Author Archives: Dan Matsushita

Beat the Heat

While extreme heat can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for older adults, infants and young children, those taking certain medications or with certain conditions such as respiratory, cardiac and psychiatric conditions, and outdoor workers. During high temperature and humid days in the summer months, beat the heat and stay safe while enjoying the weather responsibly with these tips:

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Solar Eclipse – April 8th, 2024

On Monday, April 8th, 2024, parts of Ontario will experience a total solar eclipse. The City of Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes, and Country of Haliburton are just outside of the Path of Totality and will experience a partial eclipse between 2:00p.m. and 4:30p.m., with the most darkness occurring at approximately 3:20p.m. Please note the guidance and reminders below,

Protect your eyes:

–              Avoid looking directly at the sun.
–              Regular sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection.
–              Do not attempt to view the eclipse with a camera, telescope, or other optical device.

Plan ahead for temporary darkness:

–              Monitor local media for what time of day the eclipse will occur in your area.
–              Be aware of your surroundings, especially if travelling outdoors.

For more information, visit:

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit https://www.hkpr.on.ca/health-topics/emergency-preparedness/solar-eclipse/

City of Peterborough: https://www.peterborough.ca/en/news/information-regarding-the-solar-eclipse-on-april-8-2024.aspx

PPH/HKPR Merger Announcement

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) and Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit will be merging by January 1, 2025. PPH and HKPR  identified an extensive history of collaboration and shared geographic, demographic, health status and population characteristics. Both organizations are similarly united in the commitment to reduce health inequities and address the most pressing public health challenges faced by the communities they serve.

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Pest Control and Prevention

As building occupants, we have a role to play in maintaining a pest-free workplace.  Colder weather brings pests like mice and rats indoors, and we all have a responsibility to keep the snacks and food we bring onsite in pest-proof containers.  Every effort should be made to keep offices and workspaces free of food and food waste, and only use designated locations, like the staff lounge, cafeteria, and kitchenettes around the College.

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Joint-Joint Health and Safety Committee Meeting

June 12th, 2023 

The Haliburton, Frost, and Sutherland Joint Health and Safety Committees gathered at the Silver Bean Cafe in Peterborough for a Joint-Joint meeting. Committee members discussed health and safety improvements, initiatives, and inspections over the past year. The committees also reviewed a year-in-summary report with the Health and Safety team.

 

Scented Product Guidelines

Responding to Scent-Related Questions in the Fleming Workplace

Fragrances are found in a wide range of products, including perfume, cologne, deodorant, soap, shampoo, hairspray, air fresheners, essential oil room diffusers and cleaning agents. Exposure to fragrance chemicals in scented products can trigger health reactions in some individuals with conditions such as asthma, allergies, migraines, or chemical sensitivities. The guidelines below are intended to provide some steps for responding to scent- related issues in the Fleming work and learning environment. Continue reading

Changes to Lyme Disease Testing – Peterborough Public Health

April 3rd, 2023

What is New

Beginning on April 1, 2023 the Public Health Ontario Lab (PHOL) will be changing Lyme disease testing for clinical samples from the standard two-tier testing (STTT) algorithm to the modified two-tier testing (MTTT) algorithm. This change will facilitate earlier clinical diagnosis and intervention of Lyme disease. Continue reading