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September 26, 2017  – Residents advised to watch for symptoms and prevent the spread of mumps

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is reporting three confirmed cases of mumps in the Peterborough area.

“Mumps is circulating in our community, so we are asking residents to watch for symptoms and see their healthcare provider if they are feeling ill,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “It’s also important to follow good infection control practices to prevent its spread, such as ensuring you are vaccinated against mumps and not sharing objects like cups and eating utensils.”

Mumps is a contagious disease that is caused by a virus. The most common symptom of mumps is swollen salivary glands, which cause one or both cheeks to become very puffy. (The salivary glands are located in your cheeks, near your jaw and below each ear.) Mumps also causes fever and headache. People who have symptoms usually get better after a week or two, but mumps can sometimes cause serious complications. Anyone who has not been fully vaccinated is at increased risk of catching the disease, compared with people who have been fully vaccinated or who have already had mumps.

People born in or after 1970 are not considered immune unless they either have received two doses of the mumps vaccine, also called measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV), or have been diagnosed with mumps. Those born before 1970 are considered to be immune.  It is recommended that anyone who is not fully vaccinated see their healthcare provider, or if they don’t have one, call PPH at 705-743-1000, ext. 129 to get up to date and fully protected.

Mumps spreads easily through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can catch it by:

  • Breathing the air where an infected person has coughed or sneezed
  • Touching an infected surface, and then touching their nose or mouth
  • Sharing objects (for example, cups and eating utensils) with a person who has mumps

A person with mumps can spread the infection from seven days before to five days after they have symptoms. Up to half of people may have very mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all. However, these people can still spread the virus.

Dr. Salvaterra noted that people who are most at risk include pregnant women. Pregnant women who get mumps during the first trimester may have a higher risk of miscarriage.

Mumps activity has increased in 2017 in several parts of North America, including Ontario.  According to Public Health Ontario, between January 1 and August 31, 2017, there have been 169 cases of mumps (158 confirmed and 11 probable) reported in Ontario. These case counts for 2017 are higher than the past eight years.

Further information about mumps is available by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca  or clicking here for a mumps fact sheet.

 

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

Dr Jean ClintonSeptember 26, 2017 – Free Child Development Workshops Designed for Parents, Educators and Early Years Professionals

The City of Peterborough and Peterborough Public Health and invite parents, educators and early years professionals to enjoy two free workshops by child health expert Dr. Jean Clinton on October 12, 2017.  Dr. Clinton is highly regarded as a knowledgeable and engaging presenter with a wealth of experience to share.  The workshops will be held at Peterborough Public Health, located at 185 King Street in Peterborough.

“Parents as Partners” – 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., October 12

Parents are their children’s first teachers and are also critical to their ongoing learning and thriving. Dr. Clinton will cover key components and engage participants in discussing how child development systems (e.g., child care centres, Early Years Centres, schools, etc.) can support parent engagement.

“The First ‘R’ is Relationship” – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., October 12

In this presentation, Dr. Clinton will explore the developing brain and the crucial role relationships with others plays in child mental health and development.

Dr. Clinton is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster.  She is on staff at McMaster Children’s Hospital with cross appointments in Pediatrics and Family Medicine, and an Associate in the Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Sick Children’s Hospital.  Her expertise focuses on the development of young minds and she is recognized internationally as an advocate for children’s issues. Her special interest lies in brain development, and the crucial role that relationships and connectedness play in child health and development.  More information about her is available at www.drjeanclinton.com.

There is no registration required, and light refreshments will be served.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

heat warning 3 daysSeptember 25, 2017 – Beach Water Quality Testing Extended Due to Heat Wave Extended Heat Warning in Effect

Peterborough Public Health has confirmed the following three local, high-use beaches are safe for swimming today: Beavermead and Rogers Cove in the City of Peterborough, and Lakefield Beach in Selwyn Township.

Peterborough Public Health has resumed beach water quality testing for the duration of the heat event at these sites due to the unusual heat wave. Typically, beach water testing wraps up each season after the Labour Day weekend.

Residents can find out the latest beach water quality results of these three beaches by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.  Peterborough Public Health notes that residents who chose to swim in other local beaches not currently tested do so at their own risk.

The unseasonably hot and humid conditions are expected to continue early this week.  Mostly sunny skies will allow daytime temperatures to reach the low thirties, with humidex values approaching forty again on Monday and Tuesday.  A cold front is expected to move across Southern Ontario through the day Wednesday bringing cooler temperatures for the remainder of the week.

People suffer heat-related illnesses when their body temperature quickly rises and they are unable to cool themselves. The risk of heat-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the heat, the temperature and an individual’s sensitivity to heat. If you feel faint, find it hard to breathe, or feel confused and disoriented because of the heat, call your doctor. In an emergency, call 911.

Please remember to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors who live on their own, to make sure they are alright.

Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. This decreases your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.

For further information about protecting yourself and others during extreme heat, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

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

September 22, 2017 – Today Peterborough Public Health is issuing the second Heat Warning of the season.  Humidex values are expected to approach 40 on both Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24.  The unseasonably warm and humid conditions could persist into next week.

Peterborough Public Health will resume beach water testing at Rogeheat warning 2 daysrs Cove, Beavermead and Lakefield Beach this weekend, however water quality results won’t be received from the lab until Monday.  Residents with children are advised that splash pads are the safer option for cooling down this weekend until testing results are known. These will be posted at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

People suffer heat-related illnesses when their body temperature quickly rises and they are unable to cool themselves. The risk of heat-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the heat, the temperature and an individual’s sensitivity to heat. If you feel faint, find it hard to breathe, or feel confused and disoriented because of the heat, call your doctor. In an emergency, call 911.

Please remember to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors who live on their own, to make sure they are alright.

Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. This decreases your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.

Peterborough Public Health issues warnings for high heat or humidity that is expected to last two or more days.  Peterborough Public Health follows a provincial Harmonized Heat Warning and Information System for dealing with heat events affecting Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, and the City and County of Peterborough.

Peterborough Public Health staff will monitor this system to determine when the Medical Officer of Health should declare a heat warning or extended heat warning.  This coordinated provincial system provides a consistent approach for processing and issuing heat warnings in Ontario.  It also provides evidence-based heat warning triggers which are founded on the association between temperature, humidex and mortality.

Extreme heat events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, shut-ins, persons with chronic diseases, the morbidly obese and the marginally housed.  Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are preventable.

Extreme heat is often accompanied by poor air quality.  Peterborough Public Health encourages you to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change’s website www.airqualityontario.com and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

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For further information, please contact:

Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 285

September 22, 2017 –  New Online System Makes Immunization Records Easier to Access and Update

Peterborough Public Health is pleased to announce a new online portal that residents can use to keep immunization records updated for themselves and family members.

“We’re thrilled to launch this new online system to make it even easier for people in our community to access and update their immunization records with us,” said Edwina Dusome, Manager of the Infectious Disease Program.  “This online service will especially benefit parents and guardians by offering them a secure and convenient way to enter and review their child’s immunization information.”

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has partnered with health units across the province, including Peterborough Public Health, to offer this online immunization reporting system.  It was developed so all Ontarians can access their immunization information online and securely provide record updates, a requirement for all students to attend school.

To access the online portal, follow these two easy steps:

  1. Call Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 139 to obtain your Ontario Immunization ID number. You will need this number to access the online portal.  This number is also found on any notices mailed to parents/guardians regarding their child’s immunization status.
  2. To access the online portal, go to peterboroughpublichealth.ca and click on “Immunization reporting”. Select the “online” option to update immunization records. That will take you to the secure Ministry website (pictured above) where you will be asked to enter your Ontario Immunization ID number.

Residents can also access their current immunization records on file through this new online system.  For more information about immunization records and where to get required vaccines, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

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

September 18, 2017 – To view the meeting summary for the September 13 Board of Health Meeting click image below:

170913 Board of Health Meeting Summary – September 13, 2017

BOH Sept Meeting Summary

September 14, 2017 –  Report Showcases New Community Kitchen; Compares Student Vaccination Coverage Rates to Provincial Average

At today’s Board of Health meeting, Peterborough Public Health released its 2016 Annual Report to highlight the many ways public health strategies protect and promote healthy living in Curve Lake and Hiawa2016 Annual Report Covertha First Nations, and the County and City of Peterborough.

“We’re pleased to share this overview of the progress made on the agency’s strategic priorities in 2016,” explained Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “Last year was a big year for us as we officially changed our agency name to Peterborough Public Health and opened Myrtle’s Kitchen, a wonderful new local asset that helps us tackle the growing challenge of food insecurity in our community.”

Using statistics and brief stories, the report summarizes the wide scope of public health programs and services delivered in the areas of family health, environmental health, chronic disease and injury prevention, emergency preparedness and infectious disease prevention and control.  Dr. Salvaterra noted the indicators help show how extensively the work of public health staff positively affects the lives of residents, especially vulnerable populations.

In the case of student vaccination coverage rates for the 2015-2016 academic year*, local rates were above or on par with the provincial average, with the exception of the rates for pneumococcal, HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines which were lower.  “Immunization works when the community joins together to ensure enough children are vaccinated to protect the whole population,” said Dr. Salvaterra.  “Overall I’m pleased with our local coverage rates, but this report shows that as we head into a new school year, there is still work to be done to improve some vaccination rates.”

The 2016 Annual Report is available at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca. Public health staff welcome the opportunity to present the report to local municipal councils, service clubs and other groups. Please call 705-743-1000, ext. 391 to coordinate a presentation.

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For further information, please contact:

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

September 14, 2017 – Health Promoter from Peterborough Public Health Showcasing Local Efforts to Support Safer and Healthier Outdoor Playspaces

Monique Beneteau, Health Promoter with Peterborough Public Health, will draw global attention this weekend to local efforts to develop a healthy, complete outdoor playspaces at the 20th International Play Association (IPA) Triennial World Conference in Calgary, Alberta.

Ms. Beneteau was invited to share her presentation entitled “Healthy Complete Outdoor Playspaces: A Journey from Problem to Policy” as one of the sessions on September 16 during the sold-out conference.  Her presentation looks at using a public health approach to address Peterborough’s high injury rate from playground equipment falls to support the future development of healthy, complete outdoor playspaces.

“It’s exciting to see this initiative led by Peterborough Public Health in the spotlight on the global stage,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “I’m proud of how our partnership with local government and education representatives has resulted in a strategy that will contribute to fewer children hurt on playgrounds here at home.”

Across all age categories and by a wide margin, children in the Peterborough area made more visits to emergency departments in 2011 for injuries from falls from playground equipment than the Ontario rate*.  This data drove Ms. Beneteau to gather evidence on best practices for playground safety.  This evidence helped shape a checklist on playground equipment and safety which incorporated other components of public health interest, such as cancer-preventing features including the amount of shade over equipment and status as a smoke-free environment.

During this process municipal staff expressed their interest in moving the discussion beyond maintaining playground equipment toward creating healthy play “experiences.”  This led to a more extensive review of the evidence, this time focusing on the benefits of play, and how it relates to child development, risky play, risk benefit assessments, and natural playspaces.  This information has been summarized in a technical report which will serve as the foundation for the creation of resources such as guidelines that can be used by our community partners.

Further information about playgrounds and the importance of play can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/play.

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

 September 12, 2017 – Truth and Reconciliation – How Well Are We Doing in Redressing the Legacy and Closing the Gap?

Local residents will have a unique opportunity to hear Grand Chief Patrick Wedahseh Madahbee share the latest developments relating to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action on TuesdaChiefy, September 26 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Peterborough Public Health on 185 King St., Peterborough.

Grand Chief Madahbee of the Anishinabek Nation will speak about the response of governments and other partners so far to the 94 Calls to Action put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2015. The TRC’s mandate was to redress the painful legacy of the residential school system in Canada and to facilitate reconciliation among former students, their families, their communities and all Canadians.

“We are very proud to bring the community together at Peterborough Public Health to hear Grand Chief Madahbee’s important update,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “The 94 Calls to Action are designed to support healing and good health by honouring this difficult part of our national heritage so we can move forward as a country that respects all Indigenous people.”

Grand Council Chief Patrick Wedaseh Madahbee is currently serving his third consecutive term as Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Nation and is also the President of the Union of Ontario Indians.  He has more than 40 years’ experience in Band politics, including 17 years as Chief of Aundeck Omni Kaning.   Grand Chief Madahbee has served as Manager of Aboriginal Financial Services for TD and as a Regional Sales Manager for the First Nations Bank of Canada.   His dedication to the Anishinabek Nation has included active leadership positions such as chairperson for the Robinson-Huron Treaty Claim Legal Strategy Team and the Anishinabek/Ontario Fisheries Resource Centre. He is the past Vice President of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto and has held numerous other board positions.  In addition, Grand Chief Madahbee holds the health portfolio for the Chiefs of Ontario, serves on the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs Committee of Health, and is Co-chair of the joint Non-insured health benefits review.

For more information about Grand Chief Madahbee, please visit his bio at www.anishinabek.ca.

The event is free and all are welcome to attend by registering online at www.pphtrc.eventbrite.ca.  The event is sponsored by Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, and Peterborough Public Health.

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

September 8, 2017 – Location: J.K. Edwards Board Room, Peterborough Public Health,
Jackson Square, 185 King St., Third Floor

Media and the community are advised that the next Board of Health meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.

To download the agenda and the online board package, please visit:
www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/about-us-2/board-of-health/meeting-agendas

This meeting is open to the community and members of the media.  Guests are asked to use the buzzer located on the wall to the right of the main front doors to alert Peterborough Public Health staff when they arrive.  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.

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