Did you know… Chatham-Kent Public Health is required by Ontario law to maintain immunization records for every child attending daycare and school. The Health Unit assesses immunization records to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date. This is done to protect your child in the event of an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease. By law, these immunizations are mandatory: diphtheria, … Read More
Gonorrhea, the new “superbug”
Gonorrhea has been on the rise in Canada. It is now being called a “superbug” because some cases are not responding to treatment. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spreads through unprotected oral, genital, and anal sex. It spreads so easily because there are often no symptoms. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, like Pelvic … Read More
Time In or Time Out
Spending ‘Time-In’ With Your Child Many parents have shared stories of having to stand by their child’s bedroom door to ensure that their child stays in a time-out or listen to their child’s increasing screams when they were supposed to be calming down. In a time-out, the upset child is removed from the situation for a specific amount of time … Read More
Your Baby’s Sleep
Sleep is very important for a child’s growth and development. Newborns when awake are usually feeding and when done want to go back to sleep. Playtime is short at this age. For new parents it is difficult to know how often and how long a newborn should sleep. The average newborn sleeps much of the day and night but sleeps … Read More
Legalization of Cannabis
Are you prepared to talk with your kids about cannabis use? Research shows that, on average, Canadian youth start using cannabis at 15 years old. Many people believe cannabis is harmless because it is “natural.” The truth is that cannabis can affect brain development up until age 25. This means it can cause long-term memory impairment, mental health problems, decreased … Read More
Should I get the Shingles Vaccine?
Herpes Zoster (Zostavax) vaccine is the best way to protect you from getting shingles. The vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of getting shingles by 50%. Only 1 dose is needed for optimal protection for 4-7 years; there is no need for a booster at this time. Zostavax is FREE for those individuals age 65-70 years old. Please contact your … Read More
World No Tobacco Day 2017
Want to help “Freeze the Industry” this World No Tobacco Day? Join a Thunderclap! 100 Canadians die each and every day as a result of being hooked by the tobacco industry. The tobacco industry is always looking for new ways to attract “replacement customers.” Cigarette packs are one of the last ways the industry can legally market their products in … Read More
How to Properly Remove a Tick!
HOW TO PROPERLY REMOVE A TICK! DO! Use fine tipped tweezers Firmly grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible Steadily pull the tick’s body away from your skin using an upwards motion Place the tick in a small sealed plastic container Wash the bite site with warm water and soap Bring the tick to the Chatham-Kent Public … 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 required for your trip? … Read More
Consent Is As Simple As Making Tea
Consent for sexual activity (kissing, touching, oral sex, or intercourse) must be freely given and can be taken away at any time. That means you can change your mind during the activity, even if you have done these things with the same partner in the past. Consent cannot be given by someone who is drunk/high or has passed out, even … Read More
Prevent Child Injury
Prevent Child Injury Injuries occur in young children as they develop and explore their surroundings. Their bones, muscles, vision, and balance are still developing. They are learning new skills all the time and don’t have the skills that adults have to judge whether or not their activities are safe. Leading Ontario Child Injuries: Falls Scalds and Burns Poisonings Importance of … Read More
Knitting for babies
Calling all knitters and crocheters! The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit welcomes your skills to provide a purple hat for each newborn in Chatham-Kent. These adorable hats, along with information on crying, are a reminder to new parents that all babies cry during the Period of Purple Crying. The Period of Purple Crying is most intense during the first 2 to 5 months of a baby’s … Read More