December

Christmas Comes Early for EatSmart! School Cafeterias
Release Date: December 18, 2009
Nine secondary schools across Grey Bruce will receive an award package in recognition of achieving Phase One status as an EatSmart! School Cafeteria.

Family Home for the Holidays? H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Shots Available by Appointment.
Release Date: December 17, 2009
Students and family members visiting in Grey Bruce over the holidays are encouraged to receive their flu vaccines before returning to school.

Rabid Cow in the Vicinity of Tara
Release Date: December 11, 2009
Test results received December 10, 2009, confirm rabies in a cow found in the vicinity of Tara (Municipality of Arran-Elderslie). This is the ninth rabid animal reported for Grey Bruce in 2009. Human involvement and possible exposure to the rabies virus has been associated with this animal.

H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccine Still Available in Grey and Bruce
Release Date: December 11, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit has completed H1N1 and Seasonal Flu community immunization clinics in the area. To ensure protection for the community into 2010, the H1N1 flu vaccine and Seasonal Flu vaccine are now available to everyone 6 months of age and older, by appointment, through the Grey Bruce Health Unit in Owen Sound, Walkerton and at the Plex in Port Elgin.

Rabid Skunk in the Vicinity of Durham
Release Date: December 11, 2009
Test results received December 10, 2009, confirm rabies in a skunk found in the vicinity of Durham (Municipality of West Grey). This is the eighth rabid animal reported for Grey Bruce in 2009. There has not been any reported human involvement associated with this rabid skunk.

Chesley Flu Clinic Cancelled
Release Date: December 10, 2009
As a result of inclement weather, the Grey Bruce Health Unit has cancelled the community flu immunization clinic scheduled from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. today, at the Chesley Community Centre.

Keep Your Fingers This Winter
Release Date: December 8, 2009
Want to keep your fingers this winter? Here are some steps to prevent injury when clearing a snow blower jam.

November

Local Ground Water Monitoring Wells Test Higher Than Normal For Sodium
Release Date: November 24, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit received notice from the Provincial Ground Monitoring Network (PGMN) that water samples taken from monitoring wells in the vicinity of located in Elderslie Township (Lot 7, Con 8)  and Brant Township, (Lot 1, Concession 1) show test results higher than normal for levels of sodium in the ground water aquifer.

HAVE A BALL TOGETHER!  Fight Obesity in Preschoolers
Release Date: November 20, 2009
Community partners across Grey and Bruce are participating in the provincial campaign, Have a Ball Together!, orchestrated by the Best Start Resource Centre. The goal of the campaign is to increase the amount of physical activity and decrease the amount screen time children participate in daily.

Youth Waves Support for Kincardine Fundraising
Release Date: November 17, 2009
Youth Waves and Kincardine Home Hardware have teamed up to help not-for-profit youth teams and youth organizations in Kincardine raise a little money. With the generous donation from Kincardine Home Hardware, Youth Waves will now be able to offer all not-for-profit youth teams and organizations the use of a B-B-Q for local fundraisers starting December 1, 2009.

H1N1 Vaccine Available to All Grey Bruce Residents
Release Date: November 17, 2009
All future scheduled Public Health clinics will offer the H1N1 vaccine to all residents of Grey Bruce six months of age and over. Seniors aged 65 years and older can also receive the Seasonal Flu vaccine.

Updates on H1N1 Vaccine Recommendations for Children
Release Date: November 16, 2009
Updated recommendations on the H1N1 flu vaccine dosing for healthy children between 3 years and 9 years of age means that one shot may be enough to provide protection from the H1N1 flu virus.

Local Ground Water Monitoring Wells Test Higher Than Normal For Sodium
Release Date: November 13, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit received notice from the Provincial Ground Monitoring Network (PGMN) that water samples taken from monitoring wells in the vicinity of Tiverton (Lot 2, Concession 1) and 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.

Diabetes Awareness Month - Understand Diabetes and Take Control!
Release Date: November 9, 2009
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. World Health Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14, has been a United Nations World Health Day since 2007. This date marks the birthday of Dr. Fredrick Banting who, along with Dr. Charles Best, is credited with the discovery of insulin in 1921 and forever changed the lives of people worldwide living with diabetes.

Seniors and School-Age Children Eligible for H1N1 Vaccine in Grey Bruce
Release Date: November 9, 2009
The priority group to receive the pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) vaccine has expanded, adding all public and high school-age children and seniors 65 years and older.
The vaccine will be offered to the priority groups at the community flu clinics beginning with the clinic today, 4:00 to 8:-00 p.m. at the Chesley Community Centre. (Full clinic schedule attached)

Saugeen Shores Hosts 2009 Grey Bruce Youth Summit
Release Date: November 6, 2009
Saugeen Shores Youth Coalition is hosting the 2009 Grey Bruce Youth Summit, November 20 & 21, 2009 at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre in Southampton. This year’s summit will focus on inclusion, the importance of youth and the role youth can play within their communities.

Additional pH1N1 Vaccine Clinics
Release Date: November 5, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit will hold additional Community Immunization Clinics to accommodate widespread distribution of the pH1N1 flu vaccine.

Non-Adjuvant pH1N1 Vaccine Available in Grey Bruce
Release Date: November 04, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit has received a shipment of 1000 doses of non-adjuvant pH1N1 vaccine. This vaccine is for pregnant women under 20 weeks gestation and for those over 20 weeks gestation who opted to wait to receive the non-adjuvant vaccine.

October

Additional pH1N1 Vaccine Clinics
Release Date: October 29, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit will hold additional Community Immunization Clinics, beginning Monday, November 2, to accommodate demand for the pH1N1 flu vaccine. Additional clinics are also scheduled for Saturday, November 7 and Saturday, November 14. All additional clinics will be at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, 101 17th Street East, Owen Sound.

Grey Bruce Health Unit Receives Canadian Urban Institute Award
Release Date: October 29, 2009
The new Grey Bruce Health Unit building and architects Salter-Pilon have been acknowledged by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI). The 2009 CUI Brownie Awards recognizes Brownfield Projects that are "Going for Gold" across Canada. The Grey Bruce Health Unit won in Category 4 - Excellence in Project Development: Building Scale.

First pH1N1 Vaccine Clinic in Grey Bruce
Release Date: October 28, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is anticipating large numbers for the first Pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) vaccine clinic being offered to priority groups, October 29 at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, 101 17th Street East, Owen Sound from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ban on Hand-Held Devices Makes Driving Safer
Release Date: October 27, 2009
The Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention Committee in Grey Bruce endorses Ontario’s ban on hand-held devices while driving. The law, which took effect October 26, makes it illegal for drivers to talk text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communication and entertainment devices.

Influenza and pH1N1 in Grey Bruce
Release Date: October 27, 2009
“Locally we are seeing an increase in influenza like illness”, states Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health. “Emergency rooms in Grey Bruce are reporting nearly half of patients presenting with flu-like symptoms. This is not unusual to see during flu season, however, we would normally see these rates in January and February, not in late October.”

Pandemic H1N1 Vaccine in Grey Bruce
Release Date: October 26, 2009
Pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) vaccine will be offered, to the priority groups, at the October 29 flu clinic at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, 101 17th Street East, Owen Sound from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Additional clinics are scheduled across Grey Bruce (see attachment).

Seniors Get Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
Release Date: October 23, 2009
Newly added to the priority group to first receive the H1N1 vaccine, is women up to 4 weeks post-partum. According to Program Manager, Denna Leach, “It’s important that women who have recently had a baby receive the vaccine, as both mother and baby have a higher risk of complications if they contract the H1N1 influenza virus.”

Public Health Announces Roll Out of H1N1 Vaccine in Grey Bruce
Release Date: October 22, 2009
Two vaccines will be offered at the October 29th flu clinic being held at the Public Health building in Owen Sound from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

First Seasonal Influenza Immunization Clinic A Success
Release Date: October 16, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit held a community influenza clinic for area residents 65 years of age and older on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at the Public Health building in Owen Sound.

Bridging the Generation Gap (You and your aging parents) - Workshop
Release Date: October 15, 2009
Are you caring for an aging parent or relative? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of the “seniors’ system”? If so, this workshop is for you!

Public Health Announces First Set of Flu Clinic Dates
Release Date: October 9, 2009
The first of several community clinics for seasonal influenza immunizations takes place Thursday, October 15, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, 101 17th Street East, Owen Sound. No appointment is necessary and clinics are free.

DO NOT USE WATER ADVISORY for residents who use water directly from Irish Lake LIFTED.
Release Date: October 8, 2009
The Do Not Use Water Advisory for the residents near and around Irish Lake in the Municipalities of Grey Highlands and West Grey issued on September 2, 2009, has been lifted.

Pandemic H1N1 Flu Virus Circulating in Grey Bruce
Release Date: October 6, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit has received reports of cases of pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza virus in the area.

Saugeen Shores Youth of the Month Award
Release Date: October 5, 2009
The Saugeen Shores Youth Coalition, in partnership with Canadian Tire, will be presenting the Youth of the Month Award, starting in November.

Healthy Workplace Month -  Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Work
Release Date: October 1, 2009
October is Healthy Workplace Month. The theme for 2009 is Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Work! Events run from October 5 until November 1 with programs to introduce organizations to workplace health and in support of those who are already promoting healthy workplaces.

September

Maintaining Your Independence- Falls Prevention Forum
Release Date: September 30, 2009
Presented by the Grey Bruce Health Unit and the Grey Bruce Falls Prevention and Intervention Program, this program offers a free luncheon and discussion of the risks associated with falls in our seniors’ population.

Correction - No Human Involvement - Rabid Skunk at Egremont (Township of Southgate)
Release Date: September 24, 2009
It was initially reported that one person was exposed to the skunk and they had started preventative treatment against rabies. Please be advised that there was no human exposure associated with this rabid skunk. No preventative treatment in humans was administered as previously reported.

Rabid Skunk at Egremont (Township of Southgate)
Release Date: September 23, 2009
Test results received Sept 23, 2009, confirm rabies in a skunk was found in the area north east of Mount Forest (Egremont). This is the eighth rabid animal reported for Grey Bruce in 2009. One person exposed to the skunk will start preventative treatment against rabies.

Wind Turbine Public Forum
Release Date: September 15, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit will host two public forums with regard to the health issues associated with large-scale wind turbine projects.

Local Ground Water Monitoring Wells Test Higher Than Normal For Sodium
Release Date: September 11, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit received notice from the Provincial Ground Monitoring Network (PGMN) that water samples taken from the monitoring well near Walkerton (Lot 1, Concession 1) showed test results higher than normal for levels of sodium in the ground water aquifer. These sodium concentrations are above the accepted parameters identified in the Ontario Drinking Water Standards.

Rabid Fox in Tara Area
Release Date: September 10, 2009
Test results received today, confirm rabies in a fox from the Tara area. This is the seventh rabid animal report for Grey Bruce in 2009.

Lonely Island Beach,  Oliphant, Municipality of South Bruce Peninsula, is now Safe for Bathing
Release Date: September 4, 2009
Municipality of South Bruce Peninsula –Lonely Island Beach (Oliphant), which was posted as unsafe on July 30, 2009 is now deemed safe for bathing.

International FASD Awareness Day
Release Date: September 4, 2009
Wednesday, September 9 is International FASD Awareness Day, a day to remember those affected by alcohol before they were born and a time to support women to have healthy pregnancies!

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in the Community
Release Date: September 3, 2009
The Health Unit is currently investigating a group of pertussis cases in an unimmunized population in the Chesley/Peabody area.

DO NOT USE WATER ADVISORY for Residents who use water directly from Irish Lake.
Release Date: September 2, 2009
Please be advised that as of 1:30p.m. on September 2nd, 2009 the Grey Bruce Health Unit issued a Do Not Use Water Advisory for the residents near and around Irish Lake in the Municipalities of Grey Highlands and West Grey. This advisory affects those residents who use the lake as their direct drinking water source. All of these residents are being contacted by the Municipalities and are being provided with information.
Those residents who are on their own separate well supply are not affected.

August

Province Releases The Initial Report on Public Health
Release Date: August 27, 2009
The Public Health Division of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) has released The Initial Report on Public Health, reflecting the state of public health in Ontario. The report profiles public health units across Ontario, including the Grey Bruce Health Unit.

Ninety-Five Per Cent of Students Immunized in Grey Bruce
Release Date: August 26, 2009
Most Grey Bruce students are immunized-ready for school. The Immunization and School Pupils Act requires students attending private, elementary or secondary schools to be immunized for measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and polio.

Rabid Bat at Sauble Beach
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Test results received August 25, 2009, confirm rabies in a bat from Sauble Beach. This is the sixth rabid animal report for Grey Bruce in 2009. One person exposed to the bat will start preventative treatment against rabies.

Bluewater Park Beach, Town of South Bruce Peninsula, Posted Unsafe for Bathing
Release Date: August 21, 2009
The Medical Officer of Health advises bathers that high levels of bacteria in this water may pose a risk to their health. Advisory signs have been posted.

Kincardine Youth Celebrate International Youth Day
Release Date: August 13, 2009
The Kincardine Youth Waves Coalition celebrates International Youth Day, Saturday, August 15, 2009, with a beach load of activities to promote the youth of the Kincardine area!

Rabid Skunk in Georgian Bluffs
Release Date: August 12, 2009
Test results received August 12, 2009, confirm rabies in a skunk from the Hepworth area. This is the fourth rabid skunk report for Grey Bruce in 2009 along with one positive fox report.

Ground Water Monitoring Wells Test Higher Than Normal For Nitrate
Release Date: August 12, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit received notice from the Provincial Ground Monitoring Network (PGMN) that water samples taken from a 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.

Health Unit and Schools Preparing for Fall Flu Season
Release Date: August 12, 2009
It will be a ‘different’ flu season this year as the Grey Bruce Health Unit and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care prepare for the 2009/10 flu season.  Directors of the Bluewater District and the Bruce Grey Catholic District Schools met with Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn and key Health Unit staff, August 11, to strategize how things will be managed this fall within Grey and Bruce County schools.

Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommended for High-Risk Before Flu Season
Release Date: August 6, 2009
Vaccination of all high-risk individuals against pneumococcal disease is being strongly recommended prior to the arrival of seasonal flu and as a result of the threat of a novel influenza strain (H1N1 flu virus).

International Youth Day Celebration 
Release Date: August 4, 2009
In collaboration with the Celebrate Owen Sound Summer, the Owen Sound Youth Coalition (OSYC) presents Bayshore Bash 2, Wednesday, August 12, 2009. This is OSYC’s second annual International Youth Day celebration!

July

Lonely Island Beach, Town of South Bruce Peninsula, Posted Unsafe for Bathing
Release Date: July 30, 3009
The Medical Officer of Health advises bathers that high levels of bacteria in this water may pose a risk to their health. Advisory signs have been posted.

Task Force Begins Planning to Address Crystal Methamphetamine Issues
Release Date: July 27, 2009
The Grey Bruce Crystal Methamphetamine Task Force held a planning meeting on July 24, 2009 to begin the development of a community response to the problem of the illicit production, sale and use of crystal methamphetamine in Grey and Bruce Counties.

Help Improve Safety for Seniors! Let us know if you have experienced a fall recently
Release Date: July 15, 2009
The high rate of senior’s falls is the subject of a Seniors Safety Study joint research project by the Grey Bruce Health Unit and the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario. Falls in our senior population are a serious public health problem. We need to hear from seniors who have had a fall recently. We would like to talk with seniors as soon as we can following a fall and ideally within a week of the fall.

New Response to Young Offenders Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act
Release Date: July 14, 2009
A new Informal Diversionary Program for first-time young offenders of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) was launched July 1, across Grey Bruce. Developed in consultation with the Grey County Crown Prosecutor, the new program offers youth, under age 16, the option of completing 20 hours of community service as an alternative to courts, where appropriate.

Help Support Owen Sound Youth Friendly Community Award
Release Date: July 14, 2009
The Owen Sound Youth Coalition (OSYC) would like to see the City of Owen Sound recognized as a Youth Friendly community. The coalition is applying through the Playworks: Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program for a Youth Friendly Community Award. The Program recognizes communities that are meeting the needs of their adolescent youth (ages 13 - 19) through access to a diversity of 'play' opportunities.

Owen Sound Bike Festival – Bike Rodeo
Release Date: July 9, 2009
As part of the Owen Sound Bike Festival, Owen Sound Police Service and the Community Action PLAY Network will host a bike rodeo. The festival runs July 11 – 12, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. The bike rodeo takes place Saturday, July 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Rock the Shore - Battle of the Bands Presented by the Saugeen Youth Coalition
Release Date: July 7, 2009
The Saugeen Youth Coalition is presenting a summer-long Battle of the Bands consisting of several concerts over the summer and concluding at Pumpkinfest in October. The Grand Prize is guaranteed to have a minimum value of $500.  The next concert in this series takes place Saturday, July 11

“Where’s the Shade” – Ugliest Schoolyard Contest awards two Grey Bruce schools with funds for trees and shade structures
Release Date: July 6, 2009
Two Grey Bruce elementary schools are the winners of the Ugliest Schoolyard Contest. They will receive funds for trees and shade structures to transform their schoolyards and protect children from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.  

June

Local News Feature on Childhood Obesity Garners National Award
Release Date: June 30, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit congratulates CKNX radio in Wingham and local reporter Kirk Scott for a national award winning news feature on childhood obesity.

Local Students Spread the Word about Alcohol and Pregnancy
Release Date: June 17, 2009
Winners in a media contest to increase awareness of the problems associated with alcohol use during pregnancy were one of the highlights of the Bruce County Museum’s Comm-Tech Showcase, June 11. The event puts the spotlight on the works of the talented youth of Saugeen District Secondary School.

Second Case of H1N1 Flu Virus Identified in Grey Bruce
Release Date: June 11, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit has received laboratory confirmation of a second positive case of H1N1 flu virus in Grey Bruce. The individual was not admitted to hospital and is at home recovering. The illness was not connected to travel to Mexico.

Youth Prevention Program Cancelled by the Province
Release Date: June 2, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit has received notice that the very popular and effective Youth Action Alliance (YAA) Program will be cancelled effective August 31, 2009. The program was launched in 2005 to support youth development, prevent children and youth from starting and becoming addicted to tobacco products, and to advocate for the elimination of involuntary exposure to second-hand smoke. The program mandate was recently expanded to promote healthy living. The cuts affect two full time Youth Advisors and 20 part time youth working in various communities across Grey Bruce.

Owen Sound Youth Coalition New Logo Unveiling
Release Date: June 1, 2009
The Owen Sound Youth Coalition (OSYC) is inviting community members to join in congratulating Drew Silverthorn, winner of the coalition’s logo design contest. Area high school students were asked to submit a design for a new logo. A brief presentation will take place 9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2009, at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market.

May

H1N1 Flu Virus Identified in Grey Bruce
Release Date: May 29, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit has received laboratory confirmation of a positive case of H1N1 flu virus in Grey Bruce. The individual was not admitted to hospital and is at home recovering. The illness was not connected to travel to Mexico.

Rabid Skunk in Teeswater area
Release Date: May 29, 2009
Test results received May 29, 2009, confirm rabies in a skunk from Teeswater area. There was no human involvement. This is the fourth rabid animal report for Grey Bruce in 2009. Prior to this, there was one rabid fox reported in March and one positive skunk in April and another positive skunk last week.

Bike/Walk to Work Challenge
Release Date: May 28, 2009
It is time again for the Bike/Walk to Work Challenge; June 1 - 26, 2009. The Challenge has been an annual event in area workplaces for the past six years. Each of the over 300 participating local workplace takes on their own event for Bike/Walk to Work month.

Grey Bruce Launches Crystal Methamphetamine Task Force
Release Date: May 27, 2009
A Task Force has been established to direct action on the problems related to the illicit use of the drug “crystal methamphetamine” in Grey Bruce. The Task Force held its first meeting in Owen Sound on May 26th. Sandy Stockman, Executive Director of the Grey Bruce Community Health Corporation and Task Force Co-Chair said. “Meth use is a community problem and there is a compelling need for a timely community response.”

West Nile Program Ends Bird Collection
Release Date: May 22, 2009
Public Health is no longer collecting birds for the West Nile Virus Program. If you find a dead bird, you do not need to call Public Health. Double bag the bird and place it in your garbage for pick-up or bury the carcass at least two feet deep in an area that will not be disturbed. Do not bury in vegetable gardens. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling a dead bird.

Positive Rabid Fox
Release Date: May 21, 2009
Test results received March 17, 2009, confirm rabies in a fox from the Brockton area. This is the first rabid animal report for Grey Bruce in 2009. There was no human involvement.

Get Your Motor Running…Get Out on the Highway in your Smoke-Free Vehicle
Release Date: May 14, 2009
For many, the May long weekend marks the start of the summer season. Families take to the highways to visit friends, to open their cottage or to have their first campfire at one of the many parks and campgrounds across Ontario. The Grey Bruce Health Unit would like to remind everyone that in Ontario, it is against the law for any person - driver or passenger – to smoke in a vehicle where there are passengers under 16 years old, regardless of whether a window, sunroof or door is open. 

Think and Drive - Are You Road Worthy?
Release Date: May 14, 2009
With the Victoria Day long weekend coming up, more than 150 teen drivers and parents answered the question “Are you road worthy?” Teen drivers and their parents/guardians attended Think and Drive, held Tuesday at the Grey Bruce Health Unit. The interactive evening aimed to raise awareness of the risks, and to reduce the number of deaths, associated with motor vehicle collisions.

April

Dental Screening Available at High Schools
Release Date: April 30, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is expanding free dental services to children in families unable to cover the cost of treatment.  The Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT) program previously offered dental treatment to families with children up to age 14. The Ministry of Health Promotion is expanding the program to include children up to age 17. 

Grey Bruce Health Unit congratulates local Driven to Quit winner
Release Date: April 29, 2009
Flesherton resident rewarded after quitting smoking - Judy Martin of Flesherton takes home a $2,000 Canadian Tire gift card as a regional winner of the 2009 Driven to Quit Challenge.

Think and Drive - Are You Road Worthy?
Release Date: April 27, 2009
Teen drivers and their parents/guardians are invited to Think and Drive, an interactive evening to raise awareness of the risks, and to reduce the number of deaths, associated with motor vehicle collisions. The event runs 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, 101 17th Street East, Owen Sound.

School Suspensions
Release Date: April 23, 2009
The second round of suspensions begins on Tuesday, April 28 for secondary students and some elementary students whose records of immunization are not complete. The Immunization of School Pupils Act requires documentation of immunization or an exemption form filed with Public Health. There are approximately 150 students still outstanding for immunization although some are in the process of getting vaccinated this week or next.

An Ounce of Prevention… The Roaming Scope Project
Release Date: April 23, 2009
The Roaming Scope Project is an innovative undertaking that allows surgeons to offer colorectal cancer screening throughout Grey Bruce. Lead surgeon Dr. Jon Caulfeild will present an overview of the project at the annual public forum hosted by the Community Advisory Committee for the Grey Bruce Health Services - Southampton Site.

National Immunization Awareness Week
Release Date: April 23, 2009
National Immunization Awareness Week, April 25-May 2, reminds Canadians of the profound impact that immunizations have on public health. Immunization is recognized as the single most cost-effective health investment, having saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health intervention.

Turn Off The Screens and Win!
Release Date: April 22, 2009
From April 27 – May 3 children and their families across Grey Bruce are challenged to participate in the seventh annual Turn Off The Screens week. During the week students do their best to get off the couch and get active by turning off the television, video game and computer (expect for educational purposes). Participants are eligible to win some great prizes sponsored by Grey Bruce Partners in Health.

Grey Bruce Health Unit Achieves LEED Gold
Release Date: April 22, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit staff celebrates Earth Day with confirmation from the Canada Green Building Council that our new state of the art building has achieved the Gold Standard in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Bruce Grey Trail Network to Host Geocaching Event  
Release Date: April 20, 2009
The Bruce Grey Trail Network will host a geocaching event on Thursday, April 30 as part of Turn off the Screens week, a project of the Grey Bruce Health Unit in partnership with numerous community agencies.

Public Assistance Request
Release Date: April 14, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is seeking assistance from the public in finding the owners of a dog involved in a biting incident that occurred approximately 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2009. The large, black dog, possibly a Lab/Shepherd mix, was being walked north on the 300 block of 7th Avenue East, Owen Sound, when the incident occurred.

Stay Home When Sick
Release Date: April 8, 2009
It is important to stay home when you are not well. One case of illness can spread, resulting in many people becoming sick. Germs are spread on surfaces that we touch, through the air and by things that we put into our mouths. These viruses can live on unwashed hands for 5 minutes, on clothing and tissues for 8 to 10 hours and on hard objects like doorknobs, telephones and keyboards for up to 2 days.

Positive Rabid Skunk
Release Date: April 3, 2009
Test results received April 3, 2009, confirm rabies in a skunk from the South Bruce area. There was no human involvement. This is the second rabid animal report for Grey Bruce in 2009. Last month a rabid fox was confirmed in the Brockton area.

Be a Breast Friend - Salons are Spreading the Word
Release Date: April 2, 2009
When women go to their hair salon this month, they may find themselves talking to their stylist about an important topic; preventing breast cancer. Health Units across Southwestern Ontario are working with select hair salons on a pilot project, Be a Breast Friend, a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of breast health.

March

Positive Rabid Fox
Release Date: March 19, 2009
Test results received March 17, 2009, confirm rabies in a fox from the Brockton area. This is the first rabid animal report for Grey Bruce in 2009. There was no human involvement.

Maintaining Your Independence- Focus Group and Fall Prevention Screening
Release Date: March 16, 2009
Maintaining Your Independence, presented by the Grey Bruce Health Unit and the Grey Bruce Falls Prevention and Intervention Program, offers a free luncheon and discussion of the risks associated with falls in our seniors’ population.

February

The Driven to Quit Challenge
Release Date: February 20, 2009
If you are thinking about quitting smoking, you are not the only one. Last year, 437 residents in Grey Bruce were among more than 26,600 Ontarians registered for The Driven to Quit Challenge hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society. This can be your year to quit. You only have until February 28 to register.

Youth Coalition Puts Their Hearts Into It!
Release Date: February 17, 2009
Coffee for a Cause, a benefit event for the family of a local youth undergoing cancer treatment takes place Thursday, February 19. Hosted by the Owen Sound Youth Coalition (OSYC), everyone is encouraged to come out to enjoy an evening of acoustic performances by local youth, while at the same time raising money for a worthy cause.

January

Cancer in Grey Bruce
Release Date: January 29, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is releasing Cancer in Grey Bruce 1986 – 2004, highlighting five main cancer types. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Grey Bruce after heart disease. The rates of new cancer cases diagnosed each year are increasing.

Smoke-Free Ride Begins
Release Date: January 28, 2009
The Smoke-Free Ride began in Ontario January 21, 2009, with the ban on smoking in vehicles when children under 16 years are present. The legislation recognizes the health consequences for children riding in a vehicle where someone is smoking.

Expanding Free Dental Care for Grey Bruce Families
Release Date: January 22, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is expanding free dental services to children in families unable to cover the cost of treatment.

Influenza Arrives in Grey Bruce
Release Date: January 21, 2009
Test results received Monday, January 19, 2009, confirm Influenza B in a Grey-Bruce resident. Area health care practitioners have been alerted and are performing appropriate testing on individuals experiencing influenza symptoms. Last year, our area had its first confirmed case of influenza or “flu” on December 24.

Health Unit Delivers Services
Release Date: January 19, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit meets or exceeds provincial standards in the provision of Public Health services. Reporting to the Board of Health, Medical Officer of Health, Dr Hazel Lynn, notes increases in the levels of services to the public in a number of areas.

Pneumococcal Disease
Release Date: January 13, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit has observed an increase in pneumococcal pneumonia in Grey Bruce over the past two years. Immunization can prevent these infections.

“Catch-up” Mumps Vaccination Clinic
Release Date: January 9, 2009
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is holding a mumps “catch-up” vaccination clinic at Georgian College, Owen Sound, Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 8:00-12:00 and 12:30-3:30. This clinic is part of a provincial mumps vaccination campaign launched in the fall of 2008 in response to recent mumps outbreaks across Canada, including Ontario.

 

News Archives

• News Archive - 2008
• News Archive - 2007
• News Archive - 2006
• News Archive - 2005
• News Archive - 2004
• News Archive - 2003
• News Archive - 2002
• News Archive - 2001
• News Archive - 2000
• News Archive - 1999
• News Archive - 1998
• News Archive - 1997