News Archives - 2003
Significant health related issues and events that appear in newspapers and other media.

December

Public Health Joins “Not To Kids” Coalition 
Release Date: Dec 18, 2003
The purpose of Not To Kids is to reduce the sale and supply of tobacco products to youth less than 19 years of age.

Flu Clinic Time and Location Determined 
Release Date: Dec 12, 2003
The flu clinic scheduled for December 22 will be held at the fire hall in Chesley, from 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Extra Influenza Clinics to Meet Demand 
Release Date: Dec 10, 2003
In response to the increased demand for shots, Public Health is planning two additional community clinics.

Many in Grey-Bruce at risk of developing heart disease and stroke 
Release Date: Dec 9, 2003
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn released new data today, which revealed many Grey-Bruce residents are at risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

Lake Huron Beaches in Bruce County are Safe 
Release Date: Dec 8, 2003
The Grey Bruce Health Unit wants to reassure residents of Grey and Bruce Counties that their Lake Huron beaches are safe for recreational use. (Rebuttal to Tom Spears's article, CanWest newspapers, mid-November, 2003)

Many in Grey-Bruce at risk of developing heart disease and stroke. 
Release Date: Dec 5, 2003
New data reflecting the health behaviour of our residents will be released at a news conference Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.

Preventing Influenza in Children and Adults 
Release Date: Dec 1, 2003
Influenza can be a fatal disease. It is estimated that 500 - 1500
Canadians, mostly seniors, will die from influenza each year. Parents can
take several steps to understand, prevent and treat influenza in their
children, and themselves.

November

Green Onions and Hepatitis A 
Release Date: Nov 25, 2003
Recent outbreaks of Hepatitis A in the United States have been
associated with the eating of raw or undercooked green onions (also known as
scallions) imported to the United States from Mexico.

Influenza A Identified in Grey-Bruce 
Release Date: Nov 24, 2003
Laboratory testing confirmed the first case of influenza A in the Grey-Bruce area this flu season. It is not too late for residents of Grey-Bruce to receive their influenza vaccine.

October

Seniors Safety Week (next line) Prevent a Fall -- Protect Your Way of Life 
Release Date: Oct 6, 2003
Across Canada, the week of November 6-12 is designated as Seniors Safety Week. Grey and Bruce Counties consistently have a rate higher than the provincial average for hospitalizations due to injuries from falls in older adults.

Annual Adolescent Sexuality Workshop - “Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth in Grey Bruce…” 
Release Date: Nov 5, 2003
The Public Health Unit would like to extend an invitation to the media for this annual adolescent sexuality conference – Friday, November 7 (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) at the Stone Tree, Owen Sound.

Child Safety is A Concern: Campaign Kicks off with Car Seat Safety Check and Unsafe Product Round-Up Event 
Release Date: Oct 20, 2003
A free car seat safety check and unsafe child product round-up is being held to increase awareness among parents, grandparents and caregivers that they have the ability to prevent injuries to young children in their care.

News Feature - Ram Trophies is Walking the Talk! 
Release Date: Oct 17, 2003
Effective April 2003, Ram Trophies covers the cost of a gym membership and will provide work time of up to one hour per day for the employees to either use the gym or go for a walk. 

Is it SARS or is it Influenza? 
Release Date: Oct 15, 2003
Both SARS and the flu can cause death. However, influenza kills a lot more people every year than SARS has so far.

CIPHI Recognizes the Contributions of the Grey Bruce Health Unit Staff  
Release Date: Oct 9, 2003
Public health inspectors across the county recognized the work and dedication of Grey Bruce Health Unit staff during the Walkerton E.coli outbreak of 2000.

New Public Health Dentist 
Release Date: October 7, 2003
The Public Health Unit is pleased to welcome a new public health dentist, Dr. Mike Moseley.

Wanted! Host for 3rd Annual Victorian Tea 
Release Date: October 6, 2003
Any community interested in hosting the third annual tea is invited to contact Public Health Nurse Marguerite Thomas

Letter to the Editor - Shoreline Beacon 
Release Date: October 6, 2003
I am responding to Mr. Strauss’ letter to the editor of September 24. Although his arguments are well stated, I believe Mr. Strauss has missed the main point, which is that there are serious health implications for others exposed to second-hand smoke.  

Working Weird Hours?  New Course Offers Ways to Combat the Ill-Effects of Shiftwork 
Release Date: Oct 3, 2003
The Public Health Unit is pleased to offer a new workshop called "Shiftwork Like Clockwork -- Healthy Living in a Shiftwork World".

Annual Adolescent Sexuality Workshop 
Release Date: October 1, 2003
This workshop will focus on the challenges these youth face, while exploring ways to increase community awareness and support.

September

Hey 3 year olds! Ready, set… let’s go to school. 
Release Date: September 23, 2003
Please be advised that Let’s Learn Kindergarten registration will be occurring in October throughout Grey and Bruce Counties.

Stay at Home When Sick 
Release Date: September 18, 2003
With the cold and flu season rapidly approaching, it is time to reinforce habits that will reduce illness. Don't go to work or school ill. One case of illness can spread, resulting in numerous cases of illness.

Grant Awarded to Prevent Falls in Seniors 
Release Date: September 16, 2003
The Public Health Unit is pleased to announce that it has been chosen as one of three Ontario project demonstration sites to implement a program designed to help older adults avoid injuries related to falls.

When It Comes to Seatbelts, One Size Does Not Fit All 
Release Date: September 15, 2003
The Health Unit is involved in a regional booster seat campaign aimed at informing parents and caregivers of the need to transport children who are over 40 pounds in a booster seat.

Want to attend a Victorian Tea? 
Release Date: September 12, 2003
The Community Coalition for the Prevention of Falls in Older Adults along with Creative Career Systems, the Owen Sound Brockton Focus Project and local volunteers are hosting a Victorian Tea.

What’s Your Excuse? 
Release Date: September 8, 2003
A campaign launched to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol-related sexual behaviour.

Grey and Bruce Counties – A “Hot Spot” All Year Long 
Release Date: September 5, 2003
Grey Bruce Partners in Health is pleased to announce that Dr. Heather Arthur, a researcher with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario’ will speak about “New Directions in Heart Disease” at the Meaford - St. Vincent Community Centre in Meaford on Tuesday September 23, from 7 – 9 pm.

Smoking Bylaw Anniversary - Bruce County 
Release Date: September 2, 2003
First anniversary of Smoke-free Bylaw to be marked at Bruce County Council, Sept. 4.

August

Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Paisley 
Release Date: August 29, 2003
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn has lifted the boil water advisory for the Paisley water system as of Friday, August 29, 2003. The results of two consecutive audit samples by the Public Health Unit showed that the water is safe for drinking.

Smoke-free bylaw anniversary - Grey County 
Release Date: August 27, 2003
Presentations will be made to celebrate the first year of the 100% smoke-free bylaw for public places and workplaces in Grey County and to update Council about the positive impact of the bylaw.

Eat Smart! Restaurants Continue to Expand Locally 
Release Date: August 21, 2003
Eight new restaurants have qualified for the Eat Smart! Award of Excellence, which brings the total number of qualifying restaurants to 26 in Grey and Bruce Counties.

Working Weird Hours? 
Release Date: August 21, 2003
The Public Health Unit is pleased to offer a new workshop called "Shiftwork Like Clockwork -- Healthy Living in a Shiftwork World".

Do Not Handle Bats 
Release Date: August 21, 2003
“Given the increase in contact between humans and bats, I want to remind
people not to handle bats, even if they seem dead. Bat control should be
left to wildlife control experts,” says Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel
Lynn.

Banner Signing for Smoke-free Bylaw 
Release Date: August 8, 2003
Celebrate the first year of the smoke-free bylaw and sign your thanks on a banner for Bruce County Councillors.

Banner Signing for Smoke-free Bylaw  
Release Date: August 7, 2003
OWEN SOUND –  Celebrate the first year of the smoke-free bylaw.

July

Second and Third Crows Positive for West Nile Virus 
Release Date: July 24, 2003
Two more crows have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) this week.  One bird was found near Tara (Arran-Elderslie) and the other near Durham (West Grey).

“Physical Activity … Repeat Daily”  -- A Prescription for Good Health
Release Date: July 17, 2003
Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health for Grey Bruce, says it’s time to get active about inactivity.  To highlight the urgency of this message, a personal request from the Medical Officer of Health is being delivered to residents in Grey and Bruce Counties this week.

First Crow Positive for West Nile Virus in Grey County This Year 
Release Date: July 16, 2003
The crow was found in a rural area of Grey Highlands.  Of the 21 birds in Grey and Bruce Counties tested this year, this is the first bird with WNV.

June

SARS Update in Grey and Bruce - June 2003
Release Date: June 16, 2003
The Winnipeg Public Health Laboratory is testing the blood from all persons under investigation over the first few months of the outbreak when the lab test was not available.

Day With Dad at Healthy Baby Centres
Release Date: June 3, 2003
June 10-13, come to a special "Day with Dad" event to celebrate the role fathers play in their babies' lives.

May

Boil Water Advisory Lifted For Lion's Head
Release Date: May 30, 2003
The Boil Water Advisory for the Village of Lions Head issued on May 26th, 2003 has been lifted, effective May 30, 2003 at 4:00 pm.

Hospitals in Grey-Bruce to Resume SARS Screening
Release Date: May 28, 2003
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn is recommending that hospitals in Grey and Bruce Counties resume SARS screening as of noon today.

Public Health Hosts “Focus on Fathers” Conference
Release Date: May 26, 2003
OWEN SOUND - With Father’s Day approaching, the Public Health Unit is hosting a timely conference titled “Focus on Fathers”.   Guest speaker Ed Bader will discuss the impact fathers have in the early years of a child’s life.

Car Seat Safety Check and Roundup of Unsafe Child Products - Are Your Children Safe?
Release Date: May 12, 2003
OWEN SOUND - Find out if your children are buckled up safely.  Come to a free car seat safety check and bring your broken, recalled or unsafe car seats, baby walkers, exersaucers, cribs and baby gates too.  There is going to be a roundup of unsafe child products.   Both activities are FREE.  Make your child’s world a little safer.

National Immunization Awareness Week Photo-op
Release Date: May 8, 2003
In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Week, Public Health will be presenting copies of Ronald Gold’s “Your Child’s Best Shot, A Parent’s Guide to Vaccination” to area libraries.

National Immunization Awareness Week
Release Date: May 7, 2003
May 11 to 17 is National Immunization Awareness Week. In recognition of this week, Public Health is promoting awareness of three new vaccines that are now available to protect children against three serious childhood diseases.

April

Bike & Walk to Work Challenge starts May 20th in Owen Sound
Release Date: April 30, 2003
Bikers, hikers, joggers and walkers are wanted for the 1^st annual Bike & Walk to Work Challenge, starting in Owen Sound on May 20^th.

Find Out If Your Child is Buckled Up Properly…
Release Date: April 28, 2003
You can make sure your little ones are buckled in correctly at a free car seat safety check on Thursday, May 8, 2003 at the Bruce Peninsula Family Centre in Lion’s Head.  The event runs from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Healthy Baby Clinic Operating Again!
Release Date: April 28, 2003
WALKERTON - Tuesday’s Healthy Baby Clinic in the Walkerton Hospital is now open for business, after being cancelled three times due to SARS restrictions.

Cancellation of Healthy Baby Clinic Due to SARS Hospital Restrictions
Release Date: April 17, 2003
WALKERTON – Tuesday’s Healthy Baby Clinic in the Walkerton Hospital is cancelled due to SARS restrictions.  The clinic was scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, from 10:30 to 12:30

Preventing the Spread of SARS During Faith-Based Practices
Release Date: April 16, 2003
The spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was recently discovered within a religious group in Toronto. The Public Health Unit is issuing the following suggestions to lessen the spread of respiratory illnesses, including SARS, within religious congregations.

Cancellation of Healthy Baby Clinic Due to SARS Hospital Restrictions
Release Date: April 11, 2003
WALKERTON – Tuesday’s Healthy Baby Clinic in the Walkerton Hospital is cancelled due to SARS restrictions.  The clinic was scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, from 10:30 to 12:30.

SARS Update – No Cases in Grey and Bruce Counties
Release Date: April 11, 2003
Grey and Bruce Counties have no identified cases of SARS. Hospitals are gradually re-establishing non-essential services and continue to do surveillance for the disease by screening everyone entering the institutions.

Cancellation of Healthy Baby Clinic Due to SARS Hospital Restrictions
Release Date: April 4, 2003
WALKERTON – Tuesday’s Healthy Baby Clinic in the Walkerton Hospital is cancelled due to SARS restrictions.

Restrictions on Hospital Services in Grey and Bruce Counties
Release Date: April 1, 2003
All elective procedures and non-essential services have been postponed for all hospitals in Grey and Bruce Counties in order to contain the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

March

Survey Shows What Parents Are Doing About Teen Alcohol & Other Drug Use
Release Date: March 31, 2003
We are excited to announce that the Grey Bruce Parent Norms Survey results are in. “Grey Bruce parents are very concerned with teen substance use,” states Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn.

Face Masks Not Needed for SARS in Grey and Bruce Counties
Release Date: March 28, 2003
It has come to the attention of the Public Health Unit that many people have been trying to buy face masks because they are afraid of coming into contact with someone sick with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).  Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn wants to reassure everyone that there are no identified cases of SARS in Grey and Bruce Counties.

People  Asked To Avoid Visiting Toronto & Simcoe County Hospitals
Release Date: March 27, 2003
A provincial directive from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care requests that people avoid visiting friends and relatives at any of the hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as well as all Simcoe County hospitals unless they are the parents of children in the hospital or they are visitors of critically ill patients.

Dog Bite - Public's Assistance Needed
Release Date: March 26, 2003
OWEN SOUND – On Wednesday, March 26, 2003, at approximately 4:15 p.m., a dog bit an 11-year-old boy who was on roller blades across from City Hall on Second Avenue in Owen Sound. The public's assistance is needed in finding the dog.

Turn Off the Screens and Turn on to Physical Activity
Release Date: March 26, 2003
Children from 24 Grey-Bruce schools will be turning off televisions, video games and computers for a week and taking part in the first annual Turn off the Screens challenge from April 7 to 11, 2003.

Parent Stressbusters and Family Fun!
Release Date: March 26, 2003
What do parenting and healthy lifestyles have in common? Stress! As every parent knows, stress comes with the territory of parenting.

Boil Water Advisory for the Town of Paisley
Release Date: March 25, 2003
Please be advised that as of 5:40 p.m. March 25, 2003 a Boil Water Advisory has been issued by the Grey Bruce Health Unit for the Town of Paisley.

Hanover Area Starts “Fitness not Falls” Program for Older Adults
Release Date: March 18, 2003
Hanover – Have you ever wanted to become more fit but wondered how fit you were and what you might do? If you are age sixty and over, there is now an opportunity for you to take part in local exercise programs.

MOH to Visit Students for Launch of Dental Campaign
Release Date: March 18, 2003
To mark the launch of a dental health campaign, the Medical Officer of Health will visit Grade 2 students in Grey and Bruce Counties. The message: brushing for two minutes, twice a day, is an effective way to protect against tooth decay and gum disease.

Baby On The Way?
Release Date: March 13, 2003
Attention expectant parents!  Do you have questions about your labour and delivery?  How about breastfeeding?  What kind of car seat should you buy?  Have you thought about what becoming a parent really means?

March 24 is World TB Day 
Release Date: March 12, 2003
Did you know that one in three people in the world test positive to tuberculosis?  World TB Day, March 24^th, highlights the importance of identifying and treating people with tuberculosis.  Until TB is eradicated worldwide, it will continue to be an issue, even in Grey & Bruce Counties.

Just the Facts! Heart Disease and Stroke
Release Date: March 4, 2003
Join us for an evening and learn more about reducing your risk

Media Advisory - Seminar, Chief Coroner's Recommendation on Spas
Release Date: March 3, 2003
As a result of a teen's death in a condominium hot tub, the Chief Coroner of Ontario recommended new rules for spa operation. Member of the media are invited to this seminar put on by Public Health for spa owners, operators and installers.

February

Winners of The 9th Annual Beat Goes On Awards 
Release Date: February 20, 2004
There is a tremendous effort being put forth in our community to provide our students, teachers, work force and general public the opportunity to live, work and play in heart healthy environments. Judges agree that deciding amongst those nominated was "tough".

New Teen Safe Driving Program
The I Promise Program was developed for families with new young drivers. The program requires parents and teens to sign a mutual safe driving contract and then affix a rear window decal that displays a toll free number inviting calls on driver behaviour.