A A A

April 30, 2014 – Featuring Dr. James Parker, Director of the Emotion and Health Research Laboratory, Trent University

Peterborough Healthy Families invites parents, educators and healthcare providers to a free presentation on Emotional Intelligence by expert Dr. James Parker on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Peterborough Public Library.

Screen Shot 04-30-14 at 09.29 AM

This presentation is geared towards parents and family members as well as professionals who work with youth.  Dr. Parker will present an overview of what we know about emotional intelligence (EI) and how it affects learning, work, and our mental health.  It will also explore what we know about teaching and developing EI-related skills and competencies.  Although the implications of EI range from early childhoo

d development to successful aging, particular attention will be directed at issues connected to children and youth.

Dr. James D. A. Parker is the Director of the Emotion and Health Research Laboratory at Trent University; he is also a Professor of Psychology at the same institution. Dr. Parker earned his Ph.D. in psychology from York University (Ontario) in 1991, and from 1991 to 1994 was a research fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Dr. Parker has published over 160 articles and chapters, mostly in the areas of emotion and wellness. He is co-author of Disorders of Affect Regulation published by Cambridge University Press and co-editor of the Handbook of Emotional Intelligence published by Jossey-Bass.

Light refreshments will be provided and everyone is welcome to attend.  The free event will take place in the Library’s Auditorium, located at 345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough.

Peterborough Healthy Families is a multi-agency initiative made up of several local community partners, including Peterborough Public Health, Kinark Child and Family Ser

For more information, please call Leisa Baker at (705) 743-1000, ext 312 or visit www.peterboroughhealthyfamilies.ca.vices, Learning Disabilities Association-Peterborough, Peterborough Family Resource Centre, Peterborough Public Library, and the Asphodel Norwood Public Library.

-30-

For further information, please contact:

Leisa Baker
Public Health Nurse
Peterborough Public Health
705-743-1000, ext. 312

 

April 30, 2014 – Residents Advised to Take Infection Control Measures

audio-clip

140430 Dr. Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health (influenza) 

The Peterborough Public Health is reporting continued influenza activity throughout the community.

The Public Health is issuing this advisory based on the continued presence of lab-confirmed influenza cases, outbreaks at local facilities, and increases in emergency room visits due to respiratory symptoms. The cases are lab-confirmed cases for influenza B, unlike the earlier influenza wave in December/January when the predominant strain was influenza A H1N1. Influenza B is more likely to affect older populations.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, influenza B continues to circulate in several regions across Canada, including Ontario. Influenza activity remains within expected levels for this time of year, and is consistent with late-season circulation of influenza B.

Influenza vaccine is still available for those who wish to be immunized. Please note that there is a two week window from time of vaccination to immunity. The current vaccine is a good match with the predominant circulating strain.

It is advised that people take the following precautions 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

For more information, please view our Immunizations page.

For further information, please contact:

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

April 29, 2014 – Hundreds of Volunteers and Sponsors Who Served 1.9 Million Meals Last Year Recognized at Appreciation Luncheon

Today more than 270 people gathered to celebrate Food For Kids breakfast and snack programs in local schools and to honour the incredible contributions of local volunteers and sponsors who run this program throughout the community.

“This is a proud day for our entire community and the hundreds of volunteers, schools and sponsors who have kept young minds nourished for over 20 years,” said Chris McCarthy, Food For Kids Student Nutrition Program Coordinator.  “Thanks to the high level of community involvement, Food For Kids has developed into an incredibly successful program that makes a real difference to local students.”

Food For Kids student nutrition programs are available to all students at 47 participating schools.  Nutritious foods are prepared by and served by volunteers in a friendly, welcoming environment.  Last school year, breakfast and snacks were made available to approximately 22,000 students, and over 1.9 million meals were served. 

“Hunger is a serious learning problem. There is direct link between good nutrition and learning,” said Luisa Magalhaes, Public Health Nutritionist at Peterborough Public Health.  “With breakfast club involvement, there are noticeable improvements in student behaviour, attitude, attention span, concentration, academic achievements, and school attendance.”

Through the collaborative efforts and contributions of committed community members, the Food For Kids partnership has grown to 47 school breakfast programs, over one thousand volunteers, and over 180 local partners and sponsors. Of special note, 55 of our program volunteers will receiving the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards: 4 are being recognized for 20 years of service, 6 for 15 years of service, 13 with 10 years of service, 20 with 5 years of service and 12 youth with 2 years of service.

Today’s luncheon recognized the contributions and dedication of Food For Kids’ community partners, schools and volunteers who generously support student nutrition programs throughout Peterborough County and City.  

 

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:

Chris McCarthy
Food For Kids Student Nutrition Program Coordinator
(705) 742-2269
cmccarthy.snp@live.com

Luisa Magalhaes
Public Health Nutritionist
Food For Kids Student Nutrition Program
Peterborough Public Health
(705) 743-1000, ext. 233
lmagalhaes@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/ffk

 

ImmunizeApril 28, 2014 – Remember to Let Public Health Know Each Time Your Child Is Vaccinated!

As National Immunization Awareness Week gets underway, Peterborough Public Health is reminding parents to contact them each time their child is vaccinated to ensure they meet the requirements for school attendance.

The Public Health maintains an immunization health record for all children living in Peterborough. This record helps to identify whether children are up to date with the vaccines required for school attendance under the Immunization of School Pupils Act.

“Doctors do not report this information to us, so we rely on parents to inform us each time their child receives a vaccination,” said Edwina Dusome, Manager of Infectious Diseases.  “Just a quick call ensures their child’s immunization records are up to date and will avoid parents receiving a school suspension notice down the road.”

During National Immunization Awareness Week (NIAW), Public Health is calling upon all residents to protect themselves and others by staying up to date with their immunizations. “Immunizations are safe, effective, and benefit people of all ages,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “They protect individuals and communities by preventing the spread of disease. As more people are immunized, the disease risk for everyone is reduced.”

It is now easier than ever for everyone to keep track of their immunizations thanks to a new app, ImmunizeCA, developed by Immunize Canada in collaboration with the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), and funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

“The new ImmunizeCA app provides access to recommended immunization schedules, reliable, expert-approved, bilingual information about immunizations, as well as useful tools such as appointment reminders, and local outbreak alert notifications,” says Mrs. Dusome. The app is easy to use and ideal for people constantly on the go. It is available for secure, free download at the App Store, Google Play and Blackberry World. All can be accessed online at www.immunize.ca/app.

Ms. Dusome noted that the recent measles outbreaks in Canada are a powerful reminder that infectious diseases still pose a serious threat to our health. “Both infants and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to many vaccine-preventable diseases and their complications.  For example, infants who are too young to be fully immunized can become seriously ill if they come in contact with an under-immunized adult who is sick with even a mild case of an illness like pertussis,” she said.

For more information on the vaccines required for school and the current immunization schedule, please visit www.pcchu.c and go to the section for “My Life & Health” and click on “Immunization”.

 

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:
Karly Jessup
Public Health Nurse
(705) 743-1000, ext. 215

 

April 24, 2014 – The PCCHU Mobile Dental Health Centre bus will be part of “Wonderful Wheesl”  Wednesday May 28th, 10:30 am – 11:30 am at the Lakefield Family Hub, Lakefield Intermediate School, 75 Bridge Street Lakefield.

Click here for poster.

April 24, 2014 – Low-Cost Rabies Clinics Taking Place Across Peterborough City and County

The Peterborough Public Health and local veterinarians are teaming up again this year to provide pet owners with low-cost rabies clinics across Peterborough City and County on Saturday, May 3 from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.

The cost for a rabies shot is only $25 per animal, cash only.  The clinics are for dogs and cats only and they must be restrained.

“Protecting your cat or dog against rabies is not just a good idea, it’s the law,” said Atul Jain, Manager of Inspection Services who oversees the rabies prevention program for Public Health.  “We hope that the community will take advantage of these low-cost rabies clinics because while it’s rare, when humans develop rabies from infected animals it is almost 100% fatal.” 

Provincial law requires that all cats and dogs over three months of age in Peterborough City and County must be vaccinated for rabies. Vaccinations protect pets from rabies and help protect your family if your pet is bitten by a rabid wild animal. A conviction for not having an animal properly vaccinated carries a $110.00 fine per animal.

Rabies vaccination clinics are taking place at the following locations throughout Peterborough City and County on May 3 from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.:

 

COMMUNITY

LOCATION:

All clinics run on Saturday, May 3, 2014

from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted:

APSLEY

North Kawartha Community Centre, 340 McFadden Road  – Zamboni entrance

 BUCKHORN

Harvey Works Depot, 8 Melody Bay Road

CAVAN

Peterborough West Animal Hospital, 2605 Stewart Line

 DOURO

Township Garage, 435 Douro 4th Line

 DUMMER

Warsaw Township Fire Hall, 910 Water Street

 ENNISMORE

Township Fire Hall, 801 Tara Road

 KINMOUNT

Galway Fire Hall, 569 Galway Rd.   ($20.00 per animal)

 HAVELOCK

H.B.M. Public Works Garage (6th Line Belmont & Hwy #7)

 LAKEFIELD

Village Animal Hospital, 108 Queen St.

 NORWOOD

Norwood Veterinary Services (12 noon – 3:00 p.m.)

88 Peterborough Street

SMITH

Champlain Animal Hospital, 2673 Lakefield Rd/Hwy 29

PETERBOROUGH

  • High Street Animal Hospital, 815 High St. Unit 7E
  • Jackson Creek Pet Services, 1140 Parkhill Rd. W.
  • Parkhill Animal Hospital, 1535 Chemong Rd.
  • Peterborough Pet Hospital, 379 Lansdowne St. E.
  • Peterborough Veterinary Service, 720 The Kingsway

The Ministry of Natural Resources’ aggressive Rabies Control Program has dramatically reduced the incidence of rabies in foxes, skunks and raccoons in Ontario. In 2013 there were 28 confirmed rabies cases in Ontario, 27 in bats and one dog in northern Ontario.  Bats, like other mammals, may have rabies and can transmit rabies to dogs and cats.  There are eight species of bats in Ontario, each of which has its own strain of rabies, but the more common strains are big brown bat, little brown bat, and silver-haired bat.

Pet vaccination and the provincial baiting program are still required to keep rabies at bay for the protection of Ontario families.

Rabies is a deadly disease of the central nervous system that affects humans and other mammals. The virus is concentrated in the saliva of a rabid animal and can spread through a bite, cut or scratch, or if the saliva comes in contact with the moist tissues of the mouth, nose or eyes. There is no known treatment for rabies once the symptoms appear.  The disease cannot be treated, but it can be prevented through vaccination.

All animal bites or other cases of suspected rabies exposure must be reported to Public Health.  The Public Health investigates every report it receives to prevent and control the spread of the disease.  In 2013, a total of 258 cases were investigated in the Peterborough city/county area.

You can prevent being infected with the rabies virus by remembering these tips:

  • do not feed wild animals and stay at a safe distance when observing them
  • supervise children and teach them not to approach or touch animals they do not know
  • stay away from animals showing signs of rabies
  • do not bring home wild animals
  • if you suspect an animal is rabid, stay away from it and contact the local authorities
  • if you have pets or livestock, make sure to vaccinate them against rabies
  • seek medical advice/care for all animal bites or scratches

 

For further information about rabies prevention, including bat rabies, and the upcoming clinics on May 3, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and under the “My Home & Environment” section click on “My Home – Rabies Prevention” or call 705-743-1000.

 

-30-

For further information, please contact:

 

Atul Jain                                                                                          Kathleen Shepherd

Manager, Inspection Programs                                                 Public Health Inspector

(705) 743-1000, ext. 259                                              705-743-1000 ext. 226

 

 

April 23, 2014 – Indoor Air Quality and Mould Concerns Are Your Top Priority

With the increased risk of local flooding in the area, Peterborough Public Health is offering the following cleanup tips to ensure you and your family stay safe and healthy following a house flood.

“Immediate action is important.  Your house and furnishings are less likely to grow mould if they are dried within 48 hours,” said Wanda Tonus, Public Health Inspector. “You should clean up any mould that may be present to make sure your indoor air quality stays safe.  However before you get started it is most important to ensure that you stay safe.”

Immediately after a flood:

  • Avoid electrical shock
    • Wear rubber boots at all times while standing in water
    • Keep extension cords out of the water
    • Shut the power off to the flooded area at the breaker box
    • Ask your local electrical utility for help if needed
  • Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
    • Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector
    • Do not use combustion equipment designed for outdoor use inside your home

If the flood involves sewage-contaminated water from a sewer backflow or other source you must take special precautions. There is a very real and significant danger of infection from breathing the air in an area contaminated by sewage and from handling water and materials contaminated by sewage. Children, pregnant women and people with respiratory problems should never handle water and materials contaminated by sewage. Household items that have been contaminated by sewage, or that have been wet for a long time, may have to be bagged, tagged and discarded according to local regulations. Contact Public Health if you suspect sewage contamination.  A more thorough disinfection procedure will be needed, as well as greater precaution to avoid exposure of family members and pets. 

A new fact sheet from Health Canada entitled “Flood Cleanup: Keep in Mind Indoor Air Quality” provides a step-by-step action plan to:

  • prepare for the cleanup
  • remove water, mud and other debris
  • dispose of contaminated household goods
  • clean and dry out your house and salvageable possessions.

To address ongoing dampness at home and indoor air quality concerns, Health Canada has also created another fact sheet entitled “Addressing Moisture and Mould in Your Home”.

Both fact sheets are available on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca in the section for My Home & Environment under “Air Quality – Indoor”.

 

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:

Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector
(705) 743-1000, ext. 285

 

April 14, 2014 – Click to view a copy of the April 9 – Board of Health Meeting Summary

April 9, 2014 – Location: Peterborough City Hall, General Committee Room

The community is advised that the next meeting of the Board of Health will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 4:45 p.m. in the General Committee Room at Peterborough City Hall, 500 George St. North.

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

April  9, 2014

Fri., May 9, 2014 8:00– 3:30
Registration and coffee 8:00 – 8:30
Calvary Pentecostal Church 1421 Lansdowne St W., Peterborough

(no food and drink in the auditorium)
$65 professional (early bird)
$35 parent/student

Dr. Chaya Kulkarni is Director of Infant Mental Health Promotion (IMHP), a professional coalition dedicated to promoting optimal mental health outcomes or infants, based out of The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Dr Kulkarni will discuss the importance of building strong, positive parent-child attachment relationships and increasing parent skills in promoting early communication and pre-literacy development in infants and young children. Additionally, this workshop will explore the profound impact of the early caregiver-infant/child relationship on the child’s development.We will look at current research linking healthy parent-child attachment, early communication and self-regulation skills. Strategies for building a foundation of positive mental health to support communication development in the early years will be provided.

Course Objectives / Participants will:

  • Gain an understanding of how mental health begins from preconception and continues on into a child’s first few years of life, and beyond.
  • Gain insight into what happens when mental health is compromised by factors such as trauma in the early years.
  • Recognize the impact early mental health has on later language development
  • Gain an understanding of the early pre-verbal groundwork for future communication, language, learning and mental health
  • Learn to use observations to link the caregiver relationship to speech and language, and leverage these relationships to support speech and language development from infancy and beyond

Click here for event poster and registration form.