Lindsay New Moms Best Breast Class Announced

Kawartha Lakes Mums: Upcoming Class Provides Support for New Moms Who Want to Breastfeed Their Babies -
Our local health unit just announced an expectant mums breast feeding course. The upcoming class in June will lend support to parents who want to breast feed.

'Preparation For Breastfeeding' is the name of the class being offered on Monday, June 18, from 6-8:30 pm. This free class is provided by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, and takes place at its office ,108 Angeline Street South, Lindsay.

Breastfeeding is good for you and your baby," says Cindy Hutchinson, a Family Health Nurse with the HKPR District Health Unit, who will lead the class. "As a parent, breastfeeding is one of the best decisions you can make because of the many benefits it provides."

Participants who take the class will receive information and tips on breastfeeding, as well as learn about the various support and resources available through the Health Unit and other local agencies.

Anyone who wants to attend the class can pre-register by calling the Health Unit at (705) 324-3569, ext. 308.

Kawartha Lakes Commuter Challenge Prepare Now!

Kawartha Lakes Mums- Do You Commute?

THINK OUTSIDE THE CAR!
No need to rev your car engine, when you can make a new sound on your way to work with a bit of walk and roll.

Kawartha Lakes Health Buzz Off Mosquitos!

Kawartha Lakes Families Fight Mosquitoes! Clear Standing Water!

Kawartha Mums - ruining mosquitoes love life can help decrease West Nile Virus. Since 2011 saw increased West Nile virus activity in Ontario, local health officials are encouraging people to get off to a good start this year by ruining a mosquito’s love life.

'Cleaning up outside to eliminate potential breeding sites for mosquitoes can help reduce the risk of The upcoming Victoria Day long weekend, is a perfect time to get started cleaning up outside to eliminate potential breeding sites for mosquitoes which carry West Nile virus.

“Many people will be outside this long weekend working in the yard or garden, and we just ask them to consider cleaning up areas where mosquitoes can breed,” Atul Jain, Manager of Environmental Health with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit says “Infected mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus to people, so by controlling the mosquito population, there is less of a risk of being bitten and getting sick.”

Jain urges people to remove standing water around their homes or cottages. Mosquitoes need stagnant water to lay their eggs, and even small amounts will do such as that found in bird baths, old tires and unused containers. Other clean up ideas to control the mosquito population include: keeping bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris, since adult mosquitoes like to rest in dense shrubbery; turning over compost piles on a regular basis; and checking that window and door screens fit tight and do not have holes through which mosquitoes can enter the home.
Local residents are also encouraged to cover up when outside to reduce their risk of West Nile virus. Applying federally-registered insect repellent on exposed skin such as products containing DEET can keep mosquitoes at bay. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, jackets, pants, hats and socks can also help, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

West Nile Virus Few Symptoms

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 a few cases, says Jain, people may develop more serious symptoms, including confusion, tremours and sudden sensitivity to light. People who suspect they have West Nile virus should seek immediate medical attention.

'It is difficult predicting how serious West Nile virus will be in any given year,' Jain notes.

Kawartha Lakes West Nile Free Zone Despite Ontario Increases

In 2011, Ontario experienced a very busy year with 278 ‘pools’, or batches, of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus across the province – a five-fold increase over 2010. Testing also confirmed that 78 Ontarians contracted West Nile virus in 2011, a number that exceeded the combined total of human cases of West Nile for the previous five years.
However, in the Health Unit region that includes Northumberland County, Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes, no West Nile virus activity was detected last year.

Dead Birds? Contact Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Service

In 2012, the Health Unit will continue to trap mosquitoes to check for the presence of West Nile virus. However, dead birds are no longer collected to be tested for West Nile virus. If local residents want to report unusual deaths in wild birds, they can contact the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Service directly at 1-866-673-4781. The Wildlife Service will determine if the specimen is suitable for testing for West Nile virus. For more information, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 or visit www.hkpr.on.ca .

Kawartha Lakes - Rethink Poverty !

Kawartha Lakes Rethink Poverty Video Challenges Myths

“There’s definitely a lot of stigma attached to being poor....People jump to conclusions, that because you don’t have a lot of money, you must be lazy.”

Baby Blues- Mental Health Week Health Unit Highlight!

Kawartha Mums: Have 4 Friends? One of You May Suffer From PPMD!

Postpartum Mood Disorder affects one in five new and expecting mothers.

Healthy Aging Report Published!

HEALTHY AGING FOR ALL

Kawartha Lakes City Council will be receiving age-friendly suggestions May 1st. Age-friendly advocates plan to present the new 'Age-Friendly City of Kawartha Lakes: Report to the Community to City of Kawartha Lakes municipal council Tuesday to build support for creating an age-friendly community.
The new age-friendly report is laying out the 'roadmap' by which services and supports can be improved to enhance healthy aging in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

With a growing seniors’ population in the area, the Age-Friendly City of Kawartha Lakes: Report to the Community urges local politicians, municipal officials, service providers and area residents 'to improve our current polices and practices to accommodate and celebrate an aging population.' The just-released report, based on extensive public feedback, outlines eight key areas in which to create a more 'age-friendly' City of Kawartha Lakes. These areas include: transportation, housing, community support/health services, outdoor spaces and public buildings, and social participation.

'An aging population represents challenges and opportunities,' says Doreen Boville, a Health Promoter with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. 'This report is intended to serve as a roadmap by which the City of Kawartha Lakes can become a more age-friendly community.'

According to Boville, an age-friendly community is a healthy, active place where people of all ages and abilities enjoy enhanced quality of life. By providing programs and support services that assist older adults, an age-friendly community helps all its citizens, including families, young children and persons with disabilities. Locally, the Health Unit initiated the age-friendly project in 2010 with the assistance of local service providers and older adults. After two years of promoting, and gaining feedback on the concept of an age-friendly community, the Report to the Communityis intended to turn words into concrete action. “With the support and direction from local residents, we want to get down to work,” says Boville.

Food For Kids Celebrates Its Volunteers!

Food For Kids Celebrates the Work of its Volunteers -

More than 400 volunteers and community organizations donate their time and talents to support the 46 student nutrition programs in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Thursday, April 26, Food for Kids will celebrate its volunteers. Here are the details from the Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Pine Ridge Health Unit:

It's celebration time in Lindsay next week for the people who help to ensure students have the food they need to succeed in school.

Food For Kids is recognizing the More than 400 volunteers and community organizations donate their time and talents to support the 46 student nutrition programs in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Volunteers include parents, students, school staff and community members.

"Our volunteers make a difference in the community by contributing to the success of local student nutrition programs," says Jen Armitage, the Community Coordinator of Food For Kids. "Volunteers help to ensure that Kawartha Lakes students are well nourished and ready to learn at school."

Food For Kids, which coordinates the student nutrition programs in the City of Kawartha Lakes, is organizing a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner later this month to recognize its supporters. The dinner takes place on Thursday, April 26, from 5-6:30 pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School (260 Angeline St. S.) in Lindsay.

Kawartha Lakes Smokers Quitting Get Free Nicotine Patches!

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

Kawartha Lakes Health Unit is offering free Nicotine patches to people who want to quit smoking.Many people try to quit smoking,but often the cost of Nicotine patches is outside their budget.This program can help,

Quitting smoking? Here's a Great Freebie!

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.

Do You Breastfeed? Lindsay News You Can Use!

Breastfeeding Mums Get Nursing Space!

Until December 23, Lindsay Square Mall is hosting a breastfeeding station in their Centre Court. in partnership with the newly formed City of Kawartha Lakes Breastfeeding Coalition.
You might call this a food court for babies.That is one way to describe a new breastfeeding station that has been set up for the holiday season at Lindsay Square Mall. The space includes privacy panels to allow breastfeeding mothers a quiet space to nurse their babies, while taking a break from shopping. The space also has a small play area with toys for younger children can use.

'Having a dedicated place to breastfeed a baby makes it a lot easier for nursing mothers, especially if they are out shopping or running errands at the mall,' says Tracey Westlake, a breastfeeding coalition member and a Family Health Nurse with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. adding,'We’re really pleased the mall is providing this space for breastfeeding mothers in the lead up to the holidays.'

Health Canada recommends women exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months of life, as breast milk is the best food for optimal growth. Studies show breast milk is best for babies, as it helps to reduce the risk of developing diabetes, asthma, ear and upper respiratory infections, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and certain types of cancer.

'One of the main goals of the Coalition is to increase breastfeeding awareness in the City of Kawartha Lakes,' says Megan Gill-Vanderweilan, the local La Leche League Coordinator.adding By creating breastfeeding-friendly public places, like the one at Lindsay Square, we hope to support and encourage more women to breastfeed their babies.'

Earlier this year the HKPR Health unit participated in a flash mob to get the word out that supporting breastfeeding is everyon’s responsibility. Here is the video of the flash mob event..
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The local Breastfeeding Coalition includes representatives from Ross Memorial Hospital, Lindsay La Leche League, Ontario Early Years Centre, HKPR District Health Unit, Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes, Midwives of Lindsay, as well as private lactation consultants.
For media inquiries, contact:
Tracey Westlake, Family Health Nurse, HKPR District Health Unit, (705) 324-3569,
or Megan Gill-Vanderweilan, Lindsay La Leche League, (705) 328-2316
Do you or did you breastfeed? Drop us a comment and share your opinions about what you think about the temporary breast feeding area at Lindsay Square Mall.

Share Your Favourite family MockTail Recipe!

Alcohol-Free Drinks- Bring Families Together!

When it comes to staying safe this holiday season, Kawartha Lakes  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 HKPR Health unit offers a free pdf booklet of Mocktail recipes,and great tips on getting the whole family into a spirited Holiday mood without the ‘spirits’.Do you have a favourite mocktail recipe? Please share it in the comments below.
Check out this video and the tips below to help you have a healthier,happier, holiday.