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Home My WebLink AboutClinton News Record, 2014-11-05, Page 19Wednesday, November 5, 2014 • News Record 19 What It takes to stay healthy Spectrum Healthcare Career Forum The Victoria Order of Nurses for Canada is encour- aging all Canadians to con- sider getting a flu shot to prevent the spread of influ- enza and promote the over- all health of Canada. Influenza, or flu, as it is commonly called, is a serious, highly contagious infection of the airways caused by the influenza virus. It circulates annually during the winter months in Canada. Influenza and its complications result in significant loss of productivity and employee absenteeism and can be related to between 2,000 and 8,000 deaths in Canada each year. The flu is very different from a common cold. It usually begins with a head- ache, chills and cough, and is quickly followed by high fever, loss of appetite, mus- cle aches, fatigue, sneezing, runny nose, and throat irri- tation. Young children may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases symptoms last 7-10 days. People most at risk of influenza include the very young and very old, those with compromised immune systems and people with chronic illnesses like diabe- tes, cancer, or heart, kidney, or lung disease. It is impor- tant to remember that even if you do not have the flu, you may still transmit it to others, particularly those at high risk. The most at risk effective ways to prevent the spread of infection are to wash your hands frequently and get the flu shot every year. Other preventative meas- ures include covering your coughs and sneezes with your arm or sleeve, keeping your hands away from your face, and staying home if you are ill. VON offers influenza immunization clinics in the workplace across Canada. To find out more about a work- place Flu Clinic, contact Judy Kingston at your local VON office by calling 519-271-7991 OR 1-800-265-5176, or e-mail judy.kingston@von.ca. Huron's Great Big Crunch Schools across Huron County were recently crunching into local apples. "The Great Big Crunch" event, held this year on October 23, builds aware- ness and support for student nutrition programs. The province -wide event was organized in Huron County by the Huron Perth Eat and Learn Program. The Huron County Health Unit is a community partner of the program In addition to schools, workplaces like the Huron County Health Unit also participated in The Great Big Crunch. "Nutrition programs in schools encourage healthy eat- ing in children. Having sup- portive environments in work- places orkplaces encourages healthy eating in our workforce," says Annie Lukacsovics, Public Health Promoter with the Health Unit. "Our Great Big Crunch celebrated the impor- tance of supportive environ- ments for healthy eating in schools and workplaces." Lukacsovics says The Great Big Crunch also draws attention to the year-round availability of local produce. To find out more about how you can support student nutrition programs in your community, contact your local school or the Huron Perth Eat and Leam Program. Wash hands to avoid respiratory illnesses The Huron County Health Unit reminds everyone that frequent hand washing reduces the risk of catching a respiratory illness. Several different respiratory viruses circulate every fall. Enterovirus D68 is a respiratory virus that includes symptoms similar to a cold. Children and teenagers appear to be at an increased risk of infection, but adults can also become ill. Severe infections can result in complications such as breath- ing difficulties and some chil- drenmaybe hospitalized. At this time, there have not been any confirmed cases of Enterovirus D68 in Huron County. The Huron County Health Unit works with local hospitals and school boards to monitor potential out- breaks of illness. Public Health Nurse Dori Taylor says cleaning your hands is your best defense against respiratory illnesses. "Colds and other respira- tory illnesses spread easily among children," says Taylor. "It's important for parents to remind children to clean their hands often at school as well." Other measures to take are: • avoid touching your face • cough into your elbow or sleeve • disinfect frequently touched surfaces often Stay home ifyou are ill. When children are ill, keep them home from school untiltheyare ;OR MOVIE INFORMATION... www.mawlelinks.ca u:wd.s.,011860-16 -3438 able to fully participate in their usual activities. Children with asthma may have a higher risk of developing severe illness. If a child develops a high fever or has difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. HealthKick and the Foun- dation for Education Perth Huron are hosting Spectrum, a program that encourages students from Huron and Perth Counties to consider careers in rural healthcare. This year, Spectrum will take place on Friday, November 7th, 2014, a school board Professional Development Day, and will be held in Mitchell at the Upper Thames Church. The Spectrum Healthcare Career Forum will give up to 20 grade 10, 11, and 12 stu- dents the opportunity to explore a variety of health- care -related fields, such as nursing, Diabetic Educator/ Registered Dietitian, Public Health, Dentistry, Mid- Wifery, and more. During the one day event, students will participate in hands-on activities related to health- care and meet with profes- sionals to learn about indi- vidual occupations. Online applications are now available. You can download the application forms on the web @ www. healthkickhuron.ca. The cost of the forum is $10 and will include snacks, drinks, and lunch. For more information or to register for this program, please contact Lisa Houthuyzen, either by phone 519-600-2273 ext 265, or email lhouthuyzen@ smallbusinesshuron.ca. Huron County Health Unit Launch New Website The Huron County Health Unit has launched its new website, with dedicated sec- tions for professionals and an anonymous question - and -answer feature for the general public. "Our new website design makes it easier to find the public health information you need," says Communica- tions Coordinator Rita Mar- shall. "We've also added fea- tures to meet the specific -OM a aYlll1[s)1Tf E Upscale Christmas Thrift Shoppe "Cool Stuff Found Here" Mon. Nov. 10, 10-3 When it comes to Christmas & holiday decor, thrift shops are great places to find cool stuff for a fraction of the cost! needs of Huron County resi- dents and professionals." The new "Ask a Pro" fea- ture lets visitors ask anony- mous questions and receive answers from a public health professional. Answers are shared on the Ask a Pro archives. New sections have also been created specifically for healthcare providers, educa- tors and business owners. The home page at huronhealthunit.ca offers quick links to the latest news and recalls, as well as links to the Health Unit's social media pages. "We are proud to present our new website and fea- tures to Huron County resi- dents," says Marshall. "This site will continue to be your trusted link to public health information." Visit the site at huron- healthunit.ca. LET'S ALL DO OUR PART! PLEASE RECYCLE 4111/� 744(44 *aa To the supporters Of Tuckersmith Ward, It's been a great 8 years. Les Falconer. BRUCEFIELD COMMUNITY UNITED CHURCH SMORGASBORD TURKEY & HAM SUPPER SUN. NOV. 9, 2014 4:30- 6:30pm Adults - $15.00, Children 6-12 - $6.00, 5 and Under Free. Advance Tickets Only. Call- 519-263-2682, 519-263-2823 1—(t. Off for those who participated at the recent Liberal nomination meeting in Lucknow, and a special thank you to my supporters. Maarten Bokhout FESTIVE FARE BAZAAR Saturday Nov. 8th 10am - 1 pm Clinton United Church Hall Experience our "Upscale Christmas Thrift Shoppe" Use Elevator Enterance