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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

If someone told you that doing two things could add years on to your life, would you do them? Well each of us can take two actions that reduce our risk of developing and dying from the most common types of cancer. One, make efforts to reduce harmful everyday habits that increase your risk of certain cancers (things like quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, being at a healthy weight, exercising, eating right, etc.) Two, follow the guidelines for recommended cancer screenings . The way I see it, cancer screenings are the equivalent of working smarter, not harder. Early detection through screening reduces the likelihood you will die from cancers of the breast, cervix, colon and rectum (colorectal), prostate, and lung. Some screenings can even prevent cancers by finding and treating precancerous cells or lesions. A screening early, can save stress, money, and time later – and time can mean years added on to your life. This month, we are talking to Colleen Jackson, Community Out...

During a Q&A session at a community presentation last week, I was asked, “how does Clinton County stack up, health-wise, against other communities?” Now statistically we can say, we are better at this measure or worse at this one, but overall how do we know? How do you go about giving a community of almost 80,000 residents, spanning over 1,000 square miles a report card? Answer, a community health assessment (CHA). This month we are putting our usual host in the hot seat. Instead of asking the questions, Molly Flynn, Principal Public Health Educator at CCHD, will be answering them. Molly joined CCHD in 2018 and has been involved in three out of four iterations of the community health assessment resident survey. She is going to walk us through what the assessment is, why we need it, how we make sure it’s a good representation of our community, and more. Molly, we will start with an easy one. What is a community health assessment? A community health assessment, or CHA, is a snaps...