Potluck Parties – Food Safety Guidelines

Christmas dinner on table

Potluck parties are a very popular way to celebrate with friends and family. People like potluck parties because they reduce the burden of cooking and food preparation for everyone. However, before you share your favourite dishes, take a little time to learn and practice basic food safety. Different foods need to be handled and cooked differently, and it is important for … Read More

Changes to Ontario dental programs

Picture of children brushing their teeth

Ontario dental programs are still available until December 31st. As of January 1, 2016, the following 6 publicly funded dental programs will be combined into the new Healthy Smiles Ontario program: dental benefits for children under Ontario Works dental benefits for children under the Ontario Disability Support Program  dental benefits for children under the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities … Read More

Pamper and Protect Yourself!

Picture of couple at the spa

Everyone enjoys a little pampering! To ensure you have a great experience the following tips are recommended to reduce your risk of infection. Look and see if: The spa is inspected by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit. All work areas are well lit, clean and organized. The spa operator washes their hands before starting your service. The operator uses new files … Read More

Do you know what a standard drink size is?

Picture of cocktails

When it comes to drinking alcohol, SIZE MATTERS! Find out why!  Check out the new Rethink Your Drinking website. We want you, and our communities, to “Rethink Your Drinking” by looking at your relationship with alcohol, like why, when and how much you drink.    

November is Radon Awareness Month

Picture of Radon Tester

Radon is the second leading cause of Lung Cancer in Canada!   What is radon?  Radon is a natural radioactive gas from the soil and rock beneath our homes.  When it seeps into your home, you can’t see it, taste it or smell it.  Radon can kill you.  Not many people know that a simple test in your home can … Read More

Christmas Memories On A Budget!

Picture of family building a snowman

The Christmas season does not have to be a money stressor. Spending time with our friends and families and creating wonderful memories are what will follow us through our years; not what toy you received at Christmas when you were ten years old. Consider exchanging material things for memories. Look for local community events that are often a fraction of … Read More

Food Safety Videos – Fun and Educational

We are proud to present a fun, fact filled series of Food Safety Videos to educate and entertain you, friends and family.   Each video teaches how to “Be Food Safe” in different situations: Food Poisoning – Be Food Safe Learn more about Food Poisoning and what you should do if you think you have it. Grocery Shopping – Be Food … Read More

Positive Parenting

Children See Children Learn infographic

All parents want to have a child who is well-behaved and can deal with everyday challenges. Children learn how to resolve conflict from their parents. If the parent often yells, spanks, threatens and/or shames the child, the child will learn that it is okay to act that way with others. These methods can harm children and may have negative lasting … Read More

Let’s Talk About It…

Picture of baby and father sleeping

Development of sexuality is important at every stage of life. Over the next several months this article will break down the different ages and stages to focus on development of healthy sexuality. Healthy behaviours for children from infancy to 2 years should focus on developing a sense of trust.  This is done through relationships that the child has with caregivers … Read More

SEX….Let’s Talk About It

Sex logo

Let’s Talk About It……..If you’re having sex it’s important to get tested! There are lots of different reasons to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Ending an old relationship and starting a new one. Condom broke, you just found out your partner was unfaithful. Number one reason to get tested is many STIs have no signs or symptoms in … Read More

Food Related Illness and School Lunches

Picture of mother and daughter making salad

The following tips can help prevent you or your family getting sick from food related illnesses. • Wash hands, kitchen counters, and kitchen equipment prior to making lunches • Wash all vegetables and fruit • Wipe your child’s lunch bag and thermos each night. Clean with baking soda and water once a week • If using plastic wrap and Ziploc … Read More

More Time for Floor Time – Free the Babies!

Picture of baby boy crawling

You have a new baby on the way and you are wondering what you need to buy before baby arrives. Whether you are at the store, online, or talking to other parents there is a lot of information on baby equipment. Who would have thought you needed so many things for a baby? Car seats, cribs, and high chairs are … Read More