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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2012-09-26, Page 23Wednesda , October 19, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 5 community New ways to reduce medical p011 Community Fki Shot Clinics waft times for Canadians • '�\ Only one-third of Canadians with r'.in eye or vision problem go straight to an optometrist, 'llie rest rely on hospi- tal emergency rooms, local clinics and family doctors, all of which can barely cope with the ever-increasing demand for their services. Optometrists can be key players in reducing wait times at local clinics and hospitals - as long as the Cana- dian public gets the message that a regular eye exam and a visit to the optometrist for any eye health issue is the surest way to deal with vision - related and various other eye health problems. Even conditions as straightforward as allergies and pink -eye are usually treated more effectively by a front-line vision specialist, For example, pink- eye is typically no longer contagious as little as 48 hours after an optome- trist initiates treatment, whereas par- ents who visit a local clinic or hospital are often at home with their child for several days, meaning time off work and reduced productivity. October is eye health month in Can- ada, and the country's optometrists are letting people know that eye health is a matter for an eye specialist first. The facts speak for themselves: 1 in 7 Canadians will develop a serious eye disorder; Type -2 diabetes is often first detected in the eyes and if caught early enough, long term effects can be reduced. Studies show that undiag- nosed vision problems among chil- dren are directly related to their chances of dropping out of school. While 80% of learning is visual, only 30% of students have an eye exam before beginning school. "The eyes are often thought of as the window to the soul, but they are also a window to a lot of hidden health issues, It just makes sense to see an optometrist on a regular basis and whenever you have a problem with your eyes," said Dr. LH Linton, Presi- dent of the CAO. "No one thinks twice about visiting the dentist for a tooth- ache or check-up, but more often than not Canadians don't have the reflex of getting their eyes checked by an optometrist" The Canadian Association of Optometrists is the professional asso- ciation that represents Doctors of Optometry in Canada. It is also the national federation of ten provincial associations of optometrists and rep- resents over 4,200 members across Canada. Motivation and energy at St. Anne's This past week at St. Anne's Catho- lic Secondary School in Clinton was absolutely idled with motivation and energy, as the eagles headed into spirit week to promote student par- ticipation. Members of student cabi- net began the action on Tuesday October 11th, following the thanks- giving weekend, with tattuesday, where every student was encouraged to sport a St. Anne's Eagles tattoo or "Proud Eagle" face paint. On Wednes- day October 12th, the school lobby as filled with a rainbow of paper ands, as each student was given a hand and asked to write a pledge, of something positive they plan to do during this school year either in aca- demics, athletics, friendships, or sim- ply in increasing school spirit. 1'he hands will decorate the lobby and act as a reminder to students what they had pledged to do, Thursday, October 131)1 was the school's annual "Walk for Wellness" (W4W), formerly the "Walk-a-thon" where the students put their hands up to being active and spent the day walking (or dancing) around the track as well as participating in other fun activities. The pledge money raised by every student for this year's "Walk for Wellness" is divided evenly between building a soup kitchen for St. Vincent de Paul in Goderich, and adding equipment to the St. Anne's Fitness Centre. The day of the event, each homeroom class was asked to perform a cheer, and student cabinet presented "X -Factor: Get Your Groove on Edition", where their routines were Judged by "Hollywood celebrities" Students were also offered a healthy lunch in order to promote healthy active living, and were given the chance to bid on and win prizes, both small and large. The opening lap of the W4W was lead by Mr. Bodkin on the bagpipes and set the entire day off to a great start. On Friday, October 14th, Ms. Scholten, Ms. Brennan -Yeo, and Mr. Robinson escorted their religion classes to the Avon Theatre in Strat- ford to view the play "Jesus Christ Superstar", and throughout the week, junior and senior girl's basketball and the field hockey team departed to Mitchell for games. Grade twelve stu- dents continue to plan their post -sec- ondary educations and goals through weekly visits by Ontario colleges and universities, and had the opportunity last weekend to visit the Ontario Uni- versities Fair at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Sarnia, ON - The County of Lambton Community Health Services Department will launch community flu shot clin- ics in late October. The seasonal influenza vac- cine (flu shot) will be available to Lambton residents through various options including com- munity clinics, school clinics, some workplace clinics, and by appointment with local health care providers. "Having a variety of vaccine delivery options makes the choice more convenient for res- idents," says Vicki Hawksworth. Supervisor with the Community Health Services Department. "Community clinics have been scheduled across Lambton County to improve access for clients and reduce wait times," This year, the seasonal flu shot provides protection for the pandemic H1N1 2009 strain and two additional flu virus strains. All individuals aged 6 months or older, who live, work or attend school in Ontario can benefit from getting a flu shot each year. Dr. Chris Greensmit . Acting Medical Officer of Health for Lambton County adds, "Receiv- ing your flu shot each year is the best method to prevent flu - related illness, reduce the sever- ity of illness, and reduce the spread of the flu virus in the community" The flu shot is recommended in late October and November each year to allow your body time to build up immunity to circulating flu viruses. There- fore, when the flu virus does reach our community people will be better prepared to fight off the virus, The flu shot pro- vides protection for 4-6 months. Follow these tips to stay healthy and prevent flu -related illness: Get your flu shot each year. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Keep alcohol -based hand sanitizer available as an alternative. Keep surfaces and items disinfected. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve. Eat a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables. Many fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that help you fight illness. If you have any flu-like symp- toms, stay home until you feel better. A complete list of all commu- nity clinics in Lambton County can be found online at www, lambtonhealth.on,ca or by call- ing the Flu Info Line for weekly clinic updates at 519 383-3812 or toll-free 1-800-667-1839 ext 3812. Tb help the Department serve residents more efficiently, please bring an Ontario Driver's Licence or Health Card to the clinic; however, services will be provided if identification is not available. All clinics hosted by the Com- munity Health Service Depart- ment are conducted in a fra- grance -free environment. Please retain from using per- fumes, colognes and scented cosmetics if you plan to attend a clinic. For more information about seasonal influenza and the flu shot vaccine contact your health care provider or call the Com- munity Health Services Depart- ment at 519 383-8331 or toll- free 1-800-667-1839. Owl Prowl popular attraction for nature lovers One of the area's most popu- lar nature -oriented tourism attractions is the annual Owl Prowl near Exeter. !lave you or your family ever taken a guided night hike and listened for the call of the East- ern Screech Owl? If you haven't called for owls while hiking in a forest at night, this is your chance. 'Ibis year due to popularity of this event, there will be 2 nights of "hooting for owls," Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5, near Exeter, at beautiful Morrison Dam Con- servation Area. The programs offered on both nights will be very similar in nature, please come out for the night of your choice. The annual Owl Prowl is scheduled for from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. on both dates at the ABCA Administration Centre work- shop at Morrison Dani Conser- vation Area, two kilometers east of Exeter, just south of Highway 83, on Morrison Line. Admission is free but donations are always welcome in support of ARCA conservation education programs. Each year, close to 200 people spend a fascinating evening in November learning about owls and their amazing nocturnal adaptations through an engag- ing multimedia presentation and moonlit guided hike to call for owls. Following the hike, fill your mug with complimentary hot chocolate and enjoy drinking it around an outdoor fireplace - please bring your own mug to cut down waste created from using disposable cups. Walkers or 'prowlers' are reminded to caress appropriately for being outdoors. For more information visit abca.on.ca or call 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.