Ransom County Public Health

05/29/2026

Iodine is an essential mineral during all stages of life! ❤️ Iodine supports the thyroid by producing hormones necessary to regulate metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. 🌡️ Iodine is also important during pregnancy! Regular iodine intake helps form the cerebral cortex, neural pathways, and hippocampus, helping your baby’s cognitive development! 🧠

The body cannot store iodine for long periods of time, so try to incorporate iodine regularly into your diet! Dairy, seaweed, and seafood are all plentiful sources of iodine. 🐟

Want to learn more about how nutrients support your family's health? Call the WIC office at Ransom County Public Health at 701-683-6139.

05/26/2026

Many people use alcohol or other substances to unwind, calm anxiety, or fall asleep faster.

But what if the very thing helping in the moment is hurting our mental health long term?

More anxiety.
Poorer sleep.
More emotional overwhelm.

It’s something more people deserve to understand. 💙

05/26/2026

Did you know that foster children under age five are eligible for WIC, regardless of their foster parent(s) income? 💭

With WIC, foster families have access to personalized nutrition education and healthy foods, plus healthcare referrals and information about additional support in your community! 💞

Learn more about how WIC can support your family by calling Ransom County Public Health at 701-683-6139.

05/22/2026

It’s Women’s Health Month! ❤️At WIC, we recognize the importance of taking care of your health and well-being. This month, we encourage you to learn more about prioritizing your health! Think about some ways you can think about your wellbeing:

🩺Schedule routine doctor visits and screenings.
🏃‍♀️Incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine!
🥗Maintain a balanced diet to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs!
📣Raise awareness by educating yourself and the women around you.

All of us at WIC are here to help you be your healthiest self! Call Ransom County Public Health for more information at 701-683-6139.

05/20/2026

State track is coming. Graduation is coming. Summer is coming. Lake life is coming. ☀️

Our teens are about to face more freedom, more pressure, and more choices.

Have you had the important conversations yet?

This is your reminder to sit down, check in, and talk about the choices that matter most — because one conversation today could shape a decision tomorrow. 💙

05/18/2026

Peas are the WIC-approved food of the month! Peas are packed with health benefits, and they’re a highly versatile kitchen staple that can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, roasted, or pan-fried 💪

Peas are packed with antioxidants that help build your immune system. They also contain carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which can protect your eyes from chronic diseases! 👀 Peas are also a great source of protein and fiber, helping your body break down carbohydrates and manage your blood sugar! 🌟

This month, try incorporating peas in your family's diet. You can even experiment with different methods of cooking them. Let us know your favorite way! 💭

Call Ransom County Public Health at 701-683-6139 for more information about the WIC program.

05/15/2026

🚨 Parents/Coaches/Teachers/Aunts/Uncles/Grandparents: Have you noticed how many va**ng and ni****ne products are suddenly everywhere? Gas stations. Convenience stores. Smoke shops. Social media. Online ads.

You are not imagining it — and you are definitely not alone.

Ni****ne products targeting youth are evolving fast. Beyond vapes, products like ni****ne pouches are being marketed as “clean,” discreet, and even as a performance or lifestyle boost. Influencers often promote them in ways that make them seem harmless.

Meanwhile, companies continue using:
⚠️ Appealing flavors
⚠️ Bright colors and sleek packaging
⚠️ “Smart vapes” and new technology
⚠️ Easy-to-hide products designed to attract youth

It can feel overwhelming trying to keep up.
That’s why Parents Against Va**ng is hosting a virtual session to help break it all down clearly and practically. Learn:
✔️ Signs your youth may be va**ng or using ni****ne
✔️ Practical strategies to help protect and support your child
Knowledge is one of the best prevention tools we have. Stay informed. Stay connected. 💙

Click on the link to register so you don't miss out: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gPokPwMjSqaz9D8hE2aEew?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=5138dba8-8678-48df-a42a-ea46c0ffcdec #/registration

05/15/2026

As National Prevention Week comes to a close, we want to hear from YOU! 💙

Your voice matters, and your feedback helps shape prevention efforts right here in our community.

Please take a moment to complete our brief community survey. The information collected helps us better understand the challenges, concerns, and needs facing our area while guiding stronger prevention efforts and healthier communities for everyone.

Every response makes a difference — because meaningful change starts at the local level.

⬇️ Click the link below to participate!

Your voice matters! Please help us gather information to better serve our rural area.

05/15/2026

Did you know...

91.4% of North Dakota adults agree that adult alcohol use is a problem in their community, and North Dakota ranks #3 in the nation for adult binge drinking.

At the same time, 92% of adults believe underage drinking is a problem — but the numbers among youth may be lower than many people think. Only 19.5% of high school students report current alcohol use, and 19.1% of middle school students report having used alcohol in their lifetime.

The perception that “all kids are drinking” may not be accurate — and that’s encouraging. It shows that prevention efforts, parent conversations, and community support are making a difference.

Let’s keep up the hard work. Talk with your kids about the negative effects alcohol can have on the developing brain and the consequences that come with underage drinking.

Together, we can continue keeping alcohol out of the hands of youth.💪

05/15/2026

May is Food Allergy Awareness Month 🗓️ It’s the perfect time to learn about food allergies in babies and toddlers and how to manage them in everyday life! A food allergy happens when the immune system overreacts to a specific protein (an allergen) in a food, treating it like a threat. This can trigger symptoms ranging from mild to severe, also known as an “allergic reaction.” 🍞🥛🥜
To learn more, visit www.fampitfamily.org, a website with resources to help families navigate the early years of food allergies with confidence and ease!