Turkey is one of our basic holiday foods and it’s important to handle and cook turkey safely to avoid any illness. Here are a few helpful tips. Thawing a Turkey Never thaw a turkey at room temperature. Leave it in the original plastic package. Place turkey on a tray on the bottom shelf in the fridge, allowing 5 hours per pound … Read More
Be Food Safe
Handling food safely is super important. The risk of getting sick at home are more common than you think. The four easy lessons of CLEAN, SEPARATE, COOK and CHILL can help you prevent harmful bacteria from making your family sick. Bacteria are all around us. While most are harmful (some are even beneficial), others can make you sick. CLEAN Bacteria can spread … Read More
Breathe Easy this Summer
Did you know? Since January 1, 2015, it is illegal to smoke on all restaurant and bar patios, whether covered or not. Did you know? The Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking tobacco in all enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places, as well as other designated places in Ontario, to protect workers and the public from the hazards of second-hand smoke. Did … Read More
West Nile Virus
It is important to remain vigilant while mosquitoes are still active. Certain mosquitoes can be infected with the West Nile Virus. A bite from an infected mosquito can transmit the virus to people. West Nile Virus can cause symptoms like, fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache or sudden sensitivity to light. If you suffer from any of these … Read More
Swim Safe This Summer
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing quite quite like a dip in the pool. But before you dive right in, there are a few things to keep in mind. Accidents happen quickly, so let’s talk a bit about safety. Kids are most at risk for drowning so there’s absolutely no substitute for constant adult supervision. You must have swimmers … Read More
Recalls – What to do…
In the past week or so there have been food recalls due to possible contamination of a bacteria called listeria. For a complete list of food recalls Click here When a product is recalled, it means you and your family are being protected from potential hazards. Still, you can help too. If you hear a product has been recalled, follow these … Read More
Home Drinking Water Testing Scams
Ever have someone come to your door to test your water? They tell you some story about questionable drinking water and convince you to let them test yours for free. Then you hear that your water is bad and you need some sort of water treatment device they happen to be selling. Well don’t be fooled! No one coming to … Read More
Getting a Tattoo? STAY SAFE!!
Don’t end up with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV or a severe skin infection! Make sure that the tattoo parlour you choose is inspected and approved by us! If strict standards are not followed, you could be at risk. Beware of underground tattoo artists or getting a tattoo at a party! Tattoo Checklist: Make sure that you really want a … Read More
Need Your Well Water Tested?
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
Radon and Lung Cancer
The basement of the family home may be the place your children play, you work, or your guests sleep – it’s also the place where a dangerous gas called radon could be circulating. Radon can have serious health implications over a long time of exposure. Radon is a colourless, odourless, tasteless radioactive gas that is released into the air when … Read More
Is your furry family member up-to-date?
Did you know? Rabies is a fatal disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of almost all mammals including humans. It is spread by contact with saliva of an infected animal through bites or scratches in the skin. Once you get rabies there is no cure. Rabies vaccination will protect your pet and therefore your family. This is why … Read More
What is Listeriosis? – Food Recall
Listeriosis is a serious illness usually caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria bacteria is found in food, soil, plants, sewage and other places in nature. Animals and humans can carry Listeria in their intestines without knowing it. Listeriosis symptoms may start suddenly and include vomiting, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, headache, and fever. In more serious cases Listeriosis can lead … Read More