Media Release August 21, 2020 UPDATE: Blue-green algae bloom in Chatham-Kent Recent laboratory analysis of water samples taken from McGregor Creek in Chatham has confirmed a blue-green algae bloom, which appears to have expanded into the Thames River. Further analysis of water samples from McGregor Creek has revealed low levels of harmful toxins. At this time, continue to avoid … Read More
Heat Warnings
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit will be again using the provincial Harmonized Heat Warning and Information System for dealing with heat events in Chatham-Kent. The system provides a consistent approach for processing and issuing heat warnings in Ontario. It also provides evidence-based heat warning triggers which are based on the association between temperature, humidex and mortality. When heat warnings are … Read More
Behind the Screens during COVID-19: Meet our Communications Team!
From the friendly messages on social media, important updates to the pubic, to liaising between CK Public Health and media, the newly created “COVID-19 Communications Team” at CK Public Health is behind it! Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the communications team consisted of one (1) person: the Public Relations Officer. The newly created COVID-19 Communications Team provides support to our Public … Read More
A Statement from the Board of Health (June 24, 2020): Racism is a Public Health Issue
June 24, 2020 To the community of Chatham-Kent, Last week, the Chatham-Kent Board of Health unanimously voted to declare that racism of any kind is a public health issue. Anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and other forms of oppression result in disproportionate harms to the health of individuals and communities of colour. This has been especially amplified during this COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to … Read More
Planning a Winter Vacation?
Don’t forget your travel shots! It’s always exciting planning a trip. Your travel destination will have all kinds of new and fun things to do and so many different foods to taste. Keeping yourself healthy to enjoy all of these pleasures takes some planning too. Have you consulted a travel clinic about possible vaccinations or other medications that may be … Read More
What you need to know about Rabies
Here are a few easy ways to protect your family and pets from rabies: Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination up to date. Vaccination of all cats and dogs 3 month of age and older is mandatory in Ontario. Do not feed, handle or come in contact with wild or unfamiliar animals. Teach your children to do so as well. Keep … Read More
I Can Cope with Advice Given by Those Unsupportive of Breastfeeding
What?? You’re still breastfeeding that baby? Some women will hear that when their babies are 2 months old or when they are 2 years old. It can be hard to hear those negative comments from those that are closest to us. Here are some tips to dealing with those backhanded remarks from the misinformed: o Let’s educate them! Inform critics … Read More
Have you read the signs at our CK beaches? What do they mean and when is it safe to swim?
The sun is shining, the car is packed, and you’re ready for a fun day at the beach! Before you and your family jump in the water and cool off you have a thought—Is the water safe to swim? Before hitting the beach, read through these frequently asked questions so you can be sure you are always swimming safe! How … Read More
A Day in the Life of a Public Health Inspector: Seasonal Workers Edition
It’s a well known fact that Chatham-Kent is a world leader when it comes to agriculture. In fact, we are the number one producer in all of Canada for tomatoes, carrots, seed corn, pumpkins and cucumbers. We also lead the provincial pack in producing green peas, broccoli, cauliflower and quail. High production levels of asparagus, field peppers, Brussel sprouts and … Read More
Dog Days of Summer are here-be safe when you’re BBQing
Summer are here—Time for relaxing, traveling, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. Summer is also a great time to fire up the BBQ and grill up some delicious eats. It’s important to make sure that safe food handling practices don’t go on vacation this summer! Follow these simple tips to prevent foodborne illness at your next cookout: Thawing … Read More
A Day in the Life of a Public Health Inspector: Special Events Edition
Many people know that Public Health Inspectors examine local food establishments like dine-in restaurants, fast food joints, and even your favourite corner convenience store. What many people don’t know is the role that PHI’s play when it comes to ensuring on-site safety of special events across Chatham-Kent. This year alone, your CK Public Health Inspectors were responsible for the inspection … Read More