October 23, 2019 - Fentanyl is a toxic opioid that is sometimes mixed into street drugs. Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid that is highly addictive. Some signs of opioid toxicity include: impaired breathing, loss of consciousness, inability to talk, blue fingernails or lips, or loud snoring or gurgling.
People who use drugs can reduce the risk of harm from fentanyl and other opioids by:
October 16, 2019 - Thunder Bay recognizes Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day with a ‘wave of light’ candle lighting ceremony.
Around the world individuals, families and groups gathered together on October 15 in remembrance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss. The day is commemorated by lighting a candle to support and acknowledge the unique grief of those that have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss.
October 7, 2019 - When the leaves start falling, it’s time to start thinking about flu season! Flu shots are the body’s best defense against catching and spreading the flu virus that starts to circulate this time of year.
The flu (influenza) is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to complications like pneumonia. The flu shot, FREE to all residents of Ontario, is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. There are certain groups of people at a greater risk of serious illness from flu-related complications, so they are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot:
October 2, 2019 – EarthCare Thunder Bay in collaboration with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is bringing neighbours together this weekend at two Healthy Neighbourhood Harvest events.
The first Healthy Neighbourhood Harvest event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 1 – 4 pm, at County Park. The second event takes place Sunday, Oct. 6, from 1 – 4 pm, at Franklin Street Park, near the splash pad.
October 2, 2019 - The outbreak of respiratory illness at Southbridge Pinewood - Sandpiper Unit, located at 2625 E. Walsh Street, has been declared over today at 2pm. All restrictions have been lifted.
The Health Unit is urging people to stay at home and refrain from visiting hospitals and long-term care facilities when feeling unwell to avoid spreading infections to those most vulnerable: young infants and children, the elderly and those with other chronic illnesses.
The Health Unit reminds the public to prevent getting and spreading infections by:
September 23, 2019 - The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in a water sample collected at Surprise Lake on September 17, 2019.The MECP is conducting toxin analysis on the water sample. However, it is important to remember that water should be avoided whenever a blue-green algae bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has dissipated, regardless of the toxin analysis results because blue-green algae can turn toxin production on and off in response to environmental conditions.
October 17, 2019 marks another big occasion in the Federal regulations to legalize cannabis. The extended class of cannabis products; edibles, extracts and topicals will be allowed to be sold, purchased and used. The class that particularly catches my attention are edible cannabis because, well, I’m a Dietitian.
August 30, 2019 - The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in a water sample collected at Icarus Lake on August 25, 2019. The MECP is conducting toxin analysis on the water sample. However, it is important to remember that water should be avoided whenever a blue-green algae bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has dissipated, regardless of the toxin analysis results because blue-green algae can turn toxin production on and off in response to environmental conditions.
August 29, 2019 - The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in a water sample collected at the Northwest Side of Lower Shebandowan Lake on August 23, 2019. The MECP is conducting toxin analysis on the water sample. However, it is important to remember that water should be avoided whenever a blue-green algae bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has dissipated, regardless of the toxin analysis results because blue-green algae can turn toxin production on and off in response to environmental conditions.
August 28, 2019 - The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has informed the Health Unit that the toxin analysis of the blue-green algae bloom on Hawkeye Lake has shown that toxins were not present in the sample. Note that this result reflects the water conditions when the lake was originally sampled on August 21, 2019. Please continue to exercise caution as blue-green algae blooms may recur and toxin production may vary for the rest of the season.