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December 22, 2015 – Ensure Proper Food Handling to Prevent Illness

The Peterborough Public Health would like you to enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season.

One way to ensure this is through safe food handling methods.  In general, a popular choice for holiday meals is turkey.  “Poultry can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella,” said Atul Jain, Manager of Inspection Programs at Public Health.  “If not handled with care 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°F) or colder and freezers should be maintained below -18°C (0°F).  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 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of household bleach with 1 litre (4 cups) 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 82°C (180°F).  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 74°C (165°F).  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 74°C (165°F) and serve.  Do not reheat leftovers more than once.

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For further information, please contact:
Atul Jain
Manager, Inspection Services
705-743-1000, ext. 259

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 14, 2015 – To view the meeting summary from the December 9, 2015 meeting click the image below:

Screen Shot 12-14-15 at 01.59 PM

December 7, 2015-PRHC to open 24 additional beds during seasonal surge

(Peterborough, ON) – With the onset of flu season as unpredictable as it is, Peterborough’s healthcare providers are preparing for a possible surge in patients seeking care throughout the
coming holidays and in the weeks to follow.

For the first time this year, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) will be opening and staffing an additional 24 inpatient beds from December 2015 through to March 2016, to enhance the care we provide for our patients during our busiest time of year.

From 2013/14 to 2014/2015, PRHC saw a 10 per cent rise in the total number of patients coming through our Emergency Department (ED), an increase from 73,000 to 82,000 patients
over a single year. In collaboration with our healthcare partners in the community, the hospital began planning for the 2015/2016 holiday season in February 2015, to ensure we are prepared
for the expected increase in patient numbers.

“We 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,” said Dr. Mark Troughton, Medical Director, Emergency.

“Visitors to the ED are also encouraged to wear a mask if they are coughing and sneezing, to protect others from potential flu exposure,” said Dr. Troughton. Masks are available inside the ED entrance. Meanwhile, the Peterborough Family Health Team is prepared for the coming holiday season. They remind residents there are options to consider prior to making 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. Kaetlen Wilson, Medical Director for the Family Health Team. “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
• Visit www.peterboroughfht.com for clinic hours and information
• 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 will be circulating in Peterborough so getting a flu shot may help keep you well over the holidays. It also prevents you from spreading it to seniors and young children, people who
are at the greatest risk of getting seriously ill if they get the flu,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health, adding the flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of
age. The shot is widely available at many local pharmacies, from doctors’ offices and local walk-in clinics. The Public Health is also running flu clinics for families with young children on January 9
and 16 at its new location on 185 King St.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre would like to remind our patients and visitors that we have implemented 24-hour patient visiting at the hospital. We recognize that family presence
has a positive impact on our patients’ overall health and well-being. Patients and families are encouraged to work with the healthcare team to coordinate visits with loved ones throughout the
holiday season.
For more information about PRHC’s open visiting hours, please visit the hospital’s website:
www.prhc.on.ca/cms/visitors. The Public Health, Family Health Team and Health Centre extend our wishes to the community for
a safe and happy holiday.

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For more information:
Brittany Cadence, Communications Manager
Peterborough Public Health
Tel: 705-743-1000, ext. 391
Dr. Kaetlen Wilson, Medical Director
Peterborough Networked Family Health Team
Tel: 705-742-8020, ext. 304

Michelene Ough, Communications Lead
Peterborough Regional Health Centre
Tel: 705-743-2121, ext. 4259

December 4, 2015 – Location: J.K. Edwards Board Room, Peterborough Public Health, Jackson Square, 185 King St., Third Floor

Media and the community are advised that the Board of Health will meet for the first time in its new location at Jackson Square on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 5:30 p.m.  The meeting will begin with a commemoration of the new board room in honour of former Medical Officer of Health, Dr. J.K. Edwards.

Guests are asked to use the buzzer located on the wall to the right of the main front doors to alert Public Health staff when they are ready to enter the building.  The board room is located on the third floor of Jackson Square, 185 King St. Free parking is available after 6 p.m. on the street or across the road at the King St. Parkade.

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.

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

December 4, 2015 – Public Health Offering Free Program and Nicotine Replacement Therapy

The Peterborough Public Health is pleased to offer “Choose to be …Smoke Free”, a free program for anyone 16 to 45 years old interested in quitting smoking.

“Each session is designed to help people who want to quit smoking in a completely non-judgmental, supportive environment,” said Serena Jewer, Public Health Nurse. “It really helps participants to know they don’t have to go through a quit attempt alone.”

The program combines behavioural counselling from a registered nurse and access to free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), made possible with funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Participants will receive free quit smoking kits and resources, along with various NRT options.

Appointments are available starting December 7, 2015 until March 31, 2016 on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. To book an appointment, just call Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 330.

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For further information, please contact:

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

December 1, 2015 – Public Health Activates Extreme Cold Response Plan

Weather Alert - COLD L1aWith 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 Manager at 705-743-1000, ext. 391.

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For further information, please contact:

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