A A A

December 23, 2014 -Public Service Announcement

Emergency Department busier than usual: flu season underway: Choose your health care provider wisely this holiday season

With the holiday season upon us, and flu cases on the rise this month, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), the Peterborough Networked Family Health Team (PNFHT), and Peterborough Public Health (PCCHU) are reminding the community of the alternate health care options available to them before considering a visit to the hospital’s Emergency Department.
“The Emergency Department is traditionally busier at this time of year, and with an increase in flu cases forecast for December and January, we expect to be busier than usual,” said Dr. Nancy White, Chief of Emergency Medicine at PRHC.

“We encourage all visitors to the ED to immediately wear a mask to protect themselves from potential flu exposure,” said Dr. White. Masks are available inside the Emergency Department entrance.

“We also encourage anyone considering a visit to the ED to assess whether the matter is non-urgent before making a decision about where to seek health care, and we ask for your patience if it takes longer for a physician to see you,” added Dr. White. Meanwhile, the Peterborough Networked Family Health Team (PNFHT) reminds residents there are options to consider prior to a visit to the hospital’s Emergency Department. Family doctors and nurse practitioners at clinics across the city and county will be offering same-day appointments and extended-hours clinics.

“We have plans in place for the holidays and our doctors will be offering day, evening and weekend clinics,” says Dr. Don Harterre, Physician Lead for the PNFHT. “We’re here to care for you and your family, so please contact your doctor’s office.”

If you determine that your medical situation does not require urgent care, please consider the following options:

  • Call your family doctor or nurse practitioner – clinic information will be offered via the office voice mail message
  • Speak to a registered nurse by calling Telehealth Ontario (24 hours) at 1-866-797-0000

With flu on the rise throughout the province, Peterborough Public Health reminds residents to get the flu shot – to protect themselves and others.

“Influenza is circulating in Peterborough so getting a flu shot may help keep you well over the holidays. For those who do get the flu, early treatment with antivirals can help reduce the severity and risk of complications,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health, adding the flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age. It’s widely available at many local pharmacies, from doctors’ offices and local walk-in clinics.
The Public Health, family health teams and hospital wish all community members a safe and happy holiday.

-30-

For further information:
Rebecca Kerrivan, Communications
Peterborough Regional Health Centre
Tel: 705-743-2121, ext. 2234

Dr. Don Harterre, Lead Physician
Peterborough Networked Family Health Team Tel: 705-742-8020

Brittany Cadence,
Communications Supervisor
Peterborough Public Health Tel: 705-743-1000, ext. 391

December 22, 2014 – Books Make Perfect Holiday Gift to Boost a Child’s Speech and Language Skills

Mom and baby readingTurn a new page on the usual gift-giving ideas by wrapping up the printed word for children on your holiday shopping list.

The Peterborough Public Health encourages local families to consider books as gifts for children this holiday season. Books that are interesting, engaging and age-appropriate can be a great way for families to spend quality time together with children while helping to improve a youngster’s speech and language skills.

“Reading books can be a great way to spend time together as a family, while helping improve children’s communication skills and nurturing a love for reading that will last a lifetime,” says Leisa Baker, a Public Health Nurse with the Family Health Program at Public Health.

In Ontario, it is estimated one in 10 preschool children has a communication delay. Reading with a child can head off potential problems, since an adult can share new words and meanings with a youngster. “Reading together helps stimulate speech and language skills that are critical to your children’s future success,” she adds.

The best bet when choosing a book this holiday season is to ensure it is age-appropriate. “In other words, the book is ideally geared to children, meaning they will want to pick it up and read,” Baker says.

For example, toddlers and pre-schoolers may prefer books with repetitive and rhyming text, as well as pictures and interactive features such as holes or flaps for lifting. For older children who are less inclined to read, books with exciting plots or ones that reflect their particular interests may be more likely to grab their attention.

Giving children the choice to pick his or her own book can also be an option, 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, Shaughnessy suggests taking children 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.

The District Preschool Speech and Language Program (www.kidtalk.on.ca) can offer local families more resources on how to support children’s speech and language skills, as well as encourage reading. For additional information, call Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 and speak to a Public Health Nurse.

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:

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

 

December 17, 2014 – Location: PCCHU’s O’Carroll Office, City and County Rooms, 150 O’Carroll Avenue, Peterborough

The community is advised that the next meeting of the Board of Health will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. in Public Health’s O’Carroll office, City and County Rooms, located at 150 O’Carroll Avenue, 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 17, 2014 – Residents Advised to Throw Out Recalled Products and Seek Medical Attention if Unwell

The Peterborough Public Health is advising residents that Franz Roessl Holdings Limited has recalled certain ready-to-eat meat products from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below:

Brand Name Common Name Size Code(s) on Product UPC
Franz’s Smoked Black Bean & Salsa Sausage Variable Packed on 14/DEC/06
Best before 15/JAN/03
Begins with

2 00710

Franz’s Gold Medal Kolbossa Variable Packed on 14/DEC/06
Best before 15/JAN/03
Begins with

2 00711

Residents are advised to check for these recalled products at home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.  Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

The mild form of listeriosis usually begins about one day after eating heavily contaminated food. For the more serious form of the disease, the incubation period is generally much longer: on average about 21 days, but can be up to 70 days after exposure.

Residents experiencing these symptoms after consuming these products are advised to seek medical attention from their healthcare professional.

The Public Health continues to work closely with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to monitor this recall.

Photos of recalled products:

Screen Shot 12-17-14 at 12.10 PM

 

 

 

 

For more information, visit www.inspection.gc.ca and look under “Latest Recalls” for details about this food product warning.

 

For general food safety information, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

 

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Brittany Cadence

Communications Supervisor

(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

 

Screen Shot 12-16-14 at 08.57 AMDecember 16, 2014 – A provincial study conducted in Peterborough last year showed that a nasal spray version of the influenza vaccine called FluMist was effective and preferred by children over the injected version.

“Our research demonstrated that offering FluMist increased vaccine uptake among children and seemed to reduce their anxiety about getting immunized,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health and one of the study’s authors.  “Thanks to the support of Peterborough schools and students who volunteered for this study, we could see FluMist added into the pool of publicly-funded vaccines for Ontario.”

Dr. Salvaterra noted that other provinces already offer FluMist for free as a way to increase the number of children who get vaccinated.  School age children are known to drive influenza epidemics. This study explored the hypothesis that vaccinating children through schools may improve societal influenza control by reducing vaccine accessibility barriers.

Ten local schools with a total of 2,852 students were recruited for the study.  Five schools were randomly assigned to receive the injected version of the influenza vaccine, and five schools were assigned to receive FluMist.  School-based immunization clinics were held from November 11-22, 2013, and the vaccine uptake for schools where FluMist was offered was 19.3%, compared to 12.2% where the vaccine was provided using a needle.

Parents surveyed by the researchers cited convenience as the top reason they chose to have their child vaccinated at school.  Principals thought clinics ran smoothly with little disruption to school routines. Most principals agreed that school-based influenza immunization is a good idea and should continue, with the option of vaccinating staff as well.

Currently, parents can request a prescription for the FluMist vaccine from their healthcare provider, however it will cost approximately $30 per dose.

Results of the study were shared publicly for the first time at the Canadian Immunization Conference that ran in Ottawa from December 2-4, 2014.  The study was conducted in partnership with Public Health Ontario, Peterborough Public Health and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada/Canadian Institutes of Health Research Influenza Research Network.

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:

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

 

December 12, 2014 – Food Handler Training Courses OfferedFree of Charge at Public Health

The Peterborough Public Health is reminding residents and food premises that the second phase  of the by-law takes effect in the City and County of Peterborough on January 1,  2015, making it mandatory for moderate-risk food premises to have at least one certified food handler working in a supervisory capacity on site at all times.

“We look forward to working with our food premises partners to increase the number of certified food handlers overseeing Screen Shot 12-12-14 at 11.10 AMhow food is prepared in our community,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Local establishments have been receptive to this new by-law and understand that educating staff that handle food has been shown to improve inspection results and reduce food borne illness.”

On January 1, 2015, the by-law will extend to include moderate-risk food premises such as fast-food establishments, chip trucks and bakeries that have fewer preparation steps and generally serve healthier populations.  Earlier this year on January 1, 2014, the first phase of the by-law came into effect for high-risk premises, defined as food establishments that prepare and handle large quantity of potentially hazardous foods (e.g. poultry, fish, and beef) that are often involved with foodborne illness, such as restaurants, banquet halls and cafeterias.  Low-risk premises which do not prepare food but simply store and sell food such as convenience stores are exempt from the by-law.

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

Peterborough City and County join other jurisdictions that have passed similar by-laws such as 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 14,000 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.

-30-

For further information, please contact:

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

December 11, 2014 – The Peterborough Public Health reported the first local lab-confirmed case of seasonal influenza today.

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

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.

Flu shots are widely available at many local pharmacies, from physician offices, and local walk-in clinics.

The Public Health is also offering by-appointment clinics for all residents at its location on 185 King Street on the following dates:

Saturday, December 20, 2014 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Saturday, January 3, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Saturday, January 17, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

To book an appointment, please call 705-743-1000, ext. 139.

Dr. Salvaterra advised that in addition to getting the flu shot 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

 

-30-

For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence, Communications Supervisor

(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

December 4, 2014 – Public Health Activates Extreme Cold Response Plan

Screen Shot 12-04-14 at 09.02 AMWith 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, suffer from cardiovascular disease and are 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 a history of cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and strokes and mental disabilities, and people who are homeless or marginally housed.  She added that between 2003 and 2013 there were 64 visits to the emergency department due to exposure from excessive cold, and that the hospital sees 6-7 people each year for this reason.

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 Public Health in the event of an extreme cold alert should contact Public Health’s Communications Supervisor at 705-743-1000, ext. 391.

 

-30-

For further information, please contact:

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

 

 

December 2, 2014 – Protect Your Family from Invisible Cancer-Causing Gas

The Peterborough Public Health has a limited supply of free radon test kits available to local residents.

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium found inScreen Shot 12-02-14 at 09.13 AM rock and soil.  It can enterbuildings through cracks in foundation floors and walls, gaps in service pipes, open floor drains, or any other area of exposed soil.  The likelihood of a radon problem cannot be predicted by the age or location of a home; all homes are at risk.

Long-term exposure to high levels of radon greatly increases your risk of lung cancer.  According to the World Health Organization, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

It is easy to test for radon.  Just put the detector in the lowest lived-in level of your home, and leave it there for three months.  Afterwards, mail it away to the lab and they will send you the results.  (Public Health kits even include the shipping fee.)

Free kits are available by dropping by Public Health offices located at 185 King Street, Peterborough (across from the Peterborough Regional Health Centre). So come and pick up your free radon test kit today and take action on radon!

-30-

For further information, please contact:
Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector
(705) 743-1000, ext. 285