A A A

October 30, 2013 –  Is it Possible to Make Halloween Healthier and Still Have Fun? Yes! And Make it Safe Too!

The Peterborough Public Health is offering the following tips and advice to parents and caregivers to make Halloween healthier, safer, and especially more fun for our children.

“Celebrating Halloween in a healthier way isn’t about giving up all the treats. It’s about bringing them into balance, especially since kids often have multiple celebrations: at school, at friends’ houses, at after care, and in the community,” said Erica Diamond, Registered Dietitian and Public Health Nutritionist. “There’s more to Halloween than candy. There’s dressing up, having fun with friends, playing games, and doing crafts. With so many celebrations throughout the year, it’s important to enjoy each one without going overboard.”

For trick-or-treaters, offer healthier options like sugar-free gum, 100% fruit juice boxes, 100% fruit leathers, or peanut-free granola bars.  Also, make sure children eat a healthy meal before they go trick-or-treating so that candy is a dessert, not supper. Reminding kids to stay on top of toothbrushing and flossing is also important this time of year.

If you’re throwing a Halloween party for kids, try serving no more than one sugary/higher-fat item, and provide mostly healthier snacks like apple cider, dried apricots, low-fat popcorn, carrots and dip or roasted pumpkin seeds.  Instead of a sit down and eat party, keep it moving with great dance music, costume parades and other games like pin the nose on the witch. Emphasize the creative side of Halloween instead of the candy by telling ghost stories, making slime, or getting the kids to act out short plays.

Mrs. Diamond noted that it is most important to work with children on healthy eating throughout the year. “Encourage healthy eating but don’t battle over it. Instead, try to work something out, like allowing your children to eat what they want on Halloween night and then save 5 treats to eat over the next 5 days. Dispose of or put the rest out of sight,” she suggests.

For safety, encourage kids to travel in groups and use a white bag or pillow case and use reflective tape.  Always carry a flashlight, and use sidewalks wherever possible.  If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.  Don’t criss-cross back and forth across the street.

Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls.  Avoid oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses or capes.  Select costumes with bright colors to increase your child’s visibility.  Discourage the use of masks on your children.  Masks make it hard for children to see what’s around them, including cars.  Make-up is a better alternative.

If you need to drive on Halloween night, drive slowly in residential areas where children are more likely to be trick or treating. Watch out for children. Children are excited; they may dart out in traffic.  Remember that costumes can limit a child’s vision and they may not be able to see your vehicle. Reduce your distractions and stay alert. Remember to enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.  Proceed with caution.

 

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Erica Diamond, RD                                                                           Paula Mattie, Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nutritionist                                                              Injury Prevention Program

(705) 743-1000, ext. 361                                                                (705) 743-1000, ext. 241

October 24, 2013 – Sell Out Crowds For All Summit Events

Sell out crowds and representatives from every local municipality were on hand to learn about the substantial public health and economic benefits that result from active community design during the 2013 Peterborough and the Kawarthas Cycling Summit that took place today.

“Being physically active helps prevent more than 25 chronic diseases and conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and obesity,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health with Peterborough Public Health who emceed the event. “An increase in physical activity can save millions in health care spending.  That’s why we need more sidewalks, trails and cycling infrastructure because these provide a free and accessible means of recreation and transportation for all.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Karen Lee, public health expert from New York City, discussed how that city developed its Active Design Guidelines to support the development of compact and mixed-use communities that encourage active forms of transportation. Dr. Lee explained that the guidelines are currently being implemented through a number of programs and policies including reallocating road right-of-ways for cyclists, pedestrians and transit vehicles, and expanding public space in under-served communities. These changes have seen a nearly 300% increase in commuter cyclists, a reversal in childhood obesity trends in NYC, and significant declines in traffic fatalities.

Summit workshops and presentations also featured other impressive examples of active community design from Haliburton, Niagara Region, Simcoe-Muskoka, and Selwyn Township. Peterborough’s latest improvements to promote active living, including the revitalized cycling bridge near the Holiday Inn, were also highlighted through a walking tour led by City Hall officials.

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:

Janet Dawson, Health Promoter
(705) 743-1000, ext. 392

October 16, 2013 – November 6 Workshop to Help Employers Promote Mental Health at Work

The Peterborough Health at Work Committee in partnership with the Peterborough Chapter of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) is co-hosting a two-part workshop on psychological health and safety in the workplace on November 6, 2013 at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough). 

Presenter Dr. Martin Shain will examine “what the law says” about mental health in the workplace.  His talk is sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge (CMHA-HKPR).  Second, Mary Ann Baynton will facilitate a hands-on session on developing supportive return to work plans.  Both speakers are key contributors in Canada to advancing and improving the work environments for all employees and they shared their expertise as members of the Technical Committee that created the recently released CSA Z1003: Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace standard.

Monique Beneteau, Chairperson of the Peterborough Health at Work Committee and Katherine Jordan, Program Director of HRPA’s Peterborough Chapter agree that this workshop will benefit many in workplaces within our community.  “We are so pleased to have these two experts in Peterborough to share their knowledge with managers, human resources specialists, health and safety specialists and other workplace wellness champions,” said Monique Beneteau, one of the organizers of this event.   

Kerri Davies, Manager of Development, CMHA-HKPR, echoed these sentiments. “CMHA-HKPR is pleased to support this workshop and the vision for a psychologically healthy and safe workplace. CMHA-HKPR embraces the philosophy that knowledge helps to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and hope is created through the delivery of effective programs and services. This results in a sense of inclusivity and belonging within our community that supports mental health for all.”

For more details about the event and to register, please visit: www.healthatworkpeterborough.ca.  Members of HRPA are asked to register through their association.

-30-

For further information, please contact:
Monique Beneteau
Health Promoter
705-743-1000, ext. 309

October 16, 2013 – Public Health Releases 2013 Report “Limited Incomes: A Recipe For Hunger”

Today Peterborough Public Health released its annual Limited Incomes: A Recipe For Hunger report to recognize the United Nations’ World Food Day.  This year’s report shows Peterborough’s most vulnerable residents continue to suffer from an inability to eat nutritiously based on current food costs.

“It is distressing to see the health of thousands of local residents compromised because social assistance programs don’t provide enough income for them to afford nutritious foods,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “It’s well known that when people gain food security it not only improves their overall quality of life but reduces future strain on the health system.  With ten percent of our local households experiencing food insecurity, this is a public health crisis that requires the urgent attention and cooperation of all levels of government.”

Dr. Salvaterra noted that this year’s theme for World Food Day is “Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition” which serves as a reminder that in Peterborough, it is vital to consider what can be done to create a community with food for all.

While the report notes local food prices have increased by 10.5% over the past three years, the main issue for residents is not the cost of food, but that their incomes are too low.  For example, after paying for his shelter costs, a single man receiving Ontario Works benefits would experience a monthly deficit of $214 if he spent the $276 required for a nutritious diet, and this does not include other basic necessities such as clothing, transportation and medical costs.

Dr. Salvaterra said she is very concerned about this local issue worsening in the face of cuts by the province to funding for Discretionary Benefits and emergency housing benefits accessed by people on social assistance.

To access a copy of the 2013 Limited Incomes: A Recipe For Hunger report, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca, click on “About Us” and then “Plans and Reports”.

 

-30-

For further information, please contact:

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

October 15, 2013 – Pharmacies Providing Free Flu Shots to Everyone Over 5 Years; Public Health Offering By-Appointment Clinics For Families with Young Children; Healthcare Providers Offering Flu Shots to Patients

Getting the flu shot this year just got a whole lot easier for local residents to help them ward off the virus that causes thousands of deaths annually among Canada’s most vulnerable populations.

“Now that pharmacies can give flu shots to their clients, it’s great to see so many local pharmacies step up to offer the vaccine on demand and in more locations across the city and county for residents,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health at Peterborough Public Health.  “The flu vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent the virus from spreading, and with the flu season fast approaching, we want as many people immunized as possible because influenza can be life-threatening for seniors, young children and other vulnerable populations.”

Dozens of local pharmacies throughout the City and County of Peterborough will be offering free flu shots to anyone over the age of five years old.  In communities where flu vaccine is not available at pharmacies, Public Health is running free public flu shot clinics for all ages as follows:

  • Buckhorn: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Buckhorn Community Centre, 1801 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn
  • Millbrook: Thursday, November 28, 2013, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the Cavan-Monaghan Township Office Gymnasium, 988 County Road 10, Millbrook

People can easily find out where the nearest pharmacy or flu clinic is by visiting the online Flu Clinic Locator at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or by calling Public Health at 705-743-1000. 

For families with young children, or for those who are unable to access a pharmacy or healthcare provider for a flu shot, Public Health is offering two Saturday clinics, by appointment only, each month in November, December and January.  All clinics will take place at 185 King Street in Peterborough, and parking is free.  To book an appointment, please call 705-743-1000, ext. 349.

2013-2014 Clinic Schedule:

Saturday, November 23, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Saturday, November 30, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Saturday, December 14, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Saturday, December 21, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Saturday, January 4, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon

The flu vaccine is also available from local healthcare providers for their rostered patients.

Influenza can result in widespread illness, including outbreaks and pandemics.  It is associated with complications such as bacterial pneumonia and death.  According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), each season 20% of health care workers get influenza, and 28% to 59% of young healthy adults who get it have asymptomatic or subclinical infections.  Some of them may shed virus up to a day before symptoms appear.  NACI considers the provision of influenza vaccination for HCWs who have direct patient contact to be an essential component of the standard of care for the protection of their patients.  Annual immunization of people at high risk, and of health care workers and others, who are capable of transmitting influenza to those at risk, is the most effective measure for reducing the impact of influenza. 

For further information about this year’s clinic schedule, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or call 705-743-1000.

-30-

For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391

Ocotber 11, 2013 – The Peterborough Public Health would like you to enjoy a safe and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.

One way to ensure this is through safe food handling methods.  In general, the most popular choice for a Thanksgiving dinner is turkey.  “Poultry can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella,” said Atul Jain, Manager of Inspection Programs at Public Health.  “If handled carelessly or cooked inadequately these bacteria can cause illness, but by following safe food handling guidelines, you can help ensure that you, your family, and your guests remain healthy.”

When shopping for poultry, check the temperature of the refrigerator in the grocery store to ensure that the product you are buying has been stored at the proper temperature.  All refrigeration units are required to have a working thermometer inside them.  The proper refrigeration temperature is 4°C (40°) or colder and freezers should be maintained below -18ºC (0ºF).  Avoid buying damaged packages, frost covered packages, dry or discolored food, or packages that feel too warm.

Your home refrigerator should also be kept at these temperatures.  Monitor the temperature of your fridge or freezer using an appliance thermometer, available at most hardware or restaurant supply stores.

When you get home from the store, place your turkey in a pan or container which will keep meat juices from dripping or spilling.  Store your turkey on the lowest shelf of the fridge to prevent bacteria from contaminating other foods or surfaces.

The safest way to thaw poultry is in the refrigerator or under cold running water (allow one hour per pound).  In the case of a large turkey, allow several days in the fridge to thaw – five hours per pound is a good rule of thumb.

Prepare raw poultry on non-porous surfaces which are easier to clean and sanitize.  Thoroughly wash and sanitize any utensils, cutting boards or counter surfaces that raw meat touches.  Sanitize by using a solution of 2 teaspoons bleach in one gallon of water.

Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling any food and after handling raw meats.

It takes thorough cooking to kill harmful bacteria and prevent food poisoning.  Cook the poultry to an internal temperature of 82ºC (180ºF).  Use a probe thermometer and check the temperature of the thickest part, usually the thigh or breast away from the bone.  A turkey will reach a safe internal cooking temperature faster if it is not stuffed.  Cook the stuffing in a separate dish, ensuring that the stuffing also reaches a temperature of 82ºC (180ºF).  If the turkey is to be stuffed, it should be done just prior to cooking, not the night before.

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.  Carve the meat off of the bones before storing cooked poultry.  Refrigerate or freeze meat and stuffing separately and in small quantities so that they will cool quickly.

Reheat meat and stuffing rapidly to at least 82ºC (180ºF) and serve.  Do not reheat leftovers more than once.

 

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

 

October 10, 2013 – Residents Advised to Discard Recalled Products

The Peterborough Public Health is warning local residents not to consume certain frozen beef burger products produced by Belmont Meats because they may be contaminated with E Coli O157:H7.

A recall announced last week by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that affected certain Compliments brand Super 8 Beef Burgers  has been expanded to include other products.   Consumers are asked to visit the CFIA’s website for a complete listing of all recalled products and to visit the website regularly as there may be recalls of additional products or best before dates as the food safety investigation continues.  Residents can also find the alert link on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

Residents are reminded to check their fridges and freezers for the recalled product and if any is found, it is recommended that it be discarded or returned to the retailer. They are also reminded to follow proper food safety practices to prevent illness, such as:

  • Ensuring burgers are cooked to an internal temperature of 71°C
  • Using a thermometer to check internal temp
  • Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water
  • Calling Public Health at 705-743-1000 if you ate and are not feeling well

 

As of October 9, seven confirmed and one suspect case of E. Coli O157:H7 have been reported in Ontario linked to the ongoing investigation of recalled beef burgers.

The Public Health is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Public Health Ontario, the CFIA, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada regarding the recall of these products.

 

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:

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

October 8, 2013 – Many of Peterborough’s Smoke-Free Firsts Credited to Her Leadership

The Peterborough Public Health is proud to announce that the Non-Smokers’ Rights Association (NSRA) has awarded the 2013 Non-Smoker of the Year Award to staff member Ingrid Cathcart, Tobacco Enforcement Officer, for her outstanding leadership in tobacco control at the local level.

The NSRA recognized Ingrid as “a driving force behind a number of precedent-setting achievements in her jurisdiction.” She is credited with making Peterborough the home to many firsts in pursuit of a tobacco-free society, such as collaborating with Peterborough Regional Health Centre officials to make it Ontario’s first totally smoke-free hospital property, and working with the City of Peterborough to develop one of the first bylaws banning smoking in outdoor spaces.  NSRA also commended Ms. Cathcart’s fellow staff and colleagues for their support of this important work and local politicians who actively champion smoke-free policies.

“We are extremely proud of Ingrid’s accomplishments to reduce the harm of tobacco to our public health, not only in Peterborough but across the province,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health at Public Health. “She regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty, often with significant sacrifice of her personal time and put Peterborough on the map as a leader in regulatory and policy change.”

Thanks to Ms. Cathcart’s efforts Peterborough was among the first to lay charges for violation of the law respecting smoking on school property and the first to lay charges in Ontario for violation of the 9 meter rule at a hospital entrance.  Among many other achievements, she has contributed significantly to the development of smoke free policies in many multi-unit dwellings in the City and County of Peterborough.  Ms. Cathcart was also commended by the NSRA for assisting a nursing home worker, who was required to attend to smokers in Designated Smoking Rooms (DSRs), to file a successful claim at the WSIB – its first smoking-related case, where the worker was awarded compensation and no longer required to enter DSRs.  This ruling also assisted the case of Heather Crowe, the Ottawa waitress who had never smoked but developed lung cancer from working in a smoky restaurant for 40 years.

The Non-Smokers’ Rights Association honours annually individual actors in tobacco control for their outstanding contributions to public health.  Previous recipients of the Non-Smoker of the Year Award include Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer of Nova Scotia, Heather Crowe, Michael Perley and Rob Cunningham.

The Non-Smokers’ Rights Association is a national, non-profit health agency with members across Canada.  The NSRA was the inaugural winner of the international Luther L. Terry Award established by the American Cancer Society for global leadership in tobacco control.

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:

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

 

October 4, 2013 – Average Vaccine Coverage Rates for Long Term Care Homes is 75%

Today Peterborough Public Health reported the rates of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake by healthcare workers (HCWs), including those who work in long-term care homes, retirement residences, the hospital, and at Public Health.

“I am concerned about the low staff immunization rates in many healthcare facilities because flu season is fast approaching and we know that it can be life-threatening for seniors, young children and other vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “With better HCW influenza immunization, not only would it increase the level of protection in the community, it would reduce healthcare costs and staff absenteeism as more cases of influenza are averted.”

To improve HCW immunization rates, Public Health recommends asking local healthcare facilities to require immunization for all new hires.  The Board of Health has required annual immunization against influenza for all Public Health employees since 2002.

Influenza vaccine for the 2013-14 season has arrived at Public Health and is being distributed to long-term care homes and Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Influenza can result in widespread illness, including outbreaks and pandemics.  It is associated with complications such as bacterial pneumonia and death.  Annual immunization of persons at high risk, and of HCWs and others, who are capable of transmitting influenza to those at risk, is the most effective measure for reducing the impact of influenza.

According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), each season 20% of healthcare workers get influenza, and 28% to 59% of young healthy adults who get it have asymptomatic or subclinical infections. Some of them may shed virus up to a day before symptoms appear.  NACI considers the provision of influenza vaccination for HCWs who have direct patient contact to be an essential component of the standard of care for the protection of their patients.

2012-13 Influenza Immunization Rates for Peterborough Healthcare Facilities
as of December 15, 2012

-30-

For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391

October 4, 2013 – Business Items Brought Forward To November 13 Meeting

Please note that the Board of Health meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2013 has been cancelled.  Due to a number of factors Board of Health members determined it more efficient to bring business items forward to the regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, November 13, 2013.  Further details and the meeting agenda will be made available closer to that date.

For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
Peterborough Public Health
705-743-1000, ext. 391