Omemee Pigeon eFlyer: HKPR Health Unit

Showing posts with label HKPR Health Unit. Show all posts

Monday, September 3, 2012

Help Plug Adult Dental Health Holes! Complete Your Postcard Today!

FAR FROM PICTURE PERFECT
- Residents Sign onto Postcard Campaign to Fill Gap in Dental Support Programs -
Local residents are being asked to sign 'dental' postcards addressed to their MPPs asking them to plug a hole in Ontario's health care system.

Several health and social agencies in the City of Kawartha Lakes are circulating the dental postcards that ask the Ontario government to provide coverage for adults who cannot afford to pay for basic dental treatment. Each postcard features photos of five 'real' Ontarians with severe dental problems smiling through gritted, rotten teeth. A caption below the photos reads: Why am I living with pain and infection?

In recent years, while the Province has created or expanded programs to pay for dental care and emergency treatment for low-income children, local agencies say there has been no similar help for adults.

"Adults who cannot afford to pay for care have to suffer in silence with severe dental pain and infection," says Anna Rusak, a local organizer of the dental postcard campaign, and a Health Promoter with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. "There is a gaping hole in our health care system when OHIP will pay for medical coverage for every other part of the body, except the mouth."

The Ontario Oral Health Alliance, which created the dental postcards, estimates one in three Ontarians cannot afford to get regular dental treatment. Costs and lack of dental insurance are the major barriers.

Rusak was joined by representatives from Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes at a news conference held today (August 22) in Lindsay to promote the postcard campaign in this area. Local residents can fill out the dental postcards until the end of September at the following locations:

 the Health Unit office ,108 Angeline St. S., Lindsay
 Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes office ,108 Angeline St. S., Lindsay
 City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team office , 55 Angeline St. N., Lindsay
 Kawartha North Family Health Team offices 50 Colborne St.,Fenelon Falls and --85 Bolton St. Bobcaygeon
 Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes 107 Lindsay St. S. Lindsay

People can also sign the postcards online at www.oaphd.on.ca, or call the Health Unit toll-free at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 216, to find out more about the dental postcard campaign. Later this fall, all signed postcards from across Ontario will be presented to provincial politicians, including local MPP Laurie Scott.

Lindsay dentist, Dr. Indervir Mann, sees the need for improved access to dental care in Kawartha Lakes and encourages people to fill out the dental postcard.

'Why should getting dental care require a credit card instead of an OHIP health card?,'Dr. Mann asks. 'Access to dental care should be a right, not a privilege, especially when we know that good oral health is important for a person's overall health.'

Dr. Mann works at the Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes' dental clinic, which provides dental care to families whose children qualify for government financial assistance. The dental clinic also provides services at reduced fees for individuals on fixed or low incomes who do not have dental insurance.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Kawartha Lakes Reports No Human West Nile Cases!

How to Stop Mosquitos From Biting

Avoiding mosquito bites is important in fighting West Nike Virus. While No West Nike Cases have been reported in the Omemee area,it s better to be safe than sorry. Haliburton -Kawartha Pineridge District Health Unit recently issued the following press release with tips on avoiding mosquito bites:

Don’t Let Mosquitoes Ruin Your Summer

It’s the start of another summer long weekend, and the local Health Unit is urging area residents to continue to take precautions to protect themselves from West Nile virus.
The reminder comes after Toronto Public Health this week announced two probable human cases of West Nile virus in their area.
At this time, there are have been no reports of any probable human cases or mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in the area served by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, although positive mosquitoes have been reported in areas surrounding the Health Unit.

“With reports of positive mosquitoes around us, we have to assume that the virus may be in our area as well,” says Atul Jain, Manager of Environmental Health for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Knowing that, it’s important that people protect themselves from getting bitten by mosquitoes. We all look forward to enjoying the summer weather and long weekends and it would be a shame to let mosquitoes and West Nile virus ruin it for us.”

While most people who get West Nile virus do not experience any symptoms, a small number of individuals may develop flu-like symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle weakness and stiff neck. In some cases, Jain says people may develop more serious symptoms including confusion, tremours, and a sudden sensitivity to light. People who experience serious symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
People can protect themselves by:

 Wearing long-sleeved shirts, jackets, pants, hats and socks when outside, especially during the evening, night time
or dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
 Using insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin. Be sure to follow Health Canada’s safety tips on using
personal insect repellent.
 Checking that window and door screens fit tightly and do not have holes through which mosquitoes can enter the
home.

Last year, 78 Ontario residents contracted West Nile virus and 278 'pools' or batches of mosquitoes tested positive for the virus across the province. There were no human cases or positive mosquito pools in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County or Northumberland County during the summer of 2011 and none so far in 2012.
For more information on West Nile virus, contact the Health Unit toll-free at 1-866-888-4577 or visit www.hkpr.on.ca.

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Thursday, January 19, 2012

First 2012 Flu Case!

Health Unit Confirms First 2012 Influenza Case!

Flu season typically runs from November to April in Canada,and cases of Influenza B had been reported in other areas of Ontario.However.our luck ran out.

Lab results received last Friday, January 13th,by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit showed the first confirmed case of Influenza B in its area. The Health Unit region includes Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes. The influenza case reported involved an older adult, who is now recovering.

'Flu season is officially here, so we encourage local residents to take precautions and protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming sick,' shared Diane Dingman, Director of Communicable Disease Control with the HKPR District Health Unit,adding' One of the best defences against the spread of influenza is getting a flu shot.'

Free Flu Shots Still Available

While the Health Unit’s public flu shot clinics are over for another year, local residents may still be able to get a flu shot by calling the Health Unit or contacting their health care provider. Flu shots are the best protection against influenza, and are free to everyone over the age of six months who lives, works, or attends school in Ontario.

Germ Reduction Strategies Help Prevent Flu

‘Reducing the spread of germs also helps to lower the risk of getting influenza and other respiratory infections,’ Dingman cautions. People are encouraged to:

Wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after coming in contact with surfaces that others may have touched.
Cover up coughs. If possible, avoid coughing into the hands and instead cough into the upper sleeve. If coughing into the hands, wash hands immediately.
Stay home from work or school if ill.
Eat well, and be physically active on a regular basis to keep the body’s immune system strong.

All of these efforts can help slow the spread of influenza in our community,' Dingman says.

During the 2010/2011 flu season, the Health Unit reported 96 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza for all of Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Local Smokers Quitting Get Free Nicotine Patches!

S.T.O.P. Program Offers Free Nicotine Patches!

Quitting smoking? Here's a great freebie for you!

STOP, Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients, Program returns February to City of Kawartha Lakes. STOP, a program supporting smokers trying to quit, provides smokers with five weeks of free nicotine patches. Smokers who attend the STOP Program will also get educational material and other resources to help them in the quitting process.

'Becoming tobacco-free can be challenge, and that is where the STOP Program can help you achieve the goal of quitting,' says Dearbhla Lynch, a Health Promoter with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit.

The Health Unit is partnering with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Kawartha North Family Health Team and Ross Memorial Hospital to bring the STOP Program to the area. Sessions are set for February 15 in Fenelon Falls and February 16 in Lindsay.

Limited Space Register NOW!

Because of limited space, Lynch encourages people to register now for the STOP Program.

“Nicotine patches can really improve the chances of quitting smoking, but some people may not be able to afford them due to cost,' Lynch says. 'With the STOP Program, patches are available free-of-charge and can really improve a smoker’s chances of successfully quitting.'

Find out if you qualify for the STOP Program, complete the initial phone screening, and if successful, you will be asked to attend one of the STOP sessions in February. STOP sessions will be held in Fenelon Falls,and Lindsay. Contact (705) 887-3535 - speak to Leslie Ballam at the Kawartha North Family Health Team for Fenelon Falls sessions,and the Health Unit at (705) 324-3569, ext. 204 for Lindsay Sessions.

About STOP:The STOP Program is conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and receives funding from Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as part of its Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy. Since 2005, the STOP Program has helped more than 68,000 people across the province in their quest to give up tobacco.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

New CUPE Agreement Reached!

Health Unit Board Approves New Collective Agreement with CUPE Staff

December 15, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit approved a new four-year collective agreement with its staff represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
The Board of Health for Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit approved the contract at its meeting in Port Hope last week. Under the agreement, CUPE staff will receive the following salary increases:

January 1, 2012 – one per cent
July 1, 2012 – one per cent
January 1, 2013 – one per cent
July 1, 2013 – one per cent
January 1, 2014 – 2.25 per cent
January 1, 2015 – 2.25 per cent

CUPE represents approximately 90 employees who work as public health inspectors, dieticians, administrative staff, health promoters, dental hygienists and communications staff.

'We were very pleased to have reached a four year agreement with CUPE,' shared Susan Bickle, Director of Administration and Human Resources with the Health Unit. adding 'This new contract provides us with some stability for the next four years and provides our CUPE staff with an increase after seeing no salary increases in the last
negotiated contract.'

Bickle says the Health Unit has been working hard as an organization to be fiscally responsible during tight economic times and stay within the allocated funding provided by the province. As of November 30, 2011 the Health Unit had expenditures of $15,530,762. The next Board of Health meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2012 at the Lindsay office.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Call Today! Support May Help Family Dental Costs~

Wrapped With Dental Care!

Free dental care -not a gift local residents will find at shopping malls or big-box retailer this holiday season. Free dental care for children 17 years and under may be available through the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit.

'No dental insurance? No way to pay for your child’s dental care? No problem, because free dental care may be just a phone call away,' says Anna Rusak, a Health Promoter with the HKPR District Health Unit.

Even Checkups Covered

The Health Unit administers a number of financial support programs that may be able to cover dental care costs for some children and teenagers in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County. These programs include: Healthy Smiles Ontario, which covers checkups, cleanings, fillings, scaling, X-rays and other preventive dental services; and Children in Need of Treatment that provides financial assistance to children and youth in need of urgent dental treatment. Ontario Works also covers the cost of basic dental treatment for families who rely on social assistance.

'Seeing a dental professional, as well as regular brushing and flossing, are important parts of maintaining good oral health. However dental care is not covered under OHIP, and many people do not have private insurance coverage or cannot pay out-of-pocket to cover the costs,' says Rusak. adding 'That means some families may skip regular dental visits.'

Dental Problems Impact Learning

A recent report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives finds one in six people needing dental treatment avoids going to the dentist because of cost. According to Rusak, oral health can affect the overall health of a person. In the case of children and teens, untreated oral diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease can negatively affect eating, sleeping and learning at school, and may ultimately have an impact on healthy growth and development,

'Make the right call and contact the Health Unit to see if your child qualifies for dental care coverage,' advises Rusak , 'It may pay off in a healthier, happier holiday season for your family.'

To find out if a child or teenager qualifies for coverage, families are encouraged to call the Health Unit toll-free at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 247. Local residents can also find out more by visiting http://www.hkpr.on.ca/healthy-babies

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Get The MockTail Buzz!

Alcohol-Free Drinks- More Inclusive Safer Holiday Season Choices!

When it comes to staying safe this holiday season, area residents may want to raise a glass to a refreshing party drink that provides non-alcoholic cheer. Mocktails alcohol-free drinks can be perfect party beverages for designated drivers, pregnant women,
breastfeeding mothers, families, and anyone looking for an alcohol-free drink

Check out this video and the tips below to help you have a healthier,happier, holiday.

'Mocktails are easy to make. and can be a great alternative to the usual offerings of pop and juice,'.says Laura Danilko, a Registered Dietitian with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit,adding,'There are many benefits to including mocktails in your holiday celebrations.'

Expecting? Enjoy Mocktails With Your Unborn Child

For women who are trying to have a baby, pregnant or breastfeeding, health and the safety of the baby are the main reasons to opt for mocktails at a special occasion.

'There is no safe time, no safe amount and no safe type of alcohol to drink during pregnancy,' warns Danilko,adding 'Drinking any alcohol during pregnancy can cause permanent birth defects and brain damage to the baby.'

Sharing Mocktails With Children –Set an Early Pattern

According to Danilko, serving mocktails at a party can also be a good way to show children that alcohol does not have to be present at a celebration to have fun. Making mocktails with children, and then sharing the drinks with them during a celebration, can also make youngsters feel more included in the holiday festivities, she adds.

Share Mocktails with Friends-Show You Care

Mocktails are also a good option for people who are hosting a holiday party.

'Serving mocktails to guests can help to prevent over-drinking and other drinking-related problems that could lead to serious injuries.'Danilko
says,adding 'There are many mocktail varieties to suit every taste, and they can even be served up with sliced fruits and in fancy cups or glasses to enhance their party-feel.'

For more on mocktails and a list of recipes, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 or visit http://www.hkpr.on.ca/n

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Reminder Omemee Flu Clinic Tonight!

Influenza Immunization Clinics City Of Kawartha Lakes - 2011

Flu shots are now available free-of-charge at any of the following community clinics or through your health care provider.

Appointments are not necessary if you are visiting one of the Health Unit's clinics, but please remember to:

bring your health card and/or driver's license
wear a short sleeve shirt, if possible
be prepared to remain in the clinic area for 15 minutes after being vaccinated.

Please note: This year's flu vaccine is not neomycin-free.

Omemee

Wednesday, November 23 - 3 to 7 pm

Trinity United Church, 6 King Street West.

For Other Times and locations See http://www.hkpr.on.ca/topics-master.asp?id=4268

After you Flu shot. remember to pop across the street and reward yourself with some great reading from the Omemee Public Library!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Free Workshop May Increase Your Sports Team or Facility Membership!

Reserve Your Free Seat for this Health Unit Workshop!

News Release Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit.

Cost can be a four-letter word for some local families trying to pay for sports and recreation programs for themselves and their children. Breaking down financial barriers so more people can take part in local sports and recreation programs is the purpose of a free workshop being organized in Lindsay. Aimed at sports teams, leagues and recreation providers in the City of Kawartha Lakes, the ‘How to Become An Access-Friendly Organization’ workshop takes place on Tuesday, November 15, from 7 to 9 pm at the Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes (107 Lindsay Street South). People who want to register or find out more can call the Health Unit at (705) 324-3569, ext. 207.

“We want to encourage teams and leagues to look at creative ways of making their organized sports and recreation programs more accessible for everyone,” says Lisa Kaldeway, one of the workshop organizers and a Health Promoter with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. “User fees, equipment costs and transportation can be barriers that prevent people of all ages from participating in quality recreation programs.”

Almost 40 per cent of Canadian parents agree that the dollar costs of participating in physical activity and sport pose a barrier to their child’s participation, according to a recent Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation report. At the same time, Kaldeway notes, research shows that quality recreation and physical activity are vital to the health and personal development of children and youth.

The access-friendly workshop will provide information on how local sports and recreation providers can make themselves more “access-friendly”. Kaldeway suggests this can be done in a number of ways, such as giving the option of flexible payment schedules for registration, offering multiple child discounts, crediting the time that people spend volunteering, organizing carpools, and fundraising /seeking corporate sponsorship to reduce user fees.

'Providing opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in programs, is alsoan important consideration,' Kaldeway
adds. “We realize that not every group can afford to offer subsidies or grants to families without jeopardizing their own operations,” Kaldeway adds. “The important thing is for groups to acknowledge there is an access problem and identify ways to reduce barriers to the best of their abilities.”

The access-friendly workshop is being organized by the Health For Life partnership that is working to increase access to recreational opportunities in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Together with the Health Unit, the partnership includes Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kawartha Lakes-Haliburton, Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes, Community Living Kawartha Lakes, GAMIING Nature Centre, Lindsay Wildcats Basketball Association, City of Kawartha Lakes, and Safe Communities Kawartha Lakes.

Earlier this year, the group launched the ‘Join in CKL’ website www.joininckl.ca. The site allows users to find listings for free and low-cost physical activity opportunities, subsidies and an online equipment swap

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Health Unit Rabies Warning! Clinic Dates Set!

Health Unit Warns - Making Wild Animals Pets Increases Rabies Risk!

Don’t tempt fate by befriending, feeding or getting too close to wild animals – no matter how cute and cuddly they may look.

’Making 'pets' of wild animals like squirrels, foxes and raccoons can be a dangerous practice that unnecessarily puts local residents at risk of rabies, says a local health official. 'As urban development expands, there is more likelihood to come in contact with wildlife,' says Richard

ONTARIO WEST NILE WARNING!

Protect Yourself, Health Unit Urges – Ontario Cases Increase!

West Nile virus is being detected in many parts of Ontario, local health officials once again remind people to take precautions against the disease. The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit notes there is no good time to be bitten by mosquitoes that can spread West Nile, especially now that the peak season for the virus has arrived in the province.

Heavy Rains Cause Beach Postings!

All Beach Users Cautioned Following Heavy Rains!

Heavy rains,like those recently experienced throughout the region,can cause contamination due to run off, and overflowing storm sewers. The following list of Beach postings for Kawartha Lakes beaches is at best a guideline. The information in this press release received today, may not be accurate for current conditions. Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit advised us this spring that testing is usually done on Monday, the samples are then sent to the lab in Peterborough,then 48 hours later they receive the results, and post them to the press. So guess what? A posted beach may mean that your kiddies may have been cavorting in EColi for several days. Another heads up concerns the beach at Dunsford -

Ontarians Age 19 to 41 Heightened Mumps Risk!

Are Your MMR Immunizations Up-to-Date?

With one local case of mumps confirmed, the local health unit is encouraging people to make sure their mumps and measles immunizations are up-to-date. The confirmed case, a young adult from the area served by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, has since recovered. The case is linked to the mumps outbreak in Toronto.

How Many MMR Vaccines Did You Receive?

Lake Water User? Read This!

Sturgeon Lake Blue-Green Algae Confirmed!

CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES –Using Eastern Sturgeon Lake Water? Stop!

Blue-green algae - a deadly, but naturally occurring water condition, was confirmed by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for parts of the eastern leg of Sturgeon Lake as shown in the map to the left, between Sturgeon Point and Bobcaygeon in the City of Kawartha Lakes.This occurrence of blue-green algae has prompted a water-use warning for the area.

Do Not Enter Blue-Green Algae Affected Water

Health Unit Cautions Avoid Heat Fatalities!

Keep Cool Tips!

Omemee Area Residents Encouraged to Stay Cool, Drink Plenty of Fluids During Extreme Heat -
Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit recommends area residents take heat precautions as southern Ontario sees extreme heat and hazy conditions.
‘Beat the heat is the order of the day,’ says Anne Alexander, Director of Environmental Health with the HKPR District Health Unit. ‘Watch what you do over the next few days, since extreme heat can be harmful to your health.’

Recognizing Heat Stroke

Only Two Omemee Area Beaches Closed This Week- Do You Know Which?

July 11 Beach Results Issued Friday, July 15, 2011!

- Beach Testing Results For City of Kawartha Lakes -

(CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES) – Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit reports the following beach testing results for the City of Kawartha Lakes. All beaches in City of Kawartha Lakes area were tested this week,and although fewer beaches are ‘posted’ this week, compared to previous weeks, for communities where beaches are posted, kids are anxiously waiting for the beaches to be safe once again. Unfortunately, since these tests were done four days ago, and the results just released, there may be a great many beach lovers falling ill.

Beach Posted Closed-What Does It Mean?

For the first time this summer, Omemee Beach is posted off limits for swimming.So what exactly does this mean when a beach is posted unsafe for swimming?
Public beaches are posted when the water contains high levels of E.coli or environmental contaminants that could affect the health and safety of bathers. Swimming in water that has been posted can cause health problems ranging from minor eye, skin, ear, nose and throat infections to more serious illnesses such as gastrointestinal sickness.

Beach Contamination-Causes

Beaches become contaminated in a number of ways: Storm water runoff, combined with sewer overflows, sewage treatment plant bypasses, agricultural runoff, faulty septic systems, and large populations of waterfowl all contribute to water pollution which can result in beach postings.

Help Keep Our Beaches Open!

Everyone be part of the solution to this problem. Here are some suggestions for things we can all do to help reduce water contamination:

Pet owners ‘Stoop and scoop!’ Domestic pet waste is a major source of bacteria in storm water.
Encourage Rain Water Dispersal Allow water from eaves troughs to discharge onto lawns.Help keep rainwater from going directly into the sewer system.
Save Water. This avoids capacity problems at sewage treatment plants that could result in untreated sewage entering lakes and rivers.
Fence livestock away from streams and provide them with an alternative source of water. Keep your herd and the environment healthy.
Ensure feedlot runoff and manure piles are properly contained.
Upgrade septic systems and keep them in good working order.

To learn more about the testing of beach water, contact the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit toll-free at 1-866-888-4577. The following information is current for the week of July 11, 2011, and is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches. The Health Unit advises local residents to note:

Beaches marked as ‘OPEN’ are considered within acceptable levels as set out in the Ontario government’s Beach Management Protocol.
Beaches marked ‘POSTED’ indicate bacterial levels in the water are higher than those considered acceptable as set out in the Ontario government’s Beach Management Protocol, making them unsafe for bathing.

Bexley Township Area
Balsam Lake Road Beach OPEN
Coboconk Lions Park Beach OPEN
Bobcaygeon Area Beach Park OPEN
Riverview Beach Park OPEN
Carden Township Area
Carden Township Beach OPEN
Foxe’s Beach OPEN

Dalton Township Area

Dalton Township Beach OPEN

Eldon Township Area

Centennial Park East POSTED
Centennial Park West OPEN
Emily/Omemee Area Omemee Beach POSTED
Fenelon Falls Area Birch Point OPEN
Bond Street OPEN
Ken Reid Conservation Area OPEN
Killarney Bay OPEN
Long Beach OPEN
Sturgeon Point Beach OPEN

Laxton Township Area

Elliott Falls Beach OPEN
Head Lake OPEN
Norland Bathing Area OPEN
Mariposa Township Area Sandbar Beach OPEN
Somerville Township Area
Burnt River Beach – Somerville OPEN
Burnt River Four Mile Lake OPEN

Verulam Township Area

Centennial Beach – Verulam OPEN
Verulam Recreational Park OPEN
Picture adapted from www.flickr.com/photos/golauglau

Monday, July 11, 2011

Pigeon Lake Fish Safe Eating? New Interactive Guide!

Eating Pigeon Lake Fish Information – Free Books Now Available Too!

Update Aug.1 2011 - Now available in Omemee!

Eating Bass and other Ontario Sport Fish? The New online ‘Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish’ helps people determine safe dining amounts of Bass plus other popular fish. This online Guide, also available as a FREE pdf download, or booklet, has a wealth of handy information for both seasoned anglers and those just starting fishing, The new provincial guide being distributed by our local Health Unit should be essential reading before reeling in the variety of sport fish found in Ontario lakes, streams.

Avoid Contaminated Fish!

‘Fish is a good source of protein, is low in saturated fat, and is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids. That is why people are encouraged to eat at least two servings of fish per week,” says Laura Danilko, a Registered Dietitian with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. “Unfortunately, some sport fish, including those from Ontario, may contain contaminants such as mercury that can be harmful.’

‘Restrictions on consuming certain sport fish are not unique to Ontario,’ Danilko says, adding, ‘Most places in North America have some type of limit for young children, expectant mothers and women who are trying to get pregnant.’

The introductory section of the Guide even includes directions on how to properly prepare fish to avoid containments.

Sensitive Populations Warned

Contaminants can be especially harmful to women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant , as well as children under the age of 15 years. Separate amounts are shown in the Guide’s tables for Sensitive populations and General populations.

‘Scientific studies show that unborn babies and young children can be very sensitive to the contaminants found in some fresh water fish and that exposure to mercury at certain levels can harm an unborn baby and affect a child’s brain development,’ Danilko says.

About the 2011-2012 Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish

The new Interactive Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish www.ontario.ca/fishguide is also now available in a handy field guide format from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, and through HKPR District Health Unit offices. The Guide provides detailed information on sport fish from nearly 2,000 locations in Ontario, and includes the recommended number of fresh water fish that can be safely eaten, tips on choosing fish with the lowest contamination levels, and advice on ways to prepare fish to reduce contaminants.

Get Your Free Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish

Copies of the Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish, and an accompanying brochure, can be picked up at any Health Unit office in Port Hope, Lindsay, Haliburton, Campbellford and Brighton. In Omemee, guide books are available at Coronation Hall, 1 King Street West between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Monday to Friday. More information is also available by calling the health Unit toll-free 1-866-888-4577 or the Ministry of the Environment at 1-800-820-2716.