July

Station Beach Posted Unsafe for Bathing; Black Creek Beach (Old Woman River) Posting Lifted
Release Date: July 22, 2010
Beach water sampling at Station Park Beach, Municipality of Kincardine, show levels exceeding Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards for acceptable bacterial levels.

Little River Beach Park Posted Unsafe for Bathing
Release Date: July 21, 2010
Beach water sampling from July 19, 2010 at Lion’s Head Beach, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, shows levels exceeding Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards for acceptable bacterial levels. As a result, this area will be posted and remain posted until samples indicate that water is safe for bathing.

Lion’s Head Beach Posted Unsafe for Bathing
Release Date: July 20, 2010
Beach water sampling from July 19, 2010 at Lion’s Head Beach, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, shows levels exceeding Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards for acceptable bacterial levels. As a result, this area will be posted and remain posted until samples indicate that water is safe for bathing.

Black Creek Beach (also known as Old Woman River) Posted Unsafe for Bathing
Release Date: July 14, 2010
Beach water sampling from July 12, 2010 at Black Creek Beach (also known as Old Woman River), Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, shows levels exceeding Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards for acceptable bacterial levels. As a result, this area will be posted and remain posted until samples indicate that water is safe for bathing.

Bayshore and Kelso Beach Posted Unsafe for Bathing
Release Date: July 13, 2010
Due to the heavy rains last night, a small sewage bypass occurred at the Owen Sound treatment plant.  As a precaution, both Kelso and Bayshore beaches have been posted unsafe for bathing.

Owen Sound Outbreak Investigation
Release Date: July 9, 2010
The Grey Bruce Health Unit is currently involved in the investigation of a large cluster of illness among those attending a wedding dinner at Stone Tree Golf and Fitness Centre, as well as other events held at the same venue.

WARNING FOR RESTAURANT AND FOOD RETAILERS REGARDING INSPECTION SCAM
Release Date: July 9, 2010
London, ON – The Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) would like to warn all restaurant and retail store operators of an ongoing scam involving individuals fraudulently posing as public health inspectors, public health officials, or food inspectors.

Durham Conservation Area (Middle Dam Beach), Township of West Grey, Safe for Bathing
Release Date: July 8, 2010
Water samples taken at Durham Conservation Area (Middle Dam Beach), Township of West Grey, show results within acceptable levels according to Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards.

Grey-Bruce Gets Ready to Play
Release Date: July 8, 2010
TARA – Seventeen municipalities in Grey and Bruce are pairing up to craft a plan that will help local residents increase their physical activity through play.

Northwinds Beach, Town of Blue Mountains, Safe for Bathing
Release Date: July 7, 2010
Water samples taken at Northwinds Beach, Town of Blue Mountains show results within acceptable levels according to Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards.

Station Park Beach, Municipality of Kincardine, & Bayshore Beach, Owen Sound, Safe for Bathing
Release Date: July 6, 2010
Water samples taken at Station Park Beach, Municipality of Kincardine, and Bayshore Beach, (J.Irvine Brown Playground) in Owen Sound show results within acceptable levels according to Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards.

Heat Advisory
Release Date: July 6, 2010
With our current high temperatures and smog advisory in place, Public Health advises people to take care against heat and pollution related illness.

Do Not Use Water Advisory for Lake Rosalind – Lifted
Release Date: July 6, 2010
As of 4:30 p.m., Monday, July 5, 2010 the Grey Bruce Health Unit lifted the Do Not Use Water Advisory for the residents near and around Lake Rosalind in the Municipality of Brockton.

Three Beaches Posted Unsafe for Bathing
Release Date: July 2, 2010
Beach water sampling at Station Park Beach, Middle Dam Beach and Bayshore Beach show levels exceeding Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards for acceptable bacterial levels. As a result, these areas will be posted and remain posted until samples indicate that water is safe for bathing.

Sauble Beach, Town of South Bruce Peninsula, is now Safe for Bathing
Release Date: July 2, 2010
Water samples taken at Sauble Beach show results within acceptable levels according to Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards.

June

Northwinds, Town of Blue Mountains, Posted Unsafe for Bathing
Release Date: June 30, 2010
Beach water sampling at Northwinds Beach shows levels exceeding Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards for acceptable bacterial levels. As a result, this area will be posted and remain posted until samples indicate that water is safe for bathing.

Sauble Beach, Town of South Bruce Peninsula, Posted Unsafe for Bathing
Release Date: June 25, 2010
Beach water sampling at Sauble Beach shows levels exceeding Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards for acceptable bacterial levels. As a result, this area will be posted and remain posted until samples indicate that water is safe for bathing.

Tick Talk
Release Date: June 23, 2010
There’s a lot of “outdoors” in Ontario and good weather leads to camping, hiking, picnics or even a day at the beach. A little bit of preparation will make sure that Lyme disease doesn’t sideline your summer outdoor adventures.

Lynn Receives alPHa Distinguished Service Award
Release Date: June 22, 2010
It is with great pleasure that the Board of Health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit recognize Medical Officer of Health, Hazel Lynn, as recipient of the 2010 Distinguished Service Award presented by the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa). The award recognizes significant contributions to public health at the provincial level.

DO NOT USE WATER ADVISORY for Residents who use water directly from Lake Rosalind
Release Date: June 21, 2010
Please be advised that as of 3:30 p.m., June 21, 2010 the Grey Bruce Health Unit issued a Do Not Use Water Advisory for the residents near and around Lake Rosalind in the Municipality of Brockton. This advisory affects those residents who use the lake as their direct drinking water source. All of these residents are being contacted by the Municipality and are being provided with information.  Those residents who are on their own separate well supply are not affected.

Ninth Annual Motorcycle Ride for Arthritis
Release Date: June 17, 2010
Motorcycle riders from across Grey Bruce are invited to take to the road July 10, on behalf of The Arthritis Society. Bikers will go on a fund raising Poker Run on a spectacular scenic tour along the Lake Huron coast.

Crash Prevention Project Receives Provincial Award
Release Date: June 16, 2010
Think and Drive…Are You Road Worthy? was recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation with the 2009 Road Safety Achievement Award for Initiative of the Year. The award was presented June 8, in Niagara Falls, at the opening plenary for the Canadian Multidisciplinary Road Safety Conference. The Think and Drive…Are You Road Worthy? project was an initiative of the Grey Bruce Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention Committee.

Rabies in Grey Bruce
Release Date: June 14, 2010
Rabies remains a significant concern for the Grey Bruce Health Unit, as the local area is a hot spot province-wide. By early June, there have been six lab-confirmed rabid animal reports, including one case requiring post-exposure treatment. All the reports have been skunks and localized in southeast Grey County.

HPV Vaccine Now Available for Men
Release Date: June 7, 2010
Health Canada has recently approved the sale of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil^®, for boys and men from ages 9 to 26. Males can both get and give the virus. The vaccine interrupts transmission of HPV from men to women and vice-versa.

Yellow Bikes Coming to South Bruce Peninsula
Release Date: June 2, 2010
The streets of Wiarton and Sauble Beach will soon be full of bright yellow bikes. Brightly painted yellow bicycles, identified by a sign as community bikes, are available at different locations in and around the community where people are encouraged to use them. 

Turning Off The Screens for Good Health
Release Date: June 1, 2010
Almost 1,200 students across Grey Bruce took part in the Turn Off The Screens challenge this year. The eighth annual event ran from April 26 to May 2.  During this week, students were encouraged to be more active by turning off the television, video game and computer.

May

The Bike/Walk to Work Challenge
Release Date: May 31, 2010
The 7^th annual Bike/Walk to Work Challenge takes place June 1 - June 30, 2010. This popular event encourages employees to walk or bike to work over the month of June to include physical activity into their workday.

Report Found Needles to Public Health
Release Date: May 26, 2010
Injection drug use in Grey Bruce is a reality. There have also been reports in Grey Bruce of people coming across a discarded needle or other injection equipment while at the beach, park, during a community cleanup, in schoolyards and at childcare centres.

Giant Hogweed
Release Date: May 19, 2010
As the Victoria Day weekend approaches, it is a good time to remind anyone hiking, camping, canoeing or just enjoying the natural attraction of Grey Bruce to be aware of poisonous plants. Most people already know to stay away from poison ivy, but there are other poisonous plants to avoid, including Giant Hogweed.

Adults at Risk for Tetanus
Release Date: May 17, 2010
It is the time of year when Canadians begin gardening and making repairs around the house, cottage and farm, all activities that increase the risk for tetanus. Our children are regularly immunized against many diseases, including tetanus. However, adults may be at greater risk for tetanus. Only 47% of Canadians over 18 years of age report receiving a tetanus booster within the past ten years.

Positive Rabid Skunk
Release Date: May 13, 2010
Test results received May 12, 2010, confirm rabies in a skunk found in Southgate. Human involvement and possible exposure to the rabies virus has been associated with this animal. This is the fourth rabid animal report in Grey Bruce for 2010; all are skunks.

Minister Launches Healthy Communities Conference
Release Date: May 12, 2010
Minister of Health Promotion, the Honourable Margarett Best, offered her vision of healthy communities at a conference launching the Healthy Communities Ontario strategy in Grey Bruce.

A Colourful Tribute to National Immunization Awareness Week
Release Date: May 11, 2010
Children from forty licensed childcare centres in Grey Bruce took part in a colouring contest as part of National Immunization Awareness Week, April 26-May 1, 2010.

Health Alert - Zadi Foods Ltd - Listeriosis
Release Date: May 10, 2010
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Zadi Foods Ltd. are warning the public not to consume various processed meat and cheese products because these products may be contaminated with Listeria.

Two Positive Rabid Skunks
Release Date: May 5, 2010
Test results received May 4, 2010, confirm rabies found in two skunks in separate locations from Southgate and West Grey in Grey County. There was no human involvement. These are the second and third rabid animal reports in Grey Bruce for 2010.

Emergency Preparedness Week - Seniors with Special Needs
Release Date: May 3, 2010
Since an emergency or an evacuation can be frightening and confusing, it is important that seniors, especially those with special needs, know proper the steps to take in case of an emergency.

April

Before the Door Opens—Drug Awareness Training for First Responders and Home Visitors
Release Date: April 30, 2010
On April 19, 2010, over 300 first responders and workers whose jobs routinely require them to enter people’s homes attended Before the Door Opens, a public safety and drug awareness session hosted by the Grey Bruce Crystal Meth Task Force.

Positive Rabid Skunk (Correction)
Release Date: April 26, 2010
Test results received April 23, 2010, confirm rabies in a skunk from Southgate. There was no human involvement. This is the first rabid animal report for Grey Bruce in 2010.

Healthy Communities Conference
Release Date: April 21, 2010
Healthy Communities; Creating Community Capacity Through Awareness Building and Partnerships will launch the Healthy Communities Ontario strategy in Grey Bruce.

Pause to PLAY by Turning Off The Screens
Release Date: April 21, 2010
It’s time once again for children and their families to participate in the Turn Off The Screens challenge. This year the 8^th annual event will run a full seven days from April 26^th – May 2^nd.  During this week students do their best to get off the couch and get active by turning off the television, video game and computer (expect for educational purposes).

Grey Bruce Health Unit Celebrates National Immunization Awareness Week
Release Date: April 19, 2010
The Grey Bruce Health Unit celebrates something special during National Immunization Awareness Week (NIAW), April 24 to May 1. Grey Bruce had the third highest immunization rate for children 7 to 17 years of age within the province of Ontario during the 2007/08 school year.

Smoke-Free Bar and Restaurant Patios
Release Date: April 13, 2010
With the outdoor dining and patio season soon upon us, it is a good time to revisit the smoking rules in these locations. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (Sec. 13, Reg. 48/06) prohibits smoking on covered or partially covered patios. The legislation is designed to protect the health of the public from second-hand smoke.

The Culture and Impact of Alcohol Use in Grey and Bruce
Release Date: April 12, 2010
Alcohol is a “hidden hazard”, meaning there are strong psychological, social, economic or cultural pressures to conceal or downplay how alcohol use can be hazardous. Progress has been made in the understanding of the harmful effects of alcohol and yet its abuse, through binge drinking (five or more drinks on one occasion at least once per month), continues to increase in Grey and Bruce.

March

Shingles Vaccine Now Available From Public Health
Release Date: March 28, 2010
Approved for use by Health Canada in September 2009, Zostavax™vaccine is now available to protect from shingles. Zostavax is recommended for people 60 years of age and over. Only one dose is required for protection against shingles and its complications.

Ban on Blunt Wraps and Little Cigars
Release Date: March 23, 2010
Effective April 6, 2010, retail sale of little cigars, also known as cigarillos, and blunt wraps packaged in less than 20 units is no longer permitted. Minimum package quantities make the products less affordable and accessible to youth.

Broader Meningococcal Disease Protection for Grade 7 Students
Release Date: March 22, 2010
Beginning this spring, Public Health will offer Grade 7 students a vaccine that provides broader protection against meningococcal disease.

Spring Ahead…Stay On Your Feet! Falls Prevention Seminar
Release Date: March 16, 2010
Participants will learn from experts how to identify and anticipate their clients’ fall risk and learn practical ways to keep their clients on their feet and prevent falls. Keynote speakers Dr. John Van Dorp, Dr. Kim R. McKenzie and Occupational Therapist, Susan Pouget will examine a range of topics relating to fall risk and prevention including medications, alcohol and assistive devices.

Health Alert - Listeriosis
Release Date: March 12, 2010
On March 12, 2010, The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued an alert warning the public not to consume Siena brand Prosciutto Cotto cooked ham because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Siena Foods Ltd, the manufacturer, is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace.

The Great Big Crunch
Release Date: March 1, 2010
On Thursday, March 11, 2010, over 8000 students in 28 schools across Grey Bruce will take part in The Great Big Crunch. Everyone will crunch an apple together to make the biggest crunch. Now in its third year, The Great Big Crunch is part of a cross-Canada, record-setting event promoting the healthy crunch of apples! Local students will be joining thousands of students from coast to coast.

February

Health Unit Wins North American Copper in Architecture Award
Release Date: February 18, 2010
The Grey Bruce Health Unit building wins the 2009 North American Copper in Architecture Award for new construction. The Copper in Architecture Awards are sponsored by the Copper Development Association Inc., New York, to recognize North American building projects for their outstanding use of architectural copper.

It’s About Time That You Quit!
Release Date: February 16, 2010
Time is running out to join thousands in The Driven to Quit Challenge!  There are less than two weeks left to register for the Canadian Cancer Society Driven to Quit Challenge. Registration is open until 11:59 p.m. on February 28.

Secondary School Immunization Clinics Underway
Release Date: February 3, 2010
Beginning next week, Public Health Nurses will be visiting all secondary schools across Grey Bruce to provide immunizations to students that require their 10 year tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) booster. In addition, nurses will offer polio, measles, mumps and rubella, hepatitis B and meningococcal C immunizations.

January

Last Week to Qualify for The Driven to Quit Challenge Early Bird Prize!
Release Date: January 26, 2010
The deadline for early bird entrants in The Driven to Quit Challenge is January 31, 2010. Early bird entrants are eligible for the chance to win a $1,000 MasterCard gift card, in addition to the other great prizes donated by McNeil Consumer Healthcare.

Grey Bruce Residents Committing to Quit - The Driven to Quit Challenge
Release Date: January 19, 2010
The Driven to Quit Challenge is a health promotion campaign hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society in support of a Smoke-Free Ontario. The Grey Bruce Health Unit is a proud partner in The Challenge.

Environmental Public Health Week - January 18 to 24, 2010
Release Date: January 25, 2010
Environmental Public Health Week, this year January 18 to 24, recognizes the hard work of Environmental Public Health professionals across Canada, and the importance of Environmental Public Health programs to maintain our health and well being.

News Archives

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