December

Influenza Arrives in Grey Bruce
Release Date: December 27, 2007
Test results received Monday, December 24, 2007, confirm Influenza A in a Grey-Bruce resident. Last year, our area had its first confirmed case of influenza or “flu” on December 5, 2006. It is not too late to get a flu shot; they are available by appointment at the Grey Bruce Health Unit.

Make Vehicles Smoke-Free to Protect Young Passengers
Release Date: December 27, 2007
Health Units across Ontario are urging drivers and adult passengers to keep their vehicles smoke-free when heading out on the road this winter.  A province-wide campaign running through January encourages those who smoke to take it outside and away from children.

Positive Rabid Skunk
Release Date: December 21, 2007
Test results received December 21, 2007, confirm rabies in a skunk from the Durham area. This brings the total to six confirmed rabid animal cases in Grey Bruce so far in 2007: one un-immunized dog, three skunks, one bat and one calf. There is no human involvement in this latest case.

Let’s Learn Honoured with Excellence in Education Award
Release Date: December 20, 2007
Let’s Learn was honoured with an Excellence in Education Award from the Bluewater District School Board. Members of the Let’s Learn Core Decision Making and Planning Committee received the award December 18, 2007.

Check your car seats for expiry dates: Transport Canada
Release Date: December 19, 2007
A Consumer Information Notice issued last week by Transport Canada warns owners of child car seats and booster seats to cease using these products if they are past the expiry date or “useful life” date, usually five to eight years.

Pandemic Planning
Release Date: December 13, 2007
Preparing for any emergency, including an influenza pandemic, is everyone’s responsibility. Public Health works with community partners including other health care agencies, government organizations, business and the public.

Scarlet Fever
Release Date: December 5, 2007
Public Health is aware of several Owen Sound area children diagnosed with scarlet fever. Information has been sent home from schools in the city asking parents to observe children for signs and symptoms of the disease. It is recommended that you seek medical attention if symptoms are observed.

November

Almost 7000 People Received Influenza Vaccine at Public Health Clinics in November
Release Date: November 30, 2007
“Public Health is extremely pleased that people are taking advantage of the influenza vaccine to protect themselves and others. The goal is to have healthy communities and reduce the strain on the health care system.” said Karen Sweiger, Manager Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program.

Positive Rabid Calf
Release Date: November 29, 2007
Test results received November 27, 2007 confirm rabies in a calf from the Mildmay area. Protect yourself and your family, do not feed or touch a wild or unknown animal; have all cats, dogs and riding horses vaccinated for rabies.

Hanover Heights Community School Influenza Clinic
Release Date: November 27, 2007
Two hundred and seventeen people received influenza vaccinations at a Public Health clinic at Hanover Heights Community School in Hanover, on Monday, November 26, 2007. Publicly funded influenza shots are also available by appointment at Public Health in Owen Sound and at the Plex in Port Elgin.

Chesley Community Influenza Clinic
Release Date: November 23, 2007
Three hundred and ninety-one people received influenza vaccinations at a Public Health clinic in Chesley on Thursday, November 22, 2007. Publicly funded influenza shots are also available by appointment at Public Health in Owen Sound and at the Plex in Port Elgin.

Royal Canadian Legion Influenza Clinic
Release Date: November 22, 2007
Eight hundred and fifty-two people received influenza vaccinations at a Public Health clinic in Owen Sound on Wednesday, November 21, 2007. Publicly funded influenza shots are also available by appointment at Public Health in Owen Sound and at the Plex in Port Elgin.

Chickenpox
Release Date: November 20, 2007
Public Health has been advised of the death of a child in Grey Bruce who developed a rare and serious infection as a resulting complication following chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus). This is an isolated incident and presents no increased risk to the public.

Walkerton District Secondary School Influenza Clinic
Release Date: November 16, 2007
Three hundred and fifty-nine people received influenza vaccinations at a Public Health clinic at Walkerton District Secondary School in Walkerton, Thursday, November 15, 2007. Additional walk-in clinics are scheduled across Grey and Bruce throughout November.

Grey Highlands Secondary School Influenza Clinic
Release Date: November 15, 2007
One hundred and eighty people received influenza vaccinations at a Public Health clinic at Grey Highlands Secondary School in Flesherton, Wednesday, November 14, 2007. Additional walk-in clinics are scheduled across Grey and Bruce throughout November.

Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Influenza Clinic
Release Date: November 13, 2007
One hundred and seventy-one people received influenza vaccinations at a Public Health clinic in the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula at the former Lindsay Twp. Hall, Tuesday, November 13, 2007. Additional walk-in clinics are scheduled across Grey and Bruce throughout November.

To Your Good Health Northern Lights Contest
Release Date: November 12, 2007
The To Your Good Health contest encourages children to find the good food in the Grey Bruce Health Unit’s new Northern Lights display. Ballots are available in the Northern Lights Supplement in The Sun Times, at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, and at The Rocking Horse.

World AIDS Day events in Owen Sound
Release Date: November 9, 2007
The public is invited to two local events to recognize World AIDS Day, December 1, 2007. Both events have no admission fees.

Peninsula Shores District School Influenza Clinic
Release Date: November 9, 2007
Four hundred seventy people received influenza vaccinations at a Public Health clinic at Peninsula Shores District School in Wiarton, Thursday, November 8, 2007. Additional walk-in clinics are scheduled across Grey and Bruce throughout November.

Georgian Bay Secondary School Influenza Clinic
Release Date: November 8, 2007
Four hundred eighty-four people received influenza vaccinations at a Public Health clinic at Georgian Bay Secondary School in Meaford, Wednesday, November 7, 2007. Additional walk-in clinics are scheduled across Grey and Bruce throughout November.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month
Release Date: November 8, 2007
November is Diabetes Awareness Month.

O.S.C.V.I. Influenza Clinic
Release Date: November 7, 2007
Eight hundred five people received influenza vaccinations at a Public Health clinic at O.S.C.V.I. in Owen Sound Tuesday, November 7, 2007. Additional walk-in clinics are scheduled across Grey and Bruce throughout November (see attachment).

Water Filter Fund Provides Lead Filters for Low Income Households
Release Date: November 7, 2007
Qualified residents in Grey County can receive financial assistance to purchase a filter to remove lead from their drinking water. The funding, provided by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, is available until March 31, 2008.

Port Elgin Influenza Clinic
Release Date: November 6, 2007
Six hundred fifty-seven people received influenza vaccinations at Saugeen District Secondary School on Monday, November 5, 2007. Additional walk-in clinics are scheduled across Grey and Bruce throughout November.

Kincardine Influenza Clinic a Success
Release Date: November 2, 2007
Approximately 800 people received influenza vaccinations at the Kincardine District Secondary School on Thursday, November 1, 2007. Additional walk-in clinics are scheduled across Grey and Bruce throughout November.

Bagging for Charity:  MADD wants shoppers to “Tie One On”
Release Date: November 1, 2007
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 3, from 11am-2pm.

October

First Influenza Clinic a Success
Release Date: October 25, 2007
The final count shows 1,244 people receiving influenza vaccinations at the first Public Health community clinic.

More than 10% of Grey Bruce Residents Walk for the World Record
Release Date: October 23, 2007
Approximately 17,000 residents across Grey Bruce took part the October 3, 2007 attempt at the Guinness World Record Walk.

2007 Influenza vaccination clinics begin.  Local CEO’s get their annual influenza shot.
Release Date: October 18, 2007
Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu virus, and numerous walk-in clinics are planned throughout Grey and Bruce Counties over the next month.

Local Ground Water Monitoring Wells Test Higher Than Normal For Sodium
Release Date: October 15, 2007
The Grey Bruce Health Unit received notice from the Provincial Ground Monitoring Network, that water samples taken from a monitoring well near Tiverton, showed test results higher than normal for levels of sodium in the ground water aquifer.

Bed Bugs on the Rise
Release Date: October 11, 2007
Public Health has noticed a large increase in numbers of bed bug related calls, mostly in Owen Sound. The increase may be the result of changes in modern pest control practices including the use of insect specific baits and gels for other household pests.

 

September

Test Your Water DVD Release
Release Date: September 26, 2007
Test Your Water, a new DVD from the Grey Bruce Health Unit, demonstrates the proper procedure to collect a sample for testing private water sources.

Municipalities Across Grey Bruce Join the World Record Walk
Release Date: September 25, 2007
To participate in the World Record Walk in your community arrive at one of the following locations.

Local Ground Water Monitoring Wells Test Higher Than Normal For Nitrate
Release Date: September 24, 2007
Grey Bruce Health Unit received notice from the Provincial Ground Monitoring Network that water samples taken from a monitoring well near Walkerton returned test results higher than normal for levels of nitrate in the ground water aquifer.

Positive Rabid Bat
Release Date: September 20, 2007
Test results confirm rabies in a bat from the Bruce Peninsula.

Youth Today
Release Date: September 19, 2007
Youth Today ... The Real Picture

PLAY in Bruce Grey supports World Record Walk October 3, 2007
Release Date: September 12, 2007
How many people does it take to break a world record? When it comes to walking, it takes 100,915 people...plus you!

Bike/Walk to Work Winners
Release Date: September 6, 2007
Winners Announced in the Fifth Annual Bike/Walk to Work Challenge.

August

Bird Positive for West Nile Virus
Release Date: August 31, 2007
Lab tests results received today, August 31, 2007, confirm a dead crow found in Grey Bruce carried the West Nile virus (WNv). This is the first WNv positive bird in the region this year.

Operation Lookout
Release Date: August 28, 2007
Operation Lookout is a province-wide, community-based program aimed at preventing impaired driving.

Point Clark, Lurgan Beach and Bruce Beach (Concession 6), Huron- Kinloss, Safe for Bathing
Release Date: August 9, 2007
All Huron-Kinloss beach water sampling results have been returned with acceptable bacterial levels within the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards. Note: Public Health would like to caution the public to avoid bathing if dense, rotting, algae-like substance reappears near shore.

Celebrate International Youth Day!
Release Date: August 9, 2007
The Community for Youth Coalition invites you to join us Sunday, August 12, 2007, at Memorial Park, in Meaford, as we celebrate the important contributions that young people make in their communities.

HPV School Based Immunization Program
Release Date: August 2, 2007
Public Health will offer the human papillomavirus vaccine to grade eight female students, beginning this fall.

Heat Advisory
Release Date: August 1, 2007
Public Health advises everyone to take care against heat and pollution related illness.

July

Local Beaches in Huron-Kinloss, posted unsafe for bathing
Release Date: July 25, 2007
Point Clark, Lurgan and Concession 6 Beach all located in Huron-Kinloss are Posted Unsafe for Bathing

Don’t Drink from Garden Hoses
Release Date: July 20, 2007
Garden hoses have the poetntial to carry E coli, Campylobacter and other environmental contaminations.

Durham Conservation Area – McGowan (East Dam), Municipality of West Grey, is now Safe for Bathing
Release Date: July 20, 2007
McGowan (East Dam), Municipality of West Grey, is now Safe for Bathing

Fresh Produce and Food Safety
Release Date: July 16, 2007
Follow a few safety tips with locally grown produce.

Investigation of E Coli Outbreak Continues
Release Date: July 12, 2007
The Day Away program at the Hanover and District Hospital will remain closed.

Durham Conservation Area – McGowan (East Dam), Municipality of West Grey, Posted Unsafe for Bathing
Release Date: July 06, 2007
Beach water sampling at Durham Conservation Area shows water samples exceeding Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards for acceptable bacterial levels. As a result, this area will be posted as unfit for bathing.

E Coli at Hanover Day Away Program
Release Date: July 05, 2007
The public is not considered at risk following an outbreak of E coli 0157 at a Day Away program at the Hanover and District Hospital.

Lurgan Beach and Bruce Beach (Concession 6), Huron Kinloss, are now Safe for Bathing
Release Date: July 04, 2007
Beach water sampling has been returned with acceptable bacterial levels within the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards.

June

Lurgan Beach and Bruce Beach (Concession 6), Huron Kinloss, Posted Unsafe for Bathing
Release Date: June 28, 2007
These areas will be posted immediately for unsafe bathing.

Protect Your Health During Smog Days
Release Date: June 26, 2007
With another air quality warning issued for Grey Bruce and more likely in the future, residents should take action to minimize health effects related to smog by avoiding strenuous activity, especially outdoors.

Winners Announced for the Turn Off The Screens Week Challenge!
Release Date: June 18, 2007
Fifty schools in Grey and Bruce participated in the fifth annual Turn Off The Screens Week challenge!

Survey of Lead in Owen Sound Drinking Water Completed
Release Date: June 14, 2007
The Grey Bruce Health Unit received results of water sample testing for lead concentration in the drinking water of a selected survey of Owen Sound homes.

aLPHA Distinguished Service Award - Winner Announced
Release Date: June 13, 2007
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is please to announce that Jim Paton is the winner of the aLPHA Distinguished Service Award.

Clarification Regarding Purchase of Equipment or Supplies
Release Date: June 13, 2007
Grey Bruce Health Unit has received reports of a telephone solicitation where the caller states the Health Unit requires a business to have or obtain specific equipment. If you receive such a call, please ask for their name and phone number and contact the Health Unit for verification.

Unsafe Sleep Environments put Children at Risk
Release Date: June 5, 2007
A report, released yesterday, by the Office of the Chief Coroner reinforces the practice of laying children down to sleep on their backs.

Canadian Environment Week June 3 to 9
Release Date: June 5, 2007
Take Action for the Environment; Idling gets you nowhere...

May

Smoke-Free Ontario - One Year Later
Release Date: May 31, 2007
World No Tobacco Day is celebrated annually on May 31, and this year also marks the first anniversary of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.

Stepping Out on the Bruce Trail Grand Prize Winners
Release Date: May 29, 2007
Grand prizes for the Stepping Out on the Bruce Trail challenge were awarded at Walter’s Falls on Saturday, May 26.

Lead in Drinking Water
Release Date: May 22, 2007
Public Health is working with the City of Owen Sound Public Works division in the investigation of lead in the Owen Sounds drinking water system.

Fifth Annual Bike/Walk to Work Challenge
Release Date: May 21, 2007
Today marks the start of the fifth annual Bike/Walk to Work Challenge. This six-week challenge encourages employees to walk or bike to work over a six-week period as a way to add physical activity to their workday.

Board of Health Ratifies OPSEU Agreement
Release Date: May 18, 2007
Today, May 18, 2007, The Board of Health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit ratified a tentative contract agreement with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, Local 276. The Board is gratified agreement was reached without disruption to Public Health services to the residents of Grey Bruce.

Stepping Out on the Bruce Trail virtual hikers celebrate with real hike on the Bruce Trail
Release Date: May 17, 2007
Congratulations to all teams for virtually walking the 840 km of the Bruce Trail. To celebrate their achievement, participants are invited to a real hike on the Bruce Trail on Saturday, May 26 at Walter’s Falls.

Response to Dead or Sick Birds
Release Date: May 15, 2007
Beginning Tuesday May 15, 2007,  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. If you spot a bird or small mammal that is dead or acting strangely, call Public Health immediately.

Grey Bruce Health Unit Settles With OPSEU Local 276
Release Date: May 15, 2007
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is pleased to announce a tentative contract agreement with Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 276.

Mumps Outbreak in Three Maritime Provinces
Release Date: May 11, 2007
Public Health officials are concerned with an ongoing mumps outbreak in three Maritime provinces and the potential for the disease to spread locally.

The Owen Sound Bike/Walk to Work Challenge
Release Date: May 9, 2007
The fifth annual Bike/Walk to Work Challenge takes place May 22 - June 29, 2007.

Rabies in Grey Bruce
Release Date: May 9, 2007
Several Grey Bruce residents were potentially exposed to rabies this past week after being involved with wild raccoons.

Report “Found Needles” to Public Health
Release Date: May 8, 2007
The Health Unit is launching a Found Needles campaign aimed at educating residents on what to do if they come across a used needle or other injection equipment.

National Nursing Week May 7 – 13
Release Date: May 7, 2007
Take a Closer Look at Public Health Nursing!

Red Cross and Public Health providing personal preparedness workshops for Emergency Preparedness Week 2007
Release Date: May 3, 2007
Red Cross and Public Health are providing personal preparedness workshops for Emergency Preparedness Week 2007

April

Road Safety is No Accident
Release Date: April 20, 2007
Traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death in Ontario. April 23 to April 29, 2007 is Road Safety Week, and a free car seat safety clinic will take place in Port Elgin on April 21.

Fifth Annual Turn Off the Screens Week
Release Date: April 20, 2007
Grey Bruce students will try to live without television, video games and computers (except for homework) during the fifth Anniversary of Turn Off the Screens Week challenge from April 23-27.

National Immunization Awareness Week – Expert speakers coming to Grey Bruce
Release Date: April 10, 2007
Public Health is recognizing National Immunization Awareness Week: April 22 to 28, 2007; by sponsoring events providing information on immunization.

Noted Child Obesity Expert on Speaking Tour of Grey Bruce
Release Date: April 5, 2007
Noted child health expert, Randy Calvert, will be talking locally about what our communities can and should be doing to prevent Child Obesity.

Kraemer Acknowledged for Completion of Virtual Bruce Trail Hike
Release Date: April 5, 2007
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn presented a certificate and gift to Kincardine mayor Larry Kraemer to acknowledge his achievement in the Stepping Out on the Bruce Trail Challenge.

“2 for 2” Campaign for Oral Health Month
Release Date: April 2, 2007
“2 for 2 is what you do!” is the message in the April Oral Health Month campaign from the Grey Bruce Health Unit Dental Team. Throughout April all grade two public and separate schools students will learn the 2 for 2 lesson with instruction on brushing and oral hygiene.

March

Team Completes Virtual Hike of the Bruce Trail
Release Date: March 23, 2007
Medical Officer of Health Dr Hazel Lynn today recognized Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Member of Parliament Larry Miller for completing a virtual hike of the Bruce Trail.

Students Suspended Under Immunizations of School Pupils Act
Release Date: March 21, 2007
Suspensions are down significantly from last year, the result of efforts by Public Health and school staff to alert families that their children may be in jeopardy of suspension.

Yersinia Infection Most Likely from Raw Milk
Release Date: March 16, 2007
For the second time in less than a week a child in Grey Bruce was made seriously ill most likely related to the consumption of unpasteurized milk... Yersinia is a serious gastro-intestinal infection that can lead to septicemia and acute arthritis.

Quilt Donation Supports Healthy Infant Development
Release Date: March 14, 2007
The Kincardine Quilters Guild donated 30 handcrafted quilts to the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program. These quilts will be distributed to local families to encourage parents to promote “Tummy Time” with their babies.

Infant Listeriosis in Grey Bruce
Release Date: March 14, 2007
The Grey Bruce Health Unit received a laboratory confirmed report this week of an infant who has contracted this disease. The most likely source of infection is the mother’s consumption of raw milk cheese.

Health Fair - "Health For Life"
Release Date: March 9, 2007
Getting and staying healthy has never been so much fun…Gear up for spring with healthy living information from our region’s health and community service providers.

Who Loves a Good Chew!
Release Date: March 5, 2007
Media campaign targets high schools students with message about smokeless tobacco.

February

Smokers Who “Kick Butt” Can Win Big!
Release Date: February 16, 2007
Register for the 2007 Driven to Quit Challenge! Tobacco users have a chance to win a 2007 Acura CSX or one of seven Sony Widescreen LCD HDTVs if they agree to butt out for the month of March. Registration ends on February 28, 2007.

Love Your Teeth Day
Release Date: February 15, 2007
In a partnership with Energizer Canada, the Dental Team from the Grey Bruce Health Unit launched the Love Your Teeth Day campaign (February 14, 2007) to the over 1,900 Grade 8 students throughout Grey and Bruce.

January

Malaria in the Dominican Republic
Release Date: January 31, 2007
The Public Health Agency of Canada reported two cases of malaria in Canadian travellers. Public Health recommends that all travels seek travel health information specific to their travel destination.

New software takes users on a virtual hike of the Bruce Trail
Release Date: January 25, 2007
Now available at all local libraries, the Stepping Out on the Bruce Trail software, complements the pedometer-lending program started in the libraries two years ago.

Local Ground Water Monitoring Wells Test Higher Than Normal For Sodium
Release Date: January 19, 2007
The Grey Bruce Health Unit received notice from the Provincial Ground Monitoring Network water samples taken from monitoring wells in the vicinity of Tiverton, Paisley and Walkerton, show test results higher than normal for levels of sodium in the ground water aquifer.

High Blood Pressure Reduction/Treatment Launched
Release Date: January 18, 2007
I-START Study: The Grey Bruce Health Unit is one of three Ontario sites to study the effects of an innovative internet strategy for patients with high blood pressure.

Personal Protective Equipment Video Release
Release Date: January 15, 2007
The release of a new video by the Grey Bruce Health Unit, Personal Protective Equipment, is a four-minute video that illustrates the proper procedure for donning personal protective equipment for all health care professionals.

High blood pressure research project to be launched in Grey Bruce
Release Date: January 12, 2007
You are invited to attend the launch of I-START an “Internet-based Strategic Transdisciplinary Approach to Risk Reduction and Treatment” research project. The goal of this research is to provide participants with lifestyle counseling through the internet and e-mail support to help better manage their blood pressure.

Environmental Public Health Week:  January 15 – 21, 2007
Release Date: January 12, 2007
Public Health Inspectors at the Grey Bruce Health Unit are pleased to announce the launch of Environmental Public Health Week -January 15 - 21, 2007.

Personal Protective Equipment Video Release
Release Date: January 10, 2007
The release of a new video by the Grey Bruce Health Unit "Personal Protective Equipment" is a four-minute video demonstrating the proper procedure for individuals safely donning and removing protective gown, mask, eyewear and gloves.

“Health for Life” Health Fair:  Call for Exhibitors
Release Date: January 10, 2006
Owen Sound - The 10th annual “Health for Life” Health Fair will be held Saturday, March 17, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.

Human Exposure to Rabies
Release Date: January 8, 2007
A family in Grey County required post exposure rabies inoculation after their pet dog contracted rabies from an infected skunk.

 

News Archives

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