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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2016-02-03, Page 1212 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Let's talk about "it" MADE YOU no matter your age LOOK ADVERTISING WORKS! CALL US TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE Li The First Baby of 2014, in Huron East is Chan.. Phillip Robert MacLennan Born January 1St at 12:50pm, weight 7lbs 12oz Welcomed by mother Ir batha MacLennan and sibling = 9 Thank you to the following businesses for contributing to the New Year's Baby Contest: Blooms n' Rooms, Box Furniture & Floor Coverings, Total Image II, Seaforth Foodland, MacDonald Automotive Performance, McGlynn Family Funeral Home, The Looking Glass, Sills Home Hardware & Seaforth Jewellers. C ea orthhuronex 1 ositor.co By Dr. Janice Owen, Acting Medical Officer of Health Huron County Ahhh February! Cupid's favourite month. Romance is a wonderful thing but if it is a new romance, no matter who you are, or how old you are, there are some facts of life that we need to be reminded of from time to time. So here goes! Sexu- ally transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise right here in Huron County and no, it is not just a young person's concern. We have had 14 reported cases of chlamydia so far this year in Huron County, across various age groups. For the last few years we have also seen increased numbers of gonorrhea, again across various age groups. It is a fact of life that in mid-life and beyond, peo- ple may be entering new relationships. When you enter the dating scene again, that includes everything that goes along with dating such as open communication with part- ners and protecting your- self and others from STIs. While birth control might not be an issue for you or a new partner any- more, STIs don't care how old you are. These bugs can happily spread through any sexual skin -to -skin contact, which includes inter- course, intimate touching or oral sexual contact with a new partner. Some STIs, such as chlamydia or gon- orrhea, you can get more than once. There is no vaccine or treatment that makes you immune from ever catch- ing them again. There are a couple of options if you feel you should get tested. Many of you will have a family doc- tor or nurse practitioner that you could go to for testing. The Health Unit also offers confidential testing and treatment with no age limits or restric- tions. No need to go to an emergency room! If you have an STI and are unsure how to tell cur- rent or potential partners, we can give you advice. If you have an STI and are uncomfortable telling past partners who may have been affected, we will let them know without identifying you. Why does the Huron County Health Unit offer all of this? It is public health's responsibility to track reportable infectious diseases in the population, including some STIs. We are mandated to keep people healthy and safe, and that includes providing timely STI test- ing and treatment for all ages. To make an appoint- ment with a physician at one of our monthly testing clinics, call or text 519-440-1439. In the meantime, Happy Valentine's Day and Fam- ily Day. Remember to keep you and your loved ones safe, no matter what the activity! Health Unit checking student vaccinations Huron County, ON - The Huron County Health Unit has sent letters to students who don't have a complete immunization record. The Health Unit annu- ally reviews immunization records for students attending school. Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) Ontario students are required to be vaccinated against several infectious diseases in order to attend school. "Students may have received these vaccines but the Health Unit may not have the records," says Public Health Nurse Ruth Ann Ogilvie. "Any vaccina- tions you receive at your doctor's office do not automatically get shared with the Health Unit." If your family has received a letter, the Health Unit asks you to make sure the student's shots are up to date. Fami- lies should fill out the rest of the notice and return it to the Health Unit by email, fax or phone. Check with your health- care provider to see if they have a record of the required vaccines. If your child needs the vaccine, please take the form with you to the appointment. You can have your health- care provider complete the form which you can then send to the Health Unit. "Even taking a photo of the completed form with your camera and emailing it to us helps us complete a record," says Ogilvie. This first immunization notice will be followed up by a second notice for anyone who does not respond. Ontario students must be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. In 2014, vaccines for meningitis and pertus- sis (whooping cough) were added to the list, as well as varicella (chicken- pox) vaccine for students born in 2010 or later. To report an immuniza- tion or to ask questions about these changes, please contact us: Call 519.482.3416 or 1.877.837.6143 ext. 2050