Making Health Happen

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.

2006

December

Idling – It Gets You Nowhere
December 27, 2006
It is a myth that vehicles need to idle to warm the engine before driving. Idling costs money, wears out engines and generates needless greenhouse gases.

Last Minute Gifts For Older Adults
December 19, 2007
Looking for a last minute gift for a senior or older adult? Show how much you really care by giving gifts that encourage safety.

Seasonal Childhood Injury Prevention
December 12, 2006
The holiday season brings fun and excitement for both kids and parents but, it is not a time to forget childhood safety. The statistics on injury rates for children show why safety is so important.

Living with HIV
December 5, 2006
Over 40 million people world-wide live with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Thousands more are infected daily. November 24 to December 1 marks Canadian HIV/AIDS Awareness week; dedicated to increasing public awareness about HIV/AIDS.

November

Food Safety Tips for Fresh Produce
November 28, 2006
You’ve seen the reports in the news; Salmonella in bean sprouts, botulism from carrot juice, and spinach with E.coli. In light of these recent outbreaks, the Health Unit advises some simple precautions to reduce the risk of foodborne illness related to fresh produce.

Developmental Assets – Building Blocks for Youth
November 21, 2006
Developmental assets are the positive experiences, opportunities and personal qualities that all young people need to develop into responsible, successful and caring individuals.

Alcohol…The Number One Drug of Choice in Grey Bruce
November 14, 2006
Alcohol is the most available and readily used drug in Grey Bruce. It is as though alcohol has a special status and drinking seems like the normal thing to do. The message is not lost on our youth.

Immunization: Is It Still Necessary?
November 7, 2006
Few people have seen a case of diphtheria, whooping cough, polio or measles. Not long ago, parents dreaded these often fatal diseases. The success of vaccines means today’s parents no longer live with that same fear. Ironically, some parents now fear the vaccines themselves.

October

November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month
October 31, 2006
November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month – a month to focus on preventing violence against women. Think it’s none of your business?

How Much Sugar Do You Consume In A Day?
October 24, 2006
When choosing a snack, do you think of your teeth? You should because your teeth are meant to last a lifetime.

Colds and Influenza …What is the Difference?
October 17, 2006
All the talk about viruses and flu shots makes it easy to confuse colds and influenza. Both are respiratory infections caused by viruses but the differences are significant.

Make a Difference in Your Workplace
October 10, 2006
Canada’s Healthy Workplace Week celebrates what is going on in your organization and what can be done to make things better. What is working well in your organization?

Preterm Labour - A Community Health Issue
October 3, 2006
In Ontario, about 1 in 12 babies are born prematurely. The birth of a premature infant can have a great impact on both the family caring for the child as well as the health care system.

September

RABIES: Have Your Pets Vaccinated
September 26, 2006
Rabies is a fatal disease that attacks the central nervous system of humans and other warm-blooded mammals. You can do your part to prevent the spread of this deadly disease.

Is It Safe To Drink Water Directly From A Private Well?
September 19, 2006
There are regulations governing the construction, maintenance and abandonment of wells, but ultimately homeowners are legally responsible for their water supply and need to pay close attention to the safety of their drinking water.

Septic Math
September 12, 2006
If you are the owner of a septic system this math equation applies to you!  There are three good reasons why you should care and maintain your septic system.

Understanding Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
September 5, 2006
Each year in Canada, 30,000 infants are born suffering the life-altering effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). As an umbrella term, FASD describes the range of disabilities that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.

August

Pandemic Plan Update
August 29, 2006
“Depending on how widespread the flu pandemic is, our daily routines may be disrupted. For example, companies may have to close down some of their operations. Cities may decide to provide essential services only. Public health officials may cancel public gatherings..."

School Immunization Requirements
August 22, 2006
Vaccine or immunization programs are unparallel in preventing diseases. At the beginning of the 20th century, infectious diseases including measles, diphtheria, whooping cough and smallpox were common and the leading cause of death worldwide.

Think Global, Act Local
August 15, 2006
Its time we reassess where we are getting our food and what price we are willing to pay for sustainable choices. Here are three things you can do to support local agriculture.

A Hangover Is The Least Of Your Worries!
August 8, 2006
Most people know drinking too much alcohol leads to some unwelcome symptoms the next day. But a hangover’s trademark headache, upset stomach and fatigue may be the least of your worries.

Breastfeeding - Anytime, Anywhere
August 1, 2006
“You are making my customers uncomfortable,” said the waitress, “would you like a more comfortable place to feed your baby?”  Mary was just starting to breastfeed her baby at the local coffee shop..."

July

Summer Holidays and Hand Washing
July 25, 2006
Although nothing can replace the effectiveness of warm water, soap, and paper towels for hand washing, sometimes attending summertime activities means that fully equipped washrooms are not close by. This makes it especially challenging with a child in tow whose dire need for a well equipped bathroom may appear entirely without notice!

Hot Tub and Spa Safety
July 18, 2006
We are seeing a large increase in number of hot tubs and spas installed in homes and backyards in the recent years. We generally associate spas and hot tubs with fun and relaxation but there are a number of potential health and safety issues users need to know. Proper care and maintenance greatly reduces the potential of becoming ill from your hot tub.

Food Safety on the Barbecue
July 11, 2006
Whatever you are cooking up on the grill this summer it’s important to prevent foodborne illness. Here are some tips.

Pregnancy and Preterm Labour!
July 4, 2006
Preterm birth is an important health concern as 1 in 12 babies in Ontario are born prematurely. Preterm labour is labour beginning before 37 weeks gestation. Premature babies are at a higher risk of health related complications throughout their life.

June

How About a New Paint Job?
June 27, 2006
With summer here many people are eager to brighten their world with a fresh coat of paint, whether it is refinishing a favourite piece of furniture or painting a room. When it comes to good dental health, there’s another paint to consider – dental sealants.

Sun Safe Summer for Infants and Children
June 20, 2006
There is nothing better on a hot sunny day than a picnic, hiking or biking, or an afternoon at the beach. The warm rays of the sun feel good but too much sun is very dangerous for children.

Reduce and Repel Mosquitoes around Your Home
June 13, 2006
Summer is here and so too are the mosquitoes! Not only are mosquitoes a nuisance but they can also transmit disease. Here are ways to keep mosquitoes away from your home.

Get Summer-Active To Maximize Your Health
June 6, 2006
Summer is the ideal time to work on those fitness goals Health Canada states are crucial for optimal health. Exercising for your health doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated, and it doesn’t have to involve expensive equipment or joining a club.

May

Tobacco: Deadly In Any Form or Disguise
May 30, 2006
As governments fight back with prevention, treatment and protection programs, tobacco companies continue to launch new weapons in the form of products disguised to appear less harmful and more attractive.

Public Health Geographic Information System
May 23, 2006
Most of us are familiar with maps as a common tool for presenting and understanding spatial and geographic information. Geography provides language and framework for understanding our world.

Teenage Drinking… Talk About It
May 16, 2006
Was your teenager out last night?  Did they drink alcohol, and if so, how much?  Was it one or two drinks or possibly much more?  The 2005 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey found 62% of all students reported drinking during the past year.

Gardening – Reward Yourself, Your Community and Your Planet
May 9, 2006
The earth and its inhabitants are paying a price for the globalization of our food system. Not only is fresh produce costing more in dollars and cents but also in the price paid by the planet.

The Air We Breathe
May 2, 2006
The word smog evokes images of brownish-yellow haze hanging over cities. However, smog is not always visible. It is a mixture of air pollutants that are too small to see. Smog often begins in urban centres, but smog levels can be just as high or higher in rural areas.

April

Using Manure in Your Garden
April 25, 2006
Garden season is soon upon us and so begins the process of fertilizing and planting. There are risks if using manure as a garden fertilizer.

Septic Tank Maintenance Tips
April 18, 2006
Tips on septic tank maintenance for inside and outside the home.

Turn Off the Screens Challenge -- Press The Off Button, And Get Moving……!
April 11, 2006
Spring! It’s time for all students in Grey Bruce to press the ‘Off’ button and take the fourth annual Turn off the Screens challenge. Students will try to live without television, video games and computers (except for homework use) from April 24 to 28.

Car Seat Safety Checks
April 4, 2006
Every year across Canada, 70 children die and 4,000 suffer serious injury in motor vehicle crashes. Correct use of child car seats reduces the risk of injury by up to 75%. Car Seat Safety Checks held throughout Grey-Bruce last year found more than 80% of car seats not correctly installed.

March

World TB Day
March 21, 2006
March 24^th is World TB Day. The aim is to mobilize support for the fight against tuberculosis (TB) and raise awareness about the international health threat presented by TB.

Eat and Learn
March 14, 2006
Ensuring children eat healthy foods and lead healthy lifestyles are among the most important gifts parents can give their children. A child well nourished physically, emotionally and spiritually is more likely to succeed as an adult.

Make Wise Food Choices Wherever You Go!
March 7, 2006
Making wise food choices wherever you go is not always easy. Recognizing the need for healthy choices, and the reasons behind them, is finally causing many places to make positive changes. Here are some of the reasons as well as a valuable tool to help you make wise food choices wherever you go.

February

You, Your Kids and Alcohol
February 28, 2006
Most adults have similar drinking habits to those of their parents. Your children and teens learn by example from watching you. Here are some things to think about to help set a good example for your children.

Travel With Children:  What Parents Need To Know
February 21, 2006
An increasing number of children travel abroad with their parents. Parents need to be aware of health and safety concerns, especially when visiting developing countries. Proper preparation and attention to health issues ensures the trip will be a safe and rewarding experience for the entire family.

It's Your Choice; Use Your Voice!
February 14, 2006
Sexual health matters to everyone. Sexual and reproductive health is core to our identity and vital to overall health and well-being. Sexual and Reproductive Health Week is an excellent opportunity to reflect on how we can help foster a sexually healthy generation of individuals and communities comfortable speaking about and expressing their sexuality.

Tanning Beds and Skin Cancer
February 7, 2006
Tanning first became fashionable in the 1930’s and 1940’s when designer Coco Chanel introduced tanned models for her fashion shows. Today we need to re-think our belief that tanned skin looks healthy.

January

Alcohol Hand Sanitizers
January 31, 2006
Alcohol hand washes are the newest rage in hand hygiene. They effectively reduce the number of germs on hands when hand-washing facilities are not available.  But they are only truly effective if used properly.  Here are some tips.

Parenting… Whose Job Is It Anyway?
January 24, 2006
Asking whose job it is to be the parent sounds like an easy question, but the answer is more complicated than you may think.

Meningitis: Our Teenagers Are At Risk
January 17, 2006
Meningitis is infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It spreads through contact with the secretions of the nose and throat of an infected person. Up to 10% of the adolescent and adult populations are carriers of the bacteria responsible for this disease.

Keeping Children Safe This Winter
January 10, 2006
Skating, skiing, sledding and building snowmen are among our fondest memories of winter. While these activities are enjoyable, it is important safety be a part of the season ensuring children have fun and remain free of injury.

Malaria Prevention
January 3, 2006
Malaria is rare in Canada but may be widespread in areas where you may be planning to visit. You need more that just your passports, traveler’s cheques and suitcase if you are traveling outside North America or Western Europe; you also need travel health information, vaccinations, and anti-malarial medication.

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