Meeker McLeod Sibley Community Health Services

06/12/2026

At WIC, we know that screen time and digital devices are a big concern for families. 👪 The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently updated its recommended guidelines on digital media to prevent potentially harmful effects on your family's health, safety, and well-being! 📱The AAP suggests several recommendations to support your family’s healthy use of technology:

✅Create a family technology plan and set boundaries on digital media.
✅Delay use of personal tablets.
✅Watch and play alongside your children to monitor digital content.
✅Use parental controls.

Check out the full article from the AAP, which provides even more recommendations and resources, such as a “Phone Ready questionnaire” and sample conversation starters about media: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/helping-kids-thrive-in-a-digital-world-AAP-policy-explained.aspx

06/12/2026

06/10/2026

Farmers face a lot of uncertainty: markets shift, weather is unpredictable, and equipment breaks down. When the tough days turn into tough seasons, stress can build up over time.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talking to someone can help. Reach out to a friend, family member, or neighbor and let them know how you’re doing. Tough seasons are easier when we face them together.

Find resources at: powerofpublichealthmn.com/ag-support



Los agricultores se enfrentan a mucha incertidumbre: los mercados cambian, el tiempo es impredecible y los equipos se estropean. Cuando los días difíciles se convierten en temporadas difíciles, el estrés puede acumularse con el tiempo.

Si te sientes abrumado, hablar con alguien puede ayudarte. Contacta con un amigo, familiar o vecino y cuéntales cómo estás. Las temporadas difíciles son más fáciles cuando las enfrentamos juntos.

Encuentra recursos en: powerofpublichealthmn.com/ag-support

06/10/2026

June brings summer’s sweetest chapter: strawberry season! 🍓Strawberries are the WIC-approved food of the month!

Strawberries are filled with antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin C, which helps support your immune system! These berries can also improve both heart health and blood sugar, making them a great healthy snack. 🫶 Strawberries are also super versatile—try including them in smoothies, salads, desserts, or homemade jams!



¡Junio trae el capítulo más dulce del verano: la temporada de fresas! 🍓 ¡Las fresas son el alimento del mes aprobado por el WIC!

¡Las fresas están llenas de antioxidantes y vitaminas, como la vitamina C, que ayudan a fortalecer su sistema inmunológico! Estas bayas también pueden mejorar la salud cardíaca y los niveles de azúcar en sangre, lo que las convierte en un excelente refrigerio saludable. 🫶 Las fresas también son muy versátiles: ¡pruebe incluirlas en batidos, ensaladas, postres o mermeladas caseras!

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06/05/2026

Q&A with a WIC Peer Breastfeeding Counselor

Q: In the early days of breastfeeding, do I need to use a Haakaa or other manual silicone breast pump?
A: Not necessarily…they have their place but come with a warning of using caution. In the early days the focus should be on feeding the baby. Let baby regulate your supply and storing milk can come later.

Why? Often, a Haakaa is placed with suction on the other breast while a baby is breastfeeding. Used in this way, the Haakaa is a pump, not a passive breastmilk collection tool, and is actively removing milk that would otherwise go to baby.

The goal is to feed the baby, not the pump or the freezer. Think of the Haakaa as taking away a majority of your baby’s 2nd course before they’ve had a chance to eat it. Some babies struggle to gain weight when a Haakaa is used in this way.

Using a Haakaa can also cause your body to ramp up milk production, because you are essentially feeding the baby AND the freezer. This can lead to oversupply and and can lead to a whole set of other problems.

Finally…
It can be tempting to build an oversupply when you have a new baby, but it can cause more problems than it solves. Don't worry about milk collection in the early days. If you have any questions regarding feeding your baby, reach out to your local WIC office or other lactation professional.

06/03/2026

People living with diabetes are more likely to experience depression.

Depression can look like:
• Feeling sad or irritable
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Feeling tired or low energy
• Trouble focusing or making decisions

If these feelings last for a week or more and you’re not sure why, you’re not alone — and help is available.

The good news 💚
Support can make a difference.

Start small:
• Talk to someone you trust
• Reach out to your doctor or clinic
• Take one step at a time

You deserve support — taking care of your mental health is part of taking care of your diabetes.

💬 How are you feeling today?

Las personas con diabetes tienen más probabilidad de experimentar depresión.

La depresión puede verse así:
• Sentirse triste o irritable
• Perder el interés en cosas que antes disfrutaba
• Cambios en el sueño o el apetito
• Sentirse cansado o sin energía
• Dificultad para concentrarse o tomar decisiones

Si estos sentimientos duran una semana o más y no sabe por qué, no está solo — hay ayuda disponible.

La buena noticia 💚
El apoyo puede hacer una gran diferencia.

Empieza poco a poco:
• Hablar con alguien de confianza
• Comunicarse con su médico o clínica
• Tomar un paso a la vez

Usted merece apoyo — cuidar su salud mental también es parte de cuidar su diabetes.

💬 ¿Cómo se siente hoy?

06/03/2026

Rural communities are built on neighbors supporting neighbors. When things feel overwhelming, talking to a friend, neighbor, or family member can help.

If someone crosses your mind today, send them a message or stop by for a quick check-in. You never know when it might make a difference.

Find resources at: powerofpublichealthmn.com/ag-support



Las comunidades rurales se construyen sobre vecinos que apoyan a los vecinos. Cuando la situación se siente abrumadora, hablar con un amigo, vecino o familiar puede ayudar.

Si alguien cruza tu mente hoy, mándale un mensaje o pasa un momento para ver como están. Nunca sabes cuándo puedes hacer una diferencia.

Encuentra recursos en: powerofpublichealthmn.com/ag-support

06/02/2026

It's giving fresh veggies and community vibes 🌿

Farmer's market season is officially here! Check out markets across McLeod, Meeker, and Sibley counties all summer long.

Have you ever heard of the POP and/or POPS program?
The Power of Produce (POP) program gives kids free tokens to shop for fruits and veggies — and POPS does the same for seniors 65+. Find a participating market near you this season across McLeod, Meeker, and Sibley counties.

06/01/2026

¡Los eventos comunitarios de verano están a la vuelta de la esquina!

Si su organización está planeando un evento en los condados de Meeker, McLeod o Sibley, considere ofrecer un espacio cómodo y privado para madres lactantes y sus familias.

El espacio portátil de lactancia de Meeker-McLeod-Sibley está disponible GRATIS para eventos comunitarios. Este espacio puede utilizarse en interiores y exteriores y ayuda a brindar un lugar cómodo y privado para madres que amamantan o extraen leche.

¡Póngase en contacto con la persona responsable de su condado para obtener más información y reservar el espacio!

05/31/2026

Summer community events are right around the corner!

If your organization is hosting an event in Meeker, McLeod, or Sibley County, consider offering a comfortable, private space for nursing mothers and families.

The Meeker-McLeod-Sibley portable lactation space is available to rent FREE of charge for community events. The setup can be used indoors or outdoors and helps create a welcoming environment for breastfeeding and pumping parents.

Reach out to your county contact to learn more and reserve the space!