Healthy Living Initiatives

 Healthy Living for a Lifetime
Challenge yourself to lead a Healthier Lifestyle 

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in our community and is affecting all parts of our lives.   In response to this, TV 19 and the La Crosse Tribune launched, in October 2003, a 6 month Healthy Living: Today not Tomorrow initiative.  Over 1600 people came forward and made the commitment to eat healthier, lose weight and be more physically active. As a follow up to this initiative, the Health Department’s Nutrition and Health Education Divisions began a Healthy Living for a Lifetime series in April 2004.  The goal of the series is to encourage Coulee Region residents to maintain their commitment to healthy living and make it a lifelong habit! 

The Healthy Living for a Lifetime series encourages all who participate to set healthy eating and activity goals that they can incorporate permanently into their lifestyle.  Sessions are free and provide practical tips on healthy eating as well as easy, inexpensive ways to be more physically active.  Sessions are generally held over the lunch hour from 12:15-12:45.

 

Upcoming Healthy Living for a Lifetime Sessions/Challenges

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La Crosse WIC Program The La Crosse WIC Program is a federally funded supplemental nutrition program for pregnant/breastfeeding & postpartum women and children under 5.  It provides:   Free healthy foods WIC staff choose a package of foods that meets your family’s growing needs.  A combination of milk, 100% juice, eggs, cheese, cereal, peanut butter, beans, tuna or salmon, fruits, vegetables and infant formula and baby foods may be provided.  During the summer, participants over 12 months of age may receive vouchers to spend at area Farmers' Markets for fresh fruits, vegetables & herbs.   Practical Nutrition Tips WIC staff provides you with practical health & nutrition information to help you and your family be & stay healthy.    Information about Community Resources Want to know where to go for immunizations?  Free healthcare?  Water testing?  WIC can help!    Breastfeeding Information & Support WIC has trained breastfeeding staff to help you with all your breastfeeding questions.  We can also provide you with an electric breast pump should you need one.

 

To participate in the WIC Program your family...

Ø    Must meet the moderate income guidelines below. Your family may be eligible for WIC if you participate in the BadgerCare Plus Program including Medicaid/Medical Assistance.

 

To apply, email WIC today at  laxwic@lacrossecounty.org or call 785-9865

 

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Employee and Community Health

La Crosse County offers a variety of services to its employees and community members.

• Health Bits monthly newsletter  - An emailed newsletter that provides healthy eating and lifestyle tips.

• Individual nutrition counseling  - For employees who have questions about nutrition.

• Healthy Living Challenges - Nutrition challenges are offered several times per year.  Past challenge opportunities include: New Year, New You, Farmers' Market Challenge and Walk Across Wisconsin. 

• Lunch and Learn Sessions  - These education sessions provide updates and information about specific nutrition topics.  Participants are welcome to bring their lunch to these 30 minute sessions.  Samples and prizes may be provided.

• Health Fairs -  County Health Fairs provide screening and health information to interested participants. 

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Prenatal Care Coordination

Prenatal Care Coordination is a Medicaid benefit that supports pregnant women in obtaining services they need to have a healthy baby.  This may include health care, personal support, nutrition education, information on pregnancy, birth and infant care, breastfeeding, or assistance finding services in the community. 

 

 

Breastfeeding Promotion & Support

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months and beyond.

The Nutrition Division of the La Crosse County Health Department is committed to promoting and supporting mothers in their efforts to nurse their infants.  We support mothers by assisting them to obtain a breast pump through Medicaid or the WIC program.

 

 

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Bilingual Support

As our county population changes, we must assure that our nutrition services are accessible to all—To assure Hmong county residents have the same access to WIC services as well as other nutrition programs, we have a trained bilingual WIC certifier and breastfeeding peer counselor/educator, as well as a Hmong Registered Dietitian on staff.   

Through grants we have produced 2 nutrition videos for the Hmong living in La Crosse.  Pathway to Good Health for Hmong provides practical information about how healthy eating and an active lifestyle can help to prevent chronic disease.  Folic Acid for Healthy Babies provides information to women of child bearing age as to how they can either consume folic acid rich foods or take a folic acid supplement to assure they consume adequate amounts of this important nutrient each day to help prevent birth defects. 

For information on ordering either of these videos contact Maomoua Vue, RD at vue.maomoua@co.la-crosse.wi.us or 785-5888. 

 

The Nutrition Division is an equal opportunity provider and works with families to meet the needs of languages other than English and Hmong.  Interpreters are provided through local agencies as needed.

 

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Weight Management Programs

Healthy Weighs: Group

This 8 week weight management program is designed to provide health and fitness strategies that will improve overall health.  Session topics include:  Getting Started for a Healthier You, Evaluate Your Plate:  What is a Healthy Diet?  Beyond food: How mood, habits and environment affect your eating, Activate Your Lifestyle, Shopping Smart, Meals in a Flash, Dining Out & About and Secrets to long term weight management success.  The cost of the program is $50/person.  A 10 person minimum is required to arrange a program. 

 

Healthy Weighs: Individual

The Nutrition division offers an individualized weight management program for those interested in losing weight.  Conducted by a Registered Dietitian, this program works one on one with each participant to implement healthy changes in eating and activity habits to achieve long-term weight loss. The cost of the program is $45/hour.  For more information contact Liz Haag at haag.elizabeth@co.la-crosse.wi.us or 785-9865.  Packages available to help meet individual needs.