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December 21, 2012 – Public Health Reminds Residents to Wear Reflective Clothing During Darkest Time of Year

As we reach the darkest part of the year, Peterborough Public Health is reminding both pedestrians and motorists to be safe on the roads to avoid injury when it’s harder to see.

“Pedestrian safety is for all ages. Unfortunately, in traffic incidents involving pedestrians and motorists, it is the pedestrian who suffers, often with tragic results,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “It is the responsibility of both driver and pedestrian to ensure each others’ safety by taking some simple precautions.”

The Public Health recommends the following safety precautions:

As a pedestrian:

  • Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, when walking in dusk or darkness.
  • Cross at marked crosswalks or traffic lights, not in the middle of the block or between parked cars;
  • Make sure drivers see you before you cross;
  • Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop;
  • At a traffic light, cross at the beginning of a green light. Do not cross once the “Don’t Walk” signal begins to flash or once the light has turned to yellow. Never cross on a red light;
  • Watch for traffic turning at intersections or entering and leaving driveways;

As a motorist:

  • Be patient, especially with older pedestrians who need more time to cross the road;
  • Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning;
  • Remember, stay alert and slow down on residential streets and through school zones.

In a 2010 Review of All Accidental Pedestrian Deaths in Ontario, it found that pedestrians over 65 years of age accounted for a strikingly disproportionate share of fatalities based on their representation in the population. They account for about 13.2% of the population, but 36% of the fatalities. Children accounted for 3% of the deaths.

Peak hours for pedestrian collisions were between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily, largely coinciding with peaks in traffic volume.  It was dark or twilight for 57% of fatal pedestrian collisions.  January was the peak month for pedestrian collisions leading to fatalities for Ontarians. Visibility was clear 95% of the time for fatal pedestrian incidents. Road conditions were dry for 81% of the incidents, wet for 14% of the incidents, and snowy for 5% of the incidents.

The report also noted that 76% of fatalities occurred in urban areas and 24% in rural areas. Seventy-five percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred on arterial roads, which are wide, signalized streets that carry high volumes of traffic.

Dr. Salvaterra noted that in another national report examining road fatalities from 2004-2008, pedestrians accounted for 13% of the Canadian total.  Overall, pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists made up one-quarter of all traffic fatalities in Canada.

For further information and safety tips, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and click on “Winter Driving” in the Injury Prevention section.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391

December 21, 2012 – Dr. Salvaterra Commends County for Their Leadership 

Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health, commended the County of Peterborough for its leadership on Wednesday when it passed a by-law making it mandatory for local food premises to have at least one certified food handler working in a supervisory capacity on site at all times.

“Educating staff that handle food in food premises has been shown to improve inspection results and reduce food borne illness,” said Dr. Salvaterra. “We have offered the Food Handler Training and Certification Course for free for over a dozen years now and still find some food premises that do not have certified food handlers on staff. This new by-law requires that at least one certified food handler working in a supervisory capacity be present at all times when food is being prepared.”

A certified food handler is someone who has completed the Food Handler Training and Certification Course offered by Public Health or an equivalent course.  The course covers:

  • proper food handling techniques with an emphasis on temperature control
  • legislation and the role of Public Health
  • chemical, physical and biological hazards in food
  • personal hygiene
  • cleaning and sanitizing

The new by-law takes effect for high-risk food premises on January 1, 2014 and for moderate-risk food premises on January 1, 2015.

High-risk and moderate-risk food premises include restaurants, take-outs, supermarkets, banquet facilities, nursing homes, retirement homes, daycares, chip trucks and hot dog carts. Premises which do not prepare food but simply store and sell food such as convenience stores would be exempt from the by-law.

Other jurisdictions which have passed similar by-laws include the cities of Toronto, Hamilton, Brantford and London, as well as Niagara Region and parts of Essex County.

The Peterborough Public Health remains one of only a few health units in Ontario that continues to offer Food Handler Training and Certification Courses to residents free of charge.  More than 10,000 people have taken this course and received their certification from Public Health since 1997.  Individuals or businesses wishing to take the Food Handler Training and Certification Course should call Public Health at 705-743-1000.  Further information about the course is also available on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca in the “My Work” section under Food Services

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For further information contact:

Chris Eaton   
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 225

OR

Atul Jain
Manager, Inspection Services
705-743-1000, ext. 259

December 14, 2012 – Flu Shot Advised for All Community Members

The Peterborough Public Health is reporting widespread influenza activity throughout the community and advising all residents to get their flu shot.

“With further confirmation of influenza activity in the city and county we strongly advise all local residents to get their flu shot to protect themselves and others before the holidays” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra.  “Seniors and young infants are considered particularly high risk so now is the time to prevent spreading it to our most vulnerable populations.”

Dr. Salvaterra noted that the good news is that this year’s flu shot is a good match to the strains that are currently circulating in the community.  The flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age.  It is especially important for people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone who takes care of people in these groups.

She said it can take up to two weeks for the flu shot to take effect, so in the meantime the following precautions are strongly advised to reduce the spread of infection:

Stay home if feeling unwell

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Clean and sanitize commonly-used surfaces frequently
  • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue and washing hands afterwards

The Public Health is issuing this advisory based on the recent increase in lab-confirmed influenza cases, outbreaks at local facilities, and emergency room visits due to influenza-like illness.

 

Vaccine is available at from healthcare providers, some local pharmacies, or by appointment at Public Health for those who do not have a healthcare provider.

 

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For further information, please contact:

 

Brittany Cadence

Communications Supervisor

(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

December 19, 2012 – Public Health Activates Extreme Cold Response Plan

With the colder winter months ahead, Peterborough Public Health has activated its Extreme Cold Response Plan (ECRP) to advise residents on the best way to protect their health when temperatures plummet. 

“Cold weather injuries, such as frostbite and hypothermia, are preventable,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Most healthy people can tolerate a short period of cold weather if dry and properly attired. Our plan is designed to advise those who are the most vulnerable and at the highest risk of cold weather injuries how to protect themselves.”

Dr. Salvaterra notes that vulnerable populations in our communities include the elderly, infants (under one year), people with chronic physical and mental disabilities, and people who are homeless or marginally housed.

Cold weather, combined with wind, can cause serious injuries or even death. The Public Health monitors the forecasted weather conditions from December 1 to April 1. The ECRP defines a series of cold weather thresholds that trigger Public Health to notify the general public, healthcare providers and community service providers of appropriate measures they can take to reduce the risk of cold weather injuries for themselves and the vulnerable populations they serve. Notifications of extreme cold will be posted on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and issued to the media and stakeholder groups when the forecasted temperature or wind chill may result in an increased risk of frostbite.

The Public Health ECRP has three levels of notification:

  1. Frostbite Alert
  2. Frostbite Warning
  3. Cold Weather Emergency

Public health messages as well as actions taken by Public Health will vary depending on the level of notification, as described below:

Level 1:  Frostbite Alert

A Level 1 Frostbite Alert is issued when meteorologists forecast a temperature of -27?C to -38?C or a wind chill of -27 to -38. This level of notification reminds residents to: cover unprotected skin; avoid prolonged outdoor exposure; drink warm fluids; watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia; check on neighbours; and maintain a warm indoor environment (ideally 20?C or warmer).

Level 2: Frostbite Warning

A Level 2 Frostbite Warning is issued when meteorologists forecast a temperature between -39?C and -47?C or a wind chill of -39 to -47. This level of notification reminds residents of the core messages above in addition to: reminding children and the elderly to stay indoors; advising the general public to reduce time spent outdoors; and advising the public to check their faces and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite.

Level 3: Cold Weather Emergency

A Level 3 Cold Weather Emergency is issued when meteorologists forecast a temperature of -48?C or colder or a wind chill of -48 or colder OR when the temperature is below -27?C or a wind chill below -27 accompanied by a contributing risk factor such as a power outage, or critical infrastructure failure. This level of notification reminds residents of all the core messages above in addition to: requesting that residents stay indoors; ensuring vulnerable individuals are in a warm, safe environment; and advising the public to check their faces and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Further information about Public Health’s ECRP is available on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca under the section for “My Environment”.

The Public Health recognizes that other community organizations may have developed their own internal policies and procedures for dealing with extreme cold for the population they are serving (i.e. school boards, and day care providers). Community agencies and partners that would like direct notification from the health unit in the event of an extreme cold alert should contact Public Health’s Communications Supervisor at 705-743-1000, ext. 391.

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For further information, please contact:

Shawn Telford-Eaton
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 287

 

December 14, 2012 – Community Members with Symptoms Asked to Contact Public Health

The Peterborough Public Health is investigating an outbreak of lab-confirmed cases of Salmonella linked to Ming’s Restaurant, located at 554 Lansdowne Street West in Peterborough.  The Public Health has ordered the restaurant closed until testing can determine the source.

The Public Health is asking anyone who became ill with symptoms consistent with Salmonella infection after eating at Ming’s Restaurant on or after November 27, 2012 to contact Public Health. Please call 705-743-1000, ext. 225 to leave a message and a Public Health Inspector will follow up.  The Public Health is seeking this information to prevent the spread of illness to others.

Symptoms of Salmonellosis can occur within six to 72 hours, however usually appear 12 to 36 hours after consumption of contaminated food or beverage. These symptoms usually resolve without treatment.

Symptoms include:

  • Sudden onset of headache
  • Fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Sometimes vomiting

Symptomatic individuals should wash their hands regularly and avoid preparing food for others.  For further information about Salmonellosis, please visit the reportable disease section of Public Health’s website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or click here.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Officer
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

December 14, 2012 – Flu Shot Advised for All Community Members

The Peterborough Public Health is reporting widespread influenza activity throughout the community and advising all residents to get their flu shot.

“With further confirmation of influenza activity in the city and county we strongly advise all local residents to get their flu shot to protect themselves and others before the holidays” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra.  “Seniors and young infants are considered particularly high risk so now is the time to prevent spreading it to our most vulnerable populations.”

Dr. Salvaterra noted that the good news is that this year’s flu shot is a good match to the strains that are currently circulating in the community.  The flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age.  It is especially important for people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone who takes care of people in these groups.

She said it can take up to two weeks for the flu shot to take effect, so in the meantime the following precautions are strongly advised to reduce the spread of infection:

  • Stay home if feeling unwell
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Clean and sanitize commonly-used surfaces frequently
  • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue and washing hands afterwards

The Public Health is issuing this advisory based on the recent increase in lab-confirmed influenza cases, outbreaks at local facilities, and emergency room visits due to influenza-like illness. 

Vaccine is available at from healthcare providers, some local pharmacies, or by appointment at Public Health for those who do not have a healthcare provider.

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For further information, please contact: 

Brittany Cadence, Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391

December 13, 2012 – Public Health Commends City Leadership for Protecting Public Health

At last night’s Board of Health meeting, Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health, commended the City of Peterborough for its leadership last Monday when it passed a bylaw banning the public use of water pipes in indoor places and on patios licensed by the LLBO.

“Many communities in Canada and internationally are struggling to protect residents and employees from the health effects of water pipe use in public spaces. This bylaw is proactive and will prevent Peterborough from having to manage these issues and incur the associated risks and costs,” said Dr. Salvaterra. 

“The City’s decision to regulate water pipe use in public spaces promises not only better health outcomes but we predict will result in lower enforcement costs when compared to other municipalities who may choose to license water pipe establishments instead of banning them outright,” she said.

Also known as hookahs, water pipes are devices used to smoke tobacco and herbal products.  Dr. Salvaterra stated there is growing international scientific evidence showing that smoking water pipes causes harmful health effects both to the user and to those exposed to the secondhand smoke.  A typical hookah session lasts 20-80 minutes, with users taking up to 200 puffs.  Some studies show that a typical water pipe session is comparable to inhaling the same amount of smoke from 100 or more cigarettes.  In addition, water pipes use a mix of unknown and unregulated herbal and tobacco products.

A recent study showed that 7.5% of local youth reported using water pipes.  “Another benefit of this ban is that it avoids sending confusing messages to youth about smoking and reduces their exposure to negative role models,” added Dr. Salvaterra.

She noted that Public Health has been approached by four individuals interested in establishing hookah lounges in the city, and that opponents to the ban were all representing business interests, and not cultural groups.

For more information about water pipes and their health risks, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/tobacco_industry/hookahs/

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Officer
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

 

December 11, 2012 – Winter Months the Best Time to Test to Protect Your Health

With the colder weather keeping people indoors more often, Peterborough Public Health and Health Canada recommend that residents test their homes for radon gas, the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking.

“Long-term exposure to radon significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.  This risk is increased even further among smokers,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “The good news is that it’s easy to reduce the risk by detecting if it’s present in your home with a simple home testing kit and taking the necessary steps to reduce your exposure.”

Radon is a colourless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment.  It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soils and rocks.  It is often thought that radon only occurs in areas where there are large uranium deposits.  However, a nation-wide sampling survey coordinated by Health Canada has revealed that the occurrence of radon is widely distributed and local geological conditions cannot be used to predict its presence or absence.

The greatest source of public exposure to radon occurs when the gas enters buildings through cracks in basements, floor drains, sump pits and other below-grade access points. 

“Fortunately, it is usually easy and relatively inexpensive to reduce radon to safe levels in buildings.  Simple measures such as sealing cracks in floors and openings around pipes, and improving ventilation are often highly effective,” said Dr. Salvaterra.

The Peterborough Public Health and Health Canada strongly recommend that all homes be tested for radon.  Test kits are available at local home improvements stores and online from the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada.  They are inexpensive and easy to use.  While short-term test kits are on the market, Health Canada recommends long-term testing for a minimum of three months in order to obtain results that are more accurate.

Further information and resources are available from the following websites:

Heath Canada:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2012/2012-165-eng.php

Radiation Safety Institute of Canada:

http://www.radiationsafety.ca/november-lung-cancer-awareness-month

Peterborough Public Health:

http://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/my-home-environment/my-environment/health-hazards/radon/

 

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For more information:

Shawn Telford-Eaton
Public Health Inspector
Peterborough Public Health
705-743-1000, ext. 287

 

 

December 7, 2012 – Location: Council Chambers, Peterborough County Court House

The community is advised that the next meeting of the Board of Health will take place on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 4:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Peterborough County Court House located at 470 Water Street, Peterborough.

To download the agenda and the online board package, please visit:

http://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/about-us-2/board-of-health/meeting-agendas

The meeting is open to the community and members of the media.

For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
Peterborough Public Health
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

 

December 6, 2012 – Include Books on Your Holiday Shopping List to Boost Children’s Speech and Language Skills

Local residents can turn a page on the usual holiday gift-giving ideas by including the printed word for children on their shopping lists.

Reading books that are interesting, engaging and age-appropriate can be a great way for adults and children to spend quality time together. Reading helps to improve children’s speech and language skills, according to Peterborough Public Health.

“Books are a great stocking stuffer or gift item to put under the tree,” says Leisa Baker, a Public Health Nurse with Public Health. “For a low-tech item, books can be high-impact when it comes to improving children’s communication skills and nurturing their love of reading.”

In Ontario, it is estimated one in ten preschool children has a communication delay. Reading with a child can head off potential problems, since it stimulates speech and language development as adults share new words and meanings. This, she notes, provides an essential building block for success in school.

Baker’s advice for wrapping up the ideal book for the holiday season is simple: “Be sure it is age-appropriate, and something that your child will want to pick up and read.”

Babies:

  • small cloth or board books with single or rhyming words
  • simple pictures such as faces or animals    
  • like enthusiasm and facial expressions

One to two years:

  • rhyming board books with interactive features such as textures, holes, or flaps for lifting
  • pictures they can relate to and learn the words
  • want to learn how to hold a book and turn pages

Two to three years:

  • have favourite books and are able to predict what may happen next
  • choose books that describe a series of events
  • like you to ask questions and give them time to answer

Three to four year olds:

  • longer books with more predictable and repetitive words
  • model correct sounds and grammar
  • like when you pause to let them fill in words and phrases

Four to five year olds:

  • will memorize words of favourite books
  • point to words and sounds at the start of words
  • like to tell stories; encourage using words such as first, then and last

Five to six year olds:

  • enjoy more complex words such as before/after and  rough/smooth
  • like books about numbers and quantity of objects, such as more/less and one/many    
  • may like to hear you talk and then create their own version of a story

 Six years and beyond:

  • continue to read out loud especially at bedtime    
  • share books from school and make reading fun
  • take turns reading to each other, alternate pages       

Giving a child the choice to pick his or her own book can also be an option for a gift, she adds. Gift certificates to a local bookstore can spur children to choose a book that they are more likely to read. If children are dreaming about high-tech gadgets this holiday season, families may want to consider an electronic book reader to fulfill gift expectations – and encourage reading. If costs are an obstacle to gift-giving, Baker suggests taking a child to the local library over the holidays and getting him or her to sign up for a library card. “It can give them independence and ownership to what they want to read, as well as introduce them to a world of books that’s available at their fingertips,” she notes.

For local residents who have questions about ways to encourage reading, or who want to find out more about their child’s speech and language skills, visit www.kidtalk.on.ca or call Public Health at 705-743-1000.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Officer
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391