CYHS Maternal Child Health

10/28/2025

🎃 No tricks, just treats — the healthy kind! 👻

This Halloween, make snack time spook-tacular with WIC-approved goodies:
🧡 Clementine “pumpkins” (add a little celery stem!)
💀 Banana “ghosts” with mini raisin eyes
🦇 Whole wheat toast with peanut butter and banana “bat wings”

What other fun snacks are you making this spooky season?

10/24/2025

🤰 Exercising During Pregnancy
Staying active during pregnancy can help reduce backaches, improve sleep, boost your energy, and get your body ready for labor.

Safe and simple options include walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate activity most days—but always check with your healthcare provider before starting or changing your routine. 💪✨

10/21/2025

👶 Feeding Your Baby (6–12 Months)
Around 6 months, your baby is most likely ready to start solids while still getting breast milk or formula! Begin with just 1–2 tablespoons once or twice a day and slowly increase as your baby learns to eat.

By 12 months, most babies enjoy 3 small meals and 1–2 snacks each day! Offer soft fruits, mashed veggies, beans, eggs, or small bites of whole grains.

Questions? Call us and ask to speak with one of our WIC dietitians or nurses!
🍎🥦🍳

10/20/2025

WIC is open and fully operational! 💛

We’re aware of the recent SNAP message from DHS and understand that many families may have questions or concerns. Please know that there are currently no changes to WIC services.

We’ll continue to keep you informed and share updates as soon as any new information becomes available.

10/18/2025

🍝 Happy National Pasta Day! 🍝
Today we’re celebrating one of everyone’s favorite comfort foods — pasta! Try swapping your usual noodles for whole wheat pasta for an extra boost of nutrition.

✨ Why choose whole wheat?
🌾 Higher in fiber, which helps you feel full and supports healthy digestion.
💪 Packed with B vitamins and minerals for lasting energy.
❤️ Helps keep blood sugar steadier than refined pasta.

✅ WIC Tip: Whole wheat pasta counts as a whole grain in your WIC benefits!

👉 Check out what whole wheat pastas you can buy with WIC here: https://www.wichealth.org/FoodGuide/Index

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10/15/2025

🎃 Simple WIC Pumpkin Muffins 🍂
Fall flavors made easy! These pumpkin muffins are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a quick grab-and-go treat. Made with WIC ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes — your kitchen will smell amazing!

✨ Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup canned pumpkin *WIC-approved*
2 eggs *WIC-approved*
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar (or try mashed banana or applesauce for a WIC-approved option!)
2 cups flour (whole wheat or all-purpose)
1 tsp baking soda

Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F.
2️⃣ Mix pumpkin, eggs, oil, and sugar in a bowl.
3️⃣ Add flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.
4️⃣ Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
5️⃣ Bake 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

🧁 Makes about 12 muffins — a cozy fall favorite the whole family will love!

10/13/2025

The Granite City and Wood River offices will be closed today, October 13th for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We will re-open both offices, Tuesday, October 14th at 8:00am. Have a great day!

10/09/2025

💪 Iron + Vitamin C = Stronger Together!
Iron keeps your blood healthy and gives you energy — and vitamin C helps your body absorb iron even better!

🩸Iron-rich WIC foods:
• Canned tuna or salmon
• Fortified cereals (like oatmeal or whole grain cereal)
• Beans and eggs
🍊 Vitamin C-rich WIC foods:
• Oranges, strawberries
• Bell peppers, tomatoes
• Broccoli, pineapple

✨ Tasty combo ideas:
🥣 Fortified cereal + strawberries
🌶 Lean beef chili + tomatoes
🥗 Tuna + bell pepper salad

This power combo helps kids grow strong and keeps adults energized too! 💥

10/02/2025

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎀

Breast cancer impacts 1 in 8 women in the U.S., but early detection saves lives. This month is a reminder to schedule your regular screenings and encourage your loved ones to do the same.

✅ Mammograms & Screenings – Talk to your healthcare provider about when you should start screening.
✅ Know the Signs – Changes in breast shape, size, or skin should always be checked.
✅ Support & Resources – Visit cancer.org/breastcancer
for trusted information and support services.

Together, we can raise awareness, provide hope, and save lives. 💗

Get detailed information about breast cancer risks, causes, symptoms, treatments, research, and more.

09/29/2025

💡 Need help with utility bills? The LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) opens for applications on October 1st for households with:
👶 Children under age 5
🧓 Seniors age 60+
♿ Individuals with a disability

This program provides assistance to help families stay safe and warm this winter.

📌 To apply:
➡️ Visit helpillinoisfamilies.com
during your application month
➡️ Fill out and submit the online Request for Services form

Don’t wait—get your application in early!

09/26/2025

🌟 Introducing Diaper Dollars! 🌟

We know how important it is to keep your little ones happy, healthy, and comfortable—and diapers play a big part in that. That’s why we’re excited to launch our new Diaper Dollars Program! Call us to enroll today! 💵👶🍼

07/24/2025

*7/25—phone lines are back up! We apologize for the inconvenience!

Our phone lines at the Wood River office are currently down. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our Granite City office instead—we’re happy to help!

📍 Granite City Office: 618-876-2383 option 2

We’ll update you as soon as phone service is restored. Thank you for your patience!r

Send a message to learn more