Boulevard Main Beach Posting Lifted

The swimming advisory for Boulevard’s Main beach has been lifted by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. Water tests for e-coli bacteria levels have returned to results considered safe for swimming.

Recently a swimming advisory was posted at Sunnyside beach on the North side of Boulevard. That remains in effect. Chippewa Trailer Park Beach is closed for other reasons.

Swimmers Itch continues to be a concern across the region. More information about the condition and other Recreational Water Illness can be found at www.tbdhu.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2005

Boulevard Sunnyside Beach Swimming Advisory

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is announcing a Swimming Advisory for Sunnyside Beach at the Boulevard Lake because an excessive level of E.coli bacteria in water tests. Both Sunnyside and the Main Lakeview Beach are currently posted, advising bathers not to use the beach.

E-Coli levels are monitored. A high e-coli level in swimming water can cause problems with swimmers including a variety of skin eye, nose and throat infections, as well as stomach disorders. A high e-coli level can also be an indicator that other contaminants are in the water.

Public Health Inspectors will test beaches at Boulevard Lake and Chippewa Park until the end of August.

Up-to-date status of beach testing can be found at the health unit website www.tbdhu.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2005

Thunder Bay District Health Unit Designated as a Coordinating Unit for the Smoke-free Ontario Strategy

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has received confirmation from the province that it will function as a coordinating health unit for Northwestern Ontario. In this role, TBDHU will facilitate coordinated planning and communication for tobacco control across the largest geographic area of the province shared between the Thunder Bay and Northwestern District Health Units.

The TBDHU will hire staff to facilitate area-wide communication, development of a regional plan and will support collaboration among agencies, programs and service providers. Programs and activities are being planned for worksites, smoking cessation services, and school and community-based youth prevention programs.

“We are pleased that the province is acknowledging the unique challenges of delivering public health services in our geographic area,” states Connie Bryson, Chair of the Thunder Bay District Board of Health. “We look forward to developing our partnership with Northwestern Health Unit to create a unique approach to tobacco initiatives that addresses our communities’ unique cultural and geographic circumstances.”

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has been a strong proponent of tobacco control since their very first proposal for smoke-free by-laws at Thunder Bay City Council in 1976. They won a Silver Leaf award from the International Association of Business Communicators for their GASP (Getting Active about Smoking Passively) campaign in 1995 to change community attitudes about second-hand smoke. The locally produced video, “19-Prove it!”, is regarded as a provincial best practice for use by tobacco retailers in educating staff to restrict sale of tobacco products to youth. And just last year, a staff member was recognized by the Ontario Tobacco-Free Network with a Community Champion Award for exemplary leadership and determined commitment to tobacco control.

Smoking prevalence in Northwestern Ontario is higher than the provincial average (more than 28% of the population in both health units are current smokers). Given the distinct challenges faced by our Northern communities, this coordinating function is of added importance and will ensure that the unique rural and demographic characteristics of the region are addressed.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2005

Boulevard Main Beach Swimming Advisory

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is announcing a Swimming Advisory for The Main Beach at the Boulevard Lake because an excessive level of E.coli bacteria in water tests. Other Boulevard beaches tested within acceptable limits.

Warning signs about the hazards of swimming are being posted.

E-Coli levels are monitored. A high e-coli level in swimming water can cause problems with swimmers including a variety of skin eye, nose and throat infections, as well as stomach disorders. A high e-coli level can also be an indicator that other contaminants are in the water.

Public Health Inspectors will test beaches at Boulevard Lake and Chippewa Park until the end of August.

Up-to-date status of beach testing can be found at the health unit website www.tbdhu.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2005

Air Quality Advisory

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is responding to concerns about air quality in and around Thunder Bay due to forest fires in the area.

Medical professionals are reporting an increase in patient concerns. The Health Unit has received numerous calls from Thunder Bay residents experiencing difficulty breathing as a result of smoke in the air. People with asthma, cardiovascular or lung disease, as well as children and elderly people, are considered to be the most sensitive to the effects of fine particulate matter.

Make sure that furnace and air conditioner filters are clean. If your air conditioner has the ability to close fresh air intake, you should choose that option now. If you have parents, neighbours or friends that may be affected, check in on them regularly.

Residents who are prone to respiratory problems are advised to take precautions such as:

1. Stay indoors as much as possible with the windows and doors closed
   
2. Avoid strenuous activity.
   
3. Ensure that any medications that you may need are kept with you and in good supply.
   
4. Consult a physician if you are having trouble breathing.
   

For more information, please visit www.tbdhu.com . (factsheets)

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2005

Sunnyside Beach Posting Lifted

The swimming advisory for Sunnyside beach has been lifted by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. Water tests for e-coli bacteria levels have returned to results considered safe for swimming.

Presently, there are no other beaches in our area that have swimming advisories posted. Chippewa Trailer Park Beach is closed for other reasons.

Swimmers Itch continues to be a concern across the region. More information about the condition and other Recreational Water Illness can be found at www.tbdhu.com.