Weekly, the Public Health Unit submits articles to numerous newspapers in Grey
and Bruce Counties under the banner Making Health Happen. Public health nurses
and public health inspectors write the articles, covering public health issues
of interest to the general public.
Are You Thinking About Becoming Active?
December 30, 2003
It’s the New Year! Are you contemplating getting active as
one of your New Year’s resolutions? You know that you should exercise but you
can’t get started? Here are some tips to move you to the next stage.
Holiday Eating December 23, 2003
The holiday season is a time to celebrate, visit with friends and family, and
feast on favourite foods. Here are some simply and healthy holiday tips to
keep your weight in check this season.
Winter Power Failures December 16, 2003
Winter power failures caused by adverse weather conditions can last from a few
hours to several days or even longer. Here are some measures to take in order
to reduce discomfort and damage during a power failure during winter months.
Emergency Preparedness December 9, 2003
With the arrival of winter it is time to review emergency contingency plans
and restock emergency food supplies and emergency survival kits. The best way
to cope with any disaster or emergency is to plan ahead and be prepared.
What's next after Senior Safety Week? December
2, 2003
Every year Canadians devote from November 6-12 to Senior Safety Week. The
Public Health Unit Falls Prevention Program will be looking for volunteers to
help with three initiatives throughout the two counties.
AIDS - Is It A Big Deal Anymore? November 25,
2003
According to a recent Canadian study on youth attitudes toward sexual health,
one-half of Grade 9 students think AIDS can be cured if treated early. What
an astonishing thought...
Exposure to Family Violence Hurts Children’s Health
November 12, 2003
Children who are exposed to an abusive relationship between their parents or
other caregivers feel scared, helpless and unsafe. Some children suffer post
traumatic stress syndrome, similar to those experiencing war.
Wet Weather Installations of Sewage Systems
November 4, 2003
A study by the Grey Bruce Health Unit of sewage system failures revealed that
89% of failed systems were installed during the wet seasons of the year.
Support Your Partner October 28, 2003
If you were offered a medication that was safe, effective, readily accessible,
environmentally friendly, painless, had immediate onset, and offered long-term
protection for your baby, would you use it?
Facts and Figures about Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth
October 21, 2003
Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth have many of the same health, safety and
growing-up concerns as other youth. There are, however, some issues and risk
factors that affect gay, lesbian and bisexual youth differently.
Ontario Breast Screening Program October 14,
2003
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, women are confronted with
many messages about this disease. The good news is that while the number of
women affected by this disease is increasing, more women are now surviving
breast cancer.
Home Visiting Offers Support to Parents October
7, 2003
Every family in Ontario is entitled to a home visit by a public health nurse
upon learning of a pregnancy and again when you bring home your new baby.
Prevent The Flu - Get Your Shot September 30,
2003
The flu leaves your body’s defences weak and open to other infections such as
pneumonia, and heart or kidney failure. Vaccination against influenza is the
single most effective way to ensure a flu-free season.
October Victorian Tea and Home Support Exercise Program
September 23, 2003
Preventing injuries from falls in older adults is a serious concern in our two
counties. To tackle the problem many activities are planned.
Walk Your Way to Health with a Pedometer
September 16, 2003
The pedometer is the newest gadget on the market to help motivate
people to be active. The pedometer is a pager-sized device that clips to your
waist and records the steps taken through the up and down motion of the hips.
“Would You Like the Smoking Section or the Non-Smoking Section?”
September 9, 2003
This statement has not been heard in Grey and Bruce
Counties for over one year now. No more waiting for a “smoke-free” section
then being seated right next to the smoking section.
Travel Abroad September 2, 2003
You are planning your dream vacation abroad. You want everything to be
perfect. Have you considered the possible health risks?
Happy Birthday Bylaws August 26, 2003
The no-smoking bylaws in Grey and Bruce will
be one year old as of the first week in September. This birthday is a good
time to celebrate the benefits we now enjoy with the no-smoking bylaws
Child Safety August 19, 2003
More than 75% of injury-related emergency room visits for children from 0-4
years are for injuries occurring at home.
Surviving The Fast Food Circuit August 12, 2003
The average Canadian person spends 40% of their dining out dollars on fast
food. Fast service and cheap prices are great, but what about the nutritional
cost?
Water Quality at the Beaches August 5, 2003
During the fifties, and still today, most people associated recreational water
with bathing areas such as beaches along lakes or rivers. However, by the
nineties our population had increasing access to numerous types of water used
for recreational or therapeutic purposes.
Used Car Seats - Have you checked to see if they’re safe?
July 29, 2003
Every parent wants to keep his or her child safe. When it comes to car seats,
safety does not have to mean purchasing a top-of-the-line car seat at a
premium price.
Youth Today – Our Future Tomorrow July 22, 2003
The adolescent years are a time to develop friendships, independence and to
decide future life goals. Today’s youth and the decisions they make will
affect not only their future but also the future of our tomorrow.
Building Additions and Renovations July 15,
2003
If your cottage or house is serviced by a private sewage system, this sewage
system was most likely designed and installed to meet the exact design
characteristics of your particular house.
Test Your “SunSense” July 8, 2003
Test your knowledge about some of the new facts and recommendations regarding
sun safety.
Barbecue Food Safety July 2, 2003
Whatever you are cooking up this summer on the grill, keep food safe for
friends and family with our food safety tips.
Early Tooth Decay Is Preventable June 24, 2003
Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD) remains high in Grey Bruce. As many as 15%
of children under age four suffer with this disease, which is the rapid
decaying of infants’ front top teeth.
How to Combine Sun Safety and West Nile Virus Protection
June 17, 2003
There has been some confusion about how to combine the sun safety
recommendations with the West Nile Virus precautionary measures. Here’s how
to fit them together.
Calling All Dads! June 10, 2003
Many dads themselves are not aware of the importance of their role in their
children's lives.
Surviving Without Survivor June 3, 2003
According to Kourtney Engel, a third grade student from Dawnview Public School
in Hanover, participating in the Turn off the Screens challenge was fun
and an opportunity to do more things with her time.
Sun Safety – Skin Cancer Prevention May 27,
2003
Canadians don’t slop on enough sunscreen, they don’t slap
on an appropriate hat, and they don’t slip on clothes that
adequately protect them from UV light.
Ontario Cervical Screening Program May 20, 2003
Each week in Ontario about 11 women will develop cancer of the cervix and
three women die from it. The good news is that regular Pap tests can prevent
about 90% of cancer of the cervix
The 2003 Public Health Campaign Against West Nile Virus in Grey-Bruce
May 13, 2003
Public Health in Grey-Bruce will be fighting the West Nile Virus (WNV) on
several fronts this year. Remember that you are the key to your own
protection.
Healthy Babies May 6, 2003
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children (HBHC) is one of many programs offered by the
Public Health Unit. This program assists families to meet the needs of their
children by identifying factors that affect parenting, and by helping parents
to acquire or enhance their skills to fortify the integrity of the family.
Hanover Area Starts “Fitness not Falls” Program for Older Adults
April 29, 2003
Keeping fit by doing exercise is one of the most powerful tools that older
adults have to live their lives with vitality and joy. A new program is
starting in Hanover on April 25th.
What's Wrong with Snacking, Anyway? April 22,
2003
Snacking has become a sign of the times. Many households with both parents in
the workforce have lead a fast paced lifestyle and have unhealthy eating
patterns.
Typical Teens are Non-Smokers April 15, 2003
The news is encouraging: youth tobacco-use rates are declining. It is true but
it is a wonder considering all that the tobacco companies are doing to try to
entice preteens and teens to take up smoking.
Childhood Safety April 8, 2003
Did you know that most childhood injuries are preventable? Some advanced
planning on the part of parents can spare your children injuries and even
death.
Turn Off the Screens and Turn on to Physical Activity
April 1, 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.
Brushing Up on a Good Habit March 25, 2003
Don't let a tooth brushing habit take a bite out of your children's teeth. The
Grey Bruce Health Unit is launching an exciting new dental health campaign to
mark Dental Health Month in April, with a clear message "2 for 2 is what you
do".
Healthy Eating …Tasty and Easy! March 18, 2003
Are you finding it a challenge to eat well? Juggling a job while being
responsible for most of the meal planning, shopping, preparation and clean up
is not easy.
Breastfeeding and Work March 4, 2003
The benefits to babies who are breastfed are numerous and well known. However
do you know the benefits to mother's who breastfeed?
Infection Control - Handwashing February 18,
2003
Colds, influenza and most recently a stomach virus known as the Norwalk virus
are circulating throughout Ontario and Grey Bruce has not been without its
share of cases.
Spice Up Your Relationship February 11, 2003
Feel like your relationship is too
predictable? Many couples experience times in their relationship when they
feel bored.
The Ultimate Party Pact February 4, 2003
So you’re having a party! If you don’t want a bunch of strangers showing
up, getting wasted, trashing your home, starting fights or generally acting
like jerks, you need The Ultimate Party Pact.
School Suspensions - Immunization January 21,
2003
The Grey Bruce Health Unit monitors the immunization status of over 29,000
students in Bruce and Grey Counties.
Physical Activity January 7, 2003
Turn Off the T.V. and Turn on to Life! Get Out and Get Active!
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