Pinal County Public Health Services District

10/31/2025

🍬✨ Halloween is full of fun — and lots of sweets! But too much sugar all at once can lead to a candy crash. Here are a few ways to keep the fun balanced while still enjoying the treats:

🥗 Start with a healthy meal first – A filling dinner with protein, veggies, and whole grains helps keep little tummies full so they don’t overdo it on candy.

🍭 Set a candy “budget” – Decide ahead of time how many pieces your child can enjoy each day (like 1–2). This keeps candy fun without overindulging.

😋 Encourage mindful eating & tasting – Remind kids to slow down, enjoy the flavors, and stop when they feel satisfied, not stuffed.

🪥 Brush early & often – Sugar can stick to teeth and cause cavities. Brushing before bed keeps those smiles strong and healthy!

With a little planning, your family can enjoy the festivities and feel great all season long.

10/31/2025

🎃 As families head out for trick-or-treating tonight, keep these safety tips in mind to help ensure a safe and spooky time:

🚸 Walk on sidewalks or paths. If none, stay to the far left facing traffic.
🔦 Add reflective tape or carry glow sticks to stay visible.
👟 Choose well-fitting costumes to prevent trips and falls.
🚗 Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
🍬 When in doubt, throw the candy out.

Learn more: safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips

10/30/2025

Substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life. Prevention can stop problems before they start. Find help: samhsa.gov/find-help

10/30/2025

👻🎃 Spooky Snack Ideas 🎃👻

Halloween treats don’t have to be all candy! Try these WIC-friendly, healthy snacks your kids will love:
🍌 Banana Ghosts – bananas with little dark chocolate chip “eyes”
🍊 Mandarin Pumpkins – peeled mandarins topped with a celery “stem”

Would your kids pick the ghost 👻 or the pumpkin 🎃 first? Comment below!

10/29/2025

👩‍🍳 WIC Recipe Wednesday 🎃🫑

This week’s recipe: Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers!
A fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween while keeping dinner healthy.
🧡 Orange bell peppers carved like mini pumpkins
🍚 Stuffed with rice, lean ground beef, veggies, and cheese
🔥 Baked until tender and delicious
It’s a spooky-cute meal the whole family will love — and WIC-friendly, too!

📌 Save this recipe & tag us when you try it! What’s your favorite WIC-friendly meal? Comment below! ⬇️

10/29/2025

Flu, COVID-19, and RSV can spread quickly this time of year. Take precautions and protect those around you.

Talk to your healthcare provider for more information on respiratory illnesses and how to stay healthy. 🩺

10/29/2025

Halloween should be scary for the right reasons: haunted houses, spooky movie nights, and cool costumes. Keep a day full of sweet treats from going sour. It’s important to stay alert and be safe both as a driver and pedestrian this Halloween. ⁠Check out these tips:

For Drivers:
🛣️ Be especially alert and take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

🏘️ Slow down in residential neighborhoods. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

📵 Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone or eating, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

For Pedestrians:

🔦 Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.

📵 Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

🚗 Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars and be especially careful around driveways and alleys.

🚸 Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit, stay on sidewalks if available, and trick-or-treat in groups.

10/29/2025

World Stroke Day is Oct 29. Know the signs: F.A.S.T. (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty) Time to call 911. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-the-american-stroke-association/world-stroke-day

World Stroke Day is October 29. Knowledge is power. Join us in raising awareness of stroke, its symptoms and prevention.

10/28/2025

✨ WIC Your Way = Flexible Appointments! ✨

Join a quick virtual group session from home and still get your WIC benefits ✅.
Convenient • Simple • Family-Friendly 💜

📅 Groups available in English & Spanish
📞 Call 866-960-0633 to ask about scheduling your WIC Your Way appointment!

10/28/2025

Here’s a Safe to Sleep Tip for . To learn more visit: www.strongfamiliesaz.com/ABCsafesleep

10/27/2025

🤰 Pregnancy & postpartum support!
🍳 Healthy foods & nutrition education!
🩺 Health & social service referrals!
🫂 Peer support and more!

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for a child under 5, you may be eligible for WIC benefits! Enroll anytime at www.myazwic.com or contact our Central Appointment Desk at 1(866) 960-0633 Monday–Friday from 8 AM to 5:30 PM.

10/27/2025

💡 WIC Myth Busting Monday! 💡 Breaking myths & sharing facts to help families get the support they deserve!

Pinal County WIC services are available to everyone and their families. Contact our Central Appointment Desk at 1(866) 960-0633 to see if you qualify!