WORLD RABIES DAY September 28th is World Rabies Day. It is an initiative of the Global Alliance on Rabies Control, to bring awareness to rabies, and rabies prevention. This day also marks the anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s death, chemist and microbiologist, who developed the first vaccine for rabies. What is Rabies? Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus … Read More
BE PREPARED
Severe storms can include thunder, lightning, hail and tornadoes. They often occur when the weather is hot and humid. A good rule of thumb is “if the sky roars, get indoors.” During a severe summer storm, you are advised to stay away from items which can conduct electricity, such as appliances and running water. Remain inside for 30 minutes after … Read More
Preparing your Student for Shots At School
Your child may be feeling anxious about getting needles at school. Yes, your child. The Public Health Nurses work to minimize the time the students are within the clinical environment, and use other techniques to decrease pain and anxiety, in order to help the student through the process. Here are some ways for you to help your child prepare for … Read More
Mould 101
Moulds are a type of fungi; a group of organisms that includes mushrooms and yeast. How does mould grow? Mould spores are found everywhere. They are a common component of household dust. Mould spores grow more easily and can spread if they have excess moisture and a nutrient source. Examples of nutrient sources include wallpaper, ceiling tiles, carpet, insulation, drywall, … Read More
Be food safe – Always wash fruits and vegetables!
The food we eat in Canada is generally very safe. But sometimes it may carry parasites that can make us sick. One such parasite is Cyclospora. Click here for more information on Cyclospora Everyday Tips for Washing Fruits and Vegetables Before you start, Wash your hands with soap and hot water for 15-20 seconds. Wash all fruits and vegetables under running … Read More
Free Mouth Guard Clinic
Take part in our Mouth Guard Clinic When: Sept. 17, 2017 Where: Bright Smiles, 31 Forsyth St., Chatham Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Call 519-355-1071 ext. 5700 to book appointment or for more information. (Free mouth guard with a valid Healthy Smiles Ontario card)
Is my well water safe to use and drink?
To be sure your well water is safe for you and your family to use, you need to have your water tested. Unlike water from the municipality; your well water is not tested regularly unless you do it yourself. You are responsible for ensuring the quality of water from your well is safe. The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit provides free … Read More
FREE Third Annual Workplace Wellness & Recognition Workshop
Register Here: https://workplacewellnessrecognition2017.eventbrite.ca Did you know that on average we spend seven to ten hours per day at work? Employers may reap the benefits of a healthy workforce through reduced absenteeism and improved productivity however, imagine the health impact workplaces could have on their community! Workplace wellness programs give employees the tools they need to live healthy lives at work, … Read More
Back to School: Do you have a child in Grade 7?
If so, you should receive immunization consents from the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit the first week of school. This school year we will be providing Hepatitis B, Meningococcal and HPV immunizations to all Grade 7 students (boys and girls), as well as catching up any Grade 8 students who may have missed out. The process is simple – just sign the consent form … Read More
Blue-Green Algae or Cyanobacteria
We wish to remind residents to stay out of beach/river water if it appears bright green or pea soup in colour. Blue-green algae are microscopic plants that live in fresh water and their scientific name is Cyanobacteria. Normally blue-green algae are barely visible, but, during warm weather, populations can rapidly increase to form a large mass called a bloom. Blooms … Read More
Is your child home-schooled?
They may qualify for free Hepatitis B, Meningococcal and Human Papillomavirus vaccines that are offered FREE to grade 7 students in Chatham-Kent. Nurses from the Public Health Unit visit each school and provide these vaccinations. They are not free from a Health Care Provider. Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. There is no cure. The … Read More