June 12, 2014 – More info is also available at:

City of Peterborough’s website

Family HEALTHline
705-743-1000

Art Gallery of Peterborough
705-743-9179
http://www.agp.on.ca

Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Located on Little Lake adjacent to Del Crary Park.
Free admission to gallery for parents and children of all ages.
Fee subsidy available for summer camps, call 705-772-7777, ext. 1827.

Beaches
http://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/2014/05/30/back-in-the-swim-of-things/
705-743-1000

There are many local beaches and playgrounds with free swimming and sand play.  Check the above website for water quality reports before you go.  Beavermead Beach on Ashburnham Drive and Rogers Cove on Maria Street will have lifeguards seven days a week, from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., June 27 to August 24, 2014.  Both beaches have washrooms. Remember to pack your hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and lots of water for drinking.

Bikeways and Trails
http://peterboroughmoves.com/maps-resources/
705-743-7777, ext. 1485

Enjoy a walk, stroller or bike ride along one of Peterborough’s many trails.  There are many in town and in the county.  Visit the website for many printable maps and details.  Printed copies of the maps are available at the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Green-Up, Kawartha Tourism, Wild Rock Outfitters and Peterborough Public Health.

Ecology Park
http://www.greenup.on.ca/ecology-park/
705-745-3238, ext. 212
1867 Ashburnham St.

Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Ecology Park is a 5 acre park which is part of the Trans-Canada Trail.  There are special theme gardens, for example, children’s, butterfly, and wildlife.  Bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens.

First Rider Program
www.stsco.ca
1-800-757-0307

Friday, August 22, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 23, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lansdowne Place, 645 Lansdowne Street, West, Peterborough

This school bus safety program is strongly encouraged for young children and parents as it is especially important for children who will be riding the bus for the first time in September.  Each session runs for 30 minutes on the hour and half hour and includes a ride on a school bus.

Jackson Park
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Peterborough_Parks/Jackson_Park.htm|
705-742-7777

Located off of Parkhill Road, Jackson Park is a wonderful place to spend the day with friends and family.  The upper area of Jackson Park has a playground structure, picnic tables, washrooms and area to sit in the shade. There is a beautiful trail running through the park with a picturesque forest and creek running throughout.

Jackson Park has 2 entrances; one located at the Monaghan Road and Parkhill Road intersection and the other located at the corner of Parkhill Road and Fairbairn Street.  For more information please contact the City of Peterborough at the phone number above.

Junior Parks Program
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Junior_Parks.htm
705-742-7777, ext. 1805

Drop-in program for children ages 4-8, however parents are reminded that they need to stay in the park while the program is being offered.

Part-time summer student employees of the Recreation Division will offer games, crafts and special theme days in the parks.  All Junior parks staff are HIGH FIVE certified.

City of Peterborough Parks:

Lakefield Literary Festival:  CHILDREN’S TENT EVENT
http://lakefieldliteraryfestival.com/event/celebration-at-the-childrens-tent/

Saturday, July 12, 2014 – 9:30 a.m. at Cenotaph Park, Lakefield,
Free Admission for everyone to the Children’s Tent only; all other events require tickets to be purchased.
Author Sheree Fitch will entertain from her classic books, Mable Murple, Sleeping Dragons All Around, Toes in my Nose, and her newest book, Singily Skipping Along.  Author/Illustrator Werner Zimmermann is an enthusiastic presenter who is well-known for his Farmer Joe series, Pippin the Christmas Pig and A Porcupine in a Pine Tree.  Werner’ presentation will involve an interactive element and there is a rumour that chickens may be involved!

Lovesick Lake Community Action Program for Children
http://www.llnwa.com/#!community-action-program-for-children-/c152e
Call Melody Benson at 705-652-8787

For parents with children between the ages of 0-6 years of age and of Aboriginal Ancestry.  Child care is provided.  This program provides food supplements, nutritional education, referrals, adult and child socialization, one on one supports, cultural teachings and much, much more….

Meet-ups for Moms and/or Dads
www.meetup.com

Meetups are neighbours getting together to learn something, do something, and share something.

Old Millbrook School Family Centre
www.millbrookfamilycentre.com
705-932-7088

1 Dufferin St., lower level, Millbrook

Drop-in program for children (0-6 years) and their parents/caregivers

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Other activities also planned throughout the summer.

Parks and Trails
www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Free_in_Peterborough/Parks___Trails.htm

To obtain a map or an Outdoor Adventure Guide call 705-742-2201

The uniquely diverse topography of Peterborough & the Kawarthas creates endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, and trail systems of varying use and terrain types are among the region’s best features.

Peterborough Family Resource Centre/Ontario Early Years Centre
CLOSED for July and August

Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/visit/visit12.aspx
705-750-4950  

353 Hunter Street East
The Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre is located next to Lock 21-Peterborough Lift Lock and has free admission, exhibits and movies.
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The web site has interactive activities; 3-D tours, youth zone, photo gallery, games and other fun activities.

Peterborough Museum and Archives
www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca
705-743-5180

Museum Drive at 300 Hunter Street East (Armour Hill)

Year-round Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm.
Year-round Weekends & Holidays, 12 noon to 5:00 pm.
Barrier-Free Access, Free Parking, Picnic Facilities.

Admission to museum exhibitions is by donation.
Special events may require a separate entrance fee.

Peterborough Musicfest
http://www.ptbomusicfest.ca
Free outdoor concerts for all ages at Del Crary Park

Wednesday and Saturday, June 28 to Aug 27, 2014.

Concerts begin at 8:00 p.m.

There is no smoking in the park.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on, DEET insect repellent, and water for drinking.

Peterborough Public Library
http://www.peterborough.library.on.ca/kids.htm

Main Branch:  345 Aylmer St. Peterborough, 705-745-5382

Summer hours:           Monday – Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Delafosse Branch:  727 Parks St. S., Peterborough, 705-745-8653

Summer hours:           Tuesday – Thurs, 2:30 – 7:30 pm

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Closed Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Both branches have Summer Reading Clubs for all ages from preschool to teens:

Children http://www.peterborough.library.on.ca/Assets/Library+Assets/Documents/Kids/Kids+Summer+Flyer.pdf

Teens/Youth  http://www.peterborough.library.on.ca/Assets/Library+Assets/Documents/Teens/Teen+Summer+Flyer.pdf

There are many fun workshops and events.  Most events are free, however some have a small fee for supplies.  Please visit the library website or pick up a listing of events at the library.

Always available free are books, magazines, DVDs, computer and internet and Peterborough Healthy Families Resources, www.peterboroughhealthyfamilies.ca

Peterborough County Libraries

Contact your local library for information about their free summer programs.

Asphodel-Norwood Public Library
http://www.anpl.org/at-your-library/childrens-services/
705-696-2744

Cavan Monaghan Libraries
http://www.cavanmonaghanlibraries.ca/
Millbrook Branch – 705-932-2919

Curve Lake First Nation Public Library
http://clfnpubliclibrary.webs.com/
705-657-3217

North Kawartha Library
http://www.northkawarthalibrary.com/index_files/Page342.htm

Apsley – 705-656-4333

Otonabee –South Monaghan Library
http://www.otosoumon.library.on.ca/

Bailieboro Library – 705-939-6510

Gayle Nelson Keene Library – 705-295-6814

Stewart Hall Library – 705-749-5642
Selwyn Public Library
http://www.mypubliclibrary.ca/programs1.htm#Fall

Bridgenorth – 705-292-5065

Ennismore – 705-292-8022

Lakefield – 705-652-8623

Riverview Park and Zoo
www.peterboroughutilities.ca/Park_and_Zoo.htm

1230 Water Street, North, Peterborough

Open Daily, 8:30 a.m. – Dusk

• Splash pad, playground, picnic shelters, disc golf, 27 exhibits, 48 species
• “Meet the Keeper” – Monday – Friday at 1:00 p.m.; meet zoo staff and their animals.
• Otter feeding daily at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 pm.
• Free musical concerts at the gazebo on Sundays, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. all summer long.  Remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
• Miniature Train operates 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily, $2 per person over 2 years of age for a 15 minute ride.
• Visit the web site for a virtual tour and fact sheets about the animals.

Sports Facilities http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Free_in_Peterborough/Sports___Exercise.htm

There are numerous facilities available free for community use, including baseball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer and lacrosse fields, basketball courts, a disc (frisbee) golf course, a skateboard park, and beach volleyball courts.

Swim to Survive
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation.htm
705-742-7777, ext. 1873

Advance registration required.

Program runs every Wednesday from July 2 – 30, 2014.

Free drowning prevention program for children 5-12 years of age.  The goal is to provide children with basic swimming techniques to help them survive a fall into water.  This is NOT a swimming lesson – but an excellent opportunity to familiarize children with water.

Wading Pools
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Public_Beaches__Wading_Pools___Splash_Pads.htm

705-742-7777, ext. 1873

Open June 27 – August 24, 2014

Supervised daily, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Small, shallow pools are suitable for young children to approximately 8 years of age.

Please note:  Children must not be left alone in the park without appropriate adult supervision.

• Barnardo Park, 955 Barnardo Avenue  (Northminster Ave. and Sunset Blvd.)
• Knights of Columbus Park, 5 Park Street, North (Park St. and Lake St.)
• Turner Park, 673 Chamberlain Street, (High St. and Chamberlain St.)
• Otonabee Park, (Southlawn Dr. and Severn Rd.)
• John Taylor Memorial Park, 500 McKellar Street, (McKellar St. & Catherine St.)

Whetungs’ Ojibway Art Gallery
www.whetung.com

705-657-3661

Curve Lake, Buckhorn

Open Daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Whetung Centre contains the art gallery, museum and craft store, is open year round and offers free admission, free parking, wheelchair access, and picnic area.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program
http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/en/what-we-do#hta

Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a charitable program that helps kids in financial need aged 4-18 participate in organized sport and recreation activities.

The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program works with community organizations to form local Chapters that identify and approve the children who receive support.  If you would like to apply for your child to receive support, please call our central toll free call centre (1-877-616-6600).  Based on your postal code and town/city information you will be provided a contact on the closest Canadian Tire Jumpstart chapter so your request can be processed locally.

Faith Based Camps:

Hope Valley Day Camp
www.hopevalley.ca
705-652-6850

2882 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield

Day camp for all children ages 7-17 years, divided into 3 groups; 7-8 years, 9-12 years, 13-17 years.  Fee is by donation only.  A bus will pick children up at 20 locations throughout Peterborough.  Registration form, camp themes, and a bus schedule can be found on the website.

January 23, 2014 – Free Special Event on January 25 at Peterborough Square Open to All Families

Talk is not cheap when it comes to helping children develop strong literacy skills like reading and writing.

Family Literacy Day is Monday, January 27 and in the lead up to the event, Peterborough Public Health and the local Preschool Speech and Language Program are encouraging parents and grandparents to talk, listen, play and read with their children to help promote better literacy skills.

“Practising literacy together every day has tremendous benefits for children,” says Leisa Baker, a Public Health Nurse with Public Health and member of the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge Preschool Speech and Language Program. “Not only are strong literacy skills essential for children to reach their full potential, but they also contribute to healthy growth and development, improved speech and language, an interest in lifelong learning and future success in school.”

Baker says there are a variety of ways families can encourage literacy skills, including reading a book at bedtime, visiting the library, singing rhymes, playing a board game together, telling jokes, or reading a recipe together.

“Spending just 15 minutes a day talking and reading together can dramatically increase a child’s development and literacy,” she says.

In Peterborough, a Family Literacy Day event is planned for Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Peterborough Square.  All families are welcomed to take part in this free community event featuring children’s crafts and activities, literacy displays, raffle draws and a free book to take home. Click here or visit the KidTalk website at www.kidtalk.on.ca to learn more about the celebration.

To help celebrate Family Literacy Day, families can check with their local library or Ontario Early Years Centre to see if there are special events planned or visit ABC Life Literacy Canada (www.abclifeliteracy.ca) for resources and ideas on how to celebrate literacy at home.

Baker points to grocery shopping as an example. “Get your child to help you write a grocery list, then look for letters or words on signs in the supermarket,” she says.

For more ideas on speech and language development, visit the Preschool Speech and Language Program website Kidtalk (www.kidtalk.on.ca).

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For further information, please contact:

Laura Murray
Children’s Library Services
Peterborough Public Library
705-745-5382, ext. 2362

December 18, 2013 – The Peterborough Public Health reported the first local lab-confirmed case of seasonal influenza today.

“The case is lab-confirmed cases for influenza A, and we now know that seasonal influenza is circulating in our local population,” 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 – it’s not too late.”

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 the walk-in clinic at Lansdowne Place Mall above the Supercentre.

The Public Health is also offering by-appointment clinics exclusively for families of young children under five years old at its location on 185 King Street on the following dates:

Saturday, December 21, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

                Saturday, January 4, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

                Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To book an appointment, please call 705-743-1000, ext. 139.

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

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence, Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

December 16, 2013 – Please see the following link:

Thousands More Children and Youth to Receive Free Dental Care

December 12, 2013 – 2013 Oral Health Status Report Highlights Need for Better Access to Dental Care for Low-Income Residents

Last night the Peterborough County-City Board of Health learned that crude rates* for local Emergency Department (ED) visits for oral health problems are 65% greater than provincial rates. Young adults, aged 20 to 29 years accounted for the greatest proportion of ED visits.

“It’s disturbing to see this increased strain on our emergency hospital services, but more importantly, it tells us we have a problem with many residents possibly suffering unnecessarily and turning to the Emergency Department for urgent help,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health upon the release of Peterborough Public Health’s 2013 Oral Health Status Report.  “We now know that one-third of local residents do not have dental insurance. Over half of our seniors have no dental insurance and only 65% of young adults are covered. This report confirms what public health and social service agencies see on a daily basis – that the lack of affordable dental care is contributing to poorer overall health in our community.”

Oral health is an integral part of overall health and well-being and it has been shown that poor oral health may be associated with some major systematic disease such as diabetes and heart disease.  In addition, dental diseases can severely affect one’s quality of life by causing considerable pain and discomfort as well as interfering with normal activities such as social interactions, work and school tasks. Children who experience dental decay early in life are shown to lag behind others in terms of growth and learning abilities.

Oral diseases are mostly preventable.  However, once such conditions develop, they impose significant direct and indirect costs on individuals as well as society.  For instance, it has been estimated that in 2009 approximately 40 million hours of school and work were lost due to dental conditions in Canada.

Other highlights from the report include:

• Abscesses and toothaches were the most common reason for visits to the ED
• Approximately three-quarters of junior kindergarten students are cavity-free
• In 2009/2010, three quarters of Peterborough residents reported that they had visited the dentist in the past 12 months
• One in six Peterborough residents have had a tooth removed by a dentist in the last 12 months and more than half of those are due to decay or gum disease
• The most common reason for not visiting a dentist in the past three years was cost
• One-quarter of people in Peterborough do not brush their teeth twice or more daily

Given the findings of this report, the following actions are recommended as priorities for the Peterborough County-City Board of Health and its partners:

• Promote and support policies and provisions for continued access to optimally fluoridated community drinking water;
• Maintain, and expand where possible, the current level of data collection concerning oral health;
• Continue to remove barriers (such as financial eligibility thresholds) to accessing dental services including operating the Community Dental Health Centre and the Mobile Dental Health Centre; and
• Work in partnership with community champions to maintain the emergency dental fund, and develop health promotional materials and increase the profile of oral health importance in Peterborough.

The Public Health conducts annual dental screening of school children to assess their oral health status and advise parents of programs available to provide urgent dental care.  The Public Health also runs a Community Dental Health Centre in downtown Peterborough and a Mobile Dental Health Centre throughout the county to provide dental services to eligible clients receiving social assistance.

A copy of the report can be found on Public Health’s website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca in the About Us section under “Plans and Reports”.

*Note:  Crude rate is the total number of events relative to the total population (per 100,000) during a specified period of time.

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For further information, please contact:

Sarah Tanner
Oral Health Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 207

December 9, 2013 – Include Books on Your Holiday Shopping List to Boost Children’s Speech and Language Skills

Local residents can turn a page on the usual holiday gift-giving ideas by including the printed word for children on their shopping lists.

Reading books that are interesting, engaging and age-appropriate can be a great way for adults and children to spend quality time together. Reading helps to improve children’s speech and language skills, according to Peterborough Public Health.

“Books are a great stocking stuffer or gift item to put under the tree,” says Leisa Baker, a Public Health Nurse with Public Health. “For a low-tech item, books can be high-impact when it comes to improving children’s communication skills and nurturing their love of reading.”

In Ontario, it is estimated one in ten preschool children has a communication delay. Reading with a child can head off potential problems, since it stimulates speech and language development as adults share new words and meanings. This, she notes, provides an essential building block for success in school.

Baker’s advice for wrapping up the ideal book for the holiday season is simple: “Be sure it is age-appropriate, and something that your child will want to pick up and read.” Giving a child the choice to pick his or her own book can also add to the fun and excitement about a new book for the holidays.  Gift certificates to a local bookstore can spur children to choose a book that they are more likely to read.

If children are dreaming about high-tech gadgets this holiday season, families may want to consider an electronic book reader to fulfill gift expectations – and encourage reading.  If costs are an obstacle to gift-giving, taking a child to the local library over the holidays and getting him or her to sign up for a library card can be a more affordable strategy.  Baker adds, “It can give them independence and ownership to what they want to read, as well as introduce them to a world of books that’s available at their fingertips.”

For local residents who have questions about ways to encourage reading, or who want to find out more about their child’s speech and language skills, visit www.kidtalk.on.ca or call Public Health at 705-743-1000.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Officer
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

December 2, 2013 – Wouldurather Contest Launches Today To Help Young Adults Kick the Habit

Young adults aged 18-29 who want to quit smoking can now get free nicotine replacement therapy (patch or gum) through the WouldURather contest that launched today.

“This is a great contest designed to help young smokers wherever they are in their quitting journey,” said Mary Pat Fasken, Public Health Nurse with Peterborough Public Health.  “There are rewards for those who commit to simply limit their smoking, and significant support for those who decide to quit for good by providing eligible participants with free nicotine patches or gun to maximize their chances of success.”  Mrs. Fasken noted that in Peterborough, about 286 deaths every year are caused by tobacco use.

To register you must be an Ontario resident between the ages of 18 and 29.  Contestants select one of the following challenges:

Quit For Good: Daily smokers pledge to be completely smoke-free for 8 weeks.  Eligible smokers can receive 8 weeks of nicotine replacement therapy delivered right to their doorstep.

Keep The Count: Daily smokers agree to halve their tobacco consumption for 6 weeks.

Party Without The Smoke: Any smoker, but especially social smokers, agree to abstain from smoking when drinking alcohol for 6 weeks.

Don’t Start & Win: Non-smokers and ex-smokers pledge to remain smoke-free.

All contestants register with a “buddy,” and receive motivational emails from Leave The Pack Behind throughout the contest period. Contestants can win up to $2,500.

Visit www.wouldurather.ca for more information and to register. Further details about the contest are available by visiting http://www.leavethepackbehind.org/contest_faq.php

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence, Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

August 30, 2013 – International Overdose Awareness Day is Saturday, August 31

Overdose Prevention Program Pilot Begins in Peterborough

This Saturday, August 31, is a day known around the globe as International Overdose Awareness Day established to commemorate loved ones lost due to overdoses on alcohol and other drugs.

Wearing silver on August 31 honours the thousands of lives lost to preventable overdoses, while also acknowledging and supporting the mourning process of those friends and family members left behind.

“Anyone can fall victim to an overdose; young or old, first-time or long-time users, those using as prescribed or those experimenting,” said Deanna VandenBroek, Health Promoter with the Substance Misuse Prevention Program at Peterborough Public Health. “Accidental overdose is the third leading cause of unintentional death in Ontario – a figure comparable to traffic fatalities.”

Each year in Peterborough City, County and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, an average of 17 people lose their life due to overdoses on alcohol and other drugs. The most recent data (2011) shows that a quarter of overdose deaths in Peterborough City and County were due specifically to opioids (pain relievers), such as heroin, fentanyl and OxyContin.

A group of partner organizations involved with the Peterborough Drug Strategy have been working together to develop and implement an overdose prevention program in Peterborough over the last two years.  A pilot program began in July 2013 which involves providing information and training sessions on how to avoid an overdose and also how to respond to an overdose emergency. More specifically, the training covers recognizing an overdose, calling 911, basic CPR, the rescue position and how to administer Naloxone.  Naloxone is an antidote drug that temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose, mainly respiratory depression, putting a person into withdrawal until an ambulance can arrive.  For the first time in our community (as of August 20, 2013), Naloxone is being provided to those at risk of overdosing on opioids. Such efforts to provide overdose prevention training and Naloxone have been shown to save lives.

More information on overdose awareness and prevention can be found at www.overdoseday.com or www.peterboroughdrugstrategy.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

Deanna VandenBroek,
Health Promoter, Substance Misuse Prevention Program
Ph: 705-743-1000 Ext: 223

April 17, 2013 – $20,000 Needed to Help Local Adults Living on Low-Incomes Access Urgent Dental Care

In recognition of Oral Health Month, a new fundraising campaign launched today by the Basic Needs Committee hopes to raise $20,000 to help hundreds of local adults living on low-incomes and who don’t qualify for government assistance access emergency dental services.

“The Dental Treatment Assistance Fund (DTAF) exists to help those who have no other way to get the urgent dental care they need,” said Brenda Dales, Chair, Basic Needs Committee, a sub-group of the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network.  “Even though public health clinics are heavily booked providing much-needed dental care to children and families who qualify for government assistance programs, many still do not qualify because the income eligibility criteria were set too low. Reports of people whose teeth are falling out, or who are pulling their own teeth to obtain relief, are not uncommon.”

“Public health receives at least 15 calls per week from individuals living on low incomes who are suffering from acute dental pain caused by infection or trauma and we often advise that there is nothing we can do to help because they do not qualify for government assistance programs,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health with Peterborough Public Health. “For many, DTAF is their only option.”  Dr. Salvaterra noted that 1 in 5 Ontarians  do not visit a dentist because they cannot afford it.

DTAF is funded strictly by donations and provides up to $200 per calendar year to adults in Peterborough City and County who are unable to afford the urgent dental care they require, have no form of dental coverage and are ineligible for government assistance. In 2012, a total of 115 people between the ages of 18 and 82 received support from DTAF. So far in 2013, 24 adults have been able to access urgent dental care because of DTAF. The average cost of emergency treatment from the fund was $122 per person.

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

July 3, 2012 – Adults and Infants Advised to Get Vaccinated as Pertussis Circulates Across Ontario
Ten local cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been reported to Peterborough Public Health since March 2012 prompting it to advise local residents to get vaccinated to prevent the further spread of this potentially dangerous disease for young infants.

“We are currently seeing a rise in pertussis cases locally similar to what is occurring elsewhere in the province so now is the time for infants and the adults to get immunized,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “The good news is that the vaccine is available free of charge from your healthcare provider.Pertussis can be quite unpleasant but for newborns and infants it can be deadly. At first, symptoms are similar to those of the common cold. They can include a runny nose, red watery eyes, mild fever and cough. The cough worsens until the infected individual experiences severe coughing spells, associated with gasping or choking, or both, which is characterized by the distinctive “whooping” sound upon inhalation. These bouts of severe coughing can continue over a period ranging from six to 12 weeks.
Young infants may experience complications such as vomiting after a coughing spell, weight loss, breathing problems, choking spells, pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, and in rare cases, death.
From January 1 to April 30, 2012, Public Health Ontario reported an increase in pertussis in the province compared to previous years. The increase is mainly due to an ongoing outbreak in seven southwestern Ontario health units. . At the beginning of June 2012, almost 200 cases have been confirmed across the province. These cases have occurred mostly in unimmunized children and adults. Beyond the outbreak, a provincial increase in possibly unrelated cases is currently under investigation and may be associated with the cyclical nature of pertussis.
Residents are advised to consult their healthcare provider if they are unsure if they have been immunized against pertussis. Those without a healthcare provider can book an appointment at Public Health Immunization Clinic at (705) 743-1000.

Family members should see their healthcare provider if anyone in their household has a cough that lasts longer than a week. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis, and to make sure infected individuals get treatment and avoid close contact with newborns and infants.
In addition to vaccination, proper hand washing can help prevent the spread of pertussis, as well as other infectious diseases.

Further information is available on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and in the accompanying Media Fact Sheet: Pertussis.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Officer
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391