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July 24, 2013 – The Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network (PPRN) and its seven collaborative partners launched a major new initiative to address poverty in Peterborough City and County today, thanks to a three-year $224,700 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.   Jeff Leal, MPP for Peterborough, joined Andrea Cohen Barrack, OTF CEO, in congratulating the Network at a launch event today.

“The Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network continues to effectively address the issues of poverty in thePeterboroughand surrounding areas.  I am pleased to hear that with the help of the Ontario Trillium Foundation they will continue to strengthen and build on their target of reducing poverty in our community.”  Jeff Leal, MPPPeterborough

“PPRN is very appreciative of the opportunity this grant provides to strengthen our collaborative efforts to reduce poverty in Peterborough City and County, “ said Stephen Kylie, Chair of the Network. “We plan to use the grant to engage a wide range of organizations and individuals to work together for effective action.”

Originally formed in 2008, PPRN currently involves over 60 agencies and dozens of volunteers in seven different Work Groups which address issues such as income, food and housing security, as well as employment, and neighbourhood development.

Learn More:

  • For more information about the PPRN, visit www.pprn.ca
    • For more information about  the Ontario Trillium Foundation, visit www.otf.ca

A leading grant-maker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.

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For further information, please contact:
Stephen Kylie Chair, Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network
705-748-6521 stephen.kylie@lawyer.com

July 19, 2103 – Public Health Continues to Monitor Forecast for Extreme Heat Conditions

With the forecast of cooler temperatures and less humid air, beginning July 20, 2013 Peterborough Public Health is lifting the Heat Warning issued on Monday, July 15, 2013.

Even though the Heat Warning has been lifted, residents are reminded to take precautions in hot weather, including drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, keeping their homes cool and staying out of the sun whenever possible.  The Public Health will continue to monitor the weather forecasts throughout the summer and issue heat alerts, warnings or emergencies when forecasted.  Further information about staying healthy in extreme heat conditions and Public Health’s Heat Alert and Response System can be found on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca .

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For further information, please contact:
Julie Ingram
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 351

 

 July 16, 2013 – Public Health Offers Tips to Prevent Heat-Related Illness

The Peterborough Public Health is advising local residents at risk of heat-related illness that the following public facilities in Peterborough have air conditioning and water available:

  • Brock Mission (217 Murray St.): fully air conditioned; residents of Brock Mission are able to stay inside, especially during this heat alert; water is available to residents and to those that just come in (ie. some that are not residents).
  • Cameron House (738 Chemong Rd.): partially air conditioned (third floor space – common room – is air conditioned); residents of Cameron House are able to stay inside; water is available.
  • Youth Emergency Shelter (196 Brock St.) (shelter for youth and families): fully air conditioned; residents are able to stay inside through the day; water is available through refrigerated water dispenser in front lobby area.
  • Lighthouse Drop-In Centre (St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 99 Brock St., Lower Hall):  air conditioned; water is available through a water cooler; will be open from 9-5 over the next few days.
  • Peterborough City and County Social Services (178 Charlotte St.): water is available in the lobby.

Another way to keep cool during this extreme heat event is by enjoying public beaches, splash pads and shaded areas throughout the city:

  • Public beaches: Beavermead and Rogers Cove) are supervised from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.;
  • Public splash pads (King Edward Park and Nicholls Oval Park) are open 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (for the next few days only) – then back to normal closure of 8:00 p.m.
  • City wading pools are also open from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following parks:
    • BARNARDO PARK (955 Barnardo Ave.)
    • KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PARK (5 Park St. N.)
    • TURNER PARK (673 Chamberlain St.)
    • CHELSEA GARDENS PARKS (964 Southlawn Dr.)
    • JOHN TAYLOR MEMORIAL PARK (500 McKeller St.)
    • NICHOLL’S OVAL PARK (725 Armour Rd.)
    • KING EDWARD PARK (455 George St. S.)

Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned, such as shopping malls, public libraries, and other air-conditioned public buildings.  Residents wanting to access cool spaces are reminded to check hours of operation ahead of time.  The Public Health also encourages residents to drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and to increase their fluid intake regardless of their activity level. 

“People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves,” said Donna Churipuy, Manager of Environmental Health Programs at Public Health.  “The body normally cools itself by sweating, however under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly.”

“Heat-related deaths are absolutely preventable, so people need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death,” Ms. Churipuy emphasized. “The elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk.  Older adults are at increased risk of heat related illness because they may have a reduced thirst sensation, reduced fitness level, reduced sweating ability and increased susceptibility to chronic dehydration.”

Ms. Churipuy added that Infants and young children are also at risk because of increased body heat production during physical activity, faster heat gain from the environment if air temperature is greater than skin temperature, inability to increase cardiac output and reduced sweating.  They are dependent upon caregivers to recognize heat impacts and take actions.

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

July 15, 2013 – Residents Advised to Take Extra Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness

Heat WarningThe Peterborough Public Health is upgrading its previous Heat Alert to a Heat Warning for Peterborough City and County and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations based on forecasted temperatures and Humidex values for the coming days to help residents cope with the continuing hot, humid weather. 

A Heat Warning is issued when one of the following conditions is met:

  • daytime temperatures or Humidex are forecast to be at least 36°C or 36 for two consecutive days with a smog advisory; or
  • daytime temperatures or Humidex are forecast to be at least 40°C or Humidex reading of 40 for two consecutive days without a smog advisory; or
  • night time temperatures are forecast to be at least 25°C for two consecutive nights.

This Heat Warning is being issued because Humidex readings are expected to reach at least 40 for today and tomorrow without a smog advisory.

During a Heat Warning, Public Health advises the suspension of strenuous outdoor sports activities and asks that caretakers and family members check more frequently on vulnerable groups particularly people with underlying chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, infants, and the elderly.

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.                                                                

People taking medications may be more vulnerable to extreme heat as certain medications may interfere with the body’s cooling functions and water/salt retention. People taking antihypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-Parkinson’s agents are more likely to experience difficulty adapting to high temperatures and should consult with their healthcare provider to see if they are at an increased health risk in the heat.

Public Health is advising residents of Peterborough County and City, Curve Lake First Nation, and Hiawatha First Nation to take the following precautions:

  • 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 blazing 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.
  • Keep lights off or turned down low.
  • Open windows to let air circulate when using a fan.
  • Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
  • 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.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

  • heavy sweating
  • muscle cramps
  • weakness
  • headache
  • fainting
  • paleness, tiredness
  • dizziness, nausea

Often with forecasted extreme heat, comes forecasts for poor air quality.  The Public Health would like to encourage residents to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on Environment Canada’s Weather page for Peterborough and plan outdoor activities accordingly http://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/onaq-013_e.html. This link can also be easily accessed on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca in the section entitled “My Home & Environment – Air Quality – Outdoor”.

Public, air conditioned facilities such as malls, libraries and community centres are available to city and county residents seeking a place to cool off. Residents are advised to phone in advance to determine hours of operation.

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

July 12, 2013 – Residents Advised to Take Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness

The Peterborough Public Health is issuing a Heat Alert for Peterborough City and County.  The alert is issued based on forecasted temperatures hitting the region beginning Sunday, July 14, 2013. 

The Public Health has been closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend and early next week. This Heat Alert is being issued to help residents prepare for the hot, humid weather in the forecast.

A Heat Alert is issued when the daytime temperatures or Humidex are forecast to be at least 36°C or 36 for two or more consecutive days without a smog advisory. Depending on changes to the weather forecast over the next few days, the Heat Alert may be elevated to a Heat Warning or lifted.

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.

People taking medications may be more vulnerable to extreme heat as certain medications may interfere with the body’s cooling functions and water/salt retention. People taking antihypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics and anti-Parkinson’s agents are more likely to experience difficulty adapting to high temperatures and should consult with their healthcare provider to see if they are at an increased health risk in the heat.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation, Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions:

  • 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 blazing 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.
  • Keep lights off or turned down low.
  • Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
  • 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.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: 

  • heavy sweating
  • muscle cramps
  • weakness
  • headache
  • fainting
  • paleness, tiredness
  • dizziness, nausea

People experiencing the above symptoms should seek the care of a health care provider.

Often with forecasted extreme heat, comes forecasts for poor air quality.  The Public Health would like to encourage residents to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on Environment Canada’s Weather page for Peterborough and plan outdoor activities accordingly http://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/onaq-013_e.html. This link can also be easily accessed on this website in the section entitled “Air Quality”.

Public, air conditioned facilities such as malls, libraries and community centres are available to city and county residents seeking a place to cool off. Residents are advised to phone in advance to determine hours of operation. 

For further information, please contact:
Julie Ingram
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 287

July 8, 2013 – Public Health Continues to Monitor Forecast for Extreme Heat Conditions

With the forecast of cooler temperatures and less humid air, Peterborough Public Health is lifting the Heat Alert issued on Sunday, July 7, 2013.

Even though the Heat Alert has been lifted, residents are reminded to take precautions in hot weather, including drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, keeping their homes cool and staying out of the sun whenever possible.  The Public Health will continue to monitor the weather forecasts throughout the summer and issue heat alerts, warnings or emergencies when forecasted.  Further information about staying healthy in extreme heat conditions and Public Health’s Heat Alert and Response System can be found on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca .

 

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For further information, please contact:

Shawn Telford
Public Health Inspector
(705) 743-1000, ext. 287

 

July 8, 2013 – Public Health Reminds Residents to be Tick Smart

As the summer months arrive, they not only bring sunshine and great weather but also the unfortunate risk of Lyme disease courtesy of blacklegged ticks. The Peterborough Public Health is reminding residents to be on the lookout for the small creature and to know what to do in case an encounter occurs.

“Lyme disease is a potentially serious illness that is caused by bacteria and is spread to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick,” says Laura MacMillan-Jones, Vector Borne Disease Program. “As the disease becomes a growing health threat across Ontario, residents are reminded to be aware and take precautions.”

The ticks are small in size (1-5 mm when unfed), red-brown in colour and do not fly. They are usually found low to the ground or settled on tall grasses and bushes where they will wait until they can attach themselves to a person or animal passing by. An infected tick acquires Lyme disease after feeding on the blood of an infected small animal and can spread the bacterium to humans if it remains attached for more than 24 hours. Lyme disease is not contagious, therefore cannot be spread through human-to-human or pet-to-human contact.

“If you do locate a tick on your body, use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull the tick straight out. Full instructions are available on our website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca,” advises Laura. “Save the tick in a zipper-closed bag and take it to Peterborough Public Health. The tick will then be sent away to the Ontario Public Health Laboratory for identification.”

Though ticks can be found anywhere due to attaching themselves to migratory birds, there are several locations in Ontario with well established blacklegged tick populations:

 

  • Long Point Provincial Park
  • Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area
  • Turkey Point Provincial Park
  • Rondeau Provincial Park
  • Point Pelee National Park
  • St. Lawrence Islands National Park
  • Wainfleet Bog Conservation Area

For the best protection against Lyme disease:

  • Wear light-coloured clothing as it makes ticks easier to spot;
  • Wear closed footwear with socks, long sleeved shirts and pants, and tuck your pants into your socks;
  • Use a bug repellent that contains DEET and follow the manufacturer’s directions;
  • Search your body, especially the scalp, groin, back of knees and armpits for ticks at least once a day if you are in an area where you might get bitten by ticks
  • Check your pets for ticks as they can accidently bring them inside;
  • Keep your lawn neatly mowed and remove leaf debris on a regular basis; and
  • Line the edge of your property with wood chips or gravel if a large amount of vegetation surrounds your yard.

Redness or a bulls eye shaped skin rash at the site of the bite is a common sign of the disease. If you have travelled to an area where ticks are common and have any symptoms that include fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain or fatigue let your health care provider know immediately as these are signs for Lyme disease.

For more information please call Public Health at 705-743-1000, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or www.cdc.gov/lyme.

 

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For further information, please contact:

Laura MacMillan-Jones or Dylan Mahoney
Vector Borne Disease Prevention Program
Peterborough Public Health
(705) 743-1000, ext. 339 or ext. 340

Lyme Disease

July 5, 2013 – Residents Advised to Take Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness

The Peterborough Public Health is issuing a Heat Alert for Peterborough City and County and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.  The alert is issued based on forecasted temperatures hitting the region beginning Sunday, July 7, 2013.

The Public Health has been closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend and early next week.  This Heat Alert is being issued to help residents prepare for the hot, humid weather in the forecast.

A Heat Alert is issued when the daytime temperatures or Humidex are forecast to be at least 36°C or 36 for two or more consecutive days without a smog advisory.  Depending on changes to the weather forecast over the next few days, the Heat Alert may be elevated to a Heat Warning or lifted.

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.

People taking medications may be more vulnerable to extreme heat as certain medications may interfere with the body’s cooling functions and water/salt retention.  People taking antihypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics and anti-Parkinson’s agents are more likely to experience difficulty adapting to high temperatures and should consult with their healthcare provider to see if they are at an increased health risk in the heat.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation, Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions:

  • 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 blazing 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.
  • Keep lights off or turned down low.
  • Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
  • 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.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: 

  • heavy sweating
  • muscle cramps
  • weakness
  • headache
  • fainting
  • paleness, tiredness
  • dizziness, nausea

People experiencing the above symptoms should seek the care of a health care provider. 

Often with forecasted extreme heat, comes forecasts for poor air quality.  The Public Health would like to encourage residents to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on Environment Canada’s Weather page for Peterborough and plan outdoor activities accordingly http://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/onaq-013_e.html.  This link can also be easily accessed on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca in the section entitled “My Home & Environment – Air Quality – Outdoor”.

Public, air conditioned facilities such as malls, libraries and community centres are available to city and county residents seeking a place to cool off. Residents are advised to phone in advance to determine hours of operation. 

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For further information, please contact:
Shawn Telford
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 287

July 4, 2013 –  Ontarians Reminded to Check Vaccinations Before Travelling

Dr. Graham Pollett, Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, today issued a news release reminding Ontarians of the importance of keeping immunizations up to date in light of recent measles cases in Ontario and  other provinces.

http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2013/7/keep-your-vaccinations-up-to-date.html

July 4, 2013 – Four Strategic Directions Seek to Tackle Local Health Inequities While Strengthening Capacity and Performance

The Peterborough Public Health released its 2013-2017 Strategic Plan today to guide public health work for the City, County and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations. This plan was approved by the Board of Health at its June 12, 2013 meeting.

“This new plan is a significant achievement that will guide Public Health for the next five years in a way that reflects our community and its health needs,” said David Watton, chair of the Board of Health.  “It’s the culmination of many months of hard work and it rests squarely on a foundation of reaching out to, and connecting with, the many stakeholders who work with us, who use our services, who rely on us, each and every day.”

Mr. Watton explained that the process to build the plan involved synchronizing many inputs, such as local population health data, extensive community consultations, a review of Ontario Public Health Standards and the province’s own strategic plan framework for the public health sector.  In the end, the final plan defines four strategic directions:

  • Community-centred Focus
  • Determinants of Health and Health Equity
  • Capacity and Infrastructure
  • Quality and Performance

“These four directions provide a vision for our organization that is proud, caring, professional, action-oriented, and measureable,” said Mr. Watton.  “Naturally, given the complexity and the importance of public health, there are many challenges and opportunities before us.  However, we are confident in the abilities of our wonderful staff members who work tirelessly to promote health and prevent illness to deliver on this plan.”

With the completion of the plan, Public Health staff will now take it on the road through a series of upcoming presentations to municipal councils.  Residents are encouraged to download the plan, which is available on Public Health’s website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

Public health is the organized efforts of society to prevent illness, disease and injury through a sustained combination of approaches: one on one health services, health promotion, health protection and healthy public policies.

 

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