Peterborough Public Health Extends Drug Poisoning Alert From Last Tuesday

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has extended its drug poisoning alert that was issued last Tuesday following an increase in suspected drug poisonings, reported on Tuesday.

File Photo.

Over the long weekend, PPH detected 17 suspected drug poisonings in Peterborough and the County. The poisonings were responded to by 911 first responders, emergency department staff and service providers in the community. PPH presumes this to be the result of a pink substance from last week. 

These reports have prompted PPH to issue a public warning to help prevent further harm to the community according to a press release. PPH is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances and even a small amount can be fatal. 

Drug poisoning can look different for every person depending on the drugs involved. PPH urges everyone that a drug poisoning is a medical emergency and to always call 9-1-1.  

If drugs are being used:"

• Carry multiple naloxone kits and keep them visible. Free naloxone kits are available locally.  https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit

• NEVER use it alone. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services Site at 220 Simcoe St. in Peterborough. Open daily between 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

• Avoid mixing drugs. 

• Start low and go slow when using drugs, especially when buying from different or new suppliers.   

• NEVER share supplies. 

• Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone begins to show signs of an overdose. 

Know the Signs of an Overdose/Drug Poisoning. Photo courtesy of PPH.

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the Drug Reporting Tool. Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.

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Peterborough Public Health Gives Reminded That Public Outdoor Places Are Smoke-Free

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is reminding the city that Tobacco Enforcement Officers (TEO) ensure compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and that public outdoor spaces are smoke, vape and cannabis-free, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

TEOs regularly patrol parks, playgrounds, beaches and festivals and violating the law could lead to a $305 fine.

“The SFOA isn’t a new law – it has protected people in outdoor public spaces since 2015 and indoors since 2006,” said Katrina Ryall, PPH TEO. “Most people understand the importance of this legislation and are happy to smoke or vape in designated areas.”

Over the first three weeks of the summer, TEOs visited every public sports field, playground, and beach and attended several special events in the City and County of Peterborough. Compliance has generally been good but Ryall says it can be better.

“Our efforts to educate the public are generally well-received but sometimes we need to remind people that lighting up or vaping around children and families is not permitted in Ontario,” she said. “As patrols continue throughout the summer, people found smoking or vaping in a restricted public area can expect to receive a fine.”

The following are places that were observed and met with warnings issued:

• Quarry Bay Beach - 1 tobacco warning

• Chandos Beach - 1 vape warning

• Ennismore Waterfront Park -1 vape warning

• Beavermead Park and Beach -13 tobacco warnings/1 vape warning

• Rogers Cove - 3 tobacco warnings

• Bowers Park - 1 tobacco warning

• Maple Leaf Park - 2 tobacco warnings

• Fairbairn & Poplar Park - 1 tobacco warning

• Quarry Bay Beach -1 tobacco warning

• Chandos Beach -1 tobacco warning

• Ennismore Waterfront Park - 2 tobacco warnings

• Sandy Beach - 2 tobacco warning

• Peterborough Musicfest - 4 tobacco warnings/1 vape warnings/1 cannabis warning

“Nicotine greatly impacts children and youth’s developing brains,” said Dr. Piggott, PPH Medical Officer of Health. “Nicotine affects learning, memory, and concentration which is why we need to make sure youth don’t have access to these products. Evidence also shows that youth who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes.”

Since January, TEOs have inspected 136 tobacco and vapour product retailers, resulting in 7 charges and 17 warnings for youth gaining access to said products according to the PPH.

They continue to add that there are no safe levels of exposure to second-hand smoke and children and youth are influenced by the behaviour of adults around them.

“Thanks to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act all citizens are able to enjoy the fresh air in our parks, beaches and at sports fields,” said Councilor Lesley Parnell. “It is very much appreciated by so many people when everyone respects our beautiful shared green spaces.”

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Rogers Cove and Beavermead Beaches To Remain Closed After Peterborough Public Health Confirms Presence of Blue-Green Algae

Rogers Cove and Beavermead beaches are remaining closed after Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in the waters as reported on Monday afternoon.

File photo.

The closure is to protect the health and safety of the public and pets according to PPH.

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) sampled the beach at Rogers Cove after the first reports of suspected blue-green algae at both Rogers Cove and Beavermead beaches on July 14. Last Friday, the MECP confirmed its presence at Rogers Cove.

“We’ve received confirmation that the algae observed at local beaches on July 14 is a harmful blue-green algae bloom,” said Julie Ingram, PPH manager of environmental health. “Elevated levels of toxins associated with blue-green algae have been detected and the beaches will remain temporarily closed.”

The MECP confirmed this sample had a total microcystin toxin amount of 169 µg/L, exceeding Health Canada’s recreational water limit of 10 µg/L on Monday. Additional samples are being collected from both beaches Monday with results anticipated by the end of this week as stated by the PPH.

The algae pose no immediate risk to Peterborough or Lakefield’s municipal drinking water supplies according to the PPH. Exposure to toxins such as drinking, swimming and bathing can cause illness and discomfort. Common symptoms include itchy, irritated eyes and skin, rash, headache, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Pets and farm animals that consume contaminated water may experience sickness or death. The risk to humans is primarily from drinking water that has been contaminated with toxins from a dense harmful algae bloom. Long-term consumption containing high levels of cyanobacterial toxins may cause neurological or liver problems.  

Residents downstream of Little Lake are encouraged by the PPH to monitor water for blue-green algae. Dense blooms can make the water look like a bluish-green pea soup or a shiny paint slick. Fresh blooms often smell like fresh-cut grass while older blooms can have a strong septic- or garbage-like odour. To report suspected blue-green algae bloom, contact the MECP Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.  

If algae blooms are visible:  

• Do not use the water for drinking, food preparation, bathing, showering or swimming use. 

• Do not allow children, pets, or livestock to swim in or drink the water. 

• If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the algae. 

• Do not boil the water. Boiling will not remove the toxins and may release more of the toxin into the water. 

• Residents should avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking.

• Fishing is generally considered safe and there is a low risk to human health from eating fish caught during a peak blue-green algal bloom condition. 

• Be aware that home treatment systems for water may not remove toxins and may become clogged. 

• Do not treat the water with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach. This action may break open algal cells and release toxins into the water.

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Peterborough Public Health Warns of Potential Blue-Green Algae at Beavermead and Rogers Cove Public Beaches

Peterborough Public Health is advising residents that two beaches in the City of Peterborough, Beavermead Park Beach (2011 Ashburnham Dr.) and Rogers Cove Beach, (131 Maria St.) will be closed until further notice due to the observation of possible harmful blue-green algae blooms.

file photo.

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria, called cyanobacteria, that are known for rapidly reproducing and collecting to form large, highly visible blooms throughout the water column, on the surface of water as a scum, or on the lake bottom as a mat. Some species of cyanobacteria can also release poisons, called cyanobacterial toxins, when the cells that make up the bloom rupture or die.

While the blooms have not yet been confirmed as harmful, Peterborough Public Health has temporarily closed the beaches for swimming as a precaution while awaiting further testing.

“On Friday, our staff observed the suspect harmful algal blooms while preparing to collect routine beach water samples,” said Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health for Peterborough Public Health. “We immediately notified the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Centre and have received confirmation that the MECP will sample the blooms today. In addition, we have notified the City of Peterborough who are supporting the beach closures,” said Ingram.

Many forms of blue-green algae are harmless, but some types produce toxins which can be hazardous for both people and animals. Exposure to toxins through activities like drinking, swimming and bathing can cause various symptoms, though some individuals may have no reaction.

Pets should not be allowed to enter water with suspect or confirmed harmful algae blooms as they may consume large amounts of contaminated water, resulting in sickness or death. The risk to humans is primarily from drinking water that has been contaminated with toxins from a dense harmful algae bloom. Long-term consumption of water containing high levels of cyanobacterial toxins may cause neurological or liver problems.

Currently, there is no known risk to the City of Peterborough’s municipal drinking water supply.

If algae blooms are visible:

• Do not use the water for drinking, food preparation, bathing, showering, or swimming use.

• Do not allow children, pets, or livestock to swim in the water or drink the water.

• If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the algae.

• Do not boil the water. Boiling will not remove the toxins and may release more of the toxin into the water.

• Residents should avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking.

• Home treatment systems for water may not remove toxins and may become clogged, thereby failing to remove
  the risk.

• Do not treat the water with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach. This action may break open algal cells and
  release toxins into the water.

To report a suspect blue-green algae bloom, residents are advised to contact MECP Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.

For more information on blue-green algae, and precautions to be taken before swimming in or consuming water where there has been an algae bloom, visit Peterborough Public Health’s Blue-Green Algae website.

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Peterborough Public Health Reports High Risk Level Air Quality Due to Ongoing Forest Fires

On Monday, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has advised residents to take precaution as outdoor air quality remains at the high risk level due to ongoing forest fires.

photo courtesy of peterborough public health, facebook.

Smoke from forest fires throughout the province and from Quebec is present in the air in the region. Forest fire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. PPH is advising everyone to take action to reduce their exposure to smoke.

People with lung disease (such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by forest fire smoke.

Those who are at higher risk of health complications due to air pollution are advised to:

• Avoid going outdoors altogether, especially for prolonged periods

• Avoid strenuous activities outdoors, which carry a significant risk of making underlying medical conditions worse

• Improve indoor air quality by cleaning or changing furnace air filters, using a portable air filter system, or creating your own Corsi Rosenthal box

• Wear a respiratory mask (N95, KN95) at all times when outdoors

Other community members are advised to:

• Reduce time spent outdoors

• Improve indoor air quality by cleaning or changing furnace air filters, using a portable air filter system, or creating your own Corsi Rosenthal box

• Consider wearing a respiratory mask (N95, KN95) when outdoors, particularly for prolonged periods

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values for the Peterborough region.

Learn more about indoor air quality and filter systems, visit the website.

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Preliminary Results of Referendum Show Majority of Peterborough County Residents Vote No for the Privatization of Hospitals

The preliminary numbers show a total of 9,345 citizens from across Peterborough City and County voted NO for the privatization of public hospitals in the cross-Province citizen-led referendum held on May 26 and 27 and online.

file photo.

“The numbers are great. It was a massive effort that far exceeded our expectations,” said Peterborough Health Coalition co-chair Marion Burton.

Volunteers counted the in-person votes on Sunday, which saw No votes totalling 4,866, and Yes votes totalling 65. These totals include some workplace votes.

Online voting results from Douro Dummer, Keene, Lakefield, Millbrook, Peterborough and Selwyn totalled 4,479 No votes and 35 Yes votes.

At press time, Peterborough’s preliminary total of No votes is 9,345 and 100 Yes votes.

There are still some workplace votes that remain to be counted.

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Peterborough Public Health Celebrates Success of Commercial Tobacco Control on World No Tobacco Day

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is celebrating the achievements made in commercial tobacco control with a reminder of smoke free spaces on World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) May 31.

stock photo.

PPH is reminding athletes and spectators that sports fields are 100 per cent vape, cannabis and smoke-free. The same is true for beaches, playgrounds and splash pads – places where children and families often gather.

In the first three months of 2023 youth vaping, and youth access to vaping and tobacco products was the biggest issue PPH Tobacco Enforcement Officers responded to. Approximately 45 youth access inspections were conducted from January to March of 2023, resulting in 3 charges for sales of vape or tobacco products to youth. An additional 7 charges and 9 warnings have been issued related to youth smoking or vaping at prohibited locations.

“Given that there are no safe levels of exposure to secondhand smoke, and children and youth are influenced by the behaviour of adults around them, we are encouraging people to think twice about where they smoke or vape,” said Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health. “The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) is designed to protect everyone from these products, and failure to comply with the law can result in a $305 fine.”

When the SFOA first came into force in 2006, cigarettes were the only products captured in the Act. Since then, we have seen the legalization of cannabis, and proliferation of vapour products. For those reasons, the SFOA has been updated to include these products that are smoked, lit or vaped.

“Nicotine greatly impacts children and youth’s developing brains. Nicotine affects learning, memory and concentration and some e-liquids used in vapour products contain as much nicotine as in one pack of cigarettes. Evidence also shows that youth who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes,” said medical officer of health Dr. Piggott. “Peterborough City and County is home to magnificent parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields – visited by thousands of people every year. Ensuring these places are smoke and vape-free is a priority for PPH.”

For more information and resources, visit the website.

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Photos: Fifth Annual Annie’s Pace Global Adventure For Heart Health Awareness Kicks Off

Smith (left) has worked as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for 28 years. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Annie Smith has kicked off her fifth annual Annie’s Pace Global Adventure to raise heart health awareness in a four-day Walk-a-Thon and Spin-a-Thon at the All the Right Moves Fitness Studio in Omemee.

Smith encourages anyone to join in on her for as long as they want as she’ll walk 80-120 km on a treadmill during the four-day span from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A barbecue fundraiser is also being held on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Her campaign encourages others to post their heart stories and/or weekend activities on Smith’s Facebook or Instagram page while tagging themselves during the event.

To join AGPA visit the Facebook group. To donate click here.

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Peterborough Community Rallies For a Community Health Centre

Peterborough patients, providers and community leaders rally for the Ontario government to support a local proposal to build a Community Health Centre that meets the City’s needs.

stock photo.

Community members, including patients, health leaders, retired and current physicians, and concerned local residents crowded today into a community hall to hear about a proposal being put forth to bring a Community Health Centre (CHC) to Peterborough. The local-based coalition, which involves a broad range of voices, including Indigenous leaders, is highly organized, with a volunteer community board already in place, and an existing 100+ page detailed proposal to draw from during the Ontario government’s current period of “expressions of interest” to allocate new funds for inter-professional primary health care team expansions.

“I have benefited from having so many resources in one place. The staff always welcomes me. When a community is able to connect this way, it restores one's faith in health care. They have helped me tremendously in moving forward in my life,” says Michelle Carr a patient at a nearby CHC in Port Hope, credits the judgement-free health care she received there with changing her life.

Speakers noted that Peterborough is one of the only communities in Ontario without a CHC to support its health needs. They added that a CHC would help enable clinicians and other health and social services providers to work across organizations and sectors to better provide health care to people who are marginalized by homelessness, mental health issues, including the opioid poisoning crisis, among other socio-economic factors.

A CHC would be able to better coordinate existing care and services, and provide much-needed capacity through programs  such as outreach, warm handoffs with acute care, system navigation for socially and medically complex clients, and support for the community’s family physicians and nurse practitioners in the areas of trans care and shared training, programs, and administrative functions.

The vice-chair of Peterborough CHC’s Board of Directors, Dawn Lavell Harvard, spoke to the paradox that the city’s most socially and medically vulnerable are the people most likely to not have access to a primary care provider. “There are so many in our community whose only response to a mental health crisis or health challenge is the emergency department. And the poorer and less healthy you are, the more like that is to be the case. This impacts us all, in terms of wait times, poor health outcomes, and costs. A CHC in Peterborough is an investment that will be less expensive overall.”

CHCs are cited as a proven model – to meet the needs of complex patients marginalized in various ways across the health system – and also to better integrate primary health care and social services across the community. Examples of CHCs innovating to integrate services better to serve patients more seamlessly abound, from food security initiatives in Guelph, to programs to integrate services for mental health and addressing opioids in Kingston, to innovative programs to address homelessness and its impacts on health in Hamilton and Durham.

The system impacts of CHCs are considerable – more people attached to primary health care services, better health outcomes, and for every place in Ontario these days – reduced usage and burden on local emergency departments and hospital services.

“CHCs across Ontario are constantly working with their patients and communities to co-design programs and services that have a profound impact on people’s lives, which result in better health outcomes,” said Sarah Hobbs, CEO, Alliance for Healthier Communities, which represents Community Health Centres, among other comprehensive primary health care providers across Ontario. “Peterborough’s movement has been created through broad community involvement and consultation. They are ready to tailor this organization to the community’s needs and strengths, to better leverage all the existing services and resources. A CHC’s support to address marginalization and inequities through health system integration is invaluable – for patients, providers and everyone in a community like Peterborough.”

“An early-career family physician spoke to her conviction that a CHC would help recruit new doctors and nurse practitioners to offer primary care in Peterborough. “I know for a fact that there are family doctors in Peterborough who wish to serve our large population of marginalized people in need of care, but currently there is no system in which they can function sustainably.” said Dr. Jaclyn Vanek.

Dr. Vanek resides in Peterborough but often works elsewhere since she prefers to work in team-based, salaried models.

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Omemee Woman Hosting Fifth Annual Heart Health Awareness Campaign With Four-Day Spin-A-Thon and Walk-A-Thon

Omemee’s Annie Smith is raising heart health awareness for a fifth straight year through Annie’s Pace Global Adventure (APGA) in a four-day event beginning this Friday.

File Photo.

Smith is hosting a walk-a-thon and spin-a-thon at All the Right Moves Fitness Studio in Omemee, encouraging those to ride a bike or walk with her — for as long as people wish — as she attempts to go 80-120 km on a treadmill during the four-day span from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A barbecue fundraiser is also being held on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

APGA encourages participants to take control of their heart health by being active for one hour a day. Over the course of the four-day event, participants are invited to share online what activity they are doing that day to stay active and keep their hearts healthy.

“Your life is worth one hour a day,” said Smith.

The campaign has people participating all over the world in countries such as Hong Kong, Scotland, Greece, the USA, Switzerland, Australia and more.

“It’s about the world, it’s about creating the healthy habit,” said Smith.

The proceeds go towards the Test Your Limits (TYL) Initiative at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research at UHN in Toronto. The funds help in research for heart failure and transplantation.

The fundraiser’s goal is to raise $6,500 this year, trying to raise $25,000 over five years.

Smith is a Personal Trainer and group fitness instructor for 28 years. She was diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis, an invisible, rare, incurable and life-threatening disease, in 2016. Her physical capabilities have become limited ever since.

Her campaign encourages others to post their heart stories and/or weekend activities on Smith’s Facebook or Instagram page while tagging themselves during the event.

To join AGPA visit the Facebook group. To donate click here.

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