Are you prepaid for emergencies? May 7th marks the first day of emergency preparedness week. You can’t always predict an emergency, but you can prepare for one. Know the risks in your community. Make a plan so you know what to do. Prepare an emergency kit. Know the Risks Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks … 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
Who Is Testing Your Well Water?
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
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
Thorough Cooking
Properly cooking and reheating hazardous foods can help kill dangerous germs that can contaminate our food. Thoroughly cooking and reheating foods containing meat is an important step in preventing food borne illness caused by these germs. Remember the following tips when preparing meals containing meat. Cook any foods containing meat, fish, or poultry (other than whole birds) to 74°C (165°F). … Read More
The Danger Zone
It is important to keep cold food cold and hot food hot so that your food never sits in “the temperature danger zone (4°C – 60°C)”. This is where bacteria that can cause food borne illness can grow quickly. Even cooking these foods thoroughly can’t always kill the dangerous bugs! To avoid dangerous bacterial growth: Refrigerate hazardous foods at or … 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
Wellness Council Support
Schools are in a unique position to promote health among students and help reverse the trend of students adopting unhealthy lifestyles. Current research shows that student-led activities, with the support of interested adults, are well-received by peers in the school environment. Therefore, forming a Wellness Council with students can have a great impact on school health and can create a … Read More