Second annual Idaho Breastfeeding Summit planned for June 28-29; register by June 7

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By Mimi Fetzer, Idaho WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator
and board member of the Idaho Breastfeeding Coalition

A new partnership has been formed between the Idaho Breastfeeding Coalition and the Department of Health and Welfare’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program. I worked with Maternal and Child Health Section Manager Jacquie Watson to discuss ideas to increase collaboration between the Coalition and MCH. This enabled MCH and WIC to use their sections’ resources to better serve the breastfeeding population and has contributed to the expected success of the second Idaho Breastfeeding Summit in June 28-29.

The Coalition is in final preparations for the Summit, which will be held at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise.  Speakers and topics have been selected to build on the momentum of last year’s summit. You can see the agenda here.  Continue reading →

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Make this a healthy and safe summer in Idaho with these tips and resources

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Summer Safety

Despite the fits and starts of sun and showers, spring has arrived in Idaho. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season; increased time outdoors can come with some risk. From biking and camping to picnicking and swimming – all of these outdoor activities may present risks that are avoidable. Here’s our annual list of tips to make this a healthy and safe Idaho summer: Continue reading →

Make every day “Don’t Fry Day” this summer: Protect yourself from the sun

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Memorial Day weekend traditionally kicks off the summer season for most Idaho families. We’ll be spending lots of time in the sun, and many of us won’t protect ourselves from its damaging rays. So, we’re here to tell you that Friday is National Don’t Fry Day, and it’s a good time to make a promise to yourself to be more responsible in the sun this summer. Sunburns add up. Every time you get a sunburn, your risk for skin cancer increases. Continue reading →

Recognizing Idahoans who have championed mental health recovery and an end to stigma (Video link)

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IDHW Director Russ Barron welcomes the audience at the May 4, 2018, Idaho Mental Health Awareness Month Award and Proclamation event, prior to reading a proclamation from Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter.

During the month of May, IDHW’s Division of Behavioral Health joins with Regional Behavioral Health Boards across Idaho to recognize people who have worked to overcome mental illness, support others on the road to recovery, and end the stigma that prevents many more from seeking treatment.

On May 4, the division hosted the annual kick-off for national Mental Health Awareness Month, the Idaho Mental Health Awareness Month Award and Proclamation event. The event featured IDHW Director Russ Barron reading the proclamation of May as Mental Health Awareness Month from Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and Division of Behavioral Health Administrator Ross Edmunds awarding the 2018 Voice of Idaho Award to Clark Richman of Kootenai County. Continue reading →

It’s National Women’s Health Week – Take time to take care of you!

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Most of us probably spent the weekend honoring our mothers, and I’d like to talk today about the importance of women of all ages making sure they take time to take care of their health. Women often spend a great deal of time caring for others. By taking care of themselves, women can enjoy better health and set a good example for their families. Continue reading →

Attend the Kincare Speaking Tour May 22-24: Help for Idaho’s 28,000 “grandfamilies”

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KincareTourAcross the United States, almost 7.8 million children are living in homes where grandparents or other relatives are the householders, with more than 5.8 million children living in grandparents’ homes and nearly 2 million children living in other relatives’ homes. These families are often called “grandfamilies.”

Here in Idaho, the numbers of “grandfamilies” is just as sobering:   Continue reading →

Spring has arrived in Idaho…and so have ticks and mosquitoes! Prevention tips:

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WNVLogo2007As the weather warms up, more of us are getting outdoors with our families and pets for fun and exercise. Unfortunately, the nicer weather also brings out ticks and mosquitoes. A bite from one of these not-so-delightful creatures can cause disease and have a serious impact on your health. It’s important to do everything you can to avoid getting bitten. Continue reading →