As a result of an ongoing food borne illness investigation implicating certain leafy greens as a possible source of E. coli 0157, Canadians are reminded to be vigilant about the following when handling/preparing food. thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after handling foods keep knives, counter tops, and cutting boards clean wash ready –to-eat fruits … Read More
How to get your Well Water Tested
Do you have a well, have you checked your well water lately? Pick up a water bottle, free of charge, from the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit or one of your local municipal service centres. Keep the bottle closed until the moment you fill it. Take the sample on the day you are planning to return it to the Health Unit. … Read More
What is My CancerIQ?
Designed by Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), My CancerIQ is a website that helps you understand your risk for cancer and what you can do to help lower that risk. A series of risk assessments estimate your risk of cancer compared with other Ontarians of the same sex age 40 and over. At the end of each assessment you’ll receive a … Read More
Tasty treats, and yummy sweets: Managing pre-dinner cravings on long workdays
Do you ever find yourself feeling ravenous by the end of the day? It can be hard to make healthy choices when you work long days. You are tired, hungry, and have little energy or effort to resist unhealthy foods in our environment. We know that eating home-made healthy foods is better for our health, but there are many barriers … Read More
Electronic Cigarettes in Chatham-Kent
Have you ever wondered about electronic cigarettes? Have you asked are there laws preventing the use of e-cigarettes? We get asked about electronic or e-cigarettes all the time. Here in Chatham-Kent our Smoke-Free Chatham-Kent by-law does cover e-cigarettes. According to our by-law, ‘smoke’, or ‘smoking’ includes the use or carrying of: any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, waterpipe any … Read More
Your Baby’s Feeding Cues
New parents receive a lot of advice about how to feed their baby. Current research and feeding guidelines recommend that new parents follow their infant’s cues when it comes to feeding. All healthy full term babies show hunger cues that tell parents it is time to eat. Some of these cues include: an increase in sucking movements sucking on their … Read More
Dietitian? What is That?
Who are Registered Dietitians? We are the regulated experts, (like nurses or doctors) in food and nutrition! The term “Registered Dietitian” is protected, and only those who have received specific university and internship training are allowed to call themselves Dietitians. Be wary- anyone can call themselves a Nutritionist! Dietitians can help you navigate all the confusing nutrition research, and make … Read More
Shifting Gears – Managing Healthy Eating on Shift Work
Did you know that shift workers are at a higher risk for a number of diseases? Some research has found that shift workers are at a higher risk for sleep disorders, Type 2 diabetes, stomach upset, some cancers, injury at work, and heart problems (heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure)! Shift workers also report more indigestion, diarrhea, heartburn, and constipation. … Read More
Infant Attachment
Importance of Attachment between You and Your Baby You may have heard how important it is for your baby to form an attachment to you as a parent. According to Infant Mental Health Promotion, “As a parent, you play a vital role in your child’s development. During the early years your relationship with your child and the experiences you provide … Read More
Snow and More Snow! Be Careful Shovelling!
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!
Fed Up – The Movie Review!
Did you have a chance to see the movie Fed Up? The Registered Dietitians at the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit saw the movie and would like to share with you our thoughts! For the most part, the film does a good job of presenting the intricacies of the United States food system and unhealthiness of the current industry-driven food environment. … Read More
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