May 30, 2014 – Public Health Kicks Off Beach Water Quality Testing June 2 Follow @PCCHU on Twitter for Seasonal 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 2. They will regularly sample public beaches in the city and county to ensure water quality conditions are safe for the upcoming months.
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
• Large numbers of water fowl
• High winds or wave activity
• 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. Swimming is not permitted and beach access is restricted or eliminated.
The following beaches will be tested for the 2014 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:
Mandy Kwan
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 290
May 29, 2014 – Public Health Activates Heat Alert and Response System for Peterborough City and County
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 further information 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 29, 2014 – Champions for a Tobacco-Wise Peterborough Recognized for their Commitment to Protecting Public Health
The impressive achievements of local individuals and organizations to protect residents from tobacco’s ill-effects were the focus of three awards handed out today by Peterborough Public Health in celebration of World No Tobacco Day (May 31, 2014).
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra announced eleven recipients in three categories at a special event at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) today. “Champions for a Tobacco-Wise Peterborough Awards” were presented in recognition of tobacco use prevention in the following areas : Exceeding the Standards Award, Cessation or Prevention Award, and Community Leader Award.
Click here for this year’s Champion for Tobacco-Wise Award recipients.
“Our champions here today are carrying on the legacy of public health started 50 years ago to end everyone’s exposure to smoking in public spaces,” said Dr. Salvaterra. “Peterborough has been a leader in this regard, being one of the first municipalities to ban smoking in public parks, and to uphold laws banning smoking on school property. Now the harder work is underway to prevent tobacco use in other shared spaces, to denormalize tobacco use, and to make Ontario home to the lowest smoking rates in the country.”
TASSS was selected as the venue to highlight its participation in an innovative pilot program that supported the development of youth cessation groups in six schools, giving the students the skills to pursue a smoke-free life.
Every year the World Health Organization marks May 31 as World No Tobacco Day. It is a day set aside both to acknowledge the gains made in tobacco control worldwide, but also a day to highlight how much more work there is to be done to prevent the use of commercial tobacco products.
“Municipalities and organizations in both Peterborough City and County have been at the forefront of progressive tobacco control for the better part of a decade,” noted Dr. Salvaterra. “In many instances, groups and other jurisdictions are looking to Peterborough for advice on how to replicate what we’ve been able to achieve,” she said .
Locally, World No Tobacco Day is used to recognize champions that have made a tangible difference to the health of our community. All of the recipients are making great advances to clear the air of secondhand smoke, help people quit smoking, or encourage youth to stay tobacco-free.
“While there is much to be celebrated about our community’s collective achievements, there is still much to be done,” added Dr. Salvaterra.
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 in Ontario. Locally, the use of commercial tobacco products kills approximately 286 Peterborough residents each year.
For more information on smoke-free policies, tobacco-free living or supports for quitting smoking, please contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 or visit the Smoke-Free Places web page on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Keith Beecroft
Health Promoter, Tobacco Use Prevention
Peterborough Public Health
705-743-1000, ext. 238
May 21, 2014 – To view the meeting summary from the May 14 meeting of the Board of Health please click the image below:
May 9, 2014 – Public Health Services Continue to Play a Vital Role in the Health of Mothers and Their Children
As we head into the Mother’s Day weekend, today Peterborough Public Health released the 2014 Maternal and Infant Health Report that shows how important community support is for the health of all mothers and the 1,100-1,200 babies born locally each year.
“Our Reproductive Health program focuses on helping women and their partners from preconception through to birth,” noted Karen Chomniak, Manager of Family Health Programs. “By providing prenatal education classes, prenatal health fairs, the Family HEALTHline, and one-on-one consultation with public health nurses, we strive to give mothers, their babies and families the best start possible.” In addition to supporting women before and during pregnancy, Public Health reaches out to all mothers within 48 hours of giving birth to offer support and answer any questions if needed.
Findings from the report include:
- 61.3% of women giving birth are between the ages of 25 and 34
- Pregnancy rates in Peterborough among women ages 15 to 19 have been declining
- Local pregnancy rates decreased for those under the age of 30, and increased for women over 30
- Intention to breastfeed at discharge from hospital has increased from 85.2% to 89.2%
- The proportion of women breastfeeding declined over time: 87.7% of women are breastfeeding at discharge, 83.4% at two weeks, and 67.7% at six months
- Peterborough breastfeeding rates are slightly lower than Ontario however they are following the same upward trend
“We know that the healthier our mothers and babies are, the healthier our entire community is,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “This report tells us while the majority of babies in Peterborough County and City are born in good health, public health services continue to play a vital role supporting all families, as do health and social services, and support networks.”
To access a copy of the report, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and click on “About Us” to find the section on “Plans & Reports”. The report is entitled “Maternal and Infant Health Report – 2014”.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence,
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391
May 9, 2014 – The community is advised that the next meeting of the Board of Health will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 4:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Administration Building, 22 Winookeedaa Street, Curve Lake First Nation.
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
The meeting is open to the community and members of the media.
For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
Peterborough Public Health
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391
May 1, 2014 – “Connecting Language and Mental Health in the Early Years”
The Speech, Language and Hearing Association of Peterborough (SLHAP) invites parents, students, caregivers, educators and child development professionals to a full-day workshop entitled “Connecting Language and Mental Health in the Early Years” on Friday, May 9, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Calvary Pentecostal Church.
Featuring Dr. Chaya Kulkarni, Director of Infant Mental Health Promotion (IMHP), based out of The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, this event is geared to parents and professionals who work with children. Dr. Kulkarni will discuss the importance of building strong, positive parent-child attachment relationships and increasing parent skills in promoting early communication and pre-literacy development in infants and young children. Additionally, this workshop will explore the profound impact of the early caregiver-infant/child relationship on the child’s development. Strategies for building a foundation of positive mental health to support communication development in the early years will be provided.
Registration costs $75 for professionals and $35 for parents and students, and includes lunch and refreshments. The workshop will take place in the auditorium of the Calvary Pentecostal Church located at 1421 Lansdowne St W., Peterborough. To register, please send a cheque and your contact information to the Speech, Language and Hearing Association of Peterborough, P.O. Box 30043, RPO Chemong, Peterborough, ON K9H 7R4.
The Speech, Language and Hearing Association of Peterborough is an interagency partnership of Peterborough Public Health, the Five Counties Children’s Centre, both local school boards, the Learning Disabilities Association of Peterborough, and local parents and professionals to promote the optimal level of communication development in children and youth in the County and City of Peterborough.
For more information, please email slhap@live.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Marion Habermehl, OT
Infant Toddler Development Worker
705-743-1000, ext. 216
