Vision Related to Video Games

Picture of kids playing video games together

With the winter months upon us, children may spend more time indoors and on their video games. However, too much time focusing on a screen can strain your child’s eyes. Here are a few tips to ensure your child is safely enjoying their video games: Balance video game time with plenty of creative, outdoor and quiet play. Keep their screen … Read More

Vision Related to Video Games

Picture of kids playing video games together

With the winter months upon us, children may spend more time indoors and on their video games. However, too much time focusing on a screen can strain your child’s eyes. Here are a few tips to ensure your child is safely enjoying their video games: Balance video game time with plenty of creative, outdoor and quiet play. Keep their screen … Read More

Is Your Child Protected?

Picture of vaccination record

We have recently mailed out over 1500 immunization letters for elementary and secondary children either in need of a vaccine or needing to report their shots. There are 2 reasons to choose vaccination: To protect our children and ourselves- even if we think our chances of getting any disease is small; they do still exist and can infect anyone who … Read More

Need to Report Your Child’s Shots? — ICON

Picture of Vaccine Sticky Note

Check out our new secure online system for reporting your child’s immunizations to Chatham-Kent Public Health called ICON (Immunization Connect Ontario). You can also view your child’s current, overdue and upcoming immunizations.  It’s like a yellow card, only better. Why should I use this site? It’s an online alternative to paper immunization records. It allows you to securely keep track of … Read More

Get ready for the Cold!

Child building a snowman with female adult

When you have to go out into the cold, pay attention to the weather and wear the right clothing. If you wear synthetic or wool, they provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry. Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can take off layers if you get … Read More

Eye Health Issues and the Impact on Student Learning

2 boys smiling at a school desk

Please watch this eye opening video from the Ontario Association of Optometrists website. In this video four teachers with simulated vision troubles experience what it is like for students with these common issues to do school work. The teachers begin to understand and relate to the struggles children can have with eye health issues and the impact on student learning. … Read More

Vision Screening Program 2019

Image of school kids and books

Did you know…   The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit will be piloting a vision screening program for senior kindergarten students beginning in January 2019? With a full SK vision screening program for all Chatham-Kent elementary schools starting in the 2019/2020 school year. The 2018 Ontario Public Health Standards require public health units to implement a vision screening program for SK students. … Read More

When is the Flu Not Really the Flu? When it’s Stomach Flu!

Picture of a sick teen

There is no such thing as ‘stomach flu’. It is a misleading term that doesn’t make much sense when you think about it. Why is that? Well, ‘Flu’ is an abbreviation of ‘Influenza’, a respiratory illness of your upper airways. It is not related to intense, short-term bouts of diarrhea and/or vomiting experienced by your gut. These stomach illnesses are … Read More

A Guide to Mould

Picture of mouldy tub with a rubber duck toy

What is mould?  Moulds are fungi, a group of organisms that also includes mushrooms and yeast. They are present everywhere in the natural environment. How does mould grow? Mould requires water or moisture and other nutrients to grow. Mould grows when materials remain wet or damp. How can mould affect you? Moulds may cause negative health effects; however, individuals can … Read More

Taking a Trip? Don’t Forget Your Travel Shots!

Picture of a tropical beach

While travelling, you may be at risk for a number of exotic illnesses that can be prevented by vaccination. As you age, your vaccine-acquired protection against many illnesses may decrease, and your risk of getting certain diseases may increase. Some countries may also require you to provide proof of certain vaccinations to cross their borders. Make sure you’ve read up … Read More

Canning

Picture of pickled vegetables

Canning is a method of preserving food that prevents spoiling.  It uses heat and acid to help preserve food and keep it safe for us to eat. You can preserve all types of foods. Popular choices include: tomatoes jams jellies sauces fruits chutneys relishes pickles vegetables It is also possible to can meat, fish, poultry, milk and prepared foods like … Read More

Be Spa Safe

Closeup photo of a beautiful female feet with pedicure and hands with manicure

Are you planning a visit to the spa? Ensure your next visit to the spa is a safe one.  Serious infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, skin and nail fungus can be spread at a spa if proper cleaning and disinfection steps are not taken. To protect yourself and reduce your risk of infection: Visit a licensed spa … Read More