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December 29, 2017 – Alert Covers the City and County of Peterborough and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations

Peterborough Public Health is extending the Frostbite Alert issued December 26, 2017 because of forecasted nightly wind chill values of -27°C or lower from December 29, 2017 to January 1, 2018.  Temperatures are expected to rise above the Frostbite Alert level during the day of January 1, 2018.

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 Peterborough 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, Peterborough 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 the Health Unit’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found at www.pcchu.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

 

When the weather gets this cold, please check in on others like the elderly to make sure they are staying warm enough.  If you must go outside, do dress appropriately by covering up as much as possible as frostbite can develop very quickly on exposed skin during periods of extreme cold. Wear waterproof and windproof outer layers, as brightly coloured as possible if you’re going to be out in the snow, and choose warm mittens instead of gloves.  Avoid getting wet and change into dry clothing as soon as possible if you do get wet from precipitation, sweat or from falling in water.

December 26, 2017 – Alert Covers the City and County of Peterborough and

Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations

Peterborough Public Health has issued the second Frostbite Alert of the season because of forecasted nightly wind chill values of -27 or lower from December 26 to 29. Temperatures are expected to rise above Frostbite Alert criteria during the late evening of Friday, December 29, 2017.

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 Peterborough 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, Peterborough 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 the Health Unit’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found at www.pcchu.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

December 18, 2017 – To view the meeting summary of the December Board of Health meeting click the image below:

BOH Meeting Summary December

 

 

December 15, 2017 – Online Donations for Breakfast Programs, a Perfect Holiday Gift for Teachers

Looking for an extra special way to celebrate your child’s teachers this holiday season?  Make an easy, online donation to Food for Kids at www.FoodforKidsPtbo.ca to support your school’s breakfast club.

Teacher’s note that well-nourished children are better able to concentrate and learn and often show better behaviour and attitudes when nutrition programs are offered.  Thank a teacher by helping kids start their school day with healthy food!  “Giving to your local breakfast programs this holiday season in lieu of gifts is a great way to make a positive difference in Peterborough City and County – it’s a gift that gives more!” said Luisa Magalhaes, Registered Dietitian.  “Donations are the backbone of Food for Kids’ student nutrition programs across the city and county, so we’re inviting families and community members to make a donation online that recognizes someone special while helping our students be well-nourished and ready to learn.”  Food for Kids Peterborough and County is a non-profit community partnership that has supported breakfast programs in local schools for 25 years.

Donations made to Food for Kids can be directed to specific school programs.  Online donors are able to personalize an e-card for the honored educator.  To make a donation, visit www.FoodforKidsPtbo.ca, click on “Donate Now”, select “Food for Kids” and note the school in the comment box.  Tax receipts are available.

In the 2016/2017 school year, 15,902 students had access to breakfast programs in 48 schools throughout Peterborough City and County.

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For further information, please contact:

Lauren Kennedy, RD

Public Health Nutritionist

705-743-1000, ext. 243

Love My Life Art Gala: December 18

Media and Community Invited to Drop In – Remarks at 6:15 p.m.

On Monday, December 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the community and media partners are invited to a gala event showcasing the artwork of local youth who explored tobacco use prevention through positive self-expression.

What are you passionate about that you need your lungs for? This was the question posed to the group who participated in the Love My Life (LML) Tobacco Free workshops that ran for six weeks at the Art School of Peterborough in partnership with Peterborough Public Health.

“The Art School was privileged to be a part of the Love My Life Creative Art Series. It gave teens an opportunity to think outside the box and experience art-making in a whole new way,” said Jenni Johnston, Art School of Peterborough. “Mental, spiritual and physical health is very important to teach our younger community.”

Ms. Johnston noted that this program provided participants with valuable tools to deal with everyday obstacles, and then encourages them to convey their own message into the community about the benefits of health. With a 3D sculpture made of simple everyday objects, they learn that they can convey a message through their artwork.

“This one of my favourite programs to offer. The final artwork is breathtaking when you see all the pieces together. The student are proud of their work and it is truly amazing to see,” she said.

This free event is drop-in style and refreshments will be available. All are welcome to attend. For more information about the event, please contact Nancy Pye, Youth Development Worker, Peterborough Public Health at npye@peterboroughpublichealth.ca or 705-743-1000, ext. 321.

The Art School of Peterborough is located at 174A Charlotte St., Peterborough, ON, in the Charlotte Mews.

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For further information, please contact:

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

December 13, 2017 – Alert Covers the City and County of Peterborough and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations

Weather Alert - COLD L1Peterborough Public Health has issued the first Frostbite Alert of the season because of forecasted wind chill values of -28 or lower from December 13 to 14. Temperatures are expected to rise above Frostbite Alert criteria during the late evening of Thursday, December 14, 2017

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 Peterborough 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, Peterborough 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.

….continued

 

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 the Health Unit’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found at www.pcchu.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

 

While many of us can handle a cold spell, frostbite and other cold weather injuries are a real risk for young infants, the elderly, those with blood circulation conditions, and for people who don’t have stable housing.  Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia, and check in on anyone you know who may be vulnerable to extreme cold to ensure they are kept warm.

December 12, 2017 – Peterborough Public Health Offering December 20 Workshop and Other Support Programs to Help!

If you are considering a new year’s resolution to quit smoking, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is pleased to offer support to help you get there.

“Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do to improve your life and health. You can quit smoking forever with planning, some new skills, motivation and support,” said Serena Jewer, Public Health Nurse who has helped dozens of local residents successfully stop smoking. “Even if you slip up, don’t stop trying to quit!”

Peterborough Public Health is excited to offer the following opportunities to help local residents quit smoking:

  • On Wednesday, December 20, 2017 PPH will host a STOP on the Road workshop where eligible individuals receive a group presentation and a free five-week kit of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to support their quit attempt.
  • Choose to be…Smoke Free is a free tobacco cessation support program that provides one-on-one behavioural counselling with a public health nurse and free NRT.
  • A support group for women who want to quit or have recently quit starts on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. A $10 gift card as well as cost-free NRT will be provided for each session. Help with transportation and childcare is also available.

It’s well-known that quitting smoking may improve the length and quality of your life. When you give up cigarettes, your body starts to renew itself as early as the first day of quitting. You may live longer and reduce your chance of developing heart disease, cancer, breathing problems, and infections.  Even those who have developed smoking-related problems like heart disease can benefit. Compared to continuing to smoke, people who quit smoking after having a heart attack may reduce their chances of having another heart attack by as much as 50%. By quitting, you will also lower the chance that people around you will have health problems from second-hand smoke.
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For further information, please contact:

Serena Jewer, Public Health Nurse
Tobacco Use Prevention Program
705-743-1000, ext. 330

December 11, 2017 – Peterborough Family Health Team, PRHC and Peterborough Public Health working together to ensure your healthcare needs are covered over the holidays. Read more…

 

December 11, 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, December 13, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.

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

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

December 6, 2017 – Local Families Encouraged to Include a Book for a Child as Part of Their Holiday Gift-Giving

Call them ‘presents’ of mind, and an opportunity to start a new holiday gift-giving tradition at your home.

Local families are encouraged to include a gift-wrapped book among the presents that children will open this holiday season. Peterborough Public Health is again promoting the Book on Every Bed campaign (www.familyreading.org/great-ideas/a-book-on-every-bed). Started several years ago in New York State, the Book on Every Bed campaign is designed to support child literacy while encouraging a life-long love of reading.

“Books may seem old-fashioned, but are a great way to unplug from electronic devices,” says Leisa Baker, a Public Health Nurse with Peterborough Public Health. “Reading supports a child’s speech and language skills, which is critical for future success in life. Parents and children can also spend quality time together reading and exploring new worlds in books.”

Taking part in the Book on Every Bed campaign is as easy as one, two, three:

  1. Select a book, either a new, donated or cherished one. Make the choice meaningful, by finding a book with a topic that interests the child. Parents can also share a favourite book from their own childhood. To make the book even more special, include a heart-felt inscription in it.
  2. Wrap it. A book that is carefully wrapped holds the mystery of what story or adventure is waiting to be discovered, and presents the book as the special gift it’s meant to be for a child.
  3. Place the book at the foot of a child’s bed. This ensures it will be the first thing a child sees on Christmas morning, the first day of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, birthday or any holiday that is celebrated.

“Selecting a book that is age-appropriate and appealing to a child’s own interests makes it more likely to be picked up and enjoyed,” Baker adds. For example, toddlers and preschoolers may be drawn to books with repetitive and rhyming text, plenty of pictures and interactive features such as holes or flaps for lifting. For older children less inclined to read, a story with an exciting plot is more likely to grab their attention and make them want to read.

To further support reading and child speech skills, local residents can visit the KidTalk website (www.kidtalk.on.ca) or call Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000.

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For further information, please contact:

Leisa Baker, Public Health Nurse
705-743-1000 ext. 312