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June 27, 2014 –  Residents Advised to Take Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness

The Peterborough Public Health is issuing the area’s first Heat Alert of the season for Peterborough City and County.  The alert is issued for Sunday, June 29. 

The Public Health has been closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend and early next week. This Heat Alert is being issued to help residents prepare for the hot, humid weather in the forecast.

A Heat Alert is issued when the daytime temperatures or Humidex are forecast to be at least 36°C or 36 for two or more consecutive days without a smog advisory. Depending on changes to the weather forecast over the next few days, the Heat Alert may be elevated to a Heat Warning or lifted.

Extreme heat events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, shut-ins, persons with chronic diseases, the morbidly obese and the marginally housed.  Heat related illnesses such as: dehydration; heat cramps; heat exhaustion; and heat stroke are preventable.  Most healthy people can tolerate a short period of hot and humid weather as long as they stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.

People taking medications may be more vulnerable to extreme heat as certain medications may interfere with the body’s cooling functions and water/salt retention. People taking antihypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics and anti-Parkinson’s agents are more likely to experience difficulty adapting to high temperatures and should consult with their healthcare provider to see if they are at an increased health risk in the heat.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation, Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions:

  • Drink lots of water and natural fruit juices even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
  • Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat when possible. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible and plan to go out early in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
  • Go to air conditioned or cool places such as shopping malls, libraries, community centres or a friend’s place.
  • If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
  • Keep lights off or turned down low.
  • Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
  • Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
  • Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
  • Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: 

  • heavy sweating
  • muscle cramps
  • weakness
  • headache
  • fainting
  • paleness, tiredness
  • dizziness, nausea

People experiencing the above symptoms should seek the care of a health care provider.

Often with forecasted extreme heat, comes forecasts for poor air quality.  The Public Health would like to encourage residents to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on Environment Canada’s Weather page for Peterborough and plan outdoor activities accordingly http://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/onaq-013_e.html. This link can also be easily accessed on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca in the section entitled “My Home & Environment – Air Quality – Outdoor”.

Public, air conditioned facilities such as malls, libraries and community centres are available to city and county residents seeking a place to cool off. Residents are advised to phone in advance to determine hours of operation.

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For further information, please contact:

Donna Churipuy
Manager, Environmental Health
705-743-1000, ext. 218

 

June 16, 2014 – To view the meeting summary from the June 11 meeting of the Board of Health please click the image below:

Screen Shot 06-16-14 at 03.26 PM

June 12, 2014 – More info is also available at:

City of Peterborough’s website

Family HEALTHline
705-743-1000

Art Gallery of Peterborough
705-743-9179
http://www.agp.on.ca

Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Located on Little Lake adjacent to Del Crary Park.
Free admission to gallery for parents and children of all ages.
Fee subsidy available for summer camps, call 705-772-7777, ext. 1827.

 

Beaches
http://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/2014/05/30/back-in-the-swim-of-things/
705-743-1000

There are many local beaches and playgrounds with free swimming and sand play.  Check the above website for water quality reports before you go.  Beavermead Beach on Ashburnham Drive and Rogers Cove on Maria Street will have lifeguards seven days a week, from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., June 27 to August 24, 2014.  Both beaches have washrooms. Remember to pack your hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and lots of water for drinking.

 

Bikeways and Trails
http://peterboroughmoves.com/maps-resources/
705-743-7777, ext. 1485

Enjoy a walk, stroller or bike ride along one of Peterborough’s many trails.  There are many in town and in the county.  Visit the website for many printable maps and details.  Printed copies of the maps are available at the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Green-Up, Kawartha Tourism, Wild Rock Outfitters and Peterborough Public Health.

 

Ecology Park
http://www.greenup.on.ca/ecology-park/
705-745-3238, ext. 212
1867 Ashburnham St.

Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Ecology Park is a 5 acre park which is part of the Trans-Canada Trail.  There are special theme gardens, for example, children’s, butterfly, and wildlife.  Bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens.

 

First Rider Program
www.stsco.ca
1-800-757-0307

Friday, August 22, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 23, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lansdowne Place, 645 Lansdowne Street, West, Peterborough

This school bus safety program is strongly encouraged for young children and parents as it is especially important for children who will be riding the bus for the first time in September.  Each session runs for 30 minutes on the hour and half hour and includes a ride on a school bus.

 

Jackson Park
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Peterborough_Parks/Jackson_Park.htm|
705-742-7777

Located off of Parkhill Road, Jackson Park is a wonderful place to spend the day with friends and family.  The upper area of Jackson Park has a playground structure, picnic tables, washrooms and area to sit in the shade. There is a beautiful trail running through the park with a picturesque forest and creek running throughout.

Jackson Park has 2 entrances; one located at the Monaghan Road and Parkhill Road intersection and the other located at the corner of Parkhill Road and Fairbairn Street.  For more information please contact the City of Peterborough at the phone number above.

 

Junior Parks Program
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Junior_Parks.htm
705-742-7777, ext. 1805

Drop-in program for children ages 4-8, however parents are reminded that they need to stay in the park while the program is being offered.

Part-time summer student employees of the Recreation Division will offer games, crafts and special theme days in the parks.  All Junior parks staff are HIGH FIVE certified.

City of Peterborough Parks:

Date

Location

Time

July 2 to July 19 Turner ParkHigh St & Chamberlain St 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 2 to July 19 Kiwanis ParkMiddlefield & Milford Gates 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
July 2 to August 9 Stewart Street ParkStewart St 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
July 22 to August 9 Barnardo ParkSunset Blvd & Northminister Ave 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 22 to August 9 Union Street ParkUnion St. 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 22 to August 9 Simcoe and Bethune ParkBethune St. 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

 

Lakefield Literary Festival:  CHILDREN’S TENT EVENT
http://lakefieldliteraryfestival.com/event/celebration-at-the-childrens-tent/

Saturday, July 12, 2014 – 9:30 a.m. at Cenotaph Park, Lakefield,
Free Admission for everyone to the Children’s Tent only; all other events require tickets to be purchased.
Author Sheree Fitch will entertain from her classic books, Mable MurpleSleeping Dragons All AroundToes in my Nose, and her newest book, Singily Skipping Along.  Author/Illustrator Werner Zimmermann is an enthusiastic presenter who is well-known for his Farmer Joe series, Pippin the Christmas Pig and A Porcupine in a Pine Tree.  Werner’ presentation will involve an interactive element and there is a rumour that chickens may be involved!

 

Lovesick Lake Community Action Program for Children
http://www.llnwa.com/#!community-action-program-for-children-/c152e
Call Melody Benson at 705-652-8787

For parents with children between the ages of 0-6 years of age and of Aboriginal Ancestry.  Child care is provided.  This program provides food supplements, nutritional education, referrals, adult and child socialization, one on one supports, cultural teachings and much, much more….

 

Meet-ups for Moms and/or Dads
www.meetup.com

Meetups are neighbours getting together to learn something, do something, and share something.

 

Old Millbrook School Family Centre
www.millbrookfamilycentre.com
705-932-7088

1 Dufferin St., lower level, Millbrook

Drop-in program for children (0-6 years) and their parents/caregivers

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Other activities also planned throughout the summer.

 

Parks and Trails
www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Free_in_Peterborough/Parks___Trails.htm

To obtain a map or an Outdoor Adventure Guide call 705-742-2201

The uniquely diverse topography of Peterborough & the Kawarthas creates endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, and trail systems of varying use and terrain types are among the region’s best features.

 

Peterborough Family Resource Centre/Ontario Early Years Centre
CLOSED for July and August

Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/visit/visit12.aspx
705-750-4950  

353 Hunter Street East
The Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre is located next to Lock 21-Peterborough Lift Lock and has free admission, exhibits and movies.
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The web site has interactive activities; 3-D tours, youth zone, photo gallery, games and other fun activities.

 

Peterborough Museum and Archives
www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca
705-743-5180

Museum Drive at 300 Hunter Street East (Armour Hill)

Year-round Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm.
Year-round Weekends & Holidays, 12 noon to 5:00 pm.
Barrier-Free Access, Free Parking, Picnic Facilities.

Admission to museum exhibitions is by donation.
Special events may require a separate entrance fee.

 

Peterborough Musicfest
http://www.ptbomusicfest.ca
Free outdoor concerts for all ages at Del Crary Park

Wednesday and Saturday, June 28 to Aug 27, 2014.

Concerts begin at 8:00 p.m.

There is no smoking in the park.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on, DEET insect repellent, and water for drinking.

 

Peterborough Public Library
http://www.peterborough.library.on.ca/kids.htm

Main Branch:  345 Aylmer St. Peterborough, 705-745-5382

Summer hours:           Monday – Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

Delafosse Branch:  727 Parks St. S., Peterborough, 705-745-8653

Summer hours:           Tuesday – Thurs, 2:30 – 7:30 pm

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Closed Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Both branches have Summer Reading Clubs for all ages from preschool to teens:

 

Children http://www.peterborough.library.on.ca/Assets/Library+Assets/Documents/Kids/Kids+Summer+Flyer.pdf

Teens/Youth  http://www.peterborough.library.on.ca/Assets/Library+Assets/Documents/Teens/Teen+Summer+Flyer.pdf

There are many fun workshops and events.  Most events are free, however some have a small fee for supplies.  Please visit the library website or pick up a listing of events at the library.

Always available free are books, magazines, DVDs, computer and internet and Peterborough Healthy Families Resources, www.peterboroughhealthyfamilies.ca

 

Peterborough County Libraries

Contact your local library for information about their free summer programs.

Asphodel-Norwood Public Library
http://www.anpl.org/at-your-library/childrens-services/
705-696-2744

 

Cavan Monaghan Libraries
http://www.cavanmonaghanlibraries.ca/
Millbrook Branch – 705-932-2919

 

Curve Lake First Nation Public Library
http://clfnpubliclibrary.webs.com/
705-657-3217

 

North Kawartha Library
http://www.northkawarthalibrary.com/index_files/Page342.htm

Apsley – 705-656-4333

 

Otonabee –South Monaghan Library
http://www.otosoumon.library.on.ca/

Bailieboro Library – 705-939-6510

Gayle Nelson Keene Library – 705-295-6814

Stewart Hall Library – 705-749-5642
Selwyn Public Library
http://www.mypubliclibrary.ca/programs1.htm#Fall

Bridgenorth – 705-292-5065

Ennismore – 705-292-8022

Lakefield – 705-652-8623


Riverview Park and Zoo
www.peterboroughutilities.ca/Park_and_Zoo.htm

1230 Water Street, North, Peterborough

Open Daily, 8:30 a.m. – Dusk

  • Splash pad, playground, picnic shelters, disc golf, 27 exhibits, 48 species
  • “Meet the Keeper” – Monday – Friday at 1:00 p.m.; meet zoo staff and their animals.
  • Otter feeding daily at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 pm.
  • Free musical concerts at the gazebo on Sundays, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. all summer long.  Remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
  • Miniature Train operates 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily, $2 per person over 2 years of age for a 15 minute ride.
  • Visit the web site for a virtual tour and fact sheets about the animals.

 

Sports Facilities http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Free_in_Peterborough/Sports___Exercise.htm

There are numerous facilities available free for community use, including baseball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer and lacrosse fields, basketball courts, a disc (frisbee) golf course, a skateboard park, and beach volleyball courts.

 

Swim to Survive
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation.htm
705-742-7777, ext. 1873

Advance registration required.

Program runs every Wednesday from July 2 – 30, 2014.

Free drowning prevention program for children 5-12 years of age.  The goal is to provide children with basic swimming techniques to help them survive a fall into water.  This is NOT a swimming lesson – but an excellent opportunity to familiarize children with water.

 

Wading Pools
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Public_Beaches__Wading_Pools___Splash_Pads.htm

705-742-7777, ext. 1873

Open June 27 – August 24, 2014

Supervised daily, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Small, shallow pools are suitable for young children to approximately 8 years of age.

Please note:  Children must not be left alone in the park without appropriate adult supervision.

  • Barnardo Park, 955 Barnardo Avenue  (Northminster Ave. and Sunset Blvd.)
  • Knights of Columbus Park, 5 Park Street, North (Park St. and Lake St.)
  • Turner Park, 673 Chamberlain Street, (High St. and Chamberlain St.)
  • Otonabee Park, (Southlawn Dr. and Severn Rd.)
  • John Taylor Memorial Park, 500 McKellar Street, (McKellar St. & Catherine St.)

Whetungs’ Ojibway Art Gallery
www.whetung.com

705-657-3661

Curve Lake, Buckhorn

Open Daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Whetung Centre contains the art gallery, museum and craft store, is open year round and offers free admission, free parking, wheelchair access, and picnic area.

 

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program
http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/en/what-we-do#hta

Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a charitable program that helps kids in financial need aged 4-18 participate in organized sport and recreation activities.

The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program works with community organizations to form local Chapters that identify and approve the children who receive support.  If you would like to apply for your child to receive support, please call our central toll free call centre (1-877-616-6600).  Based on your postal code and town/city information you will be provided a contact on the closest Canadian Tire Jumpstart chapter so your request can be processed locally.

 

Faith Based Camps:

Hope Valley Day Camp
www.hopevalley.ca
705-652-6850

2882 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield

Day camp for all children ages 7-17 years, divided into 3 groups; 7-8 years, 9-12 years, 13-17 years.  Fee is by donation only.  A bus will pick children up at 20 locations throughout Peterborough.  Registration form, camp themes, and a bus schedule can be found on the website.

June 12, 2014 – Chlamydia Still Top STI; However Case Numbers Drop for Third Year in a Row

According to the annual snapshot of reportable diseases released today by Peterborough Public Health, the number of diseases spread by food and waterborne routes increased in 2013 due in part to the doubling of giardiasis cases (also called beaver fever).

“While the case numbers for giardiasis are still low, seeing them increase like this is a good reminder to all of us enjoying the great outdoors that water sources could be contaminated,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “Travelers, campers and hikers need to know how to make drinking water safe by bringing it to a rolling boil for at least one minute, or through the combined use of portable filtration systems and chemical disinfection.”

In 2013 there were 25 cases of giardiasis compared to 11 cases in 2012, and of those 36% of the cases were contracted by local residents who travelled to other areas, 16% from swimming, and 12% from camping.

While those who are infected with giardia, a microscopic parasite, can remain asymptomatic, others may experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, fatigue, malabsorption and weight loss.  Families are encouraged when camping to remain vigilant about personal hygienic practices, such as hand washing before meals, after toilet use and changing diapers.

Other highlights from Public Health’s 2013 Reportable Diseases Report for Peterborough County & City include the continuing prevalence of chlamydia as the most frequently diagnosed reportable disease in the area with 320 cases.  While this number represents almost half of the 661 total of all reportable diseases seen in Peterborough County and City in 2013, local chlamydia rates continued to decline for the third year in a row from their peak in 2010.  Chlamydia is the most widespread sexually-transmitted infection in Canada and is most common among teenagers and young adults. 

“Since people can be infected with chlamydia and not show any symptoms, we strongly encourage everyone who is sexually active to use condoms and other preventative measures and get tested after unprotected sex,” said Dr. Salvaterra.  “Our clients who come into the Sexual Health Clinic are always relieved to discover how easy it is to test for and treat chlamydia, and that it’s completely curable when caught early enough.”

There are more than 60 communicable diseases that all healthcare providers are required to report to Public Health.  The Public Health’s 2013 report organizes these diseases into four categories: food and waterborne diseases; sexually-transmitted and blood-borne infections; diseases spread by direct contact and respiratory routes; and ‘other’ which includes vaccine-preventable diseases, vector-borne diseases, and zoonotic diseases.

To see the full report, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca, click on “About Us”, then “Plans and Reports – Reportable Diseases in Peterborough County and City 2013”.

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For further information, please contact:

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

 

June 6, 2014 – Location: Hiawatha First Nation

The community is advised that the next meeting of the Board of Health will take place on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at 4:45 p.m. in the Lower Hall, Administration Building, 123 Paudash St., Hiawatha First Nation.

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

June 2, 2014 – Breakfast and Snack Programs Receive Local Produce in JustFood Boxes

Screen Shot 06-02-14 at 10.05 AMThanks to an innovative new partnership, students from 42 area schools received JustFood Boxes in April and May, helping students enjoy more fresh and local vegetables and fruit, while also supporting local farmers.

Bursting with home grown flavour and colour, locally-sourced apples, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes and beets were included in the JustFood Boxes as part of a pilot project coordinated by Food for Kids, the YWCA, and the Greenbelt Initiative.

With April’s box featuring 550 lbs of beets from Orono and tasty, kid-friendly recipes, the boxes are a great way to expose kids to a variety of new, healthy choices. “Schools were creative in using the beets,” said Student Nutrition Program School Community Co-Ordinator, Chris McCarthy.  “The pink hummus, pink smoothies and pink pancakes were quite a hit with the kids!”

The success of this partnership was the focus of Local Food Week celebrations at this morning’s breakfast program at Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School in Peterborough.

Helping Local Farmers Expand Their Reach

School breakfast programs have always been encouraged to use local foods in their programs.  To further expand the supply network of locally-produced foods, a new regional online program, called Find Local Food, found at www.farmsatwork.ca, has been designed to connect schools, restaurants and wholesale buyers of all kinds to local farmers.

“If you’re looking for local foods, simply go online and post what you’re looking for on our website,” explained Pat Learmonth, director of the not-for-profit Farms at Work project. “Hundreds of farmers, who sign up to get requests by email or read posts online, will have the opportunity to contact you, and from there you work together to get local products on the table.”

“Choosing local makes sense: nutritious and economic food choices help our kids eat well and perform their best in school while supporting our local farmers and economy.  What a great combination!” said Public Health Nutritionist, Luisa Magalhaes from Public Health. 

Breakfast programs are a key ingredient in healthy, happy, successful students. Get involved and help our kids succeed! Food for Kids is looking for funding to increase the delivery and partnership of local food to schools. To volunteer or donate to Food or Kids, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/ffk. Together, we can help improve child nutrition, well-being, and learning capacity, one breakfast at a time! 

 

Pink Hummus Recipe 

3 medium beets, washed, leave the skin on

1 tsp olive oil

¼ cup diced onion

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

¼ cup water

¼ cup lemon juice

 

  1. Cook beets in a large pot of boiling water for 40 minutes or until tender. When cooled, peel beets and roughly chop.
  2. In a medium pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and cumin and cook, stirring often, until onions are soft, 5-10 minutes.
  3. Add beets, onion mixture, chickpeas, tahini, water and lemon juice to a food processor and puree until smooth.
  4. Serve with fresh vegetables and whole wheat pita wedges!

 

 

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For further information, please contact:

Luisa Magalhaes, MHSc, RD
Public Health Nutritionist
Peterborough Public Health
(705) 743-1000, ext. 233

Chris McCarthy
Food For Kids Student Nutrition Program School Community Coordinator
(705) 742-2269
www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/ffk