Do You Cook in a Crockpot/Slow Cooker?

Here are some tips to keep your family safe when cooking with a crockpot/slow cooker: Use clean equipment including the slow cooker, utensils & work area. Wash hands before & during food preparation. Keep perishable foods refrigerated until preparation time. To avoid cross-contamination, store vegetables separate from meat, fish & poultry. Always defrost meats & poultry before placing them in … Read More

Power Failures and your Food

In the event of a power failure, food in your refrigerator and freezer may be at risk.  Follow these food safety tips to help keep your family food safe. FOOD IN YOUR REFIRGERATOR Hazardous foods include raw and cooked meats, poultry, fish and dairy products.  Immediate use is recommended when hazardous foods reach 50°F (10° C) if this is not … Read More

Keeping Detailed Well Records

The most important person to look after your well is you. There are others that can help repair broken parts, test the quality of the water, interpret the water sample results etc. but it all has to begin with you.  Here are some tips to help you get started: If your well is new start keeping detailed records right away, … Read More

“Tomorrow’s Greener Schools…Today”

Nine local schools will benefit from added shade trees on their grounds this October.  “Tomorrow’s Greener Schools… Today” is a schoolyard tree planting initiative being led by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit and Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority with funds from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. Public and Catholic schools in Dresden, Chatham, Tilbury, and Blenheim submitted requests for … Read More

Heat Warning – Level 2

A level two heat warning has been issued for Chatham-Kent as humidex values of 45°C or higher are in the forecast.  Residents of Chatham-Kent should take the following steps to prevent heat-related illness: Drink plenty of water. Go to an air conditioned place. Wear a hat and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Take a cool bath or shower. Limit outdoor activities to … Read More

Safe Pools and Splash Pads– It’s What We Do

The warm weather is back! You’re probably thinking about staying cool by using one of the pools and/or splash pads available in Chatham-Kent. You will feel safe using these once you know that Chatham-Kent Public Health Inspectors are out there regularly inspecting all the public pools and splash pads. During the inspection, Public Health Inspectors sample the water too. Regular inspections … Read More

Let’s Start a Conversation! part 5

Health = Community belonging A community that offers support, respect, & opportunities to particpate helps us all be healthy. Feeling included makes a difference! To learn more, check out this video! Video produced by the Wellesley Institute

Ride the Bus for Free-June 5

Ride the Bus for Free-June 5 Clean air day, June 5, is a celebration of environmentally friendly activities that promote clean air and good health across Canada. Chatham-Kent Transit participates in Clean Air Day by providing free bussing on Wednesday June 5. What else can you do to save the air? Take public transit, carpool, bike, walk or rollerblade. Reduce … Read More

Rabies – Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Pets

 Prevent your exposure to rabies by following three simple steps: Vaccinate your pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) for rabies and make sure that their rabies shots are always up to date.  All dogs and cats over three months old must be vaccinated by law. Avoid stray, unfamiliar, or wild animals.  Remember that an animal with rabies may not look or … Read More

Protect Yourself from Ticks

Protect Yourself from Ticks by doing the following: Cover yourself up when walking in grassy or wooded areas Wear long sleeves with tight cuffs and long pants that are tucked into socks Wear close-toed shoes Use insect repellant containing DEET Do a body check Check yourself, family members, & pets for ticks after spending time outdoors Bring your removed ticks … Read More

How Can Your Well Water Become Contaminated?

Do you get your drinking water from a well?  Did you know? Contaminants such as: bacteria parasites viruses nitrates chemicals Can enter through cracks in the wall of the well, through poorly fitted lids or other structural problems the well may have.  The best defence against bad water is to make sure you know your well system. Maintaining your drinking … Read More

Be Sure to Cook Tenderized Steaks to Medium-Well Done

Be Sure to Cook Tenderized Steaks to ‘Medium-Well Done’ Canadians should be aware of the possible health risks from a widely-used mechanical process to tenderize steaks and roasts.  Mechanically-tenderized steaks have recently been linked to E. coli 0157:H7 food poisonings in Canada.  What is mechanically-tenderized meat? Mechanical meat tenderizers use needles and blades to pierce steak and roasts. The process … Read More