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February 22, 2012 – This Friday, February 24 marks the first time that Peterborough Public Health’s mobile dental clinic bus arrives in Buckhorn at the Buckhorn Community Centre. “This launch of the mobile dental bus is a significant milestone for the public health of residents in Buckhorn and Galway- Cavendish and Harvey Township,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “This investment is a resource for the community and will provide everyone, especially rural low-income families, with more options and more access.”
The mobile dental clinic will return to Buckhorn to the same location on Thursday, March 1 to provide dental hygiene services. (more…)

February 21, 2012 – Free Fitness DVD and Pedometers for All Moms-to-be!
Expectant parents and their families are invited to attend a Prenatal Health Fair hosted by Peterborough Public Health at the Holiday Inn on Monday, February 27 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
All moms-to-be will receive a pedometer and a free DVD entitled “Move for Two” promoting physical activity during pregnancy. The video offers pregnant women a fitness routine for all levels of energy and experience as well as safety tips for mothers and their babies while they exercise. Massage therapy students from Fleming College will also be on hand to demonstrate the value of infant massage. Expectant parents will be shown some basic techniques to promote attachment and safe touch. This event is free and open to everyone with an interest in learning how best to prepare for having a baby, and about the supports available in the Peterborough area. The Prenatal Health Fair features interactive displays and demonstrations on a wide variety of topics such as nutrition for baby and Mom, becoming a parent, baby’s development, and much more. Particular highlights include the “empathy belly”, fathering/parenting displays, and the chance to win a door prize.

For more details, please call Kris Hazlitt at Peterborough Public Health at (705) 743-1000, ext. 254.
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For further information, please contact:
Helen Ames, Public Health Nurse
Peterborough Public Health
(705) 743-1000, ext. 214

February 17, 2012 – What Do YOU Think? Community Invited to Attend Public Consultation on February 21

The Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network is hosting a community consultation to gather input on proposed changes to Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program. People will have a chance to learn about and provide their feedback to options laid out in the Approaches to Reform discussion paper recently released by the Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario.

What: Community Consultation to discuss proposed reforms to Ontario social
assistance programs.
When: Tuesday, February 21, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Peterborough Public Library
345 Aylmer St. North

People with a lived experience of social assistance are especially encouraged to attend, to share their ideas in round-table discussions. Light refreshments will be provided.

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For further information, please contact:
Christine Post, Health Promoter
Peterborough Public Health
(705) 743-1000, ext. 293

February 10, 2012 – Recognition of Service – Dr. Dick Ito
The Board of Health recognized the impressive contributions of Dr. Dick Ito, Dental Consultant at Public Health for the past five years. A former private dentist, Dr. Ito has provided consultation services for a number of Ontario health units and been a staunch advocate for the continued fluoridation of municipal water supplies for the benefit of public health. Dr. Ito was especially instrumental in the development of both the Community Dental Health Centre in Peterborough Square and the mobile dental clinic as part of the local implementation of the Healthy Smiles Ontario program. (more…)

February 8, 2012 – Vaccine Coverage Rates for Staff Range from 8% to 94% at Local Health Care Facilities

At today’s Board of Health meeting, Peterborough Public Health reported the rates of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake by health care workers (HCWs), including those who work in long-term care homes, retirement residences, and the hospital.

“I am concerned about the low staff immunization rates in many health care facilities because we know that influenza can be life-threatening for seniors and other vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “With adequate HCW influenza immunization, not only would it increase the level of protection in the community, but there would be potential savings in health care costs as well as more cases of influenza are averted”. (more…)

January 31, 2012 – The Peterborough Public Health reported the first local case of seasonal influenza today.  “With this first lab-confirmed case of influenza A, we now know that seasonal influenza is circulating in our local population,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “Usually there are more cases of influenza in the community than are reported by the lab so we strongly encourage residents to get their flu shot to protect themselves and others – it’s not too late.” (more…)