Finding needles in community areas such as parks is a health and safety concern for everyone. Used syringes should be disposed of properly in order to protect others from injury and infections like Hepatitis C and HIV. It’s important to remember that the risk of becoming infected with one of these infections through a needle-stick injury is very low. Prevention … Read More
Preparing your Student for Shots At School
Your child may be feeling anxious about getting needles at school. Yes, your child. The Public Health Nurses work to minimize the time the students are within the clinical environment, and use other techniques to decrease pain and anxiety, in order to help the student through the process. Here are some ways for you to help your child prepare for … Read More
Back to School: Do you have a child in Grade 7?
If so, you should receive immunization consents from the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit the first week of school. This school year we will be providing Hepatitis B, Meningococcal and HPV immunizations to all Grade 7 students (boys and girls), as well as catching up any Grade 8 students who may have missed out. The process is simple – just sign the consent form … Read More
Decrease Stigma in our Community – Opioid Overdoses
Opioid overdoses claimed the lives of at least 2, 458 Canadians last year. Two people die every day in Ontario because of this issue. The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit and the Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council invite you to join us on Thursday, August 31st for International Overdose Awareness Day. A community memorial event will be taking place from 7:00pm-9:00pm at … Read More
Do you have a child enrolled in Daycare?
Did you know… Chatham-Kent Public Health is required by Ontario law to maintain immunization records for every child attending daycare and school. The Health Unit assesses immunization records to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date. This is done to protect your child in the event of an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease. By law, these immunizations are mandatory: diphtheria, … Read More
Should I get the Shingles Vaccine?
Herpes Zoster (Zostavax) vaccine is the best way to protect you from getting shingles. The vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of getting shingles by 50%. Only 1 dose is needed for optimal protection for 4-7 years; there is no need for a booster at this time. Zostavax is FREE for those individuals age 65-70 years old. Please contact your … Read More
Are You Prepared for Winter Driving?
Slippery roads. Reduced visibility. Bitter cold. Winter weather will soon be here making driving difficult and even dangerous. Are you prepared? Do you have winter safety and emergency equipment in your car? A basic kit should contain: Food that won’t spoil, such as energy bars Water-plastic bottles that won’t break if the water freezes Extra clothing and shoes or boots … Read More
Rotavirus Protection For Your Baby
Rotavirus is a common virus that can cause watery diarrhea, fever and vomiting. It can be life threatening for infants and small children. Most children become affected by the virus at least once before the age of five. Ontario provides a free vaccine at age 2 and 4 months to prevent the virus. This vaccine is different from other vaccines … Read More
Are you Informed or Unaware? Safe or At risk?
For the world’s eighth biggest killer, viral hepatitis is remarkably neglected. Viral hepatitis kills 1.5 million people each year, that’s as many as HIV/AIDS. Viral hepatitis is also the leading cause of liver cancer, which is the second biggest cancer killer. Despite these statistics hepatitis largely remains ignored and does not receive the same level of awareness or political priority … Read More
What is Enterovirus D68?
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a respiratory infection related to the common cold virus. North America has seen an increase in cases since August of this year, with some cases just recently appearing in Ontario. It is not a new virus but had occurred infrequently in the past. It can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing, by … Read More
Minimum wage and living wage, what’s the difference?
With all this living wage talk, it is important to point out the differences between minimum wage and living wage. The important thing to remember is that calculating a living wage rate helps answer the question: “What DOES it cost to live, learn, work and play in our community?” Minimum wage: 1. Ontario is $10.25/hr 2. Legislated and legally binding 3. Determined by provincial government … Read More