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Show .iiftiiiiiiil? I , -cbm ' , : t I ' -.Sm'M: iB'-xixpii x mtl 1 Zv I'illllil.i j J One-year-old Chad Carson gets the thorough "going P ;i over" in a health check from Melonie Tolman, nutri- "-'Vn?FCCi:C HIITrroiTirvlV tion aid with Davis County Health Department's ii .IVLaaCJ nUlKllIUn Women Infant and Children program where some F3"'j youngsters receive nutrition information and sup- lif' j plements to improve their chances for a healthy life. to, Countv famil'es infants through "f.nt-.nd chfl- Jl S?nASWlC' thefed" CS of Agricu- fencer gram Provides n-:fth nru,youn8sters w'th I on,, s' of'en re-D re-D m,on difficulties. efc was explained lifif-khbys,m coumy board fer R? Jamihes, it isn't iC YoZ, StamP Pera- fiSd, arHe weighed ,Oled 'o determine their progress against a growth chart for their age to help assess what assistance should be given. Most of the 1,800 participants partici-pants are from low-income families but income levels are checked for eligibility, the board was told. "GOOD NUTRITION is essential," Mrs. Peterson emphasized, noting WIC is a "supplemental nutrition program" prog-ram" where high nutrition foods can be obtained with the vouchers. Participants are generally placed on the program prog-ram for six months but are periodically checked-some as often as monthly-to check progress and whether need still exists. Baby formula, cereal, juice, eggs and cheese can be obtained at participating supermarkets, su-permarkets, she explained, noting the vouchers indicate "exactly what, and the amount" that can be picked up. A computer agency "carefully "care-fully monitors" to help assure minimal misuse. EACH TIME a mother comes com-es to pick up the vouchers she must attend a nutrition class where a film is shown on various va-rious aspects. Clinics are located lo-cated in Farmington in the Courthouse basement and in Clearfield. "For every one dollar spent, $2 is saved in future health . bills-it's not just a free food give away," Mrs. Peterson emphasized. IN SOME cases, participants partici-pants on the program, including includ-ing Asian immigrants where slower growth might be expected, ex-pected, have sustained growth equal to so-called normal levels, Ms. Fechser said. Often the slower growth is due to diet deficiencies that can be corrected. In one instance, diabetes was found and the child was referred for medical attention, the board was told. "THE MAJORITY of young women are heads of households house-holds and are just out of high school and may feed them coke. etc. We take budget money and show them how they can buy the basics," she continued. Asked about funding while many agencies are being cut back, Mrs. Peterson said the program is currently funded through June of next year and added she felt "it looked good" for continued support. THOSE INTERESTED in further information should contact the health department at 451-3424. |