December

There is a New Drug Dealer in Town…
Release Date: December 29, 2008
There is a new drug dealer in town, and it may be in the last place you expect – in your own home.

Board Of Health Meeting Dates 2009
Release Date: December 19, 2008
Board of Health Meeting Schedule 2009.

Stay Home When Sick
Release Date: December 17, 2008
With the cold and flu season rapidly approaching, it is time to reinforce habits that will reduce illness at work, school and play.

Mumps “Catch-Up” - Get Protected While Home for the Holidays
Release Date: December 16, 2008
Recent outbreaks of mumps across Canada led the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to recommend a “catch-up” dose of mumps vaccine for people born between 1970 and 1995. Everyone between the ages of 13 and 38 is encouraged to review their immunization record.

Saugeen Youth Coalition Holiday Bash
Release Date: December 11, 2008
Responding to local request for a concert in their community, the Saugeen Youth Coalition (SYC) is planning an event December 13. Bring your ideas was the only thing asked at a recent pizza lunch hosted by the Coalition. Local youth told the Coalition that they wanted a concert.

Walk-in Flu Clinics Final Attendance
Release Date: December 11, 2008
More than seven thousand people (7,444) received their flu shots at 15 walk-in community flu clinics held by Grey Bruce Health Unit this fall. That is an increase of 609 from 2007.

Snow Blower Injuries
Release Date: December 10, 2008
Every major snowfall brings with it the risk of snow blower related injuries. “We have unfortunately already seen x-rays of our first snow blower related injury,” said Dr. Laura Howlett, Radiologist at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound. “I am always sickened by the images I receive, and amazed at the persistent lack of snow blower safety knowledge.”

Flu Vaccine and Health Care Workers
Release Date: December 8, 2008
Health care workers and first responders have a special duty of care to receive the annual flu shot, not just to protect themselves and their families, but also to protect those in their care.

November

Children Should Receive Flu Shot
Release Date: November 27, 2008
The flu season is almost upon us and many parents are asking, “Does my child really need the flu shot?” If your child is over six months of age and does not have any reason not to receive the vaccine, the answer is an emphatic “Yes!”. Vaccinating your family is the very best way to guard against the flu.

Ontarians to Receive Free Medication to Help Them Quit Smoking
Release Date: November 21, 2008
Ontarians who want to quit smoking have one more way to do it today thanks to a study that will distribute free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and counseling support. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), in partnership with the Ministry of Health Promotion, is collaborating with Keystone Child, Youth & Family Services and the Grey Bruce Health Unit to roll out the STOP (Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients) Study, the first of its kind in Canada.

Bagging for Charity: MADD wants shoppers to “Tie One On” this Saturday
Release Date: November 19, 2008
Saturday’s shopping list: milk, eggs, butter, and most important, a red ribbon! Members and volunteers of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Grey North Bruce Chapter will be bagging groceries, accepting voluntary donations, and handing out red ribbons at area grocery stores on Saturday, November 22, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Coffee for a Cause! - Youth Coalition Gives Back
Release Date: November 17, 2008
On November 20, the Owen Sound Youth Coalition (OSYC) recognizes AIDS Awareness Week, hosting Coffee for a Cause! This event aims to increase public awareness about the issue in our community. Everyone is encouraged to come out to enjoy an evening with acoustic performances by local youth and guest speaker BJ Caldwell, HIV Prevention and Outreach Educator for Wellington and Grey Bruce County.

Body Piercing: Grey Bruce Youth at Risk
Release Date: November 7, 2008
Public Health is concerned with recent reports of local high school students receiving body piercing in unsafe settings. Amateur piercing can pose significant risks. Hepatitis B and C, HIV and severe bacterial skin infections can spread from person to person if items used in piercing are not properly cleaned and sterilized. Unskilled or inexperienced piercers can cause long-term, disfiguring nerve and muscle damage.

Influenza Vaccine is making a Difference
Release Date: November 6, 2008
Universal vaccination proves to be an effective public health measure for reducing the annual burden of influenza.

Diabetes Awareness Month “1 in 5 Survives. We Can All Do Better”
Release Date: November 5, 2008
“1 in 5 Survives. We can all do better.” is the key message in the Canadian Diabetes Awareness Month November campaign. Today, one in five people with diabetes survives heart disease. One in three people with diabetes have it and don’t know it. On average, people have diabetes for seven years before diagnosis.

Eat Smart! Awards of Excellence
Release Date: November 3, 2008
Included with news release is attachment Backgrounder Eat Smart Fact Sheet located in the same place. Please include a link to the attachment.

October

Grey Bruce Health Unit Influenza Clinic Sets Record
Release Date: October 30, 2008
Owen Sound – A record number attended the first public influenza clinic of the season Wednesday, October 29, at the new location of the Grey Bruce Health Unit. Almost 1800 (1797) people receive their influenza vaccine. The attendance is approximately 550 more than the Health Unit’s first influenza clinic last year at the Bayshore Community Centre.

Pregnant Women Strongly Encouraged to Get Flu Shot
Release Date: October 29, 2008
Pregnant women - it’s a group of people that one might overlook when thinking about who should receive the influenza vaccine this season. Public Health strongly encourages pregnant women get the flu shot to protect themselves and their baby.

Childhood Obesity – One Issue Two Solutions
Release Date: October 27, 2008
Results of the School Health Action, Planning and Evaluation System (SHAPES) research show improving the health of children in Grey Bruce requires immediate action. The findings illustrate that although children understand the importance of eating well and being active, this is not reflected in their behaviour.

Contract Agreement with Ontario Nurses Association - Local 004
Release Date: October 21, 2008
The Board of Health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit is pleased to announce ratification of the tentative agreement reached in recent contract negotiations with Ontario Nurses Association - Local 004, representing Public Health Nurses.

Don’t let the flu, or another illness catch you!
Release Date: October 17, 2008
Infection Control Week October 20-24, 2008 - Local flu clinic schedule now available. With infection control week coming up, now is a good time to practice healthy habits and get a flu vaccine.

Public Health Surveys Exempt from National Do Not Call List
Release Date: October 10, 2008
The Grey Bruce’s public health telephone survey is exempt from the new National Do Not Call List. The Institute for Social Research at York University conducts the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS) survey on behalf of the Grey Bruce Health Unit.

Positive Rabid Skunk
Release Date: October 9, 2008
Test results received October 8, 2008, confirm rabies in a skunk from the Paisley area. The animal was killed and tissue samples sent for testing with the result confirming positive for rabies. Public Health is not aware of any human exposure from this incident. This is the third rabid skunk in Grey Bruce in 2008.

Youth Coalition Gives Back!
Release Date: October 1, 2008
On October 2, the Owen Sound Youth Coalition (OSYC) will host Coffee for a Cause! This first ever event recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and is designed to increase public awareness about the issue in our community. Everyone is encouraged to come out to enjoy a fun-filled evening with acoustic performances by local youth and support Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

September

Healthy Workplace Month: Take the Healthy Workplace Challenge
Release Date: September 30, 2008
Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month, September 29 to Oct 26, 2008, is designed to introduce organizations to workplace health and to provide support for those organizations and businesses that are already promoting healthy workplaces.

Canada’s Breastfeeding Week
Release Date: September 29, 2008
As we celebrate Canada’s Breastfeeding Week, October 1-7, INFACT Canada (Infant Feeding Action Coalition) and the Grey Bruce Community Breastfeeding Network encourage our communities to support breastfeeding mothers.

Grey Bruce Health Unit Auction
Release Date: September 15, 2008
On September 26, 2008 , the Grey Bruce Health Unit is selling, by public auction, the office furnishings, workstations and accessories from the former Owen Sound office locations.

Two Birds Positive for West Nile Virus
Release Date: September 12, 2008
Two blue jays in Grey Bruce have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv). They are the second and third WNv positive birds in the region this year. The birds were found last week in the Southgate area.

International FASD Awareness Day
Release Date: September 9, 2008
September 9 is International FASD Awareness Day (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). This day remembers those affected by alcohol before they were born and is a time to support women to have healthy pregnancies!

Positive Rabid Bat
Release Date: September 9, 2008
Test results received September 4, 2008, confirm rabies in a bat from the Point Clark area. This is the fourth rabid animal report in Grey Bruce for 2008.

PLAY in Bruce Grey Launches New Website
Release Date: September 8, 2008
PLAY in Bruce Grey launched their new website www.playbrucegrey.com today, September 8, 2008, to encourage Bruce and Grey County residents to get more physically active.

Healthy Start – Step One Early Prenatal Program
Release Date: September 5, 2008
Grey Bruce Health Unit is launching Healthy Start – Step One a preconception / early prenatal program. This series of two evening sessions, held in both Owen Sound and Walkerton, is for those planning a pregnancy or are less than 18 weeks pregnant.

Various Cheese Products Produced by Ivanho Cheese Inc. May Contain Listeria Monocytogenes
Release Date: September 4, 2008
Public Health, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Ivanhoe Cheese Inc. are warning the public not to consume various cheese products described below because these products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

August

Deli-Meat Food Recall
Release Date: August 20, 2008
The Grey Bruce Health Unit has not received any reports locally of illness related to a nation-wide recall of meat products due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Seventeen Public Health units across the province are investigating thirty-seven cases of Listeriosis that have occurred primarily among elderly patients.

Beach Safety Confirmed
Release Date: August 15, 2008
Beach sampling was undertaken as part of due diligence in relation to the investigation of an e-coli case in the region.

Grey Bruce Health Unit Moving
Release Date: August 14, 2008
Thirty-five hundred boxes to be packed; the mover is scheduled for next week. Beginning Monday, August 25, 2008, the Grey Bruce Health Unit will be working out of the new building at 101 17th Street East, Owen Sound. The Grey Bruce Health Unit building at 920 1st Avenue West will close at the end of the business day Friday, August 22, 2008. Phone numbers, including emergency numbers remain the same.

Geocaching in the Libraries
Release Date: August 14, 2008
Geocaching, an exciting and active adventure game using GPS (Global Positioning System), is now available through local libraries. Geocache systems are offered for loan at selected libraries in Grey and Bruce.

Bird Positive for West Nile Virus
Release Date: August 7, 2008
A dead Eastern Loggerhead Shrike in Grey Bruce tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv). This is the first WNv positive bird in the region this year. The bird was found last week in the Dyer’s Bay area.

Celebrate International Youth Day – August 12
Release Date: August 5, 2008
Join celebrations for International Youth Day as the Owen Sound Youth Coalition (OSYC) hosts The Bayshore Bash! at the Bayshore Community Centre in Owen Sound, Tuesday, August 12, from 5:00 until 11:00 p.m. This outdoor event showcases local youth talent with a broad range of musical performances including acoustic guitar, solo vocals, a variety of bands as well as a barbecue and giveaways. Admission is by donation.

July

World Breastfeeding Week - Mother Support: Going for the Gold
Release Date: July 31, 2008
As the world anticipates the Summer Olympics in China, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) celebrates World Breastfeeding Week August 1 - 7, with the theme Mother Support: Going for the Gold.

Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking
Release Date: July 23, 2008
Alcohol abuse through binge drinking is spiraling out of control in Grey Bruce. Thirty-four per cent of people in our area, over the age of 12 who drink alcohol, report engaging in binge drinking. That is 12 per cent higher than both the Canada and Ontario averages. The latest figures come from the June 2008, Canadian Community Health Survey. The survey monitors a range of health indicators including alcohol and tobacco use.

Agreement with OPSEU Local 276- Clerical Support Staff
Release Date: July 14, 2008
The Board of Health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit is pleased to announce ratification of the tentative agreement reached in recent contract negotiations with OPSEU Local 276, representing Health Unit clerical support staff.

Local Ground Water Monitoring Wells Test Higher Than Normal For Nitrate
Release Date: July 11, 2008
The Grey Bruce Health Unit received notice from the Provincial Ground Monitoring Network (PGMN) that water samples taken from monitoring well in the vicinity of  Walkerton (Brant Township Lot 1, Concession 1) returned test results higher than normal for levels of Nitrate in the ground water aquifer. These Nitrate concentrations are slightly above the accepted parameters identified in the Ontario Drinking Water Standards.

Local Ground Water Monitoring Wells Test Higher Than Normal For Sodium
Release Date: July 11, 2008
The Grey Bruce Health Unit received notice from the Provincial Ground Monitoring Network (PGMN) water samples taken from monitoring well in the vicinity of Walkerton (Brant Township Lot 1, Concession 1) show test results higher than normal for levels of sodium in the ground water aquifer. These sodium concentrations are slightly above the accepted parameters identified in the Ontario Drinking Water Standards.

June

Positive Rabid Cattle Beast
Release Date: June 20, 2008
Test results received June 19, 2008, confirm rabies in a cattle beast from the Walkerton area. The animal was killed and tissue samples sent for testing with the result confirming positive for rabies. Seven people are starting the rabies post-exposure preventative treatment due to the potential of exposure from this incident.

The Beat Goes On Awards Winners
Release Date: June 19, 2008
Grey Bruce Partners in Health is pleased to announce the winners of the 14th annual The Beat Goes On Awards. The awards recognize individuals, groups, workplaces, schools and municipalities that are making changes to improve their own health, or the health of their employees or residents.

Positive Rabid Skunk
Release Date: June 11, 2008
Test results received June 10, 2008, confirm rabies in a skunk from the Tara area. The skunk was wandering around the streets of Tara on June 9. The animal was killed and tissue samples sent for testing with the result confirming positive for rabies. Public Health is not aware of any human exposure from this incident. This is the second rabid skunk in Grey Bruce in 2008.

Turn Off The Screens Week Winners Announced!
Release Date: June 4, 2008
Eighty percent of the schools in Grey Bruce participated in the sixth annual Turn Off The Screens Week! The challenge encouraged children to turn off the TV and computer and to get up and get moving.

May

Board of Health Supports Negotiating Team, MOH and Management
Release Date: May 16, 2008
At its regular meeting today, the Board of Health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit unanimously passed a motion in support of the Board’s negotiating team, the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hazel Lynn and the management and staff of the Health Unit.

Fathers Matter – The Father Initiative
Release Date: May 12, 2008
Children need fathers, and fathers need children. On May 30, 2008, The Father Involvement Initiative – Ontario Network, presents a one-day conference providing tools and useful skills to enable individuals, organizations or programs to be more father inclusive.

Response to Dead or Sick Birds
Release Date: May 12, 2008
Beginning Monday, May 12, 2008, Public Health is collecting dead crows, blue jays and ravens as well as dead squirrels/small mammals for the purpose of West Nile virus (WNv) surveillance. This is the earliest warning system to indicate West Nile virus.

Board of Health OPSEU Contract Offer
Release Date: May 9, 2008
The Grey Bruce Health Unit would like to provide details of the current and final contract offer to OPSEU Local 276 – Clerical Support, prior to the current job action.

Potential Measles Exposure in Grey Bruce
Release Date: May 8, 2008
Grey Bruce Health Unit has determined that an individual from Toronto, who was contagious with measles, may have inadvertently exposed others in Grey Bruce to the illness.

Seventh Annual “Stay on Your Feet” Tea
Release Date: May 5, 2008
The Community Coalition for the Prevention of Falls in Older Adults and the Osprey Women’s Institute hosted the seventh annual “Stay on Your Feet” tea at the Maxwell Community Centre on Saturday May 3.

Contract Negotiations with OPSEU Local 276 – Clerical Support
Release Date: May 1, 2008
The Grey Bruce Health Unit has a plan in place to maintain delivery of Public Health services should members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 276 – Clerical Support move forward with job action against the employer. All essential services will be maintained although there may be reductions or delays in delivery of low risk programs.

April

A Colourful Tribute to Immunization Awareness Week
Release Date: April 28, 2008
Children from forty-three local childcare centres in Grey Bruce took part in a National Immunization Awareness Week colouring contest, sponsored by the Grey Bruce Health Unit. Winners of the colouring contest received individual prizes. The six childcare centres with the best participation rates receive gift certificates for classroom supplies.

Provision of Public Health Services
Release Date: April 28, 2008
It will be business as usual at the Grey Bruce Health Unit in the event members of OPSEU Local 276 - Clerical Support move forward with a job action.

Reducing Infant Exposure to Bisphenol A
Release Date: April 23, 2008
Questions have been raised regarding the health risks of bisphenol A; which is an industrial chemical used to make hard, clear plastic known as polycarbonate. Due to the health risks from this chemical, Health Canada is proposing to ban the use of polycarbonate in baby bottles and other food containers.

Seventh Annual Falls Prevention Tea
Release Date: April 22, 2008
The seventh annual Stay on Your Feet Tea, sponsored by the Community Coalition for the Prevention of Falls in Older Adults and the Osprey Women’s Institute, takes place May 3 at the Maxwell Community Centre.

Positive Rabid Skunk
Release Date: April 16, 2008
Test results received April 15, 2008, confirm rabies in a skunk from the Durham area. Public Health is not aware of any human exposure from this incident.

Walking After Midnight
Release Date: April 14, 2008
Walking After Midnight: The Story of Bob; is a presentation by Katy Hutchison, sponsored by the Grey Bruce Health Unit in partnership with the Grey Bruce Parent Norms Committee and FOCUS.

Most Tobacco Retailers Pass Compliance Testing
Release Date: April 2, 2008
In 2007, Public Health carried out 385 compliance checks of tobacco retailers across Grey Bruce. Overall, 86% of the retailers tested did not sell to the under-age test shopper.

March

Celebrating Youth! A forum in support of local teens
Release Date: March 26, 2008
Residents of Meaford, The Blue Mountains and neighboring communities are invited to attend a forum in celebration of local teens, Thursday April 3, 2008, at Georgian Bay Secondary School. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. There is no admission to the forum hosted by Georgian Bay Secondary School and The Community for Youth Coalition.

World TB Day – New Local Resource
Release Date: March 19, 2008
World Stop TB Day, held on March 24 each year, raises awareness about the global health threat from tuberculosis (TB). The Grey Bruce Health Unit is distributing new TB resource material to health care providers in nursing homes and long-term care facilities across Grey Bruce. The resources, including a new DVD, review the process of administering and reading a TB skin test.

Dine out to Donate
Release Date: March 6, 2008
Dining out at Boston Pizza in Owen Sound helps contribute to local Eat and Learn programs. Ten percent of all food sales from 12-8 pm on Wednesday, March 12 go to Grey Bruce Eat and Learn School Nutrition Programs.

February

Growing Up Healthy with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Workshop
Release Date: February 29, 2008
An upcoming workshop Growing Up Healthy with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder offers practical and helpful information about this range of conditions. Workshop is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, at the Chesley Community Centre (registration at 9:00). Please pre-register by March 7.

What are you doing to celebrate Family Day?
Release Date: February 15, 2008
On February 18, 2008, families will celebrate Ontario’s newest statutory holiday - Family Day. This presents an opportunity for families to spend time together in activities that will benefit their health. For a listing of free or low cost family activities taking place in your community, contact your local recreation department, arena or municipality.

Paediatricians Support Universal Chicken Pox Vaccine
Release Date: February 14, 2008
Dr. Paul Dick, Regional Consulting Paediatrician for Grey Bruce Health Services, highlighted the importance of the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine in light of a recent death due to complications related to this disease. People need to recognize the severe form of chicken pox and act early to prevent this disease rather than rely on responding to it when it arises.

Bruce Boilermakers Supports Eat and Learn
Release Date: February 13, 2008
The Bruce Society of Boilermakers supports better nutrition for better education.

Thinking about quitting smoking?
Release Date: February 4, 2008
The Driven to Quit Challenge allows smokers to trade in their cigarettes for a chance to win! The registration deadline is midnight February 29, 2008

January

Rabies Investigation - Update
Release Date: January 25, 2008
Anyone who purchased a puppy from the Chesley location of the “Pets R Us”, also known as “Feed Me More Pets”, in the period from January 3, 2008 to present, is asked to contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456. There is a potential, that during the period, other pups at the Chesley location may have been exposed to infectious animals.

Rabies Investigation
Release Date: January 24, 2008
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is investigating exposure to a litter of rabid puppies. This litter originating from Perth County, and subsequently sold January 13, 2008 at the Dr. Fleas flea Market, Albion Road and Highway 27, Toronto. Public Health reminds people to purchase animals from a reliable breeder/vendor and be sure of the animal’s immunization status.

 

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