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Biting the Bullet: Navigating Conversations on Safe Firearm Storage

In the North Country firearms are part of daily life for a lot of families, whether for hunting, protecting livestock, recreation, or good old-fashioned tradition. But here’s the thing: even though firearms are commonplace, safe storage isn’t something we should take for granted. And no—this isn’t about telling people if they should have firearms or how many they should own. Around here, we all know responsible ownership is the norm. What we’re talking about is simply making sure your firearms are stored in a way that keeps you, your family, and your neighbors safe, without getting in the way of your access when you need it. Think of it like keeping your car keys out of a toddler’s reach or making sure the gate at the top of the stairs is closed before the after-bath zoomies set in. It’s not about restriction—it’s about good, practical sense. Our expert this month is Shana Riel, Public Health Educator in the Health Planning and Promotion Division at the Clinton County Health Depart...
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Emergency Preparedness: Hope for the best. Pack for the worst.

Ready or not: let’s talk emergency preparedness. If the phrase “emergency preparedness” makes you picture dusty flashlights, canned beans from 2009, and a very intimidating checklist… take a breath. It doesn’t have to be that deep. #EmergencyPreparednessMonth is less about panic and more about peace of mind. Think of it like adulting with snacks: a little planning now so future you can say, “good lookin’ out.” Because here’s the thing — emergencies aren’t always dramatic movie moments. Sometimes it’s just a power outage during dinner, a surprise snow day, or your Wi-Fi going down right before the big game (honestly, the horror). Being prepared simply means fewer headaches and faster “we’ve got this” vibes when life throws a curveball. The good news? You don’t need a bunker or a week’s worth of freeze-dried lasagna. This month, we’re keeping it simple and practical. Our expert is Mark Lafountain. He has been in the Emergency Preparedness field for more than 30 years and serves at C...
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Tiny Backpacks, Big Feelings: Sending Your Child to School for the First Time

The backpacks are tiny, the shoes still light up, and somehow your child looks both incredibly grown-up and impossibly small all at once. Sending your kid to school for the first time is a big milestone—for them and for you. It’s exciting, emotional, and maybe just a little overwhelming (okay, sometimes a lot). From practicing lunchbox skills to talking through what a school day looks like, getting ready isn’t just about supplies—it’s about building confidence. With a little preparation, a lot of reassurance, and a few deep breaths, you can help your child walk into their first day feeling safe, capable, and proud. And yes, it’s okay if you need a moment after the drop-off—you’ve both earned it. To help you navigate how to prepare your child for school, we have enlisted the help of Krissy Smith. Before becoming a home daycare provider to spend more time with her own children, Krissy spent more than 10 years teaching kindergarten at a local elementary school. She has certifications ...
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Splash Smart: Keeping Summer Water Fun & Safe

Summer is here—and that means cannonballs, pool noodles, beach days, and kids who somehow stay wet from sunrise to sunset. Whether you’re headed to the pool, lake, river, or just the backyard sprinkler, water is at the heart of family fun. But while splashing and swimming make some of the best summer memories, a little water safety know-how helps make sure those memories stay happy ones. The good news? Water safety doesn’t have to feel scary or strict. With a few smart habits, clear rules, and lots of supervision, families can enjoy the water with confidence. From toddlers testing their floaties to teens racing across the deep end, water safety is all about being prepared—so the only surprise is how cold the water feels when you jump in! This month’s expert is Maria Cadieux. She has been a swim instructor for almost 30 years! She was the Waterfront Director for three years at Camp Jericho prior to graduating from college, coached a local swim team for six years, and is currently a ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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