June 10, 2016 – Peterborough – Today Peterborough Public Health revealed its new visual identity to more than 150 guests and local dignitaries as part of its Community Open House event celebrating its new location at Jackson Square on 185 King St. in downtown Peterborough.

“Now we are perfectly positioned both in terms of our new location and our new public image to move forward strategically as a public health agency,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Thanks to the robust involvement of local residents we now have a stronger brand that better reflects what we do and the people we serve.”

A key aspect of the new logo is the use of the tagline “serving the communities of Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, and the County and City of Peterborough” to ensure all residents feel included in the new brand.

The new logo design reflects the idea of how environments shape our health, and the diversity of public health work.  Symbolically it conveys the multiple layers of public health and is inspired by the organic shape of a medicine wheel to honour Peterborough Public Health’s long-standing relationships with Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.  The silhouettes are intentionally designed to be open to interpretation as to who they represent:  it could be two adults, an adult and a child, individuals of any gender, two community partners, etc.  Together the people in the circle of layers symbolize the community as a whole to express the idea of population health.

Dr. Salvaterra noted that developing the new brand is considered a long-term investment, yet one that was made efficiently because of the move to a new location.  “It was timely to align these changes all at once since we would have had to update signage and print materials anyway to reflect our move to Jackson Square,” she said.

Not only did guests get to see Peterborough Public Health’s new brand for the first time, they also had a chance to visit all three floors of its new location at Jackson Square on 185 King St.  Everything on site is designed to help our community work together to improve public health.   It features:

• Myrtle’s Kitchen – a brand new state-of-the-art community kitchen to address food insecurity by helping local residents come together to learn about nutrition, cooking skills and food safety;
• New clinic spaces for sexual health, immunization, and travel health consultations;
• Ten meeting rooms with modern AV technology to facilitate community discussions and planning meetings, including the J.K. Edwards Board Room which brings people together in a circle for collaborative decision making;
• A large multipurpose room for prenatal classes, food handling courses and community gatherings;
• A breastfeeding room for any mother needing a quiet space to feed her child

For more information, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

June 10, 2016 – Peterborough – For the thousands of local residents who struggle to access healthy meals, Myrtle’s Kitchen is now open and ready to not only offer them food skills they need, but some hope as well.

MPP Jeff Leal was on hand to acknowledge the support of one of the campaign’s major donors, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which contributed a $61,100 Capital grant towards cooking equipment for the new community kitchen.  “I am pleased to take part in today’s official grand opening of Myrtle’s Kitchen, a project that received assistance from our government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said the Honourable Jeff Leal, MPP for Peterborough. “Myrtle’s Kitchen will have a positive impact on our downtown core and improve the quality of life for many community members by creating a space to access healthy food and learn valuable life skills.”

The new kitchen features state-of-the-art appliances, such as Peterborough’s only vent-less industrial dishwasher, two ranges (one gas, one electric), a heat-activated fire suppression system in the vent hood above the stoves, a separate food storage pantry, and is fully stocked with cooking equipment.  The kitchen will be used to teach cooking skills, healthy eating, safe food handling, and connect participants to local foods to support local food producers.

“Food security is a major challenge facing many individuals and families throughout the county and city of Peterborough as poverty rates continue to climb,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health.  “Opening Myrtle’s Kitchen today is a major community achievement, and will reduce the negative health outcomes this causes by creating a warm and welcoming place where everyone can learn how to cook nutritious, affordable meals while building a closer sense of community in the process.”

A joint initiative of Peterborough Public Health (formerly the Peterborough County-City Health Unit), the Nourish Project and the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, Myrtle’s Kitchen officially opened today on the second floor of Peterborough Public Health at 185 King St.  To find out more about Myrtle’s Kitchen and upcoming programs, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca

A tribute wall was also unveiled today as part of the opening ceremonies to honour the many donors from across the county and city of Peterborough whose generosity brought Myrtle’s Kitchen from dream to reality.

A leading grantmaking foundation in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.  For more information, please visit: www.otf.ca

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

June 8, 2016 – Residents Reminded to Avoid Contact with Animals That Can Carry Rabies

Peterborough Public Health is confirming that a local bat found last week within the City of Peterborough has tested positive for rabies, and is reminding residents to steer clear of wild animals commonly known to carry the disease.

“This positive animal case confirms what we already know – that rabies is present in our area,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “This serves as a good reminder for residents to take precautions, such as getting your pets vaccinated, and avoiding contact with bats and other animals known to carry rabies.”

In Canada, the most common rabies carriers are raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats.  Rabid animals may be extremely excited, attack objects or other animals, froth at the mouth, and bite at anything.  There were 13 rabid bats in Ontario in 2015 and zero in Peterborough.

To prevent rabies, always wear gloves and other protective clothing when dealing with a bat.  Warn children to stay away from bats and to report any contact with them.  If you or a pet comes in direct contact with a bat, you should contact your doctor or veterinarian. For tips on preventing conflicts with bats, visit www.ontario.ca/page/prevent-conflicts-bats.

While it’s rare, when humans develop rabies from infected animals it is almost 100% fatal. Rabies is a deadly disease of the central nervous system that affects humans and other mammals. The virus is concentrated in the saliva of a rabid animal and can spread through a bite, cut or scratch, or if the saliva comes in contact with the moist tissues of the mouth, nose or eyes. There is no known treatment for rabies once the symptoms appear.  The disease cannot be treated, but it can be prevented through vaccination.

To protect your family and your pets from rabies:

• Keep pets up-to-date with their rabies vaccination. In Ontario, it’s the law that all cats and dogs over three months of age must be vaccinated against rabies
• Teach children to stay away from wild animals, dogs and cats they don’t know or animals that are acting strangely
• Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your livestock against rabies
• Stay away from any wildlife, dog or cat that you don’t know or any animal that is acting strangely. A strange acting animal could be a sign that it is sick or injured.
• Keep pets away from wildlife. Don’t let your pets run free in the neighbourhood and keep them indoors at night
• Don’t feed, transport or relocate wildlife.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the area thoroughly with soapy water, seek medical advice immediately, and then contact Peterborough Public Health Unit at 705-743-1000, ext. 232.

If your pets or livestock have had contact with a wild animal, such as a bat, skunk, fox or raccoon, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Veterinarians seeking assistance with risk assessments or post-exposure management can call the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at 1-877-424-1300.

If an animal is acting strange or sick, and neither a human nor pet/livestock have been exposed, contact your municipal animal control department or OSPCA. For non-emergencies and information about rabies in wildlife, call the MNRF rabies hotline at 1-888-574-6656.

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

June 8, 2016 – International Agency Research for Cancer to Feature Study on Benefits of Customized Care for the Community

Today Public Health Nurses Mary Pat Cannon and Catherine Therrien from Peterborough Public Health (PPH) presented their study on improving cancer screening rates for local women at the prestigious International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Lyons, France.  This study was selected for presentation out of 650 applications from around the world.

“It’s an honour to share this Peterborough success story with a global audience because we know regular cancer screening is key to detecting it early when prognosis is better, and this can reduce deaths,” said Donna Churipuy, Manager of Healthy Living Programs.  “This study examined the impact of past years’ triple integrated screening days and demonstrates the role that partnerships can play in improving cancer screening rates among local women, especially for women who tend to shy away from it or have difficulty finding the time to do it.”

Entitled Innovative Integrated Cancer Screening Day: A Wellness For Women…By Women, the research project identifies the barriers to reach under or never-screened women in the City and County of Peterborough. The project examined the unique approach of holding a one-day event for this target population that integrates pap tests, mammograms and fecal-occult blood tests (FOBT) for cervical, breast, and colon cancer screening.

“We carried out surveys to recognize the particular barriers so we can meet their needs,” said Anna Jamieson, Nurse Practitioner at the Peterborough Clinic who helped organize the events. “Our findings showed us what we already knew: women didn’t have the time to get screened or it wasn’t a priority for them. But in most cases, women worried about the stigma of what the results may reveal.”

The collaborative research project arose out of the successful event Triple Integrated Cancer Screening Days in 2012, 2014 and 2015 organized by Peterborough Public Health, Peterborough Health Centre (PRHC) and the Peterborough Clinic.  The number of women attending the event tripled to 145 participants in 2015 since the pilot event in 2012.  Also in 2015, more women returned for follow-up screenings with fewer no-shows than in previous years. The organizers are hopeful to reach more women who have never-screened for cancer when they hold the event again in 2016.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is part of the World Health Organization. IARC coordinates and conducts both epidemiological and laboratory research into the causes of human cancer.

For more information about cancer screening, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and click on “My Life & Health” and then Cancer Screening/Prevention.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

June 7, 2016 – Heat Warning Information System Now Consistent Across Ontario

Peterborough Public Health announced today, that starting now, it will use the new harmonized heat warning system to make it easier for residents to take precautions from extreme heat wherever they are in Ontario.

“Having a simplified and easier to understand heat warning system is great news for local residents, especially those who are most vulnerable to extreme heat exposure,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “Heat warnings will now be applied consistently across the province so people know when and how to take precautions to protect their health.”

The new heat warning system was developed jointly by Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care and Ontario’s Public Health agencies for implementation across the province during the 2016 heat season.

The new heat warning system is based on a combination of the latest in health science, Ontario-specific health evidence, and a detailed analysis of weather patterns in Ontario. The province has been divided into three regions: northern, southern, and extreme south-west (Windsor) area, each with its own updated, region-specific temperature and humidex criteria.

Prior to 2015, there was no consistent approach among Ontario public health agencies for issuing and responding to Heat Warnings to reduce heat-related deaths and illness. Ontario public health agencies used various different criteria for activating heat alerts and response plans. This resulted in a diverse range of thresholds for calling alerts, as well as differing communication protocols and response mechanisms.

Beginning this summer season, Environment and Climate Change Canada will issue Heat Warnings 18 to 24 hours in advance of the heat event. Forecasters will assess if two or more consecutive days of weather that meet either the humidex or temperature criteria (daytime highs or nighttime lows) are expected in the region. If so, a Heat Warning will be issued.

The Ontario Heat Warning Protocol incudes two warning levels:

Level 1: Heat Warning

A  Heat Warning is issued when two consecutive days are forecasted to have a daytime high temperature greater than or equal to 31C AND a nighttime temperature greater than or equal to 20C or a humidex greater than 40.  This level reminds residents of the following core messages: to keep their home cool, stay out of the heat, keep the body cool and hydrated, assist others, and recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Level 2: Extended Heat Warning

An Extended Heat Warning will be issued for a heat event lasting three or more days.  This level of warning reminds residents of the core messages above, in addition to providing details on how and where to stay cool, advising suspension of strenuous outdoor activities, reminders to assist vulnerable groups, and to watch for further information through the media and the Peterborough Public Health website.

Extreme heat events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, shut-ins, persons with chronic diseases, the morbidly obese and the marginally housed.  Heat related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are preventable.  Most healthy people can tolerate a short period of hot and humid weather as long as they stay cool and drink plenty of fluids. It is important to be aware that some medications may increase the health risks from extreme heat events.

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For further information, please contact:

Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000 ext. 285

June 3, 2016 Location: Curve Lake Community Centre, Curve Lake First Nation

 Media and the community are advised that the Board of Health will meet on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. in the Curve Lake Community Centre, located at 20 Whetung Street East, Curve Lake First Nation.

To download the agenda and the online board package, please visit:

http://www.pcchu.ca/about-us/about-us-2/board-of-health/meeting-agendas

The meeting is open to the community and members of the media.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

June 2, 2016 – Peterborough Public Health Kicks off Beach Water Quality Testing June 6:

Follow @ptbohealth on Twitter for Regular Updates

With the official summer countdown underway, Public Health Inspectors from Peterborough Public Health (PPH) will begin beach sampling for this year’s swimming season on Monday, June 6.  Public beaches in the city and county and Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations will be regularly tested to ensure water quality conditions are safe for recreational use.

Local residents will be able to check the most recent status of public beaches at any time by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or by calling PPH at 705-743-1000 during office hours.   Residents are also encouraged to follow Peterborough Public Health on Twitter @Ptbohealth for beach updates throughout the summer.

The routine inspection program for all public beaches runs from June until August. The city beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead are sampled by Public Health Inspectors every business day, and public beaches in the county are sampled at least once a week, except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, White’s Beach, Belmont Lake Beach and Kasshabog Lake Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July and August.

Though PPH will always maintain its inspection schedule, the following may result in unsafe levels of bacteria between sampling periods:

• Heavy rainfall High winds or wave activity
• Large numbers of water fowl
• Large numbers of swimmers

Some things that you are able to do to ensure the water quality stays safe:

• Do not feed waterfowl
• Do not let children swim in soiled diapers
• Pick up your garbage
• Clean up after your dog

Water samples will be submitted to the Peterborough Public Health Ontario Laboratory for bacteriological analysis.  The water samples are going to be tested for E. coli bacteria, an indicator of fecal contamination in the water. It takes approximately 24 hours for PPH to receive and analyze the water quality results from the lab.

How Water Quality Results are Interpreted:

The following beaches will be tested for the 2016 summer months:

City of Peterborough Beaches:
• Beavermead Park (2011 Ashburnham Drive)               • Roger’s Cove (131 Maria Street)

Peterborough County Beaches:

• Belmont Lake Beach (Miles of Memories Rd., Belmont, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen)
• Buckhorn Beach (John St., Buckhorn, Township of Trent Lakes)

• Chandos Beach (Hwy 620, Township of North Kawartha)
• Crowe’s Line Beach (Crowe’s Line Rd., Township of Trent Lakes)
• Curve Lake Lance Wood Park (Whetung St. E., Curve Lake First Nation)
• Curve Lake Henry’s Gumming (Chemong St. S., Curve Lake First Nation)
• Douro Beach (205 Douro Second Line, Township of Douro-Dummer)
• Ennismore Waterfront Park (1053 Ennis Rd., Ennismore, Selwyn Township)
• Hiawatha Beach (1 Lakeshore Rd., Hiawatha First Nation)
• Jones Beach ( 908 Jones Beach Rd., Bridgenorth, Selwyn Township)

• Kasshabog Lake Beach (431 Peninsula Rd., Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen)
• Lakefield Beach (100 Hague Boulevard,  Lakefield, Selwyn Township)
• Norwood (12 Belmont St., Norwood, Township of Asphodel-Norwood)
• Quarry Bay (1986 Northey’s Bay Rd.,  Woodview, Township of North Kawartha)
• Sandy Beach (Lakehurst Rd., Township of Trent Lakes)
• Selwyn Conservation Area (2251 Birch Island Rd., Selwyn Township)
• Squirrel Creek Conservation Area (2445 Wallace Point Rd., Fraserville, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan)
• Warsaw Caves Conservation Area (289 Caves Rd., Warsaw, Township of Douro-Dummer)
• White’s Beach (Clearview Dr., Township of Trent Lakes)

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence, Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

June 1, 2016 –June 10 Community Open House to Launch New Brand

 Today our local public health agency officially changes its name to Peterborough Public Health to better reflect the population-level health programs and services it provides to residents in Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, and in the County and City of Peterborough.

“We’re proud of our new identity as Peterborough Public Health. Previously, I’d find that people were sometimes confused about which piece of the health care pie was ours. The new name has “public health” firmly embedded in our title so that our mandate to protect and promote the health of our communities is clear,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “I’m especially grateful for the robust participation of hundreds of local residents who shared their insights about our name change and for the Board of Health’s leadership throughout this process.”

To celebrate the new name and its recent move to Jackson Square at 185 King St., Peterborough Public Health is holding a Community Open House on Friday, June 10 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. where it will reveal its new brand.  The event is open to everyone, and features light refreshments and guided tours of all three floors of its new location, including the newly minted Myrtle’s Kitchen for community food programs.  Guests can also check their child’s immunization status on site, and enjoy interactive displays on smoking cessation, sun safety and numerous other public health programs.  Presentations from senior officials will begin at 3:15 p.m.

“This is an exciting time for public health as we aim to raise our profile throughout the community as a key partner to help build a healthier future for all residents,” said Scott MacDonald, Chair of the Board of Health.  “We want residents to know we’re their best source for credible public health information and that we offer a wide range of programs and services to improve the living conditions of those in need for the benefit of all.  From health risk prevention to promoting healthy lifestyles, our staff work around the clock to keep our community safe and strong.”

With today’s name change Peterborough Public Health also introduces its new website URL www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and all staff email address will also reflect the new domain @peterboroughpublichealth.ca.  Residents are encouraged to follow its new Twitter handle @Ptbohealth and Facebook page by searching “Peterborough Public Health”.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

May 31, 2016 – Peterborough Public Health Hands Out 2016 Tobacco-Wise Awards

In recognition of World No Tobacco Day today, Peterborough Public Health (formerly Peterborough Public Health) honoured several local residents and organizations for their leadership in helping to create a tobacco-wise community.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the hard work of these local champions whose efforts to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke are making a real difference in the health of our community,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health.  “They are shining examples of Peterborough’s leadership in tobacco use prevention, and remind us that while we’ve made great headway over the years to denormalize it, we must remain vigilant if we truly want Ontario to have the lowest smoking rates in the country so our next generation can grow up smoke-free and tobacco-wise.”

There were a total of 12 awards recipients from municipalities, schools and school boards, mental health service providers, real estate companies, and community organizations.  The awards were handed out in three categories. First, the “Exceeding the Standards Act Award” recognized organizations and municipalities who have introduced policies that go beyond the Smoke Free Ontario Act. Next, the “Cessation or Prevention Award” honoured schools and organizations that prevent people from starting to use tobacco products, as well as helping them quit smoking and remaining tobacco free. Finally, the “Community Leader Award” celebrated individuals and organizations who contribute to smoking prevention and cessation in our community.

Dr. Salvaterra noted that this year’s awards coincide with the tenth anniversary of the Smoke Free Ontario Act.  Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario. Each year, smoking and exposure to second-hand-smoke results in 13,000 deaths provincially.  Locally, the use of commercial tobacco products kills approximately 130 Peterborough residents each year. For more information on smoke-free policies, tobacco-wise living or supports for quitting smoking, please contact Peterborough Public Health, or visit the Smoke Free Places page on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

Backgrounder – Tobacco-Wise Awards

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For further information, please contact:
Keith Beecroft
Health Promoter, Tobacco Use Prevention Program
705-743-1000, ext. 238

May 30, 2016 – Testing well water regularly keeps you and your family safe

The Peterborough Public Health in conjunction with the Peterborough Public Health Ontario Lab is pleased to announce a free new courier service starting Monday, June 6, 2016 that will allow county residents to conveniently submit well water samples for testing in Havelock at no charge.

“We are delighted to make it easier for county residents to pick up water testing kits and drop off their samples in Havelock thanks to a new courier service partnership with the public health lab in Peterborough,” said Atul Jain, Manager of Environmental Health Programs at Peterborough County City Public Health. “Water quality changes over time, that’s why we recommend testing private wells three to four times a year to prevent health risks. We hope by making this testing service more accessible that residents will test their well water more regularly.”

Previously water testing kits were only available at Public Health’s Peterborough location and then residents had to bring their samples to the lab on Hospital Drive in Peterborough. Now this can all happen out of the Township Office in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, and county residents can call the public health lab’s IVR (Interactive Voice Retrieval) system for their results. A new refrigerator has been installed at the Township Office, located on 1 Ottawa St., Havelock, where residents can store water samples until the courier service picks them up the next day. The new courier service runs Mondays through Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

This service is available to all residents and cottagers at no charge in Peterborough County, and was made possible thanks to a joint initiative of the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Peterborough Public Health Ontario Laboratory and Public Health.

County residents will receive their water quality results through mail or by calling the public health lab at

1-877-723-3426. Residents with questions about their water quality results can call Public Health’s Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 232 for free consultation.

The well water sample is tested for bacterial contaminations such as coliforms and E.coli. This is important especially if E.coli is found in the water and is ingested by the young, elderly or immunocompromised people can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.  To find out how to test for other contaminants, please contact Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 232 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca, click on “My Home & Environment”, then “My Home”, then “Water”.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391