Have you ever found used needles or razors?

Recently it was reported to the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit that there were a number of used needles found littered along the side of a country roadway.  The needles were found by a neighbour walking by.  Be aware of what to do if you ever find yourself in a similar situation. Where could I find used needles or razors? Anywhere.  … Read More

Donate Safe Food

Do you care about the less fortunate men, women, and children in our community and do you want to help them? You can do so by donating food to food banks, soup kitchens, etc. Always make sure this food is safe to eat. Unsafe food can make people sick. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach-aches and headaches. Safe food … Read More

Alcohol and Pregnancy

Give your baby the best start possible! Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects and life-long brain damage to your baby. There is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Your baby’s brain is developing throughout pregnancy. The safest choice in pregnancy is no alcohol at all. In fact, it is best to stop drinking before you get pregnant. … Read More

Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Disease (impetigo, necrotizing fasciitis)

Over the past couple of weeks, the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has received many calls related to the new splash pad in Chatham. We want to reassure everyone that there are no reports of any diseases caused by visiting the new splash pad. The water at the splash pad is treated and is safe, so enjoy! In fact it is … Read More

World Suicide Awareness Day is September 10

  A lot of us have been touched by suicide….. Let’s Break the Silence……….Let’s Break the Stigma ! Come and join The Suicide Prevention & Education Committee of Chatham-Kent in a Suicide Awareness March and Memorial Vigil on Saturday, September 10, 2011 – 10:30 am to 1:00 pm…..rain or shine. The Awareness March will form at the parking lot on the corner … Read More

Tattooing – the Pros and Cons

Getting a tattoo is a popular way of self expression.  But, before making this choice make sure you know all the important issues surrounding these permanent pieces of art. Tattoos are available in countless colours or simple black, with thousands of designs to choose from or you can even design your own. Words, phrases pictures and abstract designs are a … Read More

Food Safety Tips for Grocery Shopping

Are you aware that mishandling of food while grocery shopping can also result in cross contamination and temperature abuse? This food may make you sick with symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.  Are you worried about you and your family getting sick? Don’t be! Remember some tips while buying groceries: Buy groceries at the end of shopping. Put raw meat, fish, … Read More

Food Safety Tips for Grocery Shopping

Are you aware that mishandling of food while grocery shopping can also result in cross contamination and temperature abuse? This food may make you sick with symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.  Are you worried about you and your family getting sick? Don’t be! Remember some tips while buying groceries: Buy groceries at the end of shopping. Put raw meat, fish, … Read More

Make the Playground a Safe-ground!

Have you checked out Chatham-Kent’s new Kingston Park lately?  In addition to the splash pad, there are some new playground structures for your children to play on.  Did you know that each year in Canada, close to 30,000 children and youth are injured on playgrounds?  Follow these tips to make sure your children play safe all summer long! Remove cords … Read More

Quit Playlist

Quit Playlist  Are you trying to quit smoking and need some extra support? Check out the songs on our quit play list:   You Raise Me Up Fighter Man in Motion Stand It’s My Life True Colours Higher Greatest Love of All I Will Survive        There’s more you can do! Call the Public Health Unit at 519-352-7270,  … Read More

Hot Weather Alerts and their impact on babies and young children

Babies and young children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate protection.  Remember the following: Never leave children unattended in a vehicle even for a few minutes. Place them in tubs of lukewarm water frequently to lower their body temperature. Give children … Read More

National Drowning Prevention Week

It is important to remember children are most at risk for drowning so there’s absolutely no substitute for constant adult supervision. The Lifesaving Society recommends that parents keep children under five years of age within arms’ reach at all times. If you’ve invested in a pool, protect your loved ones. Make it your mission to obtain the knowledge and training to … Read More