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February 26 – “This will save lives” Peterborough Drug Strategy Partners Applauds Move to Create Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act

Please click here to view media release from the Peterborough Drug Strategy Partners

February 18, 2016 – Thanks to Healthy Kids Community Challenge

Curve Lake First Nation Public School students were at the Trent Athletics Centre pool yesterday, the first of three visits thanks to special funding from the Healthy Kids Community Challenge.

Kayla Williams, Gr.3 teacher stated “This is a fantastic opportunity for our 15 students.  It’s a balance of fun, fitness, safety, and learning new skills in the pool.”

With support from the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, over 100 students are taking advantage of the funding in the “Swim To Survive” safety skills and water program, including Warsaw PS, Millbrook/South Cavan PS, and North Shore PS in Keene.

The program is facilitated by the Peterborough Risk Watch Network, a collaborative partnership whose goal is to prevent childhood injuries. The Swim to Survive program was brought to Peterborough in 2011 to teach grade 3 students how to be safe in and around water. Basic water skills such as how to roll into the water, tread water for one minute and swim 50 metres are coupled with safety messages delivered by emergency services personnel from Fire, Police and Paramedics.

Each year the program has expanded, and last year was provided to over 700 students throughout Peterborough City and County.  Access to Healthy Kids Community Challenge funds has allowed the program to reach even more students this year.

Sandra Giles, a Peterborough Paramedic, states “We’re excited to be part of this physical fitness program that emphasizes water safety skills, it makes the Paramedic’s job easier on both fronts”.

Shannon Kimewon also a Gr.3 teacher at Curve Lake School sees that “Getting out of school to be active and swimming makes for a great experience”.

Peterborough is one of 45 communities in Ontario participating in the Healthy Kids Community Challenge. Peterborough City and County has received $825,000 from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care over the next three years to support community-driven activities focusing on physical activity and healthy eating for children aged twelve and under.

The goal is to create communities where it is easy for children to lead healthier active lives. The first theme is Run. Jump. Play…Every Day!

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For further information, please contact:
Claire Townshend, BHSc, MPH
Healthy Kids Community Challenge Project Coordinator
Peterborough Public Health
185 King St., Peterborough, ON
705-743-1000, ext. 355
ctownshend@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

OR

Amanda L. Nichols
Fire and Life Safety Educator
Peterborough Fire Services
705-745-3281, ext 6312
alnichols@peterborough.ca

February 18, 2016 – Expert Prenatal Advice and Newborn Parenting Tips!

4 Adorable BabiesExpectant parents and their families are invited to a fun and informative night out to attend the Prenatal Health Fair hosted by Peterborough Public Health at the Holiday Inn on Monday, February 22, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This FREE must–attend evening of resources, support and information on “everything pregnancy and baby” is open to anyone with an interest in learning how best to prepare for having a baby, and what’s available in the Peterborough area.  The Prenatal Health Fair features interactive displays and demonstrations on a wide variety of topics such as nutrition for baby and mom, becoming a parent, baby’s development, and much more.

Car seat experts from the newly-formed Peterborough and Area Car Seat Committee will share tips and answer questions about how to safely buckle up your baby, a massage therapist will demonstrate infant massage techniques, a chiropractor will recommend ways to prevent back pain in pregnancy and hospital staff will share the many ways they provide support to get families off to a good start.  Fathers-to-be won’t want to miss trying on the “Empathy Belly” and visiting the fathering display.  You might even win the door prizes!

For more details, please call Kris Hazlitt at Peterborough Public Health at (705) 743-1000, ext. 254.

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For further information, please contact:

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

February 18, 2016 – With the forecast of warmer temperatures Peterborough Public Health is lifting the Frostbite Alert issued on February 17, 2016 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”.

February 17, 2016 –

Third Frostbite Alert for February 17 for the City and County of Peterborough and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations

Weather Alert - COLD L1aThe Peterborough Public Health has issued the third Frostbite Alert of the season because of forecasted wind chill values of -29 overnight February 17. 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 Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

February 17, 2016 – To view the meeting summary for the February 10 meeting of the Board of Health click the image below.

Screen Shot 02-17-16 at 08.53 AM

February 16, 2016 – With the forecast of warmer temperatures Peterborough Public Health is lifting the Frostbite Alert issued on February 12, 2016 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 Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

 

February 12, 2016 – The Peterborough Public Health has issued the second Frostbite Alert of the season because of forecasted wind chill values of -28 on February 12. This Frostbite Alert remains in effect until Monday, February 15, 2016.

Weather Alert - COLD L1aExtreme 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 Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

February 11, 2016 – New Operational Name for Public Health to Take Effect June 1, 2016

Last night the Board of Health approved changing Peterborough Public Health’s operational name to Peterborough Public Health.  The new name will be rolled out along with a new brand for the public health organization on June 1, 2016.

“This was not an easy decision to make as this process has shown us how challenging it can be to select one name that satisfies all interested parties, including local First Nations, municipal funders and residents,” explained Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “While the decision wasn’t unanimous, what carried the day was the merit of a succinct name that allows us to more effectively promote and deliver public health services and programs so more residents can access them.”

Last year, Public Health conducted an extensive stakeholder engagement process through an online survey, focus groups and one-on-one interviews that revealed there was an appetite to change the name, and that Peterborough Public Health was the most preferred new name.  This naming decision was the first step of a two-step rebranding process that will produce a new visual identity for the organization later this spring.  This communications effort is part of a broader renewal of public health’s role in the community following its recent move and consolidation to a new downtown location at 185 King St.

“The process showed us the need to invest more in engaging First Nations and rural residents so they can benefit from public health programs and services. The new brand is just the beginning of a more robust communications strategy to do just that,” explained Brittany Cadence, Communications Manager.

With the new name is approved, work now commences on designing the new visual identity for Peterborough Public Health.  Representatives from both Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations have been invited to help guide the creative process to develop the logo and tag line concepts.  The new brand will go to the Board of Health for their approval later this spring.

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

February 5, 2016 – 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 on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.

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