  We will host an exhibition on Friday, September 8^th at 10 a.m. for those that would like to learn more about Tai Chi, and see it in practice.  Classes will begin on Monday, September 11^th at 10 a.m.  Classes are tentatively set for Mondays and Thursdays.   Call 646-5506 for more information.

Sources: Tai Chi for Health Institute, University of Missouri Extension

Health Center to Host Free Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Classes

Livingston County Health Center would like to announce a new Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention class for seniors 60 and older, or those living with arthritis, fibromyalgia and other conditions that cause balance issues and joint pain.   

There will be a free demonstration class led by Instructors Mary Taylor and Ann Burchett on Friday, September 8th at 10 a.m. in the Health Center classroom, located at 800 Adam Drive.

Tai Chi for Arthritis is a low impact, graceful form of exercise using gentle movements that puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it suitable for adults that are age 60 and over. Tai Chi is proven to help reduce the prevalence of falls among and is rated as the highest level evidence-based program for senior adults for health and wellness.

Tai Chi has been proven to improve balance, increase leg strength, improve mobility, increase flexibility, reduce stress, improve posture and reduce the fear of falling.

Weekly one-hour Tai Chi classes begin at the Health Center on September 11th and will be tentatively set for Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.  

For more information about the upcoming classes or to register, please call 660-646-5506.

Upcoming Skin Cancer Screening Clinic

Livingston County Health Center will be the site of a free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  on Friday, August 18th by appointment only.  Dr. Edna DeCastro will be providing screenings for this clinic.

You must have an appointment to attend this screening, as space is very limited.  If you receive an appointment and later need to cancel, please let us know, so we can fill your slot.   

It’s important to remember that skin cancer can happen at any age, it doesn’t just affect seniors after years of damage.  Skin cancers like melanoma are deadly, and need to be treated sooner rather than later.  If you have never been checked for skin cancer, or have some spots, moles or other areas on your skin that concern you, come to this free clinic.

To make your appointment for the August 18th Skin Cancer Screening Clinic, call the health center at 646-5506. 

August is Missouri Breastfeeding Month - Show Me Health

Evidence on the benefits of breastfeeding is already available to us. We know that breastfeeding aids the survival of infants and helps them thrive, has long-term health benefits for women, yields economic benefits and enhances the well-being of all.

What is less well known however, is how even the health of our planet is affected by the way babies are fed. Breast milk is a natural, renewable food that is produced and delivered without pollution, packaging or waste. The breast milk substitute industry (infant formula), on the other hand, carries a negative environmental impact that is not commonly recognized. Safeguarding breastfeeding, links human life with the well-being of our planet in a powerful way. The WABA, World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, states that it is time for conversations about breastfeeding to go beyond just those of health and nutrition.

The theme this year for World Breastfeeding Month/Week is “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together”, with the purpose to inform people about the Sustainable Development Goals and how these goals can be met by the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding and human milk is known as the standard for infant feeding and nutrition. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that infant nutrition should be considered a public health issue and not only a lifestyle choice, and reaffirms its recommendation of breastfeeding for one year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant. WHO and UNICEF go even further by recommending the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life, followed by exclusive breastfeeding on demand for 6 months. Breastfeeding is considered exclusive when the infant only receives breast milk without any additional food or drink, not even water.  Recommendations also include no use of bottles, teats or pacifiers, and after 6 months of age, infants should receive complementary foods (baby foods/homemade or bought) with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.  

Sometimes, it’s when breastfeeding is combined with paid work, that the challenges can be overwhelming. Policies and legislation in these cases that protect a woman’s right to breastfeed and work are essential. Unfortunately, millions of women remain unprotected. The WABA contends that breastfeeding is part of the reproductive cycle, and women should be able to combine breastfeeding and paid work without discrimination or disadvantage, and that workplaces need to be more breastfeeding-friendly.

The right of mothers to breastfeed their children, with discretion, in any public or private location where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, is protected by law in the State of Missouri.  This protection of breastfeeding rights allows mothers and children to fully reap the benefits of breastfeeding, including providing the best nutrition for infants and reducing the risk of infections, SIDS, asthma, diabetes, obesity and other diseases for children well into adulthood, and reducing the risk to mothers of cancers of the reproductive organs, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Research continues to also show, that the ability of mothers to fully breastfeed their children is improved when mothers are supported by their family, healthcare providers, hospitals, employers, child care providers and community.  The Livingston County Health Center recognizes that it is vital for families to make informed choices about the care of their infants and supports increased efforts by hospitals, healthcare providers, employers and the community to encourage and support breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Month/Week is observed annually in Missouri and across the globe, educating moms, families, and communities on the benefits of breastfeeding, the support services available in their communities, and how we all can work together to sustain breastfeeding.  Breastfeeding is not just a woman’s issue or the sole responsibility of a woman - the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding is a responsibility shared by us all.  Every baby deserves to be breastfed!

The Livingston County Health Center proudly acknowledges that Chillicothe is a Missouri state recognized Breastfeeding Friendly Community.

For more information feel free to call 660-646-5506 or visit our website at www.livcohealthcenter.com.

Summer Food Insecurity - Show Me Health

For many families, summer is a time for family getaways and relaxation. Unfortunately, one in five children in this nation do not get enough food to eat, and summer vacation can easily become the hungriest time of the year once school meals disappear.

Studies show that average family grocery bills increase by $300 in the summer months, straining most low-income budgets beyond their breaking points.

Nationally, more than 22 million children from low-income families eat school lunches every day, yet only 4 million of these kids are getting the summer meals they need. That’s five out of six kids who aren’t getting the meals they need in the summer months.

Many families in Livingston County rely on free and reduced lunches—Livingston County as a whole has 48 percent of students accessing the program, with some rural communities having a rate as high as 73 percent. 

In 1968, the federal government implemented the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to replace the school lunches low-income children would miss during the summer months.  Many area summer school programs access this program to feed kids for free. 

The No Hunger Summer feeding program provides free lunches to children 18 and under five days a week during the summer. Adults can join them for just $2.00. In Chillicothe, the program is administered by the North Missouri Center for Youth & Families located in the old Savage’s Grocery building at 211 Locust.   From June 9^th to August 11^th, lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every weekday (exceptions are July 3^rd and 4^th.)  Kids free and adults eat for $2—hard to beat those prices these days!    NMCYF boasts a classroom garden, so often produce from the garden is used to add even more nutrition to the meal.  Anyone and everyone is welcome to eat through the No Hunger Summer program—there are no income guidelines, just a desire to feed hungry kids.  

Children are not the only ones in this county suffering from food insecurity—not knowing where your next meal will come from. 

Here are some other resources in our community:

Livingston County Food Pantry, located at 403 Locust across from the Cultural Corner, distributes excess donated food from local merchants to anyone.  They regularly receive all kinds of bread (including sweets) and produce, that local merchants donate to avoid waste.  At times, other items—such as eggs, are donated and distributed.  Emergency Boxes are also given out to families who are struggling to feed their families.

The Food Pantry also distributes Missouri Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) items once a month to those who meet income guidelines. 

The Pantry is not open every day, please call 247-2822 to find out if they are open, or stop by when you see activity and grab a calendar. 

The Livingston County Health Center administers the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC.) WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program which provides services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their 5th birthday based on nutritional risk and income eligibility.  The primary services provided are health screening, risk assessment, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and referrals to health care.  Supplemental food is provided at no cost to participants.

Depending on the food package, participants can receive vouchers to purchase foods such as milk, cereal, juice, bread, pasta, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, tuna, baby food and formula.

The income guidelines for the WIC program are higher than many.  For example, a family of 4 can make as much as $45,510 a year, or $876 a week.  Call the Health Center at 646-5506 to find out more about signing up for the WIC Program.

The House of Prayer Rescue Mission, located at 144 Herriford Street in Chillicothe, offers hot meals free of charge every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 a.m., and Sundays at 11:15 a.m. at their location.

Chillicothe Correctional Center donates all kinds of vegetables grown at their facility throughout the summer.  Food is distributed through the agencies who receive the vegetables.  

The Pass the Taters Community Gardening Project maintains a garden on the grounds of the old Chillicothe Correctional Center on Third Street.  Produce from their garden is given away to families with encouragement to help with the garden in some way.  Join their Facebook Group to connect and find out how you can be a part of this effort. 

During the school year, the Grand River YMCA distributes the Second Harvest program Backpack Buddies, which provides unperishable foods for kids to eat over the weekend, when free or reduced lunch meals aren’t offered.   This project relies on donations and tries to include more children every year, so if you can help in any way, please contact Shawn Hurtgen at the YMCA, 646-6677.  Children who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch qualify for Backpack Buddies.

All of these local efforts need your support!  Please take advantage of their efforts to help feed your family and stretch your grocery dollars.