Young pregnant or parenting mothers (ages 15-19) are invited to attend Purdue’s Have a Healthy Baby program. In this free program, learn helpful information about healthy eating during pregnancy. Child care will be provided.

Topics include:

– The importance of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle during pregnancy

– How to achieve a healthy pregnancy weight gain

– The danger of food-borne illness and tips to protect yourself during pregnancy

– The best methods for feeding the baby

– The consequences of smoking, drinking and drugs during pregnancy

The Have a Healthy Baby program is a research-based curriculum taught by trained, caring educators across Indiana. In LaPorte County, Purdue Extension Educator Allison Goshorn and Program Assistant Jody Kutch will deliver nutrition education to bring about lifestyle changes promoting a healthy pregnancy.

The program will take place on the following dates and at the following locations:

– The Bridge, Michigan City, on Tuesdays, Feb. 28 and March 6, from 3 to 5 p.m.

– State Street Community Church, LaPorte, on Tuesdays, March 13 and 27, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Registration is required. For more information, visit http://www.purdue.edu/momstogether, e-mail agoshorn@purdue.edu or call 219-324-9407.

A new prescription pill-drop site is now located in the lobby of the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office in the LaPorte County Complex. The sheriff’s office and LaPorte County TRIAD will host a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at 10 a.m. to dedicate the new drop box.

“This gives our citizens a way of safely disposing of unwanted medications,” Sheriff Mike Mollenhauer said in a press release. “Medications flushed down the drain end up in our groundwater, while medications thrown out in the garbage or left in cupboards can end up in the wrong hands.”

TRIAD and the sheriff’s office ask that only pills are brought in and left in the drop box. The best way to bring the pills in is in ziplock-type plastic bags or in the original prescription containers, with the patient name on the label removed.

Members of the LaPorte County TRIAD will be present Friday to answer questions about the program. The public is invited to attend the dedication.

LaPorte County TRIAD is an organization made up of law enforcement, community service organizations and seniors whose goal is to improve the safety and quality of life of older adults in the community.