A A A

November 30, 2017 – Protect Your Family from the Second-Leading Cause of Lung Cancer

Peterborough Public Health has a limited supply of free radon test kits for local residents conveniently available throughout the County and City of Peterborough, and at Curve Lake First Nations.

“Radon is responsible for anywhere from 1,080 to 1,550 cancer cases in Ontario each year. This colourless, odourless gas can build up in lower levels of buildings unbeknownst to those living there,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “We strongly encourage residents to take advantage of these free kits and test their homes to keep their families safe.”

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium found in rock and soil.  It can enter buildings through cracks in foundation floors and walls, gaps in service pipes, open floor drains, or any other area of exposed soil.  The likelihood of a radon problem cannot be predicted by the age or location of a home; all homes are at risk.

Long term exposure to high levels of radon greatly increases your risk of lung cancer.  According to a 2016 Public Health Ontario report entitled The Environmental Burden of Cancer in Ontario, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

It is easy to test for radon.  Just put the detector in the lowest lived-in level of your home, and leave it there for three months.  Afterwards, mail it away to the lab and they will send you the results.  (The free PPH kits even include the shipping fee.)

Free radon kits are available on a first come, first serve basis. Residents in the City of Peterborough can pick up their free kits at Peterborough Public Health, located at Jackson Square, 185 King St., Peterborough. Please visit the third floor customer service counter.

Kits are available for rural residents as follows:

Curve Lake First Nation
Curve Lake First Nation Health Centre
38 Whetung Street East, Curve Lake, ON

Municipality of Trent Lakes
760 County Road 36, Trent Lakes, ON

Township of Asphodel-Norwood
2357 County Road 45, Norwood, ON

Township of Cavan Monaghan
988 County Rd 10, Millbrook, ON

Township of Douro-Dummer
894 South Street, Warsaw, ON

Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
1 Ottawa St. East, Havelock, ON

Township of North Kawartha
280 Burleigh Street, Apsley, ON

Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan
20 Third Street, Keene, ON

Township of Selwyn
1310 Centre Line, Selwyn, ON

 

For more information visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/radon or contact Wanda Tonus at 705-743-1000 ex. 285.

-30-

For further information, please contact:

Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector

705-743-1000, ext. 285

 

November 23, 2017 – Healthcare Worker Immunization Critical to Creating “Ring of Immunity”

Peterborough Public Health reported today that the local influenza immunization rate among staff working at local nursing homes and retirement residences reached 79% in 2016/17.

“Influenza vaccination provides benefits to healthcare workers and to the patients in their care,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “While we can always do better, it is impressive to see so many local healthcare workers getting the flu shot. Their leadership reflects how we all have to do our part to reduce the spread of this disease which can cause serious illness or even death to vulnerable residents.”

Dr. Salvaterra mentioned that one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of influenza in healthcare settings and the community is to create a “ring of immunity” around our most vulnerable residents.  When more healthcare workers and community members get the flu shot, the stronger this ring of immunity is.

Influenza transmission and outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes can result in significant patient, resident and staff illness and mortality. Studies show that healthcare worker influenza immunization in chronic care/long-term care home facilities for the elderly reduces patient mortality.

This year’s flu vaccine has already been distributed to healthcare workers to protect those at high-risk, and is publicly available through pharmacies and family healthcare providers.

Please see the chart below for a comparison of influenza immunization rates by local long-term care facility.

Influenza Immunization Rates for Peterborough Health Care Facility Staff, 2016-2017 Season

Facility % Staff* Immunized 2016/2017
Applewood (RR) **
Canterbury Gardens (RR) 93
Centennial Place (NH) 95
Empress Gardens (RR) 88
Extendicare Lakefield (NH) 79
Extendicare Peterborough (NH) 74
Fairhaven Home for Seniors (NH) 70
Jackson Creek (RR) 67
Mapleview (RR) **
Mount St. Joseph (RR and NH) 52
Peterborough Retirement Residence  (RR) **
Pleasant Meadow Manor (NH) 84
Princess Gardens (RR) 86
Riverview Manor (NH) 79
Royal Gardens (RR) 85
Rubidge Hall (RR) 100
Springdale Country Manor (NH) 68
St. Joseph’s at Fleming (NH) 62
Average reported rates for NH/RR 79*
Peterborough Regional Health Centre Hospital 61

NOTE:  Retirement Residence (RR); Nursing Home (NH); *Staff data includes employees on payroll, licensed independent practitioners, adult student/trainees, volunteer staff and other contract staff.

**These retirement residences did not share immunization data with PPH for the 2016-2017 influenza season.

-30-

 

For further information, please contact:

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

November 20, 2017 –  Free Flu Shots Available Throughout the Community, Including December 4 Clinic in Millbrook

Peterborough Public Health reported the first local lab-confirmed case of seasonal influenza today.

“The case is lab-confirmed for influenza, and we now know that seasonal influenza is circulating in our community,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “Usually there are more cases of influenza in the community than are reported by the lab, so we strongly encourage residents to get their flu shot to protect themselves and others as it’s still early in the season.”

Dr. Salvaterra noted that last year’s first lab-confirmed case which Peterborough Public Health reported on was November 17, 2016.

The flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age.  It is especially important for people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone who takes care of people in these groups.

Flu shots are widely available at many local pharmacies, from physician offices, and local walk-in clinics.  To find out where free flu shots are available in the community, visit the flu clinic locator on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

Since October 11, 2017 Peterborough Public Health has distributed over 29,000 doses locally, which is in addition to those pharmacies who receive vaccine directly from other distributors approved by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Peterborough Public Health is also offering a free influenza vaccine clinic in Millbrook, on Monday, December 4, 2017, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The clinic is taking place at the Cavan Monaghan Township Office
Gymnasium on 988 County Road 10 in Millbrook.  No appointment necessary, and walk-ins welcome.

Dr. Salvaterra advised that in addition to getting the flu shot people take the following precautions to reduce the spread of infection:

  • Stay home if feeling unwell
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Clean and sanitize commonly-used surfaces frequently
  • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue and washing hands afterwards

-30-

For further information, please contact:

Marilyn Mitchell
Registered Nurse
705-743-1000, ext. 270

 

November 17, 2017 – with Trent University’s Dr. James Parker on December 6

Being able to read and manage one’s own emotions and those of others is essential in creating and maintaining a psychologically healthy and safe workplace. Emotional Intelligence (EI) has been talked about for several years but what is it really?  And, how do you develop it in yourself and others?

Dr. James Parker, faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Trent University has been studying this concept and will share his insights with us on Wednesday, December 6 as part of the Health at Work Breakfast Series.

This information session is ideal for HR professionals, occupational health and safety specialists, managers, and employees.  The session will be held at Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street.  Registration and continental breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m. with the formal session running from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.  The session fee is $15 and advance registration is required by November 30. Space is limited.  Learn more here.

Please contact Monique Beneteau with any questions at 705-743-1000, ext. 309 or mbeneteau@peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

 

November 14, 2017 – To view the meeting summary of the November Board of Health meeting click the image below. 171114 BOH Meeting Summary Nov 8

November 3, 2017  – Location: Curve Lake Community Centre, Curve Lake First Nation

Media and the community are advised that the Board of Health will meet on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in the Government Services Building, located at 22 Winookeedaa Street, Curve Lake First Nation.

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.

-30-

For further information, please contact:

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