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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1999-01-20, Page 18PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1999. Changing times for Rural Response Rural Response for Healthy Children office is now located in Clinton, Ontario. Formerly located on Main Street in Dungannon a move to I3 Rattenbury St. E., Clinton was made on Dec. I. The change in location was made to increase visibility and bring us to a more central location in the county, while maintaining a rural atmosphere. Health Unit cautions of winter’s dangers Winter in Midwestern Ontario has settled in with a vast amount of snow and cold wind-chill temperatures. Most people rush out to shovel their driveway and sidewalk unprepared. The strain of snow shovelling puts an increased demand on a person's heart. Just a few minutes of lifting and tossing snow can cause a dramatic increase in heart rate and blood pressure. In fact, the cardiac workout of shovelling is equivalent to running on a treadmill. "The problem is that many people spend the off-season as couch potatoes and their bodies aren’t ready for the exertion required to shovel snow", said Josee Cayer, physical activity promoter at Huron County Health Unit. Two out of every three Canadians are risking their health and quality of life by not being active enough. The new Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living was recently released by Health Canada and offers guidelines on how to be healthier by making physical activity an important part of daily life. The activity guide gives examples of how much and how often adults need to be physically active to stay Donate clunker to Kidney Foundation Is it time to shoot your Mustang? Has your Barracuda gone belly up? Has the car of your dreams turned into a nightmare? Anyone answering yes to any of the above questions will be interested in the Kidney Car Program, a unique and successful fundraising program that recycles unwanted vehicles (cars, trucks, vans, etc.) into a tax deduction for the donor and into much needed funds for The Kidney Foundation of Canada. The Kidney Car Program results in a win-win-win situation. The first win goes to the donor who receives a minimum tax-deductible receipt of $75, a free tow and removal of an eyesore. The second win goes to the community, because recycling cleans up the environment and keeps the cost of used auto parts down. The third win goes to people living with kidney disease whose health and quality of life are made better because someone donated a car. Anyone with a car to donate, call the Kidney Car Line: 1-800-565- 5511 or the office at 1-800-667- 3597/1-519-742-2023. Rural Response for Healthy Children is a Community Action Program for Children funded by Health Canada. It is a multi-faceted project aimed at strengthening families with children up to six years of age in Huron County, promoting the healthy development of children and education and prevention of child abuse. Through partnerships the Rural Response for Healthy Children healthy. "People need to realize that they should maintain a certain level of activity all year long to be able to handle tasks like shovelling snow", Cayer says. Here are some tips to help prevent cardiac problems and back injury from cold weather activities like snow shovelling. • Maintain a regular physical activity program. People who are active on a regular basis will have less chance of injury. Looking for local heroes There are so many people out there who do so much to improve their community. Now you have a chance to say thanks.' Nominate that special person for the 13th Annual Citizen Citizenship Awards. Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area and Brussels and area communities to receive an award for contribution to the community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the ballot and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and he or she didn't win, please feel free to try again. I n om i nate______________________________________________ as Citizen of the year for _ Q| Blyth Brussels & area & area I feel she/he deserves this award because_____________________ ♦ Nomination Deadline March 31, 1999 Name and phone number of nominator__________________________________________________ exists to support and strengthen families with young children. Rural Response for Healthy Children currently has five core programs that address the needs for healthy development of children. These programs include: the Parent Education Program, which co­ ordinates and facilitates parenting classes throughout the county. The Parent Support Program is a home- • Warm up before going outside. Do some gradual stretching and loosening up activities • Dress warmly. • Start shovelling slowly. • Bend your knees, not your waist, when lifting snow. Whenever possible, push or sweep snow rather than lifting it. • Keep your back straight and use the strength in your legs and not in your back. • Avoid inhaling cold air by wearing a scarf. visiting program that matches up volunteer parent mentors with families who would like support. THE Bus, Toys for Homes Everywhere is a travelling resource library with ready access to parenting materials and age appropriate toys and resources. The Immigrant Advocate Program assists Mennonite families from Mexico with family and social supports. The fifth program is • Wear boots with treads to prevent slipping or falling. • Take a break when you're tired to reduce your risk of injury. • See your family physician if you experience any chest discomfort. To obtain a free copy of the new Physical Activity Guide, call the Healthy Lifestyle Team, Huron County Health Unit at 482-3416 or 1-800-265-5184 or you can get it on the Internet at www.paguide.com. Child Abuse Prevention Education that addresses the issues of child abuse and family violence. Included in this program is an emphasis on abuse prevention with children with special needs. Rural Response for Healthy Children continually maintains the belief that programming be community based. The outstanding generosity and community response has long lasting impact for community building and community ownership for the health and well being of its children. Rural Response for Healthy Children is hosting an open house on Monday, Feb. 1, from 2 - 6 p.m. and invites everyone to attend. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn exactly what Rural Response for Healthy Children has to offer and also opportunity for the community to see how you can become involved. If interested in more information about Rural Response for Healthy Children, its programs or volunteer opportunities attend the open house or call 1-800-470-0716 or 482- 8777.