Grey Bruce Public Health

Surrounded by the , and innumerable rivers, streams, and inland - water is one of the defining regional features of . is deeply ingrained in the culture of our communities and the spirit of our home.

Every year nearly a quarter of a million people lose their lives to , and almost 82,000 of them are aged 1 to 14 years.

Today is . This global advocacy event serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on and worldwide.

Learn more:
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-drowning-prevention-day/2024

Unregulated drugs are becoming increasingly contaminated with highly toxic substances such as , sedatives and animal tranquilizers. It is especially concerning to see these being mixed in with stimulants such as **A, crystal **h, and crack/co***ne.

For substances that come from an unregulated source, assume every dose contains deadly combinations and test your drugs.

SOS mobile team now offers detailed drug checking services, providing information about what substances are present in the sample and how much. Call 519-379-8743 from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to get connected.

Take-home drug test kits for fentanyl, and are available from:

✅ Grey Bruce Public Health
✅ SOS mobile team
✅ Safe ‘N Sound
✅ CMHA
✅ South East Grey CHC
✅ Saugeen Wellness Centre
✅Nawash Health Centre
✅ Brightshores Wellness and Recovery Centre

July 21 to 27 is National Drowning Prevention Week in Canada, and this year’s focus is non-fatal drowning awareness.

Non-fatal drowning occurs when a person survives a drowning incident. Non-fatal drowning can have severe consequences, including brain damage and permanent disability.

The Lifesaving Society designates the third week in July (July 21-27, 2024) as National Drowning Prevention Week to focus community and media attention on the drowning problem and drowning prevention.

The ongoing crisis in Canada has tragically claimed over 40,000 lives between 2016 and 2023.

Join us for an informative workshop for professionals and parents working with youth, Wednesday, July 24th at 1-2:30pm

Gain valuable insights on youth trends in use, effects, risks and harm reduction strategies, along with practical tools to help support the health and well-being of our youth.

https://ow.ly/Pijs50SzcBO

Join in making a difference!💚

Our local searching for passionate for this coming school year in .

Roots of Empathy is centered around your baby becoming the “teacher” in a classroom. Volunteer parents bring their babies into a classroom, and with a Roots of Empathy Instructor, the children are encouraged to read your baby’s emotional cues and take their perspective.

Ready to inspire and nurture empathy in children?
Sign up https://rootsofempathy.org/instructors/

Maybe not the Friday news beachgoers want to hear, but Kelso Beach at Nawash Park in has been posted as unsafe for swimming following heavy rain. ⚠️🏊‍♂️

Recent beach testing results from this week show bacteria levels measuring at least 5 times the maximum limit. Resampling will take place as soon as possible. In the meantime, please refrain from entering the water at this location and always follow recommendations from Grey Bruce Public Health and corresponding municipalities regarding recreational water quality.

🚰Please note: The Good Cheer Splash Pad is NOT impacted by this caution as it operates on municipal, treated water.

In addition to Kelso, we test beach water in 10 more locations across monthly, testing for E coli, as these bacteria can make swimmers sick.

Beaches in Grey and Bruce Counties have a history of being safe. However, water quality can change rapidly and we would recommend against swimming if there has been heavy rainfall within 24 to 48 hours, the water is cloudy, or there are other obvious safety concerns.

Read our press release here: https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/About-Us/News-Releases/ArtMID/2193/ArticleID/110/Kelso-Beach-at-Nawash-Park-in-Owen-Sound-posted-unsafe-for-Swimming Pools
City of Owen Sound

Brightshores Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) drop-in clinics are happening today and July 26th at 1pm-3:30pm at O'Share.

Stop by for access to low barrier and stigma-free addiction medicine assessments and counselling. Connect people with community programs and resources!

Silk® & Great Value brand plant-based refrigerated beverages have been recalled due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Do not consume these products. Read the statement from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, here:

Ontario Warns About Product Recall Due to Listeria Contamination | Ontario Newsroom Ontario Warns About Product Recall Due to Listeria Contamination | Ontario Newsroom

Horse-drawn vehicles are common in southwestern . Grey Bruce Public Health reminds drivers to be aware of this season.

Horse-drawn vehicles must display an orange and red slow-moving sign on the buggy's rear. This warns other that the vehicle is travelling at 40 km/h or less.

with horse-drawn vehicles using these tips:

✅ When you see a horse-drawn vehicle, slow down and be very cautious.
✅ Maintain a safe following distance and only pass when it is safe.
✅ When passing, put as much distance between you and the as possible. Passing too closely could spook the .

For more tips, visit: http://ow.ly/FJVv50OFTw2

🌟 Want to help nurture empathy in children in one of our local schools?

Roots of Empathy (ROE) is an international children’s charity that helps nurture empathy in children. It has reached 1.2 million children so far and does so via unique programs that are offered in schools internationally.

GBPH is on the lookout for passionate for the upcoming school year in

Interested? Contact: Amanda McManaman at [email protected]

Visit: ➡️ https://rootsofempathy.org/family/ for more info

Calling all of those who may be expecting! McMaster University is recruiting pregnant women to participate in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the impact of a 1-day cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based workshop designed for preventing postpartum depression (PPD).

The next workshop will take place on August 17th, 2024. You may be eligible to participate if you are:

✅at least 18 years old
✅living in Ontario
✅in your third trimester of pregnancy (28-36 weeks)
✅are not currently depressed but have had a depressive episode in the past

The goal of these online workshops is to prevent PPD in pregnant persons at higher risk of developing PPD. If eligible, you will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to receive the 1-day workshop plus usual care from your healthcare providers or to receive usual care from your healthcare providers alone. The workshops will be offered online (via Zoom) and delivered by trained professionals on Saturdays from 9am-4pm.

All study participants, regardless of group assignment, will be asked to complete a package of questionnaires at enrollment, and at 1, 2, and 3 months postpartum. Participants will receive a total of $80 in gift cards for completing the study.

For more information or to register, please email Nancy at [email protected] or sign-up directly here: https://rsjh.ca/redcap/surveys/?s=Y8AXXT4YJ33HXEP3

*This study has been reviewed by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board under Project #13351. (Version 7 – 29Aug23).

is expecting heavy with embedded torrential downpours today and tomorrow as heavy rainfall associated with the remnants of will move into southern 🌧️⚠️

These types of weather systems can give very high rainfall rates in torrential .

Environment Canada says we can expect rainfall totals of 40 to 80 mm, with locally higher amounts possible. Torrential downpours could give rainfall rates of 20 to 40 mm per hour at times. Rain will taper to scattered showers from west to east tonight through early Thursday morning.

When like this occurs, GBPH recommends all residents and visitors:

✅ Avoid swimming at least 24 hours after heavy rainfall
✅ Always assess the water and environmental conditions before swimming.
✅ Understand that heavy rainfall and cloudy water caused by wave action can increase bacteria levels in water.

For more info:
https://ow.ly/xfqU50SyVZi

The warm weather is here and the kids are off for the summer – but we’re not! We’re hard at work reminding parents and guardians to update their children's immunization records and notify Public Health when routine immunizations are received - primary care providers and pharmacists don't always do that part.

Lucky for parents and caregivers, the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) online tool allows you to access and update your child’s record anytime, anywhere.

Keeping on top of your child's records helps you and your healthcare provider stay informed on important information.

Access ICON here:
http://ow.ly/W6nx50M4Pcj

GBPH has been notified of one fatal and three non-fatal substance-related poisonings, across the region, between July 4-7. Purple fentanyl is suspected in the majority of cases; crack co***ne is suspected in one incident. There have been nine reports of suspected drug poisonings so far in July.

We're advising people who use unregulated street drugs to exercise extreme caution with each dose and follow critical harm reduction practices. People who use drugs are at significant risk of overdose due to contamination of the local drug supply with fentanyl, sedatives, and animal tranquilizers.

Public Health advises people who use drugs to:

✔️ Take extra caution if mixing . Mixing drugs, including , increases the risk of harm and overdose.
✔️ Go slow. Always start with a low dose and increase slowly, especially if trying som**hing new or restarting use.
✔️ Use only new supplies and avoid sharing supplies. This reduces the risk of getting or passing on an infectious . Supplies are available at GBPH and community partners.

, The National Overdose Response Service, can be reached by calling or texting 1-888-688-6677. A NORS operator will stay on the line with the person while the drug is used. In the event the person becomes unresponsive, NORS will call 911 to ensure help arrives.

For more:
https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/About-Us/News-Releases/ArtMID/2193/ArticleID/107/preview/true/GBPH-notified-of-one-fatal-three-non-fatal-drug-poisonings-over-past-5-days

A visit to in the summertime usually means swimming in , , or one of our many inland lakes or rivers. 🏊🌊

Rip currents can occur in large bodies of water like the . They're generally no larger than 25m (80 ft) wide and usually break up close to the shoreline. ⁠
⁠
If you're caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the to escape its pull. Don't try to fight against the current, and swim back to the shore until you are clear of the current.

If it's too hard to swim, float on your back or tread water until the current carries you past the . The water may be calmer there, making it easier to get out of the rip current and swim back to the . if you’re not a strong swimmer it is always best to wear your lifejacket when you are in or near the water.

Injuries cause 48 Canadian deaths every day. Falls and Motor Vehicle collisions are the two major causes of unintentional injuries.

July 5th is - do your part to prevent injuries from happening:

✅ When driving: wear your seatbelt, drive sober, be aware of other road users
✅ At home: remove any tripping hazards and take your medications as prescribed
✅ To learn more visit: http://www.parachute.ca/nipd

Giant Hogweed is an invasive plant species that now calls locations in home. The hazardous plant is considered one of Canada’s most dangerous plants, according to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and can cause severe injuries, including temporary vision loss and painful blisters on both pets and humans.

The sap of giant contains a chemical that triggers a condition known as phytophotodermatitis. This condition renders the skin extremely sensitive to sunlight, leading to severe burns and blisters upon exposure to UV rays. If exposed to giant hogweed sap, it’s crucial to avoid sunlight and artificial light, as it can make the reaction worse.

Here’s what you need to know about the plant should you or your pet come into close contact with :

✅ Use a paper towel to remove sap without rubbing the affected area, taking care not to spread it further.
✅ Thoroughly clean the skin with soap and water to reduce the severity of the reaction. Symptoms can take up to 48 hours after exposure to become noticeable.
✅ Wear protective gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt for at least 48 hours.
✅ In case of sap contact with the eyes, rinse them thoroughly with clear water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical attention. Wear sunglasses with dark lenses to protect against light exposure.
✅ If burns occur, cover the affected area for a week and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for six months.

For more info:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/giant-hogweed

There's a new post on our page!

injuries costs $29.4 BILLION and more than 17,000 lives per year? You can change the story, most injuries are predictable and preventable!

To learn more visit our website: https://ow.ly/YfoF50SvrpG

The July S.O.S. schedule has been released. Help is always within reach in .

The Grey Bruce Supportive Outreach Service, or S.O.S., is a proactive and accessible partnership made up of social workers and health care providers offering bi-weekly clinics for vulnerable people suffering from and issues.

Clinics are offered in , , , and .

Outreach services include:

✔️ health and medical care
✔️ peer support
✔️ mental health and addiction support
✔️ harm reduction education and supplies
✔️ housing and shelter system navigation
✔️ vaccinations
✔️ clothing, food, and more.

Donations in support of those accessing the Supportive Outreach Services can be made online through the United Way at http://ow.ly/pkWs50NQI7j

is well known for its diverse flora and fauna, and offers wonderful opportunities to observe various wildlife species. This includes wild animals that may look cute and fuzzy and seem friendly and harmless.

However, GBPH advises people to resist the urge to approach, feed, handle, or care for wildlife, as doing so could pose health risks.

Residents are asked to do the following to prevent potentially harmful interactions with wild animals:

✔️ Stay away from wild animals and always refrain from touching, petting, or handling wildlife or keeping wild animals as pets.
✔️ Avoid feeding wild animals.
✔️ Keep pets away from wild animals and do not let pets roam unsupervised.
✔️ Wildlife-proof homes and yards.
✔️ Do not disturb baby animals.
✔️ Warn children to stay away from wild or stray animals.
✔️ Do not trap and transport wild animals to a new location.

To learn more:
https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/About-Us/News-Releases/ArtMID/2193/ArticleID/104/Public-Health-raising-awareness-about-preventing-dog-bites-negative-interactions-with-wildlife

As month draws to a close, we're reflecting on the community support we felt when attending events, parades, and other opportunities to gather in the region.

It's good to live and work in . ✌

There are so many ways to enjoy the while being mindful of reducing your consumption.

Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health suggests drinking less is better!

To learn more:
https://ow.ly/UJP350SoEMu

A reminder that all Public Health offices will be closed to the public on Monday, July 1st for . Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, July 2nd.

Have a safe and healthy long weekend!

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or , is marked on June 26th every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of .

This year’s World Drug Day campaign theme is “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention," and recognizes that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use.

The global problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. From individuals struggling with disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organized crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex.

Together, we can amplify our efforts to combat the global drug problem, guided by the principles of science, compassion, and solidarity. Through collective action and a commitment to evidence-based solutions, we can create a world where individuals are empowered to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

For more info:
https://ow.ly/huTY50SqkRx

Now that the sun and warm weather has arrived, a reminder that temperatures inside cars in the summer can quickly exceed 50 °C, turning your vehicle into an oven.

Never leave your children or pets alone in your vehicle for any amount of time. If you encounter a child alone in a hot car, please call 911 immediately.