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

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

Cannabis is now legal in Chatham-Kent

Picture of marijuana leaf

There is a lot of information about the legalization of cannabis in Ontario. Here in Chatham-Kent, we’d like to highlight some of the key issues about this topic. This page will be updated regularly with accurate evidence based information to support local residents during this time of change. Health Risks What is Cannabis? Harm Reduction Cannabis and the Law Resources … Read More

I CAN Breastfeed…

Picture of two mothers nursing infants

I Can Cope With Advice Given By Those Unsupportive Of Breastfeeding What?? You’re still breastfeeding that baby? Some women will hear that when their babies are 2 months old or when they are 2 years old. It can be hard to hear those negative comments from those that are closest to us. Here are some tips for dealing with those … Read More

Itchy Head? Think Head Lice

Image of a girl with braids

With colder weather fast approaching and everyone back in school, we are likely to see the return of head lice. Some helpful tips to avoid head lice include: Check hair 1-2 times a week during the school year Avoid head to head contact Do not share personal items and head gear like combs, hats, and scarves Tie back long hair or braid … Read More

Healthy Smiles Card Expire July 31, 2019

Image of four children with models of teeth

Is your Healthy Smiles Ontario card expiring July 31st, 2019? Be on the look out for a new card coming in the mail. If you did not get one or have any questions please call Oral Health Services at Chatham-Kent Public Health- 519-355-1071 Ext. 5700

Get active on National Health & Fitness Day

Family jogging and man cycling in park, people walking in background.

National Health and Fitness Day is an initiative to make Canada the Fittest Nation on Earth! Saturday June 2nd, 2018 provides an opportunity for all citizens to Get Up, Get Out and Get Active. Here are some activity ideas for your family and friends; Let your kids plan the activities for the day! If you’ve never played Grounders or Manhunt, … Read More

Nutrition Month – Week #4 – Potential to Bring Us Together!

Picture of family having dinner

The fourth blog in our Nutrition Month Series “Unlock the Potential of Food” is focusing on “Potential to Bring us Together”. Family meals offer a wonderful opportunity to unplug and connect with each other. It may take some work to figure out how to make family meals happen, but the benefits are worth it.  Children who eat with their family … Read More

Smoke-Free Housing Update

Good News for Smoke-Free Housing! The Ontario Ministry of Housing has completed the process of developing a Standard Lease, which includes a section that invites landlords and tenants to agree to a smoking policy. This will make it much easier for them to agree to smoke-free policies and over-time will greatly reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. The use of the … Read More

Smoke-Free Housing Update

Good News for Smoke-Free Housing! The Ontario Ministry of Housing has completed the process of developing a Standard Lease, which includes a section that invites landlords and tenants to agree to a smoking policy. This will make it much easier for them to agree to smoke-free policies and over-time will greatly reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. The use of the … Read More