Osage Nation WIC, the Gateway to Health

PAWHUSKA, Okla. (May 18, 2015) — The current Osage Nation administration is working in a variety of areas from things such as culture to economics. A central focus though always returns to the importance of education and health. These concerns may be separate components, yet go hand-in-hand when associated with our children. A healthy child has the best opportunity to learn and perform well in school. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports “proper nutrition promotes the optimal growth and development of children.” And the Osage Nation’s Women Infants and Children program (WIC) is an excellent place to start.

WIC programs are funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), have served “53 percent of all infants born in the U.S.,” and the “target population are low-income, nutritionally at risk”:

• pregnant women
• breastfeeding women
• non-breastfeeding post-partum women
• infants up to the first birthday
• children up to their fifth birthday

When WIC was first created, a little over forty years ago, it was because nutrition was poor and iron was low which affected pregnancies. The government started the program so women could have better nutrition which made for healthier babies. But as iron was no longer such a problem, WIC switched to a more nutritional focus such as healthy weights in babies and breastfeeding.

Osage Nation WIC (ONWIC) has an on-line nutrition education program that participants can access to complete interactive modules such as nutrition, breastfeeding, and physical activity at www.osagewiconline.org.

More than milk, cheese and eggs

Dairy products are probably what many of us think of when we remember WIC. The USDA has moved towards eating more healthy foods such as fresh and frozen vegetables, white potatoes, and yogurt. Whole wheat products have also been included in food packages—pasta, bread and tortillas.

Establishing healthy patterns for children

The CDC reports that “during the transition from childhood to adulthood, adolescents establish patterns of behavior and make lifestyle choices that affect both their current and future health.” A good start in setting good behaviors in healthy eating is with the My Plate™ program.

First introduced in 2011, the concept of a literal plate illustrating five food groups is a more practical visual aid than the food pyramid. Not only does one see what foods are necessary for a balanced diet, there is portion control. The sectioned plates are brightly colored with pictures of the food making it an ideal teaching tool for a young child.

WIC encourages breastfeeding and offers alternatives

Donna Patterson with the ONWIC clinic stated, “We want to be referred to as the breastfeeding place now.” Breastfeeding is the ultimate way to feed one’s baby. A woman’s body makes the perfect food for a child. But sometimes it is ‘medically contraindicated’ to do so.

Prior to the 1900s, breastfeeding for some lactating women was an occupation known as wet nurse. These individuals were employed by the aristocracy, but eventually this fell out of favor. Then in recent decades, the manufacturing and big advertising by companies like Gerber gave new mothers baby formula. It was a convenience, but it was also a man-made product and again could not compare to what the body makes.

Therefore, breastfeeding is being reintroduced to mothers, so to speak. ONWIC Director Manon Taylor refers to breast milk as “liquid gold.” It is the number one way to fight obesity in children. It also aids in reducing allergies and ear infections. Oklahoma is the first to create a milk bank where women can donate their breast milk. This is the safe way to purchase breast milk. These banks pasteurize the milk, so one knows they are getting a safe product.

ONWIC recently won the Super Hero Award at the Southwest Region Directors meeting. The program undergoes yearly audits which are a good thing for the program. They know what they are doing right and they learn where improvements can be made. They welcome these management evaluations.

ONWIC sees on a monthly-basis between 2,500 and 3,000 participants, and they want to increase those numbers. This program is available to eligible participants who meet income guidelines. ONWIC has six locations for participant convenience: Pawhuska, Hominy, Fairfax, McCord, Skiatook, and North Tulsa. If you or anyone you may know could benefit from WIC, please contact them at 918-287-5360 or visit the Nation’s website www.osagenation-nsn.gov.

For Media Inquiries:

Osage Nation Communications 918-287-5599 or email communications@osagenation-nsn.gov