Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
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News from the Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2003 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation Women Infant and Children (WIC) program has been developing new nutritional and educational programs."We have been real busy working on developing an obesity and diabetes prevention initiative", said Pamella Wedding, nutrition education coordinator for the Cherokee Nation. "We will be working closely with at risk women and children to educate them on proper eating habits, as well as helping them to increase their physical fitness activities."
Cherokee Nation WIC also has been working hard to increase employee certifications in order to better serve the client.
Recently tribes from across the state, Missouri and Colorado attended a 3-day Breastfeeding Educators Conference in Tulsa where close to 90 women became Certified Breastfeeding Educators (CBE).
"We hope that by certifying our staff to be a breastfeeding educator, they will then turn around and make people aware of the good aspects of breastfeeding", said Euphemia John, lactation coordinator for Cherokee Nation WIC. "We want them to know that breastfeeding is a healthier choice for babies, as well as moms."
"Almost 70% of native women breastfeed compared to a mere 21% in 1970", said Debi Bocar, who works for Lactation Consultant Services. "This is because we have more people out in the field educating pregnant women of the benefits of breastfeeding."
WIC is also planning events to coincide with World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7, 2003.
"We hope to make people more aware of what WIC can do for them", Wedding said.
To qualify for WIC a person must meet income, residency and nutritional risk guidelines. Applications are accepted Monday through Friday. For more information please call, 1-800-256-0671 (ext.2589).
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Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma Attn: (Department Name) P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Telephone: 918-456-0671 (Toll Free OK) 1-800-256-0671 |
51st Cherokee National Holiday Cherokee Communities "The Strength Of Our Nation" Held Annually on Labor Day Weekend |
| Related contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |