Snow and More Snow! Be Careful Shovelling!

Picture of man shovelling snow

Before you get you shovel out, make sure you are prepared! Safe snow shovelling requires proper preparation, the right tools, good technique and knowledge. You should keep in mind that, while shovelling snow may be a good workout, it involves strenuous effort. Check out the Toronto Paramedic Services Website  for great tips for safe shoveling!

Hookah and Shisha – Health Effects

Since the terms are often confused for one another, here are some definitions: Hookah– this is a water-pipe that originated in India and in the Middle-East but is becoming popular around the world. Hookah pipes can have many tubes or just one tube that is passed around making smoking a hookah a social event.   Shisha– this is what is … Read More

What is Enterovirus D68?

Handwashing

  Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a respiratory infection related to the common cold virus. North America has seen an increase in cases since August of this year, with some cases just recently appearing in Ontario. It is not a new virus but had occurred infrequently in the past. It can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing, by … Read More

Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola virus disease is a severe disease that causes haemorrhagic fever in humans and animals. Ebola affects the body’s vascular system and can lead to significant internal bleeding and organ failure. The risk to Ontarians remains low. There have not been any cases of Ebola in Canada. The Ebola virus does not spread easily from person to person. It is … Read More

Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola virus disease is a severe disease that causes haemorrhagic fever in humans and animals. Ebola affects the body’s vascular system and can lead to significant internal bleeding and organ failure. The risk to Ontarians remains low. There have not been any cases of Ebola in Canada. The Ebola virus does not spread easily from person to person. It is … Read More

Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillars

The Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar is white and fluffy and has black chain-like markings on its back. It also has long black hairs that stick out from areas near the front and back of the caterpillar.1 It grows to a length of about 4.5 centimeters.1 Why should I be concerned about Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillars? Touching these caterpillars can cause … Read More

Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillars

The Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar is white and fluffy and has black chain-like markings on its back. It also has long black hairs that stick out from areas near the front and back of the caterpillar.1 It grows to a length of about 4.5 centimeters.1 Why should I be concerned about Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillars? Touching these caterpillars can cause … Read More

Smoke-Free Workplaces

All workplaces are Smoke-free. It’s the law. There are often a lot of questions about smoking and workplaces.  Let’s review the most frequently asked questions. What about Entrances or Doorways? There is no smoking within 9 meters (or 30 feet) of any door at: hospitals retirement residences all Municipal buildings in Chatham-Kent What about Schools? There is no smoking on … Read More

Sun Safety

SUN SAFETY Taking measures to protect yourself and your family from the sun will help to prevent the long term consequences of too much sun, such as skin cancer, and also the short-term effects, such as sunburn. CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK to find important sun protection information for people of all ages as well as some helpful tip sheets. http://www.dermatology.ca/programs-resources/resources/sun-safety/ … Read More

Ticks!

Not all ticks carry Lyme Disease. In Ontario, the tick that is known to transmit Lyme Disease is the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick. What are Blacklegged Ticks? Adult Blacklegged Ticks are about the size of a sesame seed or smaller with distinct reddish colouring on their backsides. They move slowly, cannot fly, and feed on blood to grow and develop.  Protect … Read More

Is Your Well Water Safe?

To be sure your well water is safe for you and your family to consume you need to first have your water tested. The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit provides FREE testing of private water wells in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. By visiting the us or your local Service Centre you can get water sample bottles for FREE and after collecting … Read More

Pets and Emergencies

Pets are members of the family. Make sure to include pets when developing your family emergency plan. Making arrangements before an emergency will increase your pet’s chances for survival. Assemble a pet emergency survival kit and be ready to take your pet and their kit with you in the event you have to evacuate. Prepare a pet emergency survival kit … Read More