Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is celebrating all mothers by encouraging them to be healthy by eating a nutritious diet and getting enough physical activity.
“National Women’s Health Week is celebrated from May 10-16, 2009, but we want to recognize mothers year round for the important work they do taking care of children,” said DHHS Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas. “Many women to not take good care of themselves, which makes it hard for them to care for others. Proper nutrition is essential to a healthy life and the WIC Program can help mothers who qualify.”
WIC encourages pregnant women to eat a nutritious diet rich in whole grain breads and cereals, low-fat milk products, protein, and adequate fruits and vegetables. Breastfeeding mothers also need to eat healthy to maintain their nutritional status while breastfeeding a new baby.
Daily physical activity is also important for pregnant and breastfeeding women. According to the Centers for Disease Control 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, healthy women should get at least 2 hours 30 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, during and after their pregnancy. It is best to spread this activity throughout the week. Healthy women who already do vigorous-intensity aerobic activity can continue to do so during and after pregnancy provided they stay healthy and discuss with their healthcare provider how and when activity should be adjusted over time.
The WIC Program is a public health nutrition program for low- to moderate-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to 5 years of age. WIC foods will also be changing in the fall of 2009 to include fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables; whole grain breads and cereals; low-fat diary products; and infant fruits, vegetables, and meat.
For more information about the New Hampshire WIC Program visit the DHHS website at www.dhhs.nh.gov/DHHS/WIC/default.htm or call 1-800-942-4321 to see if you qualify.