WIC Eating Pattern Messages

[sgregory]

Michael -

At this point these are "raw" messsages and have not been tested with our WIC
customers so I'd feel a bit uncomfortable suggesting widespread use.  These EPM
were developed from a huge list of topics and concerns submitted by a wide range
of nutirtion folks across the nation.  The next step in our process is to
conduct focus groups and intercept interviews in VA over the next several
months.  We'd feel more comfortable suggesting the use of the messages (and some
strategies/products for delivering these messages) once we've completed the
marketing develoment.   We plan to share our results in a couple of ways.  I
sure it will include postings on the listserves.

I hope this helps.  THANKS for your message.  Any specific feedback on any of
these proposed messages is most welcome.

Susanne



"Elfant, Michael (DHS-WIC)" wrote:


> We were wondering, Susanne, if you're thinking of using these just in

> Virginia, or would like to see them used nationally.  I can forward these on

> to a lot of California WIC nutritionists, but need to know what you see

> doing with these.

>

> Thanx

>

> > -----Original Message-----

> > From: sgregory [SMTP:sgregory at vdh.state.va.us]

> > Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2000 7:58 AM

> > To:   Public Health Nutrition Discussion and Information Group

> > Subject:      WIC Eating Pattern Messages

> >

> > Dear PH Nutritionists: :

> >

> > A couple of months ago we asked you to share messages you felt were

> > appropriate for WIC clients.  Thanks for your many contributions!  We

> > took the list of messages and translated them into Eating Pattern

> > Messages for segments of WIC clients.  Here's our summary of your

> > messages.

> >

> > We would like your feedback on these messages.  Please send comments to

> > me at the address listed below before February 18.

> >

> > For those unfamiliar with Eating Pattern Messages, here's a summary of

> > what they are.  Eating pattern messages translate nutrition science to

> > food-specific behavior recommendations.  The messages are meant to be

> > short, simple, practical, relevant and appropriate to the target

> > population.  Usually no more than five to seven behaviors are targeted.

> >

> > Please note:  Eating pattern messages are a public health approach to

> > communicating key messages.  That means that the messages are

> > appropriate for the majority of people in the target population.  They

> > do not include messages that are specific to those with special needs

> > such as high-risk pregnant women.  WIC educators would provide tailored

> > messages to these individuals.

> >

> >  EPM for pregnant women:

> > -Eat three meals and two snacks each day

> > -Eat a fruit or vegetable at each meal and snack

> > -Drink 3 glasses of milk each day

> > -Take a vitamin supplement with folic acid each day

> > -Walk at least 30 total minutes a day

> > -Visualize breastfeeding your baby

> >

> > EPM for mothers of children under age one:

> > -Breastfeed your baby for as long as possible

> > -If you bottle feed, hold your baby during feeding

> > -If you bottle feed, use formula until the age of one

> > -Offer solid foods only after your baby is 4-6 months old

> > -Introduce foods one at a time

> >

> > EPM for mothers of children age 1-2:

> > -Encourage drinking from a cup

> > -Let your child decide how much food to eat

> > -Offer a fruit and or vegetable at each meal and snack

> > -Give your child whole milk until age two

> > -Offer cheese, cereal and fruit for snacks

> > -Cut foods into pieces smaller than a dime to prevent choking

> > -Eat meals together and talk

> >

> > EPM for mothers of children age 2-5:

> > -Switch to skim or 1% milk

> > -Let your child decide how much food to eat

> > -Offer a fruit and or vegetable at each meal and snack

> > -Offer cheese, raisins, cereal and fruit for snacks

> > -Cut foods into pieces smaller than a dime to prevent choking

> > -Offer foods at least 10 times before deciding the child doesn't like it

> >

> > -Encourage physical activity throughout the day

> > -Eat meals together and talk

> >

> > EPM for breastfeeding moms:

> > -Drink at least three glasses of milk a day

> > -Eat a fruit or vegetable at each meal and snacks

> > -Limit alcoholic beverages to one a day

> > -Take a vitamin supplement with folic acid each day

> > -Walk at least 30 total minutes a day

> > -Savor the moment-it goes by quickly

> > -Take time for yourself

> >

> > EPM for moms who choose not to breastfeed:

> > -Drink at least two glasses of milk a day

> > -Eat a fruit or vegetable at each meal and snacks

> > -Limit alcoholic beverages to one a day

> > -Take a vitamin supplement with folic acid each day

> > -Walk at least 30 total minutes a day

> > -Savor the moment-it goes by quickly

> > -Take time for yourself

> >

> > It is our end goal to make the messages snappy, attention grabbing, and

> > memorable. However, it's important to make sure the messages are

> > scientifically accurate first. Your feedback will help us reach this

> > immediate goal.  Thanks again for your contributions!

> >

> > Susanne Gregory,

> > Anne Hauber, &

> > Pam McCarthy

> >

> > Please send comments to this address: sgregory at vdh.state.va.us

> >

> > THANKS!!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >