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May 31, 2016 – Peterborough Public Health Hands Out 2016 Tobacco-Wise Awards

Igroup-shotn recognition of World No Tobacco Day today, Peterborough Public Health (formerly Peterborough Public Health) honoured several local residents and organizations for their leadership in helping to create a tobacco-wise community.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the hard work of these local champions whose efforts to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke are making a real difference in the health of our community,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health.  “They are shining examples of Peterborough’s leadership in tobacco use prevention, and remind us that while we’ve made great headway over the years to denormalize it, we must remain vigilant if we truly want Ontario to have the lowest smoking rates in the country so our next generation can grow up smoke-free and tobacco-wise.”

There were a total of 12 awards recipients from municipalities, schools and school boards, mental health service providers, real estate companies, and community organizations.  The awards were handed out in three categories. First, the “Exceeding the Standards Act Award” recognized organizations and municipalities who have introduced policies that go beyond the Smoke Free Ontario Act. Next, the “Cessation or Prevention Award” honoured schools and organizations that prevent people from starting to use tobacco products, as well as helping them quit smoking and remaining tobacco free. Finally, the “Community Leader Award” celebrated individuals and organizations who contribute to smoking prevention and cessation in our community.

Dr. Salvaterra noted that this year’s awards coincide with the tenth anniversary of the Smoke Free Ontario Act.  Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario. Each year, smoking and exposure to second-hand-smoke results in 13,000 deaths provincially.  Locally, the use of commercial tobacco products kills approximately 130 Peterborough residents each year. For more information on smoke-free policies, tobacco-wise living or supports for quitting smoking, please contact Peterborough Public Health, or visit the Smoke Free Places page on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

 

Backgrounder – Tobacco-Wise Awards

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For further information, please contact:
Keith Beecroft
Health Promoter, Tobacco Use Prevention Program
705-743-1000, ext. 238

May 30, 2016 – Testing well water regularly keeps you and your family safe

The Peterborough Public Health in conjunction with the Peterborough Public Health Ontario Lab is pleased to announce a free new courier service starting Monday, June 6, 2016 that will allow county residents to conveniently submit well water samples for testing in Havelock at no charge.

“We are delighted to make it easier for county residents to pick up water testing kits and drop off their samples in Havelock thanks to a new courier service partnership with the public health lab in Peterborough,” said Atul Jain, Manager of Environmental Health Programs at Peterborough County City Public Health. “Water quality changes over time, that’s why we recommend testing private wells three to four times a year to prevent health risks. We hope by making this testing service more accessible that residents will test their well water more regularly.”

Previously water testing kits were only available at Public Health’s Peterborough location and then residents had to bring their samples to the lab on Hospital Drive in Peterborough. Now this can all happen out of the Township Office in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, and county residents can call the public health lab’s IVR (Interactive Voice Retrieval) system for their results. A new refrigerator has been installed at the Township Office, located on 1 Ottawa St., Havelock, where residents can store water samples until the courier service picks them up the next day. The new courier service runs Mondays through Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

This service is available to all residents and cottagers at no charge in Peterborough County, and was made possible thanks to a joint initiative of the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Peterborough Public Health Ontario Laboratory and Public Health.

County residents will receive their water quality results through mail or by calling the public health lab at

1-877-723-3426. Residents with questions about their water quality results can call Public Health’s Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 232 for free consultation.

The well water sample is tested for bacterial contaminations such as coliforms and E.coli. This is important especially if E.coli is found in the water and is ingested by the young, elderly or immunocompromised people can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.  To find out how to test for other contaminants, please contact Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 232 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca, click on “My Home & Environment”, then “My Home”, then “Water”.

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For further information, please contact:

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

May 17, 2016 –  The Peterborough County-City Health is asking local residents to be aware of Lyme disease and how to prevent it.

Lyme disease is a potentially serious illness and growing health threat across Ontario.  It is the most common disease spread by ticks in Canada, caused by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. While not all blacklegged ticks carry Lyme disease, populations of infected blacklegged ticks are spreading due to climate change. This means the risk of contracting Lyme disease is on the rise across Canada.

“Locally we are closely monitoring for evidence of infected ticks in our area, so we encourage residents to check for ticks on their bodies and bring them to the third floor of Public Health for identification,” explained Atul Jain, Manager of Environmental Health Programs.  “Ticks can be as small as a sesame seed and their bites are usually painless, so it’s important to be on the lookout for ticks and the symptoms of Lyme disease.”

Jain explained that if you do locate a tick on your body, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull the tick straight out.  Save the tick in an empty screw-top bottle or zipper-closed bag and take it to Peterborough Public Health located at 185 King St., Peterborough. The tick will then be sent away to a public health laboratory for identification.

Lyme is gaining the attention of health officials because of an increase in Lyme disease cases acquired within Ontario.  Public Health Ontario reported 220 confirmed and probable human cases of Lyme disease in 2014.  With the majority of occurring occurred from May to October, with June, July and August accounting for more than two-thirds of cases.

The signs of Lyme disease can be categorized in three stages. However, the first sign is usually a circular rash in the shape of a bull’s eye. Other additional symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. For more details on precautions and symptoms of Lyme disease, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca click on “My Home & Environment” and go to “Lyme Disease.”

What to do if you find a tick:

When bringing a tick to Public Health, please be aware that only ticks found on humans will be submitted for identification and testing.  Any ticks found on pets or other animals should be taken to a veterinarian. Once a tick has been removed from a person’s body, we ask that you place the tick in sealed container or Ziploc bag and bring it into Public Health as soon as you can.

When submitting a tick you will need to provide the following information:

  • Full name (including middle initial) and date of birth of the person to whom the tick was attached;
  • Location on the body where the tick was found;
  • Approximate length of time the tick was attached;
  • Where the tick was acquired, along with recent travel history;
  • Record of any symptoms; and
  • Healthcare provider’s name and city of practice.

A tick can be submitted to Public Health Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information on tick submission or general inquires about ticks please contact the Vector Borne Disease Program at Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 240.

Lyme Disease info

 

May 12, 2016 – Residents Advised to Watch for Symptoms

Today, Peterborough Public Health reported a laboratory-confirmed case of hepatitis A in an individual within its service area who had consumed the recently recalled frozen fruit product: Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend.

“Laboratory testing has confirmed that this case is part of the national outbreak,” said Atul Jain, Manager of Environmental Health Programs. “The virus strain matches the strain found in other individuals in this outbreak.”

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a food recall warning on April 15, 2016, for Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend frozen fruit product sold between December 11, 2015, and April 15, 2016, at any Costco location in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, due to possible hepatitis A contamination. People are reminded not to consume the recalled berries, and if they have been consumed, to seek health advice.

Individuals who have served recalled product to others including patrons of food premises, family, friends and colleagues are also encouraged to communicate this potential exposure to Public Health or with these individuals directly.

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. The disease is usually mild in children, but can be more serious in adults. Symptoms of Hepatitis A can include fever, aches and pains, headache, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, skin rash, and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice).  Hepatitis A is found in the feces of infected people. It is spread from person to person through unwashed hands.  It is also spread by eating food and drinking water or other liquids that have been contaminated with the hepatitis A virus. Most people infected with the virus get better on their own.  There is a safe and effective vaccine that can prevent the spread of hepatitis A, and proper handwashing and infection control measures are also important to protect yourself and others.

For more information, please contact Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 306, or speak with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

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

 

 

May 10, 2016 – The start of summer sports often has parents of active kids asking about proper hydration and sport nutrition.

“For light to moderate activities lasting 90 minutes or less, or high-intensity activities of an hour or less, water is the best choice for everyone, especially young children,” says Luisa Magalhaes, registered dietitian with Peterborough Public Health.

It is important to drink fluids before the activity to prevent dehydration, muscle cramp, and fatigue.

“Sometimes it can be tough to get kids to drink water.  Try adding a handful of frozen berries, a slice of orange, cucumber or fresh mint to the water to give flavour without any added sugar,” says Magalhaes. “Offer vegetables and fruit high in water before and after the activity. Cucumber, celery, watermelon, oranges and grapes are great choices.”

Magalhaes recommends that children and recreational athletes of any age avoid sports drinks.

“Kids playing a one-hour soccer or hockey game, or a 90-minute baseball game do not need a sports drink.  In this case, a sports drink only adds extra sugar to the diet and does not impact performance.”  She notes that to maintain energy levels, a small healthy snack and water before the event will have the same effect as a sports drink. “Fruit juice or fruit beverages, pop, energy drinks and caffeinated drinks, including iced tea, are all high in sugar. They are harder to absorb and can cause an upset stomach during the activity.”

Healthy meals and snacks fuel our athletes.  Their timing can affect how children enjoy and perform in sports. Magalhaes recommends that meals include foods from all four food groups, and that snacks include foods from at least two food groups.  Carbohydrates such as grains, vegetables, fruit, milk and yogurt give athletes energy.  Milk, cheese, yogurt, meat, eggs, nuts, fish, and beans give children protein to build and repair their muscles.

Magalhaes suggests feeding active children in the following ways:

(1) Pre-Game: Three hours before an activity, children should eat a larger meal.  If time is tight, eat a meal 2 hours beforehand, with less food from each food group, or grab a healthy snack an hour before the game or practice. Avoid fried foods.  These are difficult to digest and can leave a player feeling sluggish.  Healthy choices include cereal with fruit and milk, vegetables, pita wedges and hummus, cheese and bagel, and a fruit and yogurt smoothie.

(2) Mid-Game: Most children in sports do not need a snack during a game or practice. Kids should arrive with enough stored energy to get them through the activity.  Athletes need fluids during the game.  Offer water.  If you do offer a snack, give vegetables and fruit high in water.  Sugary and/or fatty foods, like freezies, popsicles, doughnuts and cookies are not suitable choices.

(3) Post-Game: Within 30 minutes after the activity, drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy meal or snack to reload energy. Offer water, white or chocolate milk, or 100% fruit juice. Snacks can include whole grain crackers with peanut butter, yogurt with fruit, and trail mix made with cereal, dried fruit, nuts and seeds.

For credible nutrition information for you and your family, or for more details on sports nutrition, talk to a registered dietitian for free.  Call 1-877-510-5102 or visit www.EatRightOntario.ca.

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For further information, please contact:
Luisa Magalhaes, RD
Public Health Nutritionist
705-743-1000, ext. 233

 

 

May 9, 2016 – Take the Census on May 10!

Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, our local Medical Officer of Health, is encouraging residents from the County and City of Peterborough to take the census on May 10, Canada’s official census day.

“Census data is so important because it gives us valuable information about the factors that affect health from a population perspective, such as housing, income and education levels,” explained Dr. Salvaterra.  “Our local response rate for the last census was the lowest in the country so we are appealing to residents this time to make sure they complete it to help us better plan public health programs and services.”

She notes that municipalities, businesses and healthcare agencies depend on the information from the census.

The census collects demographic information on every person living in Canada.  Reliable census rates help to understand local housing needs, and local officials particularly need good data to better plan affordable housing, a key determinant of health.  The information from data also helps to improve medical research, healthcare and the well-being of all Canadians.

Here are some things to remember about 2016 Census.

(1) Census Day is May 10, complete the census form as soon as you receive it.

(2) The census is available online. You can still order a paper version by calling 1-855-699-2016.

(3) The census is available in 11 Aboriginal languages.

For more information about the census call 2016 Census at 1-855-700-2016 or visit www.census.gc.ca

 

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence, Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

May 6, 2016 – To view the meeting summary from the May 4 Board of Health Meeting click the image below

Screen Shot 05-06-16 at 01.06 PM

May 3, 2016 – Featuring Dave Sindrey,

Speech-Language Pathologist and Auditory Verbal Therapist

In honour of Speech, Language and Hearing Month in May, Peterborough Healthy Families is inviting parents and caregivers to a free presentation titled “Help Improve Your Child’s Listening and Talking Skills” on Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the McDonnel St. Activity Centre located at 577 McDonnel St. All participants will receive a free children’s book and growth chart.

Come out and hear Dave Sindrey, a Speech-Language Pathologist and certified Auditory Verbal Therapist, talk about his favourite apps, songs and stories that can be used to promote active listening and talking. There will be opportunity for questions and discussions with Dave following the presentation. Light refreshments will be provided and parking is free.

Dave is an internationally renowned speaker with over 25 years of experience working with families of children who have issues with hearing loss. He has committed his work to creating resources for parents and children that are both educational and fun. Dave has published many workbooks to help children of all ages learn to listen including Listening Games for Littles (1997, 2002) and the Cochlear Implant Auditory Training Guide (2004). He has also designed and illustrated nine applications on iTunes that help to develop and assess listening skills for children with hearing loss.

Peterborough Healthy Families is a multi-agency initiative made up of several local community partners, including Peterborough Public Health, Kinark Child and Family Services, Peterborough Family Resource Centre, Peterborough Public Library, and the Asphodel Norwood Public Library. This presentation is offered in partnership with the Speech, Language & Hearing Association of Peterborough.
For more information, please call Leisa Baker, Public Health Nurse at 705-743-1000, ext. 312 or visit www.peterboroughhealthyfamilies.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

Leisa Baker,

Public Health Nurse

Peterborough Public Health

lbaker@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

705-743-1000, ext. 312