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February 28, 2018 – Public Health Sector Serves Key Role in Advancing Health Equity

All Ontarians should have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible, says Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

In his new annual report, Improving the Odds: Championing Health Equity in Ontario, Dr. Williams calls on all sectors to work collectively on community development in order to address the social, economic and environmental barriers to good health.

e notes that well-designed community initiatives supporting social cohesion are key to improving health outcomes. The public health sector is well-positioned to lead these efforts locally.

In the report, Dr. Williams further endorses:

  • Urgent action to identify “outbreaks” of health inequities, and plan effective and sustainable interventions through community development
  • Working system-wide and government-wide to tackle complex health equity issues
  • Providing data to understand health inequities and inform community development efforts.

Strategic investments in health equity research, partnerships and data will help improve the odds for good health throughout Ontario, the report says. These investments will be repaid through better individual health outcomes, healthier communities and lower health care and social costs.

QUOTES

“Public health units have the expertise, interconnectivity and experience to lead community development, which can reduce inequities through its mitigating effects on poor health outcomes.  My report calls for system-wide and cross-government action to advance health equity in our province.”

— Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health

“The Peterborough area is a great example of how communities can mobilize in creative ways to address health inequities like income and food insecurity.  Dr. Williams’ report clearly shows how these local initiatives must connect to broader system-wide changes to sustainably improve public health. Only then can we effectively narrow the gap in health outcomes.”

— Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health, Peterborough Public Health

QUICK FACTS

 

  • Health is influenced by many factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices and social determinants of health, such as income, education, access to health services, and the social and physical environments.
  • People who experience high rates of health inequities and poorer health outcomes are more likely to become high users of health services. The top five per cent of service users account for 55 per cent of health care spending.

 

LEARN MORE

 

 

For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)

Media Contact:

David Jensen, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

416-314-6197

ontario.ca/health-news

Disponible en français

 

March 26, 2018 –

Three dates to choose from:
Monday, February 12 – with Steph Benn and Micky Renders
Wednesday, March 21 – with Julie Brown
Thursday, April 5 – with Steph Benn and Micky Renders 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Peterborough Public Health Anstruther, Buckhorn and Chemong Lake Rooms 2 nd Floor, 185 King Street, Peterborough Light refreshments provided.

This experiential workshop provides an introduction for teachers to mindfulness; what it is and how it might help you develop strategies to stay resilient in these challenging times. It is proven that how we take care of ourselves through times of stress accurately depicts how well we can respond to our students. Teacher well-being is vital to a compassionate, thriving school environment. Come find out more! To register for these FREE workshops or for more information, contact Ann at 705-743-1000, ext. 330 or email abawtinheimer@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

Walking barefoot in the sand may be a liberating experience here in the Kawarthas, but beware of parasites if that beach is somewhere in the tropics. Recent headlines about tourists to the Dominican Republic who contracted larva migrans from their beach exposure serve as reminder that travel carries its risks –  some minor, others not – and there’s nothing like some pre-departure preparation to help prevent both illness and injury when you are away from home.

Anecdotally, I’ve learned that people in Peterborough love to travel – whether it’s families heading south for a holiday, young people heading out for an adventure, or retired individuals booking exotic cruises or tours. To keep our residents safe during and after travel, Peterborough Public Health offers travellers targeted counselling depending on destination and itinerary. An important caveat: It’s important to book early – at least eight weeks before departure – to allow time for the administration of vaccines, like hepatitis A, typhoid or even Yellow Fever which may be mandatory for entry at a border. Other immunizations, though not mandatory, are recommended depending on the risks present at the destination. Travel is also a great opportunity to make sure all of your routine immunizations like influenza, tetanus or measles are up to date, as the risk may be increased in many countries without universal healthcare and immunization programs.

Rabies is on our list for potentially warranted pre-travel immunizations, especially for travel to remote and rural areas of Asia or Africa where tens of thousands die each year from rabies, 99% of it transmitted by domestic dogs. Japanese Encephalitis and Meningococcal Meningitis vaccines may also be recommended, depending on destination and time of year. But some infectious diseases do not have vaccines. Many are spread through insect bites, like mosquito-borne Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika and West Nile disease. Others are carried by ticks or sand flies. Some by small parasites released by snails into fresh water. Different strategies can help prevent these illnesses, including the use of anti-malarials, repellents and bed nets or avoiding the exposure in the first place by not swimming in fresh water where schistosomiasis is present.

Whether a country has safe water and sanitation determines the risk from food and water. Being able to safely drink water from the tap can’t be taken for granted in many parts of the world. A two-step process of filtration and disinfection may be required for those who can’t purchase safe bottled water. Bottled water poses its own risks on this planet as plastics threaten ecosystems and vulnerable species. As do plastic bags and other garbage that beg us to reduce our consumption, whether we travel or not, and use biodegradable products whenever possible. Food can be a source of illness both at home and abroad – and there are destinations where avoiding all street food, any uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruit may be recommended. Remember to pack the hand sanitizer and use it liberally!

Although bugs and germs seem to be more worthy of human fear and disgust, actually injury is a serious risk for travellers and accounts for 18%-25% of traveller mortality abroad. Motor vehicle collisions, poorly maintained or regulated equipment or random violence are often greater risks than infectious diseases. We can’t depend on the same protection available to us here at home when it comes to the operation of roads, vehicles, boats, or sporting and entertainment venues. It’s “buyer beware”, and maybe even “buyer best to wait till back at home to try it” when it comes to activities that come with inherent risks.

The longer we stay in foreign countries, the greater the risk, usually. A quick one week in an all-inclusive resort will be less risky that two or three months of living with a local family or back-packing. Know your risks before you go, and make sure you are knowledgeable and prepared. If you are planning on being sexually active, protect yourself. Our most treasured resource is our health – travel should enhance it, not ruin it. Visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca for more information about our Travel Clinic.

February 16,  2018 – To view the meeting summary from the February Board of Health Meeting click the image below:

180214 BOH meeting summary

February 9, 2017 – Media and the community are advised that the next Board of Health meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 5:00 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

 

 

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