Talking Health with the Clinton County Health Department

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

Back-to-school is the furthest thing from our minds in early July, but before we know it school supply lists, registration information, and health forms will be headed our way. Use the summer months to be proactive in getting or keeping your children up-to-date on their recommended vaccinations . Did you know, schools risk a fine of $2,000 per day per child from the NYS Education Department for allowing students to attend without proof of certain vaccinations? If your child is not vaccinated according to the guidelines approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, they will not be allowed to attend school – and after a long summer of “I’m bored” and “Can I have a snack?” that will be the last thing you want! With us this month is Roberta Fredenburg, Supervising Public Health Nurse in the Health Care Services Division at CCHD. Roberta has been a nurse for 40 years working with all age groups. She has experienced back-to-school vaccination requirements as a mom, grandmo...

Let’s be real—riding a bike is awesome. Wind in your hair, sun on your face, and that satisfying “whoosh” as you cruise past traffic like a two-wheeled superhero. But even superheroes need a safety plan (just ask anyone who’s ever taken a tumble trying to show off). Whether you're a weekend cruiser, a daily commuter, or a trail-blazing adventurer, bike safety isn’t just important—it’s the key to keeping your ride smooth and your body free of bruises. This month we have enlisted the help of Erin Pangborn, Youth Services Recreation Director for the Town of Plattsburgh. Erin has worked for the Town of Plattsburgh Parks and Recreation Department for 15 years and has spearheaded the Bike Block Party for the past 5 years. Ready to gear up and learn how to ride safe as a family? Let’s roll! Erin, lets start with the bike itself. How do I know my child has the right one and that I’m not going to end up with a grumpy kid and a broken chain on the side of the road? You want to make sure ...

When preparing for a new family addition, everyone seems to have a different opinion on what style, technique or product is best . But what most can agree on is any amount of chest/breastfeeding (no matter how much) is beneficial. Mother nature has gifted us the perfect food for our babies. Chest/breastmilk contains just the right amount of nutrients. It is also gentle on your baby's developing stomach, intestines, and other body systems. But is chest/breastfeeding just another ‘motherly instinct’ my body is going to know how to do post-partum? That’s where Mallory comes in. She has worked with chest/breastfeeding moms for more than six years, is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and holds the distinguished role of chest/breastfeeding mom. To help celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, we sat down with Mallory to help new parents navigate chest/breastfeeding and see why it is better than any ‘udder’ milk. Mallory, how soon after welcoming a new baby ca...

Being a new parent is an exciting and scary time. Somehow, they allowed you to leave the hospital with this baby and you aren’t sure you are ready to be alone with it. Goal #1 – keep baby alive. To do that, there are so many things to know and do; it’s easy to get overwhelmed. As your baby grows, it is important they meet certain developmental milestones – but what are they exactly and how do you know if they are meeting them? Many new parents assume “someone will tell me if there is a concern” but you know your baby best, trust your gut. When Clinton County children aren’t able to meet their developmental milestones they can be referred to the Early Intervention Program or the Preschool Special Education Program . They provide services that assist in the growth and development of eligible children and their families. To help navigate all things development and how to best help your child meet their milestones, we have enlisted the help of Alexis Grennan. Alexis is a Children’s Servi...