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March 4, 2015 – Public Health Issues Frostbite Alert #10 for the City and County of Peterborough and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations

The Peterborough Public Health has issued a tenth Frostbite Alert this season because of forecasted wind chill values of -29 on March 5. This Frostbite Alert remains in effect until further notice.

Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems, and the marginally housed.  Local social service agencies rely on Public Health frostbite alerts to determine if services should be extended or enhanced.

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

  • Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
  • Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods.
  • Use caution when shoveling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shoveling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems.
  • Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.

 

What clothing should be worn outdoors?

Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry and further reduce your risk.

Here are some useful tips:

  • Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
  • Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
  • If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.

Cold related illnesses include:

 

Hypothermia:
Symptoms/signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.

 

Frostbite:
Symptoms/signs include: white/greyish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.

Increases in other health problems can also be seen, especially for those with other chronic medical conditions such as heart conditions.

Further information about the health risks of extreme cold and Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca under “My Home & Environment” by clicking on “Extreme Weather – Cold”.

 

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For further information, please contact:

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

March 2, 2015 – March is Nutrition Month!

Across the country, Registered Dietitians are inspiring Canadians to eat better at work with this year’s theme: “Eating 9-5”.

Screen Shot 03-02-15 at 08.45 AMWorkday challenges like rushed mornings, no time for a lunch break, food-filled meetings, workplace celebrations and end of day dinner struggles can make it difficult to eat well.

“Many adults spend a large part of their time at work. Finding ways to make better food choices during the workday boosts concentration, productivity and vitality, and leads to better suppertime decisions for themselves and their families,” said Luisa Magalhaes, Registered Dietitian and Public Health Nutritionist at Peterborough Public Health. “Learning quick and easy ways to choose healthier foods every day can have a big impact on health.”

Here are a few tips to help overcome those challenging food times during your workday:

  • Start your day right with a healthy breakfast: Almost 40% of Canadians skip breakfast, resulting in lower productivity, poor food choices throughout the day, and lower intake of important nutrients. Is time tight?  Prep breakfast the night before: make porridge, refrigerate in portions, and reheat with fruit and seeds in the morning; or, have grab’n’go choices ready, such as a whole grain muffins, hard boiled eggs, and yogurt.
  • Navigate food choices at the office: Frequent celebrations, common area treats, food-filled meetings, fast-food lunches and after work cocktails provide easy access to unhealthy food. For meetings and celebrations, consider fresh fruit platters in place of sweets; store healthy snacks like whole grain crackers, dried fruit and nuts in your desk; and opt out of fast-food lunches, swapping them for a packed lunch instead.
  • Bring back the brown bag: Lunch is the most popular meal to eat out–only 37% of Canadians prepare lunch at home. Reinvent leftovers and try some new recipes (get ideas at the websites below), and organize lunch potlucks with co-workers. Stuck with take-out? Add on veggies, go for whole grains, and avoid the deli meats.
  • Beat the midday slump: Afternoon slow-down? Skip the treats, sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages. Get moving: stand up during phone calls, walk to deliver messages instead of emailing, or do some stretches. Grab a small snack (like cottage cheese and fruit or carrots sticks and nut butter), and stay hydrated with water or herbal tea.
  • Avoid Impulsive food decisions on the commute home: Fight end of day fatigue by staying hydrated with water or a decaf tea or latte. Plan ahead: Prepare the week’s menu as a family and have the ingredients on hand. Recruit your family to help with a homemade dinner, assigning meal prep tasks they can do the night before, or when they get home.  Homemade meals, compared to take out, improve diet quality—do it when you can!

For more info on eating better at work:

  • Visit nutritionmonth2015.ca
  • Get free nutrition advice from Registered Dietitians by calling 1-877-510-510-2
  • Download eaTipster free from eatipster.com and get inspired with workplace healthy eating tips for each day in March

 

For fast and delicious snack and meal ideas and meal planning tips:

 

Tour your local grocery store with a Registered Dietitian guiding you to the healthiest food choices.  Call 705-742-2733 to register for a Supermarket Tour on Tuesday, March 10, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

 

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For further information, please contact:

Luisa Magalhaes, MHSc, RD

Public Health Nutritionist

(705) 743-1000, ext. 233

March 1, 2015 – With the forecast of warmer temperatures Peterborough Public Health is lifting the Frostbite Alert issued on February 22, 2015 for residents of Peterborough County and City and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.

Even though the Frostbite Alert has been lifted, residents are reminded to take precautions in cold weather, including dressing warmly and in layers, watching for signs of hypothermia and frostbite, and checking on the elderly and people with disabilities who live alone.  The Public Health will continue to monitor the weather forecasts throughout the winter and issue frostbite alerts, warnings or emergencies when forecasted temperatures or wind chill values reach thresholds as indicated in the Extreme Cold Response Plan.

Further information about staying healthy in extreme cold conditions and Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca under “My Home & Environment” by clicking on “Extreme Weather – Cold”.

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For further information, please contact:

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