June 4, 2015 – Public Health Encourages Diners to View Food Safety Inspection Results Online
The Peterborough Public Health would like to remind residents and visitors that food safety inspection results are available online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca. The Public Health launched a food safety inspection disclosure system on their website in 2014, and this system allows the public to view local food premises inspection results conveniently online. Reports are available from January 2014 and are updated regularly.
Public health inspectors conduct over 2,000 food premises inspections, re-inspections and complaint visits each year. This online tool creates a new layer of accountability and transparency for food premises in the Peterborough area as inspection results can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca|My Home & Environment|My Community|Food Safety Inspection Disclosures.
Food safety inspections are based on seven different food safety categories, including: temperature control, utensil sanitation, food handler hygiene and general maintenance. Moderate and high risk premises are also required to have at least one Certified Food Handler onsite at all times in a supervisory position.
“The food safety disclosure program’s main goal is to reduce the risks of food borne illness in the community,” explained Atul Jain, Manager of Inspection Services. “This is accomplished by providing the general public with easy access to information about inspection outcomes allowing them to make informed decisions about where to dine. It also ensures owners and operators of food premises are in compliance with food safety regulations.”
The Peterborough Public Health inspects over 1,100 food premises per year. Premises include restaurants, supermarkets, butcher shops, cafeterias and kitchens in daycares. Inspection certificates indicating public health compliance are also provided for operators to display on the premises.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391
June 1, 2015 -Local Farms Provide Local Food to Help Local Schools Raise Funds
As Local Food Week gets underway, Public Health is tru
mpeting a unique fundraising program for schools that promotes Ontario grown food.
Now in its third year in Ontario, the Fresh from the Farm fundraiser recently expanded to the Peterborough area. The program enables students to sell locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of other food-related fundraising campaigns that traditionally offer less healthy and more processed food options. Registration for the program opened April 1, and will close October 1, with produce being delivered in November.
“This is certainly a distinct and innovative way for students to fundraise,” explains Luisa Magalhaes, Registered Dietician. “Rather than selling chocolate bars, cookie dough or fudge, students can now sell healthy food for their school fundraising campaign. Not only is this a healthier alternative, as all of us could eat more fruits and vegetables, it also reinforces the healthy eating messages students are learning in school.”
So far the provincial pilot has raised $72,000 for schools that receive 40 per cent of the total proceeds, as well as $150,000 going back to local farmers. Complete with a teacher kit, the fundraiser provides opportunities for students to learn about agriculture and healthy food choices outside of the classroom.
This program was designed to conform to the Government of Ontario’s Local Food Strategy and the School Food & Beverage Policy. Students who eat a healthy diet are more likely to be successful in school, and through this program the government is promoting healthier lifestyles. To register your school, or for more information, visit www.freshfromthefarm.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Luisa Magalhaes, RD, Public Health Nutritionist
705-743-1000, ext. 233
June 1, 2015 – Public Health Kicks off Beach Water Quality Testing Today –
Follow @PCCHU on Twitter for Regular Updates
With the official summer countdown underway, Public Health Inspectors from Peterborough Public Health will begin beach sampling for this year’s swimming season on Monday, June 1. Public beaches in the city and county will be regularly tested to ensure water quality conditions are safe for recreational use.
Local residents will be able to check the most recent status of public beaches at any time by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or by calling Public Health at 705-743-1000 during office hours. Residents are also encouraged to follow Public Health on Twitter @PCCHU for beach updates throughout the summer.
The routine surveillance program for all public beaches runs from June until August. The city beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead are sampled by Public Health Inspectors every business day, and public beaches in the county are sampled at least once a week, except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July and August.
Though PCCHU will always maintain its surveillance schedule, the following may result in unsafe levels of bacteria between sampling periods:
- Heavy rainfall High winds or wave activity
- Large numbers of water fowl Large numbers of swimmers
Some things that you are able to do to ensure the water quality remains safe:
- Do not feed waterfowl
- Do not let children swim in soiled diapers
- Pick up your garbage
- Clean up after your dog
Water samples will be submitted to the Peterborough Public Health Ontario Laboratory for bacteriological analysis. The water samples are going to be tested for E. coli bacteria, an indicator of fecal contamination in the water. It takes approximately 24 hours for Public Health to receive and analyze the water quality results from the lab.
If the results return with E. coli levels exceeding 100 E. coli cfu/100mL of water the public beach will be “posted”. This means the water is unsafe for recreational use, including swimming. When this happens, Public Health will post signs around the beach area to inform the public not to come into contact with the water as it is a potential threat to human health. The next level of public awareness would be to post the beach as “closed”. This is when a significant risk to human health and safety has been identified. This results when there are such signs of hazardous or infectious material in the water or when there is a blue-green algae bloom. In these situations, swimming is not permitted and beach access is restricted or eliminated.
The following beaches will be tested for the 2015 summer months:
City of Peterborough Beaches:
• Beavermead (2011 Ashburnham Drive) • Roger’s Cove (131 Maria Street)
Peterborough County Beaches
- Buckhorn Beach ( John St., Buckhorn)
- Chandos Beach (Hwy 620, North Kawartha)
- Crowe’s Line Beach (Crowe’s Line Rd., Harvey)
- Curve Lake Lance Wood Park (Whetung St E, Curve Lake)
- Curve Lake Henrys Gumming (Chemong St S, Curve Lake)
- Douro (205 Douro Second Line, Douro-Dummer)
- Ennismore (1053 Ennis Road, Ennismore)
- Jones Beach ( 908 Jones Beach Road, Bridgenorth)
- Hiawatha (1 Lakeshore Rd, Hiawatha)
- Lakefield (100 Hague Boulevard, Lakefield)
- Norwood (12 Belmont St, Norwood)
- Quarry Bay (1986 Northey’s Bay Rd, Woodview)
- Sandy Beach (Lakehurst Road, Curve Lake)
- Selwyn (2251 Birch Island Road, Selwyn)
- Squirrel Creek Conservation Area (2445 Wallace Point Rd, South Monaghan)
- Warsaw Caves (289 Caves Rd, Warsaw)
- White’s Beach (Clearview Dr, Galway
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391
May 28, 2015 – Public Health Celebrates Community Leaders in Tobacco Prevention
The greater Peterborough area is a leader in promoting tobacco-wise living. On Thursday, May 28 Peterborough Public Health formally recognized those who have taken measures to make Peterborough a smoke-free environment as part of their World No Tobacco Day celebrations. The award ceremony was held at Peterborough Collegiate Vocational School with individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to help create a tobacco-free community.
The awards, in three categories, were handed out by Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra. First, the Exceeding the Standards Act Award was for organizations and municipalities who have introduced policies going beyond the Smoke Free Ontario Act. Next, the Cessation or Prevention Award went to schools that prevent youth from starting to use tobacco products, as well as helping youth quit smoking and remaining tobacco free. Finally, the Community Leader Award celebrated individuals and organizations who contribute to smoking prevention and cessation in our community.
“Peterborough has always been at the forefront of progressive tobacco control for more than a decade,” explained Dr. Salvaterra. “There is still work to be done to make Ontario home of the lowest smoking rates in the country, but thanks to the hard work of our award winners today we certainly are on the right path.”
There were a total of nine award recipients from municipalities, schools and school boards, sports clubs and community organizations. This marks the third year of PCCHU handing out these awards in recognition of community members’ hard work. Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario. Each year, smoking and exposure to second-hand-smoke results in 13,000 deaths provincially. Locally, the use of commercial tobacco products kills approximately 286 Peterborough residents each year. For more information on smoke-free policies, tobacco-wise living or supports for quitting smoking, please contact Public Health, or visit the Smoke Free Places page on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Keith Beecroft
Health Promoter, Tobacco Use Prevention
705-743-1000, ext. 238
May 25, 2015 – Public Health Activates Heat Alert and Response System
With summer quickly approaching and warmer temperatures imminent, Peterborough Public Health has activated its Heat Alert and Response System (HARS) to advise residents of the best way to protect their health when temperatures soar.
The Public Health monitors forecasted weather conditions daily, as provided by weather forecasters and Air Quality Ontario. Heat advisories will be issued to the media and key stakeholders and posted at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca when a hot or humid air mass is forecast and heat related health effects may occur. Upon learning that a potential heat threshold is forecasted to occur within 24-48 hours, Public Health will activate the HARS.
The Public Health has adopted a series of extreme heat thresholds designed to advise the public, health professionals, and community service providers of appropriate measures they can take to reduce the health effects of hot, humid and smoggy weather. Information about these three advisory levels is available on the Extreme Weather – Heat webpage on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and outlined below:
Level 1: Heat Alert
A Level 1 Heat Alert is issued when the temperature is forecasted to reach 36ºC, with or without humidity, for two consecutive days with NO smog advisory. This level of alert reminds residents of the following core messages: to keep their home cool, stay out of the heat, keep the body cool and hydrated, assist others, and recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Level 2: Heat Warning
A Level 2 Heat Warning is issued when the temperature is forecasted to reach 36?C, with or without humidity for two consecutive days AND a smog advisory has been issued OR when the temperature is forecasted to reach 40?C, with or without humidity for two consecutive days with NO smog advisory OR at least two consecutive nights with minimum temperatures greater than 25ºC. This level of warning reminds residents of the core messages above in addition to providing details on how and where to stay cool, advising suspension of strenuous outdoor activities, reminders to assist vulnerable groups, and to watch for further information through the media and Public Health website.
Level 3: Heat Emergency
A Level 3 Heat Emergency is issued when the temperature is forecasted to reach 36?C, with or without humidity, with contributing factors (such as a power outage) OR when the temperature is forecasted to reach or reaches 40?C, with or without humidity, for two consecutive days AND a smog advisory has been issued OR when the temperature is forecasted to reach or reaches 45?C, with or without humidity, for two consecutive days WITH OR WITHOUT a smog advisory OR when the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) has determined a heat emergency based on reports of heat related illness. This level of emergency reminds residents of all the core messages above in addition to asking residents to STOP all unnecessary strenuous outdoor activity, and to listen to media for further information and updates.
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. Most healthy people can tolerate a short period of hot and humid weather as long as they stay cool and drink plenty of fluids. It is important to be aware that some medications may increase the health risks from extreme heat events.
The Public Health encourages all stakeholders to advise vulnerable clients of the heat advisory system and precautions they can take to prevent and manage heat related illness.
How to Protect Yourself During Hot Weather:
- Drink lots of water and natural fruit juices even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
- Avoid going out in the direct sun or heat when possible. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible and plan to go out early in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
- Go to air conditioned or cool places such as shopping malls, libraries, community centres or a friend’s place.
- If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
- Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
- Keep lights off or turned down low.
- Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
- Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
- Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
- If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- heavy sweating
- muscle cramps
- weakness
- headache
- fainting
- paleness, tiredness
- dizziness, nausea
Air conditioned public facilities are available to city and county residents seeking a place to cool off, such as shopping malls, community centres, arenas and libraries. Residents are advised to phone in advance to determine hours of operation.
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For further information, please contact:
Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 285
May 22, 2015 – Public Health Celebrates School Garden Day
Food security, sustainability and nutrition were all on the agenda when Peterborough Public Health was at Highland Heights on Friday, May 22 to celebrate School Garden Day. This was an opportunity to learn about the educational value of growing gardens at local schools, and how we are creating healthier schools and communities.
This was an excellent opportunity for students to connect and become more involved in their school community at the same time they are learning about the environment, active living and a balanced diet.
Local schools were asked to write a brief story about their garden, and send it to PCCHU. In return they were provided seeds courtesy of Green Up!, Peterborough Community Garden Network and Johnston’s Greenhouse.
“Celebrating School Garden Day is a fitting way to champion those schools in Peterborough and Peterborough County who take the time to garden,” explains School Health Liaison Anne Gallant. “The Peterborough Public Health encourages all schools to grow because of the benefits for students and faculty alike. It is great to see students interested in the school garden all while improving their overall health.”
Students need to be healthy in order to learn, which is why Peterborough Public Health is committed to creating healthy schools. While this is the first time PCCHU is celebrating School Garden Day, creating school gardens is part of a broader healthy schools initiative that focuses upon education and physical and social environments to promote healthier students. The healthy schools program is dedicated to ensuring the best overall health for all students. Highland Heights is one of 11 schools in Peterborough and Peterborough County who participate in the healthy schools campaign.
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For further information, please contact:
Anne Gallant
School Health Liaison
705-743-1000, ext.314
May 21, 2015 – Public Health Promotes Sun Safety to Reduce Skin Cancer Risk for Those Who Work Outside
In response to higher-than-average local skin cancer rates, today Peterborough Public Health teamed up with Johnston’s Greenhouse to promote sun safety for outdoor workers. The event focused on how those who work outside can reduce their risk of skin cancer by spotlighting Johnston’s Greenhouse’s efforts to educate and protect their staff.
“The health and safety of our staff is our number one priority, so making our employees aware of the potentially dangerous effects of long-term exposure to the sun is vital,” explained Chris Heckel of Johnston’s Greenhouse. “With the help of Public Health we have created a sun safety program to educate our staff and make it easier for them to protect themselves. This program also benefits our community as our team is able to share their knowledge with our clients who also like to spend time in the sun.”
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra was on hand to commend Johnston’s Greenhouse for their leadership in sun safety promotion. “Rates of skin cancer in Peterborough are higher than the provincial average, and the mortality rate for melanoma is rising. However 90% of skin cancer can be prevented, so programs like this are absolutely necessary to turn the tide.” She noted That those who work outside have greater exposure to the potentially harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun.
Between 1986 and 2007, a Public Health study found that Peterborough men aged 45 to 64 had incidence rates 36.2% higher than their provincial counterparts, whereas women aged 75 and older had rates 41.5% higher than the province.
Anita Record, Manager of the local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society also attended today’s event and spoke about the dangers of UV rays, particularly those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities or work outside.
A large part of Johnston’s business is landscaping, property maintenance and deck installation. Johnston’s is considered a leader in the community for providing their workers with sun safety training, hats, water and sunscreen at the beginning of every shift. When sun exposure is unavoidable, these are the major precautions that should be taken.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391
May 15, 2015 – ** To view the Board of Health Meeting Summary from April 15 please click the image below:
May 14, 2015 – Peterborough Public Health’s Mobile Dental Health Centre rolled into Havelock for Celebrate Havelock on May 9, 2015. The celebrations took place at the Havelock Community Centre where staff representing Public Health’s dental team were on hand to showcase the range of preventive and treatment dental services available on the Mobile Dental Health Centre.
The fully equipped Mobile Dental Health Centre ensures eligible residents in rural areas of the county have access to dental services. With two dental chairs, where patients will be treated by either a dentist, or a registered dental hygienist, the vehicle offers a modern and professional environment, and is fully accessible. The services range from check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings and extractions – all available at no cost to eligible residents.
“The Mobile Dental Health Centre is a great way for us to reach more people, and make an impact on people’s access to dental health services,” explains Sarah Tanner, Oral Health Program Supervisor. “Celebrate Havelock was a terrific opportunity to showcase the dental services we offer to rural communities. With such a vast geography in the county this is an excellent tool to offer services and promote oral health.”
This July the Mobile Dental Health Centre will be celebrating four years of offering professional dental services in our Peterborough communities. In order to find out if you are eligible, or to book an appointment please call 705-748-2230, or email dental@peterboroughpublichealth.ca. The Mobile Dental Health Centre will be visiting Keene, Millbrook, Norwood, Walmart stores in Peterborough, Bridgenorth and other locations over the next few months.
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For further information, please contact:
Sarah Tanner
Supervisor, Oral Health Program
705-743-1000, ext. 391
May 13, 2015 – Hundreds of Volunteers Who Served 2.2 Million Meals Last Year Recognized at Appreciation Social
Today more than 150 people gathered to celebrate Food for Kids breakfast and snack programs in local schools and to honour the incredible contributions of local volunteers who run this program throughout the community.
“This is a proud day for our entire community and the hundreds of volunteers, schools and sponsors who have kept young minds nourished for over 20 years,” said Chris McCarthy, outgoing Food for Kids Student Nutrition Program Coordinator. “Thanks to the high level of community involvement, Food For Kids has developed into an incredibly successful program that makes a real difference to local students.”
Food for Kids student nutrition programs are available to all students at 48 participating schools. Nutritious foods are prepared by and served by volunteers in a friendly, welcoming environment. Last school year, breakfast and snacks were made available to approximately 17,500 students, and almost 2.2 million meals were served.
“Kids arrive at school hungry for many reasons: long bus rides, rushed mornings resulting in skipped breakfasts, and sometimes, not enough food at home. Universal breakfast programs allow all students to enjoy a healthy breakfast, getting them ready for their busy day of learning ahead.” said Luisa Magalhaes, Public Health Nutritionist at Peterborough Public Health. “When children are well-nourished, there are noticeable improvements in student behaviour, attitude, attention span, concentration, academic achievements, and school attendance.”
Through the collaborative efforts and contributions of committed community members, the Food for Kids partnership has grown to 48 school breakfast programs and over one thousand volunteers who contribute an average of 900 hours every week to local programs.
Today’s Appreciation Social recognized the contributions and dedication of Food For Kids’ volunteers who generously contribute time to making student nutrition programs possible throughout Peterborough County and City.
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For further information, please contact:
Luisa Magalhaes
Public Health Nutritionist
Food For Kids Student Nutrition Program
Peterborough Public Health
705-743-1000, ext. 233
lmagalhaes@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/ffk
