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.

2008

December

Stay Home When You Are Sick!
December 30, 2008
It is more than bad manners, when only “just coming down with something”, not to stay home, keep our germs to ourselves and rest.

A Family New Year’s Resolution
December 23, 2008
Most people will make a New Year’s resolution with many of those resolving to improve their health in 2009. Resolutions to lose weight or get more exercise are not surprising when half of Ontario adults are overweight or obese.

Take Care of Baby's Teeth
December 18, 2008
It is important to look after your baby’s teeth. Children have their first set of teeth until age ten or older. They need these teeth to help eat, to learn to speak clearly, and to ensure their adult teeth grow in properly.

Sleeping Like a Baby - Safe and Sound
December 11, 2008
One of the first things parents of a new baby will purchase is a crib, bassinette or cradle. Cribs are the recommended choice as cribs must meet rigorous safety standards. The same is not true for cradles and bassinettes.

Power Failure & Food Safety
December 4, 2008
Winter storms create potential for power failures, especially in rural areas. If power goes out an immediate concern should be the safety of refrigerated or frozen foods.

November

Stop the Stigma!
November 27, 2008
What do you think of when you hear that someone has HIV or AIDS? Do you wonder if they are gay? Assume they had unprotected sex or injected illegal drugs?

What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet?
November 20, 2008
Are there dangers lurking in your medicine cabinet? Old medications? Half-used medications? Can’t remember what you needed them for? Can’t read the label anymore?

The Flu
November 13, 2008
Influenza, also called the flu, is a serious and common illness that is easily spread from person to person through direct contact, coughing and sneezing. Flu can include headaches, chills, cough, fever, loss of appetite and fatigue. Flu can leave you bedridden for up to 10 days. Although most healthy people will recover from the flu without problems, the very young, elderly and those with medical problems are at greater risk. Serious complications to those at risk can include pneumonia, hospitalization and even death.

Developmental Assets – Building Blocks for Youth
November 6, 2008
Developmental assets are the positive experiences, opportunities and personal qualities all young people need to develop into responsible, successful and caring individuals. A family that provides high levels of love and care is one example of an asset. It is everyone’s responsibility to support developmental assets to nurture and strengthen youth. Everyone has a role to play, irrespective of a community’s size, location, culture or income.

October

Finding a Good Restaurant
October 30, 2008
It’s after work; it’s been a hectic day with more evening responsibilities facing you at home. Tired and not wanting to cook, you suggest, “Let’s go out tonight for a family dinner. Where should we go?” There are many restaurants and you expect great tasting food whenever you dine out, but how about a new idea for choosing the restaurant? Consider one of the Eat Smart! restaurants; there are several in Grey Bruce.

Handwashing: Staying Healthy Is In Your Hands!
October 23, 2008
In a world where the spread of infectious diseases can seem overwhelming, reducing risk of disease does not need to be complicated. Hands spread approximately 80 percent of common infectious diseases. Proper and frequent hand washing is the best way to prevent many illnesses.

Reclaiming Our Breastfeeding Culture
October 9, 2008
This is World Breastfeeding Week, celebrating with the theme Mother Support: Reclaiming our Breastfeeding Culture. Babies, mothers and families all benefit from a strong breastfeeding culture.

Food and Water in an Emergency
October 2, 2008
If a disaster strikes locally, you might not have access to food, water or electricity for an extended period. Taking time now to prepare emergency water and food supplies will provide for your entire family and visitors, should a problem arise.

September

Can You Understand What Your Child is Saying?
September 25, 2008
The ability to communicate is one of the most fundamental of all human skills. Our ability to speak, listen and relate to others affects the quality of our lives. In Ontario, about 10% of children struggle with basic speech and language skills. They are at risk for social, emotional, behavioural and educational problems.

Making it Easier to Make That Local Food Connection
September 18, 2008
Many people in Canada are thinking more these days about where their food comes from. The idea of a global food supply is losing some of its popularity. The public is now looking for locally produced foods. A recent initiative makes it easier for the citizens of Grey Bruce to link with local food sources. Launched at Keady Market, the Grey Bruce Agriculture and Culinary Map helps you make that connection with local foods.

The HPV Vaccine: What You Need To Know
September 12, 2008
In August 2007, the Ontario government announced funding for all grade 8 females in Ontario to receive free of charge the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Canada. Approximately 75% of Canadians, both male and female, will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime.

Well Water Safety
September 4, 2008
While most people get their drinking water from provincially regulated municipal water systems, about 90% of residents across rural Ontario get their drinking water from private wells or springs. There are regulations governing the construction, maintenance and abandonment of wells. Ultimately though, the homeowner is legally responsible for their water supply and needs to pay close attention to the safety of their drinking water.

August

Protect Yourself from West Nile Virus
August 26, 2008
Late summer is a critical period for West Nile virus (WNv)! Prevention is your best defence. Since mosquitoes are the source for transmitting the virus, avoiding mosquito bites will protect you from getting WNv. The chance of infection from a single mosquito bite remains quite low but you can reduce that risk by taking a few simple steps.

Baby Teeth Are Important!
August 19, 2008
Should you be worried about keeping your children’s baby teeth healthy when they’re just going to lose them anyway? The answer is yes. Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are extremely important to a child’s growth and development.

Celebrate Youth!
August 14, 2008
International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12. The day serves as an opportunity for people worldwide to acknowledge the important contributions young people make in their communities. Concerts, workshops, art shows and special events that draw attention to youth are various ways to recognize the day.

Potty Training
August 7, 2008
More than just mature muscle control is needed for a child to be ready for potty training.  Just as there are cues your infant lets you know they are hungry, there are cues to alert you to a child’s readiness for potty training.

July

Outdoor Air Quality and Smog
July 31, 2008
Smog causes of thousands of premature deaths across Ontario every year. When we hear the word smog, many of us picture the brownish-yellow haze over cities but smog isn’t always visible. Smog often begins in big cities but is carried by winds and air currents; levels can be just as high or higher in rural areas.

Healthy Babies Healthy Children
July 22, 2008
Children do not come with instructions. And not all answers can be found in books or from helpful relatives. The Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program at the Grey Bruce Health Unit can help.

When is a Cigar Not a Cigar?
July 17, 2008
It is for a very good reason the Canadian Cancer Society wants a ban on flavoured cigarillos.
Cigarillos are predominantly a youth phenomenon. Youth are as likely to experiment or try cigarillos as cigarettes and youth have three times the rate of cigarillo use compared to adults. No surprise there as cigarillos only come in kid-friendly flavours and are available in single-packs for about the price of a chocolate bar.

Tetanus - Beyond Rusty Nails
July 10, 2008
Tetanus is preventable with a vaccine every 10 years. Can’t remember when you last had your booster? Likely you’re due.

Sun Safety Precautions
July 3, 2008
Despite our enthusiasm to visit the beaches, playgrounds and trails this summer the warmer weather needs to be approached with caution. The risks of prolonged exposure to the sun are well documented. More than 90 % of skin cancer cases are linked to the Ultra Violet (UV) rays of the sun.

June

Tattoo or Piercing - Be a Smart Consumer!
June 24, 2008
More and more people are donning some form of body art with tattoos and piercing. However, even today, getting a tattoo or a piercing is not risk-free. There are things to consider before getting that tattoo or piercing. Public Health wants you to be a smart consumer!

Motor Vehicle Crashes and Youth!
June 17, 2008
Motor Vehicle Collisions are the leading cause of death for youth aged 15-19 in Grey Bruce. From 2000 to 2003, 26 of the 33 fatalities involving youth (79%) took place on area roads. This is significantly higher than the Ontario average of 31% and the national average of 35%.

Oral Health: A Window to Your Overall Health
June 10, 2008
You may be eating a heart healthy diet and exercising regularly, but have you seen your dentist lately? This is an important question as, apart from of any healthy habits, the state of your teeth and gums can impact your overall health. d

Folic Acid Decreases Risk of Birth Defects
June 3, 2008
If you are planning a baby, it is important you speak to your primary care provider about the need to take the B-vitamin, Folic Acid. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) states increased intake of Folic Acid by women in the child-bearing years can prevent as many as half of certain birth defects.

May

Rear-Facing Car Seat Safety
May 20, 2008
Babies need special care while in a vehicle to protect their fragile head and necks. Rear-facing infant car seats provide that protection.

How Will You PLAY Today?
May 13, 2008
The weather is warmer. The days are longer. The great outdoors is calling your name. Rather than just sending the kids outside to play, why not join them? Better yet, gather your neighbours to join in the fun.

Rabies - It's No Way For a Friend to Die!
May 6, 2008
Rabies is an infectious disease caused by a virus that affects the nervous system of all warm blooded animals, including livestock and man. Here are ways to protect you and your family.

April

Hepatitis C: Doug’s Story
April 22, 2008
Doug, a Grey Bruce resident in his 40s, told his doctor during a routine physical he had recently been experiencing abdominal discomfort and was often feeling tired. On further questioning, Doug shared that in his youth he and friends tried intravenous drugs on a few occasions. He was tested for hepatitis C and the results came back positive. Having had no other noticeable symptoms, Doug was shocked to learn he likely had hepatitis C for about 20 years.

Parents, Do You Know What Your Teen Is Doing After Midnight?
April 15, 2008
You are sitting on your porch enjoying the peace and quiet of a beautiful summer night. Your teenager is down the street where the neighbour’s teens have a small get-together while their parents are out of town. Before your teen left, you discussed a curfew and you have a phone number where they could be reached. Everything seems under control. Suddenly you hear sirens and emergency vehicles flash past stopping outside your neighbour’s house…

Prevent Septic System Malfunctions
April 8, 2008
Rural residents rely on private sewage and septic systems to remove pollutants from waste water. Household sewage contains bacteria, viruses, organic compounds and other nutrients that can impact ground and surface water and, left unchecked, can threaten public health. When operating properly, sewage systems protect the environment and our health.

2008 Grey Bruce Car Seat Check Schedule
April 1, 2008
Every year in Canada 70 children are killed and 4,000 are seriously injured in motor vehicle crashes. The correct use of child car seats reduce the risk of injury by up to 75%. Car Seat Checks across Grey Bruce last year found more than 80% of car seats were installed incorrectly.

March

Turn Off the Screens Week
March 25, 2008
It’s the time again for students to take the challenge and participate in the sixth annual Turn Off the Screens Week, April 14-18. Students across Grey Bruce will be going without television, video games and computers (except for homework).

Winter Safety Tips
March 18, 2008
Winter offers exciting opportunities for outdoor family activities like snowboarding and skating. However, cold temperatures, ice and snow can present potential hazards. Following basic winter safety tips will help keep your family safe.

Home Canning
March 11, 2008
Canning is a safe and economical way to preserve quality food at home. The canning of favourite products to be enjoyed later by family and friends is a fulfilling experience and a source of pride. However, incorrect home canning can cause food poisoning.

Pneumococcal Vaccine Makes Life Easier
March 6, 2008
“The pneumococcal vaccine has made my family life easier.” says Fiona Fryer of Owen Sound. Before receiving the pneumococcal vaccination in 2005, Fiona’s son Andrew developed pneumonia at least once every winter. Since receiving the pneumococcal vaccination, he has not had a single bout of pneumonia. Fiona says she does not miss the resulting trips to the hospital. Andrew’s bouts with pneumonia greatly disrupted the family, including the parents’ work schedules.

February

The Driven to Quit Challenge… Be a Winner!
February 26, 2008
The 2008 Driven to Quit Challenge is on! Tobacco users who go smoke-free for March have a chance to win a new 2008 Toyota Prius or one of seven $3,000 gift cards from Future Shop. There’s never been a better time to quit, so butt out for the month of March!

Pandemic - Preparing for the Unpredictable
February 19, 2008
A flu pandemic is a global outbreak of a new influenza virus no one has been exposed to before. Pandemic flu spreads easily causing serious illness since there is no immunity to this new virus. Unlike the flu each winter, a pandemic may strike anytime of the year causing much more sickness and death.

It’s a Guy Thing!
February 12, 2008
In Grey Bruce, young men are less likely than young women to access sexual health services. The theme for Sexual Health Week, February 11 to 15, It’s a Guy Thing! aims to raise awareness and stress the importance of young men’s sexual health issues.

Put Your Heart into It!
February 5, 2008
February is “Heart Month”. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death and disability in Canada. One in three deaths is the result of heart disease or stroke. Baby boomers represent a group that can expect to see a substantial increase in death and disability due to heart disease. The good news is that with personal lifestyle changes many of the risk factors for these silent killers and other chronic debilitating diseases can be significantly reduced. Steps, taken now, can dramatically decrease your risks.

January

FASD Workshop in Chesley
January 29, 2008
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the term for a number of birth defects that can occur in a baby when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. Babies with FASD may have brain damage, low birth weight, birth defects and developmental delays. Children or adults with FASD may have high activity levels, problems with learning, hearing and vision problems, poor memory, poor coordination, social difficulties and problems with the law.

Food Safety During Power Outages
January 22, 2008
If your power goes off for any length of time, how do you know if refrigerated or frozen food is safe to eat? Here is some information to help you decide whether to keep or throw out food in the refrigerator and freezer.

Preterm Labour
January 15, 2008
Preterm birth is an important health concern as premature babies are at greater risk for health problems throughout their life. One in 12 babies in Ontario is born prematurely.

Tips for a Winning Smile
January 8, 2008
A smile can brighten a room. A healthy smile is always in style.

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