Talking Health with the Clinton County Health Department

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Sip Happens: Is Your Private Well Water Actually Safe?

Water. It’s easy to take for granted. I turn on the faucet and there it is. I can’t remember the last time I wondered about the safety of the water I used for drinking, cooking, cleaning, or bathing in my house. Luckily for me, I am served by a public water system. That means it is monitored by my town to ensure it is safe. But for about 30% of Clinton County residents, it is up to them to regularly test their water for safety. That is because they rely on a private well system for the water they use each day. So what tests need to be done and how often? That’s where this month’s expert comes in. Tim Simonette is a Principal Public Health Sanitarian with over 23 years of experience in the Drinking Water Program at CCHD. He supervises staff that conduct routine inspections at regulated facilities and oversees the Public Water System Program. Tim, what parts of Clinton County are served by public water systems and what does that mean for them? Most of the central population hubs in...

Fork Yeah: The New Dietary Guidelines Explained

Every five years or so, a fresh version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is released— with pages of charts, serving sizes, percentages, and phrases like “nutrient-dense foods” that sound vaguely like something a spaceship would run on. And if you’ve ever opened the document (or even skimmed an article about it), you might’ve thought: Cool… but what does this mean for Taco Tuesday? Most of us aren’t calculating our legume intake or optimizing our omega-3 ratios. We’re just trying to figure out what to make for dinner that’s affordable, tastes good, and doesn’t require a PhD in quinoa. So what do these guidelines actually mean for regular people with busy schedules, snack cravings, and a deep emotional attachment to pasta? That’s where this month’s expert comes in. Emily Hutchins is a Registered Dietitian (RD) with Hudson Headwaters Health Network. She will help us dissect what the new recommendations say, how they compare to the old ones, and what RD’s are recommending. Emil...

Growing Smiles: Caring for Kids’ Teeth

Before your baby can walk, talk, or even decide they don’t like peas, they’re already growing something pretty important: their smile. Yep—those tiny gums and surprise teeth deserve a little love early on. Oral health might not sound like the most thrilling parenting topic (right up there with diaper disposal systems), but it plays a huge role in your child’s comfort, confidence, and overall health. Our expert this month is Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Chris Goodell. He has focused his practice on children since graduating from his residency program at Boston Children's Hospital in 2017. From gummy grins to first tooth fairy visits, Dr. Chris is here to make caring for your child’s mouth simple, stress-free, and maybe even a little fun. Dr. Chris, let’s start at the beginning. When do I need to start thinking about my baby’s dental health? Just as parents choose a pediatrician when their baby is born, it is a good idea to choose a pediatric dentist as well. Schedule a...

New Year, New Me?

January has that hopeful, slightly chaotic energy where anything feels possible—new planners are pristine, gym shoes are laced up, and even your houseplants seem ready for a fresh start (though for me there seems to be no saving them). Setting new goals is a bit like standing at the edge of a blank page with a new pen: exciting, intimidating, and full of potential. Whether you’re aiming to run a marathon, finally learn what quinoa is, or just stop replying “this year flew by” every December, goal-setting is our annual chance to dream big, laugh at ourselves a little, and decide who we want to become next—one hopeful resolution at a time. But how do we make sure that come December 31 st the only ball that has been dropped in in Time’s Square? That’s where our expert of the month comes in. Krystal Shepard is the Outpatient Clinic Director at Champlain Valley Family Center. She has been working in the Substance Use Disorder field for over 20 years and is an advanced Credential Alcoholi...

Merry & Bright Ideas for Child Development

The holiday season has arrived and that means lights, music, food, family, and gifts. And I pride myself on gift giving. But my sisters are both insisting my niece and nephews have “enough stuff”. Well, skipping the gifts is not an option. I will maintain my favorite auntie status through the new year. But there must be a way to do both – to give a gift that isn’t going to be forgotten or broken before Valentine’s day, that also doesn’t drive my sisters crazy (because you know, pay back and all that). Now, they are all in very different stages – one is 5, one 16 months, and one 4 months – so finding one golden gift isn’t an option either. And while I try to stay up to date with their latest interests (not to brag but I know all the Paw Patrol pups and their vehicles) and stages of development, I am certainly no expert. But then it occurred to me, I have unlimited access to CCHD’s Children’s Services Program Specialists and they are experts. With us this month we have Carrie Healy, Ch...

Thriving, not just surviving

Let’s be honest — living with a chronic condition can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Some days, you’re cruising; other days, you’re just trying not to fall off. But here’s the thing: life with a chronic illness isn’t just about symptoms and doctor visits — it’s about finding creative ways to live fully, laugh often, and celebrate the small wins (like actually remembering to take your meds on time). Now ‘chronic’ may mean long-lasting, but longer doesn’t have to mean worse. With the right mix of medical care, self-awareness, and flexibility, living with a chronic illness can become less about “just getting by” and more about finding what works for you. It’s about learning to adapt — balancing treatments, routines, and flare-ups while still enjoying life’s good stuff: laughter, connection, and the occasional lazy day in pajamas. In this month’s blog, we are talking to Tammy Collins, a local peer leader for the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program . Ta...