Please watch this eye opening video from the Ontario Association of Optometrists website. In this video four teachers with simulated vision troubles experience what it is like for students with these common issues to do school work. The teachers begin to understand and relate to the struggles children can have with eye health issues and the impact on student learning. … Read More
Vision Screening Program 2019
Did you know… The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit will be piloting a vision screening program for senior kindergarten students beginning in January 2019? With a full SK vision screening program for all Chatham-Kent elementary schools starting in the 2019/2020 school year. The 2018 Ontario Public Health Standards require public health units to implement a vision screening program for SK students. … Read More
When is the Flu Not Really the Flu? When it’s Stomach Flu!
There is no such thing as ‘stomach flu’. It is a misleading term that doesn’t make much sense when you think about it. Why is that? Well, ‘Flu’ is an abbreviation of ‘Influenza’, a respiratory illness of your upper airways. It is not related to intense, short-term bouts of diarrhea and/or vomiting experienced by your gut. These stomach illnesses are … Read More
A Guide to Mould
What is mould? Moulds are fungi, a group of organisms that also includes mushrooms and yeast. They are present everywhere in the natural environment. How does mould grow? Mould requires water or moisture and other nutrients to grow. Mould grows when materials remain wet or damp. How can mould affect you? Moulds may cause negative health effects; however, individuals can … Read More
Canning
Canning is a method of preserving food that prevents spoiling. It uses heat and acid to help preserve food and keep it safe for us to eat. You can preserve all types of foods. Popular choices include: tomatoes jams jellies sauces fruits chutneys relishes pickles vegetables It is also possible to can meat, fish, poultry, milk and prepared foods like … Read More
Be Spa Safe
Are you planning a visit to the spa? Ensure your next visit to the spa is a safe one. Serious infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, skin and nail fungus can be spread at a spa if proper cleaning and disinfection steps are not taken. To protect yourself and reduce your risk of infection: Visit a licensed spa … Read More
Cannabis is now legal in Chatham-Kent
There is a lot of information about the legalization of cannabis in Ontario. Here in Chatham-Kent, we’d like to highlight some of the key issues about this topic. This page will be updated regularly with accurate evidence based information to support local residents during this time of change. Health Risks What is Cannabis? Harm Reduction Cannabis and the Law Resources … Read More
Where Can I Get My Flu Shot?
Getting your yearly flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting influenza. The vaccine arrived for public use in Chatham-Kent in October. Certain people are at a greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. Examples are older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions like asthma, diabetes or … Read More
I CAN Breastfeed…
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 for dealing with those … Read More
I CAN Breastfeed
I Can Include My Partner in the Care of my Breastfed Baby Picture this… You wake in the morning, after a sleepless night, where your baby wanted to feed every hour, on the hour. You are tired and have just enough energy to get your baby latched to feed ONE MORE TIME, but there are so many things that need … Read More
I CAN Breastfeed…
I Can Get Enough Rest While Nursing My Baby How many times, as a mom-to-be, have you heard people say, “Better get your rest before the baby comes, because once they are here you won’t get any”? Although getting enough rest can sometimes seem almost impossible for new moms, the good news is that, with a little planning, it can … Read More