FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2005
Adults Need to Keep Immunizations Up-to-Date
The week of April 24-30 is National Immunization Week. Although immunization is often thought of as part of a child health program, immunization is important for adult health, too.
In the Thunder Bay District, about 95% of school-aged children under 19 have received all the vaccinations recommended for their age group. But, among the District's adult population, fewer get the recommended boosters for diseases such as diphtheria and tetanus. Immunization against these diseases is recommended every ten years.
Other vaccines may be highly recommended depending on lifestyle, field of work and travel plans.
For more information on recommended immunizations, contact the Health Unit's Vaccine Preventable Disease Program at 625-5971 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630, extension 5971. Or, call your local Health Unit branch.
Immunization is critically important in the battle to control and eliminate infectious diseases. One hundred years ago, infectious diseases were the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Promotion, they now cause less than 5% of all deaths thanks to immunization programs undertaken from coast to coast.
Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health intervention. Immunization is the single most cost-effective health investment, making immunization a cornerstone of efforts to promote health. For every dollar governments spend on protecting their citizens through immunization, there are savings of far greater value.
In the developed world, vaccination has been so successful that diseases such as polio, diphtheria, mumps and measles are rarely, if ever seen. The savings resulting from immunization far outweigh the costs. Reduced disease results in fewer hospital admissions and visits to the doctors' office.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2005
Pinewood Court Influenza Outbreak Over
An outbreak of Influenza A that was began April 8 at Pinewood Court Long-Term Care Facility on James Street has ended. In total 30 residents and 6 staff became ill over the course of the outbreak.
Visitor restrictions have lifted. Admissions, discharges and transfers have resumed.
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For Immediate Release
April 21, 2005
Special Clinics to Identify Vision Problems
Six optometrists will be staying open on a Saturday in May to make it easier for both city and district parents to have their children screened for vision problems before they affect a child's learning or cause permanent disability. The special screening is being promoted by the local Fair Start program.
"Often parents don't think of having their child's eye examined unless the child is complaining of problems," explains Cathy Farrell, coordinator of the program at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. "But children don't always know they can't see well. The earlier a problem can be identified, the better the chances for a successful outcome. The story of Chloé is an illustration of why this screening is so important. "
Chloé was a happy, well-behaved girl who seemed to be developing quite normally. A Fair Start Screening was considered part of the 'ceremony of preparing for school' but Jennifer, her mom, did not expect any concerns to be found.
In fact, when Chloé's vision was flagged, it was a surprise. Neither of the girl's parents wore glasses or had any vision problems. The bigger surprise was that, if not caught during this critical brain development stage, the child may have permanently lost her vision in that eye.
Chloé had a problem common in up to 4 % of children before age six. Untreated, up to 50% of these children will develop secondary visual loss. It is called amblyopia, an eye problem that can occur in growing children. Another term for the condition is "lazy eye" where one eye seems to wander or turn in. But because Chloé's eyes did not look apparently different, her mom had no indication that there was a problem.
Often, the condition is not caught until the child begins to have problems reading. This may take until the age of 6-9 years. Unfortunately. if the condition is not diagnosed and treated before that time, the brain may choose to ignore the weak eye permanently, and cause a lifelong loss of vision on that side.
After the screening, Chloé began to wear glasses with a significant correction to the weak eye. When she first put on her glasses, her first words were "Mommy, there are trees over there" pointing to a line of trees in the neighborhood that had always existed and been visible from their home…to people who could see.
"She is now in grade one, reading well and participating in many sports where her sight is important to performance, " points out her mom. "I would urge every parent to have their children's vision tested early. I had no idea that my daughter had a problem that could have become so damaging."
"The Saturday, May 14th screening appointments are a great way to allow parents to fit vision screening for their child into busy schedules or fit such an appointment with a trip into town," says Cathy Farrell. "We urge parents to call ahead for an appointment and take the time to ensure that their child has 'Good Vision for Life'."
Fair Start is a unique local program that works with community partners to identify developmental problems before children start school. They check a child's vision, hearing, large and small motor skills, speech and language, and social development.
The special screening time is part of a Fair Start program campaign called "Good Vision for Life". Appointments can be made by parents from the city or district for Saturday, May 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at:
- Harbourview Optometry-Dr. Ulakovic, Dr. Miller, Dr. Asselstine, Dr. Elgie call 345-8323
Or with Dr. Brad Wakegijig or Dr. John Salonen by calling 622-7500
Children, aged 0 to 19 years, are covered for one full eye examination annually through the Ontario Health Insurance Card.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2005
Heavy Rainfall Causes Public Health Concerns in Geraldton
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is working onsite in Geraldton to monitor any potential public health hazards resulting from yesterday's heavy rainfall which has caused sewers to backup in at least 50 homes and businesses.
The safety of well water, the contamination of food and future problems with bacteria growth and mold resulting from the sewage backup are now public health concerns.
A public health inspector has been visiting restaurants, daycares and schools which may have been affected by the flooding to determine if health hazards exist within the establishments.
It is important for homeowners to take proper precautions during the clean up. To learn about proper clean up and about dealing with flooding and the effect of sewage backup, information is available at the Geraldton branch of the Health Unit, located at 510 West Hogarth Ave. Information and links will also be posted online at www.tbdhu.com
Homeowners who have wells and who may be concerned about possible contamination due to the flooding can call a public health inspector, toll-free at 1-888-294-6630, extension 5930.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2005
Dawson Court Outbreak Ends
An outbreak of enteric disease declared at Dawson Court Home for the Aged on Tuesday has quickly been brought under control and has been declared over today.
Visitation restrictions have been lifted. Admissions, discharges and transfers will take place. Special programming will resume.
An outbreak of Influenza A at Pinewood Court Long-term care facility continues.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2005
Outbreak of Enteric Illness at Dawson Court Home for the Aged
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is investigating a gastrointestinal outbreak at Dawson Court for the Aged. At this time, 16 residents and 1 staff have been affected with symptoms of diarrhea. This outbreak has resulted in visiting restrictions for families and volunteers, and the cancellation of special programming.
Discharges, transfers and admissions are cancelled. Friends and family are encouraged to call the care unit if they are concerned about a resident.
While a recent outbreak in Pinewood Court has been identified as Influenza A, a respiratory disease, this particular illness has been determined as intestinal. Samples have been sent to the Public Health Lab to investigate the cause of the illness.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit reminds the public that washing hands frequently, as well as staying at home when feeling ill can help to prevent the spread of disease.
150 residents live in the facility at 523 North Algoma Street
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2005
Outbreak of Influenza A Closes Pinewood Court to Visitors
Tight infection control procedures have been put into place at Pinewood Court Long-Term Care Facility on James Street after 20 residents of became ill over the weekend with cough, malaise, and fever. The presence of influenza A was confirmed in tests results today.
All visitation has been cancelled. Admissions, discharges and transfers are suspended.
Family members who are concerned about residents are encouraged to phone the nursing station who will then pass on any messages.
The Health Unit reminds the public not to visit others when they are feeling ill. Those with a fever should stay home and isolate themselves to avoid the potential spread of disease.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2005
Hazards Left Behind From The Snow Melt
Staff from the Superior Points Harm Reduction Program at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit have noticed an increase in the number of improperly disposed 'sharps' being found as the snow melts. Sharps include needles and other skin breaking devices used to extract blood or deliver substances into the body. These include needles that had been used for medicinal purposes. Common places that they are being found in include alleys, paths and parking lots.
Staff are cautioning the general public to keep an eye open for these improperly disposed sharps. Parents should educate their children not to touch them if found.
The Superior Points staff are patrolling areas for these sharps. However, they will respond to pick up if one is found.
If a sharp is found, no one should touch it unless it poses an immediate hazard. If this is the case, carefully placing it inside a plastic soda bottle is appropriate. Otherwise, the needle location should be marked and details about the location should be phoned in to 624-2005.
Superior Points staff work noon to 4:30 pm and then start work at 9:00 pm to 1:00 am.
"People who use needles for a variety of purposes are reminded that they are responsible for proper disposal," points out Don Young, Coordinator of the Superior Points Harm Reduction Program. "When needles are placed in regular garbage, bags can be subject to being ripped by animals and spread to locations where others can be injured by them. This also places city sanitation workers at risk of needle stick injuries and also puts bio hazardous waste in the landfill."
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