Need Your Well Water Tested? Don’t forget we’ve moved!

Picture of tap water

Pick up a water bottle, free of charge, from us or your local municipal service centre. Keep the bottle closed until the moment you fill it. Take the sample on the day you are planning to return it to us. Run the water for 2-3 minutes; remove any aerators, etc. from the sample tap. Remove the tamper-proof, sealed cap from … Read More

5 Things You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Lyme Disease

Reduce the risk, target ticks!

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria spread by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. The best way to protect yourself from Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. Here are five things you can do to reduce your chances of Lyme disease: 1. Cover up! Wearing long sleeved shirts and pants keeps ticks off your skin where they can … Read More

Emergencies can happen any time – Are You Ready?

Know the Risks that are Specific to Chatham-Kent! Here are some of the risks: Flood Blizzard/Snow Storm Tornado Severe Weather (Heat/Cold) Storms Blackout Infectious Disease Outbreak Transportation Accident Industrial Accident  Make a Plan!  Every Canadian household needs a plan, how to meet and contact others in your family Learn about First Aid – it could save a life Plan escape … Read More

Winter Weather – Be Careful, Be Prepared!

Picture of a snowstorm

It is important to be prepared for anything while out on the roads.  One part of being prepared is to ensure that your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit.  A vehicle emergency kit will ensure you have useful supplies to take care of yourself if you are stranded or stuck. You should ensure your car is prepared to handle … Read More

Get ready for the Cold!

Child building a snowman with female adult

When you have to go out into the cold, pay attention to the weather and wear the right clothing. If you wear synthetic or wool, they provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry. Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can take off layers if you get … Read More

When is the Flu Not Really the Flu? When it’s Stomach Flu!

Picture of a sick teen

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

Picture of mouldy tub with a rubber duck toy

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

Picture of pickled vegetables

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

Closeup photo of a beautiful female feet with pedicure and hands with manicure

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

Itchy Head? Think Head Lice

Image of a girl with braids

With colder weather fast approaching and everyone back in school, we are likely to see the return of head lice. Some helpful tips to avoid head lice include: Check hair 1-2 times a week during the school year Avoid head to head contact Do not share personal items and head gear like combs, hats, and scarves Tie back long hair or braid … Read More