January 17, 2003

Influenza A is currently circulating in the Lambton County area, and lab confirmation has now been received indicating that one Lambton County long-term care facility is dealing with an outbreak of Influenza A. Earlier this month, two individuals in the community had positive test results for this virus. This news is not unexpected, as facilities in surrounding municipalities are experiencing similar outbreaks.

At this time, it becomes very important to protect the elderly and high risk individuals in our community by adhering to some simple guidelines.

• Do not visit high risk individuals, either at home or in long-term care facilities, if you are ill with respiratory (flu-like) or stomach (vomiting and diarrhea) symptoms.
• Consider getting a flu shot if you have not had one this season, and especially if you will be visiting with or caring for high risk individuals.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the washroom and before preparing food.
• Stay home while you are ill. Don’t carry the virus into your workplace.

Flu shots are still available for those who have not received one this season, either through your family physician, or by making an appointment at the Community Health Services Department (383-8331 ext. 506). However, please be aware of the following:

Dr. Kenneth Yoshida, Oncologist at the Lambton Hospitals Group, is concerned not only about the number of cases of lung cancer he sees on a regular basis, but that some people forget smoking is the biggest cause of this disease.

The Lambton Cancer Prevention Network and the Council for a Tobacco-Free Lambton are hosting the event and feel Dr. Yoshida’s concerns will be a timely topic to be addressed on the evening of Weedless Wednesday of the 2003 National Non-Smoking Week.

"More than 45,000 people will die this year in Canada due to smoking," says Marnie Garrett, Chairperson of the Lambton Cancer Prevention Network. "This evening event is a great opportunity for members of our community to become informed about the issues related to smoking," she continues, "and there will be something for everyone." Included with Dr. Yoshida’s presentation is information about services available to residents in Lambton County who are currently smokers with no thoughts of quitting, smokers who are considering quitting or smokers who have quit and want to remain smoke-free. A teenager’s perspective is also included.

Lambton County Community Health Services Department is offering a free Stop Smoking Program for anyone wishing to quit smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes that they smoke. The 8-session program will run Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning Monday, January 27, 2003.

Quitting smoking is a multi-step process that involves both physical and psychological changes. This program takes participants through the various steps required to reach the stage where they are finally ready to give up cigarettes and become non-smokers. Rose Atkins, Community Health Services Health Promotion Officer says, "Information is provided in a positive and supportive environment. Take-home support materials enhance what is covered in class." A variety of topics including stress management, eating for health, active-living tips, and positive self-talk, are discussed throughout the four weeks, says Atkins. Participants share tips on how to let go of old unhealthy habits and replace them with new healthier ones. These positive skills can also be applied to other areas in their lives.

A strong component of the program is the support provided by participants. Learning from the experiences of others and knowing that you are not alone provides participants with the strength and motivation to quit. Research on quitting smoking shows that individuals who participate in a support group while trying to quit are much more successful in giving up the cigarette habit than those who try to do it alone.

As a follow-up to the program, Community Health Services is also running a monthly support group for anyone wishing to quit smoking or those who have quit but need additional support. The group meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Health Services Department and is open to all Lambton County residents.

On Tuesday, December 17^th at 10:00 a.m., children at the London Road School Breakfast Program will be showcasing their talents by recording a song that was entered into a contest. Sponsored by the Lambton Breakfast Program Network, the contest encouraged breakfast and snack programs in the area to make up a song that reflects good, nutritious food and the fun children have at their programs.

The prize for winning the contest include having the song professionally recorded and $100.00 worth of supplies for the program.

Nancy Wai, Public Health Nutritionist, Community Health Services Department suggests, "Breakfast and snack programs serve a valuable purpose for school aged children and are not just for those who are economically disadvantaged. Low blood sugar and hungry, growling stomachs affect everyone but particularly children in a learning environment. It makes sense to have food available at school so they can concentrate more and learn better."

It takes an entire village to raise a child. The purpose of these types of programs is not to take away parental responsibility, but rather to support parents in their caregiving roles. The reality of today’s hectic family schedules, the introduction of balanced day school schedules, before and after school activities and long bus rides create opportunities to implement breakfast and snack programs.

Judi Finch, Principal at London Road states, "There are an average of 20 to 30 children who have breakfast with us on a daily basis. Our breakfast program couldn’t function without the involvement of Central Baptist Church. It has just been fabulous to have the volunteers from the church. Our community benefits greatly and some of the people who come in to help really benefit as well from the interaction with the kids."

Susan and Murray Howard, volunteers from Central Baptist Church, have been the driving force behind the London Road breakfast program. Both Susan and Murray are involved in the planning of meals, scheduling of volunteers and are actively helping every day.

Other key contributors to the program include: International Bakery, Great Canadian Bagel, Canadian Tire and No Frills.

The Lambton Breakfast Program Network is supported by the Canadian Living Breakfast for Learning Foundation. The mission of the Network is to ensure that school aged children have access to child centred nourishment opportunities through the work of supportive networking and community partnerships. Health agencies, school boards, community agencies, services clubs and dedicated individuals make up the partnership that supports the 23 programs throughout Lambton County.

For more information, contact the Community Health Services Department at 383-8331.

Event details:

For more information about the Norwalk Virus, contact the Community Health Services Department at 383-8331, or their web site at www.lambtonhealth.on.ca .  

Are you looking for a different walking adventure? Mark Friday, November 15^th on your calendar to come out and join the Community Active Living Lambton Committee at the Bayside Mall for their annual Jingle Bell Walk. Registration will be held from 5:30 – 6:25 p.m. near the food court. Bring a can of food and receive a jingle bell to wear on the walk to the Opening Ceremonies of the Celebration of Lights held at Centennial Park.

The Community Active Living Lambton (CALL) Committee is comprised of professionals and volunteers who promote improvement of health and social well-being for all residents of Sarnia-Lambton through active living initiatives. Celebrating its 11^th anniversary, the Jingle Bell Walk provides grandparents, parents and children an easy and fun opportunity to be active. Walking with others can be more motivating than walking alone. "Start the Christmas season off on the right foot. Give your family the gift of wellness by setting aside the time for family walks three times a week," suggests Cathy Powell, Community Active Living Lambton member.

October 31, 2002

This confirmed positive test was expected, as the Petrolia resident, now recovering at home, had been previously listed as a probable case several weeks ago. We know that the virus has been identified in Lambton County in the crow population. A growing number of other human cases have been identified in other southern Ontario communities recently. As of October 30, 2002, there are currently 43 confirmed and 62 presumed human cases of West Nile infection in Ontario.

Dr. Chris Greensmith, Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health, reminds us that with the approach of the cooler fall weather, the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito is now markedly reduced for this year. This individual was likely infected in late August of this year. However, residents need to look at measures to further reduce their risk for next year by eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites on their properties.

Preliminary tests indicate that a Lambton County resident may be infected with the West Nile Virus. Final laboratory results confirming the diagnosis are not expected to be complete for 10 – 14 days.

This announcement was not unexpected, as the virus has been identified in Lambton County in the crow population, and a number of other human cases have been identified in other southern Ontario communities recently.

The infected individual is recovering well at home. Dr. Chris Greensmith, Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health, reminds us that, "only a very small number of those who are infected with this virus will experience illness, with symptoms which can include fever, headache, skin rash or muscle aches. Occasionally, particularly among the elderly and the very young, the West Nile Virus can cause the rapid onset of encephalitis, characterized by severe headache, severe muscle aches and weakness, stiff neck, and confusion."

While the risk of developing a serious illness from West Nile Virus is very small, people are urged to take precautions to prevent exposure to mosquitoes and to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. With the approach of the cooler fall weather, the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito will be markedly reduced for this year. However, residents need to look at reducing their risk for next year by eliminating standing water on their properties.

To reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitos:

• Avoid areas with high mosquito populations
• Take extra precautions from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is particularly high
• Wear protective light coloured clothing
• Use repellents containing DEET following the manufacturer’s recommendations

To reduce mosquito breeding areas:

• Drain areas of standing or stagnant water on you property
• Remove old tires, turn over pails, toys and wheelbarrows
• Change water in bird baths, at least weekly
• Keep eavestroughs clear to avoid trapped water

Physical activity is a key to good health for people of all ages.

The first ever national Physical Activity Guides for Children and Youth have been launched by Health Canada and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. The goal of the Guides is to provide parents, educators, physicians and community leaders with the information they need to help increase physical activity levels in children and youth.

Community Active Living Lambton and the Community Health Services Department are taking a hands on approach in encouraging children and youth to lead healthier, more active lives. On Saturday, October 5^th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. there is an open invitation to all children, youth and their parents to participate in a Fun Fair at the YMCA Sarnia-Lambton.

"We want to motivate kids and help them monitor their own daily physical activity," said Cathy Powell, Health Promotion Officer for Community Health Services Department. The day will include fun physical activities to take part in, community displays, healthy snacks and lots of prizes. The day will be fun and free!

The Community Health Services Department urges the residents of Lambton County to protect themselves from West Nile Virus by continuing to avoid contact with mosquitos. People are urged to eliminate stagnant water on their property, wear long-sleeved clothing, and consider the use of insect repellent that contains DEET when outdoors between dusk and dawn.

This reminder follows the results of preliminary tests that indicate that there are five probable human cases in Ontario. Confirmatory testing is currently underway, and results are expected in two weeks.

The CHSD continues to monitor the presence and distribution of viral infection in the environment. While dead bird collections have stopped, weekly mosquito trapping is continuing and mosquito breeding sites are being identified. These activities provide important information that is necessary if mosquito control measures are to be considered in the future. While dead bird sightings are an important initial indicator of the West Nile Virus, the identification of positive mosquito pools is more closely associated with direct risk to the population, as the virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Most mosquito bites cause itching and minor irritation. A small percentage can lead to serious infections such as West Nile Virus, especially among the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, see your doctor:

• Fever
• Inability to speak
• Profound muscle weakness
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Sudden sensitivity to light
• Rash
• Confusion

For further information or to report a dead crow "sighting", please contact the Community Health Services Department by calling 383-8331, extension 743 or 1-800-667-1839. Current information on the West Nile Virus is also available on the CHSD website, www.lambtonhealth.on.ca or by calling the West Nile Virus info line at 383-6231, extension 824.

Join millions of students, parents and school staff across Canada and around the world in International Walk to School Day 2002 and start your day in a healthy way.

Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the positive effects that daily physical activity has on improving self-esteem and academic achievement. With reports of obesity among Canadian children on the rise, it is crucial that we help our children establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime, such as walking to school.

Cathy Powell, Health Promotion Officer for the Community Health Services Department offers this tip to parents with busy schedules, "speak with neighbours and friends and get a walking group going on the block. Work your way up to making walking or cycling your regular method of transportation for the journey to and from school." It’s a great way to prevent parking problems around the school and support the environment.

The County of Lambton Community Health Services Department is pleased to announce that their Forest location will be reopened to the public two afternoons per week beginning Tuesday, September 3. The office had been closed to the public for several months due to a reorganization of staffing.

The new regular hours of operation will be Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.  Members of the community may call or come into the office to make appointments for clinical services during these hours. Services provided include family planning, immunization, and processing of water samples as well as information about many other public health programs and services. The office serves residents in Lambton Shores and surrounding area, and is located at the North Lambton Community Health Centre, 59 King Street West, in Forest.

Three professional staff work out of the Forest office, including 2 Public Health Nurses and one Public Health Inspector. For more information contact the Community Health Services Department, Forest office at 786-2149.

Four more birds have tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Lambton County. The four crows were found in Sarnia between July 15^th and July 29^th, 2002. There have now been six positive birds found in Sarnia, while one has been found in Petrolia.

The Community Health Services Department is no longer picking up crows found in the City of Sarnia, but Medical Officer of Health Dr. Greensmith emphasizes that "the public is requested to continue reporting dead crow sightings, as this will assist in tracking the spread of the virus in our area." We will still be submitting four birds per week from other areas of the county. The Guelph laboratory has reached full capacity and is now focusing on areas where West Nile virus has not yet been found.

If you find a dead crow on your property, you can dispose of the bird with your regular garbage. Using gloves, pick the bird up and place it in a plastic bag for disposal. West Nile Virus is not spread from birds to humans.

To reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitos:

• Avoid areas with high mosquito populations, especially from dusk to dawn
• Wear light-coloured clothing, long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET following the manufacture’s recommendations

To reduce mosquito breeding areas:

• Drain areas of standing or stagnant water on your property
• Remove old tires, turn over pails, toys and wheelbarrows
• Change water in bird baths, at least weekly

Based on consultation with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy, and information provided by Imperial Oil, the Lambton County Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Greensmith, stated that "serious health effects are related to prolonged and/or repeated industrial exposures, which is not the case in this situation."

Exposure to the catalyst might result in temporary irritation of the skin, eyes, nose or throat similar to tickling of the throat and watery eyes. If you have come in contact with the catalyst, wash your hands with soap and water to avoid getting it in your eyes, and try to ensure that your children do the same. If the dust gets in your eyes, try to flush it out with water. Decks, patios, vehicles, and driveways can be washed off with a garden hose. All affected fruits and vegetables from gardens should be washed off prior to consumption. If you continue to experience symptoms you should contact your family doctor.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy continues to collect information on the event and will share it with the Medical Officer of Health.

While the virus can be passed to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, Dr. Chris Greensmith, Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health advises, "only a very small number of those who are infected with the virus will experience illness or symptoms, which can include fever, headache, skin rash or muscle aches." Occasionally, particularly among the elderly and infants, the West Nile Virus can cause encephalitis, characterized by severe headache, stiff neck, and confusion. While the risk of developing a serious illness from West Nile Virus is very small, people are urged to take precautions to prevent exposure to mosquitos and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

To reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitos:

• Avoid areas with high mosquito populations
• Take extra precautions from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is particularly high
• Wear protective light coloured clothing
• Use repellents containing DEET following the manufacturer’s recommendations

To reduce mosquito breeding areas:

• Drain areas of standing or stagnant water on you property
• Remove old tires, turn over pails, toys and wheelbarrows
• Change water in bird baths, at least weekly
• Keep eavestroughs clear to avoid trapped water

Lambton Community Health Services Department has confirmed that about 450 people have been notified and are being tested for tuberculosis infection as a result of contact with a health care worker in the community diagnosed with active TB disease. To date, no new cases of active tuberculosis disease have been identified.

A small number (less than 4%) of those that have been tested have developed a positive response and have been referred for a chest x-ray as a precaution to rule out the presence of active disease.

Joan Beaudet, Supervisor of Environmental Health and Prevention Services for Lambton Community Health Services Department stressed that a positive TB skin test does not confirm the presence of active TB disease. Beaudet said " In most individuals, (over 90%), the immune system is able to "wall off" the infection, which means that the individual does not develop active disease and is not able to spread the infection to others. As a further precaution, the family doctor may decide to prescribe medication for those with positive TB tests to further reduce the risk of developing active disease."

Beaudet stated that the investigation is ongoing, and that it will take a few weeks before all contacts have been tested and followed up on.

July 2, 2002

Today the County of Lambton Community Health Services Department is contacting people who may have come in contact with a local health care worker recently diagnosed with Tuberculosis. Dr. Chris Greensmith, Medical Officer of Health for Lambton County has directed public health staff to identify and contact people who may have been in close contact with the infected person.

Dr. Greensmith said, "It’s important for people to understand that although TB is an infectious disease, it is usually only passed to someone who has spent a significant amount of time in an enclosed area with the infected person. However, we are tracing contacts and our staff will be in direct contact with people who need to be aware of potential exposure."

People who have been in contact with the individual who has active disease are being asked to have a TB skin test to determine whether or not they have been infected. This test may be given by the family doctor or by appointment at the Community Health Services Department.

Most people with TB infection will not develop active TB disease. A very small percentage of persons who are infected will go on to develop active TB. There is medication for TB infection that greatly reduces the risk of developing active disease.

Most parents go to the trouble of buying safety car seats for their kids. But that is not enough. Parents don’t install the seat properly and that puts the safety of their child in jeopardy. How safe is your child’s seat?

To help parents, grandparents and caregivers with the proper installation of child car seats, Lambton Community Health Services, OPP, Lambton EMS, Ministry of Transportation, the Co-operators Insurance and Zellers have planned a free Car Seat Safety Check clinic on Wednesday, July 17 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Wallis Motors, 5350 Nauvoo Road, Watford.

"Injuries and deaths are reduced by 75% when child car seats are used. But to be effective, the seat must be installed properly", says Andrea Wessels, Health Promotion Assistant at Lambton Community Health Services.

"By attending the clinic, you can prevent yourself from being ticketed by police. First and foremost is the safety of your child. If the car seat is not installed properly, the driver can be fined $110 and lose 2 demerit points.

Parents, grandparents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to drop by the clinic at Wallis Motors. We will gladly make the necessary changes and answer any questions you may have," adds Wessels.

Dr. Chris Greensmith, Medical Officer of Health for Lambton County, announced that all water samples that were resampled as a result of last week’s precautionary retesting are satisfactory. One private system is being resampled today to rule out sampling error.

In Canada from 1985 to 2000 there were 4,438 reported cases of meningitis. Meningococcal disease is a very serious illness caused by the bacteria, neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis can cause inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis is spread by close contact through saliva droplets. Methods of transmission include, kissing, sharing food or drinks, cutlery, water bottles, cigarettes, toothbrushes and other personal belongings. Symptoms of meningococcal disease include high fever with sudden onset, intense headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck drowsiness and rash.

Meningococcal meningitis can be subdivided into several different groups. Bacteria in groups B and C cause most cases of meningitis. Meningitis occurs most commonly in children under five years of age and young adults between the age of 15 to 24.

There are several different forms of meningitis vaccines available.

A polysaccharide meningococcal vaccine has been available for several years.

This vaccine protects against groups A,C,Y, and W135 meningococcal disease.

This vaccine can be given to those 2 years of age and older. For children under the age of 2, there is a new conjugate meningococcal vaccine available, which protects against group C meningococcal disease.

Currently, meningitis vaccinations are not covered by the provincial plan (except for in outbreak situations), however many extended drug plan will cover the cost of the vaccines. The vaccines are available at the Community Health Services Department, by appointment.

Acute viral hepatitis is one of the most common infections to affect travelers from the developed world. On a worldwide basis 1.4 million cases of Hepatitis A are reported every year although the true incidence rate may be three to ten times higher.

Viral hepatitis is usually caused by a number of different viruses that have one thing in common; they attack your liver. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G, are all known to exist, but A and B are the most common hepatitis in Canada.

Hepatitis A is a viral illness that can cause serious liver disease. This form of hepatitis is spread mainly by fecal contamination of water and food, generally in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. Food can cause hepatitis A if it is washed by someone infected with the virus, or if it is washed in water that that has been contaminated, and then not cooked thoroughly. People travelling to developing regions, including some popular vacation destinations, are at risk. Resorts do not offer protection and avoiding food and water that could be contaminated may be difficult.

Although Hepatitis A is rarely fatal in children and young adults, most infected adults and some older children become ill and are unable to work or go to school for several weeks or months. Adults over 40, who contract the disease, can be at a 2-4% risk of death from Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A can result in weakness, fatigue, headache, fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes). 

Vaccine Preventable Disease Coordinator Lana Cook states, "Travelers can reduce their risk of getting Hepatitis A by practicing good hygiene such as frequent hand washing, and avoiding potentially contaminated food and water. Vaccination against Hepatitis A is the best protection against the illness."

There are several different Hepatitis A vaccines available. These vaccines may need to be given at least two weeks prior to travel. If a client wishes to have the Hepatitis A & B combination vaccine the first dose must be given 6 weeks prior to travel, followed by a second dose one month later. Booster doses can be given six to twelve months after the pre-travel shots to provide long-term protection.

These vaccines are presently not provincially funded but are covered by some extended drug plans. The vaccine is available at the Community Health Services Department, by appointment.

May 15, 2002

Whooping Cough Making a Comeback

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, which is generally regarded as a infant/childhood disease is making a comeback in the adolescent and adult age groups. In 1986 adolescents and adults accounted for 5.2% of pertussis, and in 1997 20%, a dramatic increase. Whooping cough is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the bordatella pertussis bacteria. The infection usually begins with a runny nose and a cough that may end with gagging, vomiting or trouble breathing. Children with pertussis are usually sick for six to ten weeks. Adults usually have mild symptoms with pertussis but infection in infants and children can be quite serious and there is a high rate of death in infants. "There is much concern that adults and adolescents act as the primary source of transmission for infants," states Public Health Nurse Lisa Minielly. "Adults may think they just have a common cold that is difficult to shake when they may actually have pertussis", states Minielly.

Pertussis is preventable through a vaccine, however a child’s primary series does not provide life long immunity. In Ontario, pertussis is included in the routine immunization schedule at two, four, six, and eighteen months of age and again between four to six years of age.

A new pertussis vaccine, has been licensed for use in Canada for adults and adolescents 12-54 years of age. The pertussis vaccine has been combined with tetanus and diphtheria that are routine boosters for adolescents and adults. 

The cost of the new Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis vaccine "Adacel" is not currently covered under the provincial drug plan, however it may be covered by extended drug plans.

Protect yourself and your infants from this vaccine preventable disease. If you have any questions regarding "Adacel", contact a public health nurse at the Community Health Services Department Immunization Clinic at 383-8331 ext 602 or 303.

Each year 2,000 Canadian children are involved in bike-related injuries. At least 50 of these children will die, usually as a result of head injuries. Health Canada has reported that cycling mishaps are the leading cause of hospital admissions for head injury among children.

"Bike helmets have been proven to reduce the potential for a head injury by 85%" says Donna Schmidtmeyer, Injury Prevention Health Promotion Officer with the County of Lambton Community Health Services Department. "Parents are encouraged to insist on a "No helmet? No bike!" policy with their children – including teens." It could save children from a life-threatening injury.

A study published by the Canadian Public Health Association found that parents play a major role in making sure helmets are worn. Children of parents who wear helmets when cycling are much more likely to do the same.

Wearing bicycle helmets became law more than six years ago. The law states children 17 years and younger must wear a helmet while cycling. Since then, the number of injuries from bike-related incidents has dramatically dropped. For example, in 1997 there were 70 bicycle fatalities in Canada. More than half were adults over 20 years old, but in 1984 twice as many cyclists were killed and most were under 20 years of age. In the first year following the introduction of helmet legislation, the number of head injuries to bicyclists under age 15 decreased by 40%.

Consider these facts:

• The average adult skull can be shattered by an impact at 7-10 km/hr.
• A child’s skull is more vulnerable.
• A young child can cycle at an average speed of 10-15 km/hr.
• A fall from 60cm (2 feet) can cause permanent brain damage.
• A fall at 20 km/hr can result in death.

Community Active Living Lambton (CALL) is urging Lambton residents to break free of "the tube" during No TV Week, which runs from April 22-29. CALL is challenging local families to abandon their remote controls in favour of a pair of walking shoes for one week.

Statistics show that most TV viewers watch about 4 hours of TV daily - an amount that can actually be harmful to their health. Annual No TV Week is designed to increase time devoted to activities like family activities and exercise. According to Rose Atkins, Health Promotion Officer at Community Health Services, "Most Lambton County residents are not as active as they need to be to reap the health benefits of physical activity, which include a decreased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis". Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Active Living recommends that most adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity 4 times a week to stay healthy.

To help you reduce the amount of time spent in ‘couch potato’ mode, CALL is organizing evening walks along Sarnia’s scenic waterfront. Join CALL on Tuesday evenings, April 23 through May 28 for a 30-minute walk. Bring the entire family to enjoy a stroll along the Bluewater Trail. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at Centennial Park in front of Mamma Rosa's Café. Participants will be eligible to enter a weekly prize draw.  

Monthly Child Car Seat Inspection Clinics

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The County of Lambton, Community Health Services Department, Lambton O.P.P., Sarnia Police, Lambton County E.M.S., Bluewater Franchised Car Dealership Association, and Ministry of Transportation have planned monthly Child Car Seat Safety Check Clinics throughout Sarnia-Lambton beginning in April to October 2002.

Child car seats and seat belts are proven to save children's lives. A Transport Canada survey shows that 4 out of 5 child car seats are not installed properly.

"Injuries and deaths among children are greatly reduced when child car seats are used. However, to be effective, the car seat must be installed properly," says Andrea Wessels, Health Promotion Assistant, County of Lambton Community Health Services Department. "Anyone not sure about their child's car seat is strongly encouraged to drop by the one of our clinics. Our trained volunteers will gladly make adjustments, recommend the necessary changes and answer any questions". Correctly used child car seats reduces the likelihood of a child being injured by 75%.

Listed below are clinics for the next four months:

• Saturday, April 13, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Bayview Chrysler Dodge, Sarnia;
• Wednesday, May 8, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Bluewater Ford, Forest;
• Saturday, June 15, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.- Community Health Services, Point Edward;
• Wednesday, July 17, 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Wallis Motors Ltd., Watford;

Appointments are required for April and July clinics and May and June first come first serve.

Car Seat Tips:

• Place children under 17 year of age in the back seat and make sure they are buckled up properly.
• Use a child car seat correctly. Ensure it is appropriate for the height, weight, and development of child.
• When your child outgrows a car seat, move him/her into a booster seat - it's safer than just using a seat belt alone.
• Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with an air bag.
• All forward-facing child car seats must be place in the rear seat and be tethered in.
• Read the child car seat manufacturer's instructions and your car owner's manual to ensure correct installation of the child car seat in your particular car. Not all child car seats fit properly in every car.

You'll probably be seeing and hearing a lot more of Amy in the future. Not only on the local sports pages, but also on posters, newspaper and radio ads, and the world wide web. Amy is the local spokesperson for folic acid, a B-vitamin that has been shown to reduce the incidence of Neural Tube Defects (NTD’s) in babies by as much as 75%.

Marie Chaves, Health Promotion Officer at the Community Health Services Department says that "a lot of women in their childbearing years are still not aware that folic acid prevents birth defects, but that it must be taken BEFORE a woman gets pregnant in order to be effective." That’s why it’s critical to get the message out to teen girls so that they can start preparing their bodies now for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby in the future.

NTD’s happen between the 17^th and 30^th day of pregnancy, before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. Since nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned, it is vital that all women who are capable of getting pregnant build up adequate stores of folic acid in their bodies, and a good time to start is in your teen years. Chaves points out that "healthy habits can start anytime, but the younger one starts, the more likely they will stay with you for life."

Research shows that women in the childbearing years who eat foods high in folic acid as well as take a daily multivitamin supplement containing folic acid reduce the chances that their future babies will be born with NTD’s. Folic acid rich foods include fortified breakfast cereals, oranges, cantaloupe, romaine lettuce, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, and sunflower seeds. But, even though it is important to include food sources of folic acid in the diet everyday, food alone will not provide the amounts required to reduce the risk of birth defects. Health Canada recommends that women also take a multivitamin-multimineral supplement that contains 0.4 mg of folic acid every day.

Health Canada also advises that women who have had a previous NTD-affected pregnancy, have a family history of NTDs, have poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, maternal epilepsy, and obesity may need to take higher amounts of folic acid. These women are advised to consult with their doctor.

NTD’s are birth defects of the spine and brain and include Spina Bifida and Anencephaly. Spina Bifida is a disabling birth defect that results when the baby’s spinal cord and backbone cannot form properly during the first month of pregnancy. In many cases, a thin balloon-shaped sac develops outside the back that exposes the spinal cord and nerves. Today, more than 90 percent of Spina Bifida babies survive; but of those surviving, many may suffer from a number of physical challenges including paralysis, severe bowel and bladder disorders, and learning disabilities. The condition where the neural tube does not close and the brain doesn’t fully develop or is totally absent is called Anencephaly. Pregnancies affected by Anencephaly usually result in miscarriage. Babies who are born alive die shortly after birth.

Look for Amy’s poster in all local high schools, doctor’s offices, pharmacies, libraries, and other community agencies.

Vaccine Available to Prevent Pneumococcal Ilness in Infants and Young Children

According to the January 15 2002 Canada Communicable Disease Report from Health Canada pneumococcus bacteria is the leading cause of invasive bacterial infections, bacterial pneumonia and acute otitis media (middle ear infections) in young children. In Canada, there are an estimated 65 cases of meningitis, 700 cases of blood infection, 2,200 cases of hospitalized pneumonia, 9,000 cases of non-hospitalized pneumonia and an average of 15 deaths per year due to pneumococcus in children under five years of age. Pneumococcus is a major cause of meningitis, blood infections, pneumonia, and ear infections in. This bacteria infects over half a million children in Canada every year.

Pneumococcus is contagious and is transmitted through the air by such common things as coughing and sneezing. Pneumococcus bacteria live in the nose and throat of many normal healthy children, who may contract it from siblings, parents, and other children within the first few years of life. While the bacteria can remain in the nose and does not cause disease, it can cause ear infections, pneumonia, blood infection, and meningitis in some children. Studies have shown that all infants and children are at some degree of risk for pneumococcal diseases, additional factors may contribute to a greater degree of risk for many children. Several factors that may increase your child’s risk for pneumococcal diseases are, day care attendance, recent middle ear infections, recent antibiotic use, and chronic illness.

Antibiotics are usually effective for most pneumococcal infections. Antibiotics are becoming less effective at times as a result of their widespread use. This is a growing concern in the case of life-threatening pneumococcal diseases.

 If you would like more information on this vaccine please contact your family physician or the Lambton Health Unit at 383-8331 ext. 602 or 303.

The good news is that Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by making "healthy choices." These "healthy choices" include eating better and exercising more- at school and at work.

To help raise awareness about Type 2 diabetes, the Lambton Diabetes Prevention Project, a collaboration between the Lambton Health Unit, Lambton Heart Health, North Lambton Community Health Centre, and the Canadian Diabetes Association, is sponsoring school and workplace programs that help to make the "healthy choice the easy choice."

"Eating healthy doesn't have to be difficult", says Susan Harris, Registered Dietitian at the Lambton Health Unit, "It's all about moderation and choosing healthier foods most of the time."

Today marks the official launch of the Lambton Diabetes Prevention Project. The launch takes place at 10:00 a.m. at the Corunna Legion and features representatives from Nova Chemicals, a key pilot worksite involved in this project.

Remember, "healthy choices are all around you."

To find out more about preventing diabetes and the healthy choices program, please contact Leah Foster at the Community Health Services Department at 383-8331 or go to our website at www.lambtonhealth.on.ca          Top