Medical Officer Of Health-Ottawa Public Library-Heat Exhaustion-City Of Ottawa-Heat Advisory

Heat Warning in effect for July 23

The Medical Officer of Health is issuing a Heat Warning for July 23, 2012. Humidex is forecast to exceed 40 today. It is important to know that extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.Infants, young children and the homeless are also at greater risk from extreme heat, along with people taking medications such as for Parkinsons and antidepressants. OPH is encouraging people to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be isolated or vulnerable to the heat and need help accessing places to cool down.Water users of the Carp communal well system are reminded that the City has issued a water advisory. The City is distributing bottled water at the Carp Fairgrounds to those affected by this advisory.To avoid heat-related illnesses, residents and visitors should:

• Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water and avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun and seek shade and shelter at the first signs of heat exposure
• Wear lightweight and loose clothing
• Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned location, including shopping malls, local libraries or neighbourhood community centres
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows partly rolled down

Residents can cool down at City of Ottawa pools, splash pads, wading pools, beaches and community centres, as well as Ottawa Public Library branches. In addition, Rainbow Cinemas in the St. Laurent Centre has partnered with the City of Ottawa to provide reduced ticket rates to help people access air conditioning and to cool down during heat warnings.High air pollution and UV index levels often occur during hot weather conditions.

• People with breathing and heart problems and parents and caregivers of children should pay attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index available at airhealth.ca or at 1-866-688-3810.
• Check the forecasted UV index daily at theweathernetwork.com, local newspaper, television or radio. Choose a sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

As part of the City of Ottawa Heat Action Plan, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) closely monitors the weather forecast for heat, smog and UV index levels and notifies residents, service providers and media when heat thresholds are met. We offer protective and proactive advice on how to deal with these summer conditions.The smog and heat thresholds are:

• Heat Advisory (humidex of 36 or more for a least two consecutive days)
• Heat Warning (humidex of 40 or more for at least two consecutive days)
• Heat Emergency (humidex of 45 or more for at least two consecutive days or situational factors)
• Smog Advisory (based on air quality index (AQI) of > 50)
• UV Index Warning ( UV index of 10 or higher)

For additional information on ways to beat the heat, visit ottawa.ca/health or call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth). read more..

source:ottawa.ca

City Of Ottawa-Regulations

Warning period for expanded smoke-free regulations to end Monday

Beginning July 2, following a three-month education phase, the City of Ottawa’s new, expanded smoke-free regulations will be in full effect. The City thanks all residents, businesses and community groups for their cooperation and advises that violations of the smoke-free regulations will be subject to enforcement.Residents are reminded that smoking is now prohibited on all municipal properties, such as parks and beaches, and on all bar and restaurant patios. These changes are designed to protect non-smokers and children from second-hand smoke, and to reduce smoking rates.People smoking in prohibited areas may be subject to a ticket. Complaints submitted through ottawa.ca/smokefree and 3-1-1 will inform the City about problem areas and help target enforcement efforts.The City is continuing to reach out to all affected restaurants and bars, business groups, community associations, event organizers and users of City facilities. Public awareness strategies will continue throughout the summer to help ensure a smooth transition of these regulatory changes.For more information about the expanded regulations, or for help to quit smoking, please visit ottawa.ca/smokefree or call 3-1-1.If you are a restaurant or bar owner and would like to arrange for training for your serving staff, please e-mail healthsante@ottawa.ca or call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744. Connect with Ottawa Public Health on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth) read more..

source:ottawa.ca

Medical Officer Of Health-Ottawa Public Library-Environment Canada-Consecutive Days

Heat Warning in effect for July 6 and 7

The Medical Officer of Health is issuing a Heat Warning for July 6 and 7. A heat warning is declared when Environment Canada forecasts a humidex of 40 or hotter for at least two consecutive days. It is important to know that extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.Infants, young children and the homeless are also at greater risk from extreme heat, along with people taking medications like anti-Parkinsons and antidepressants. OPH is encouraging people to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be isolated or vulnerable to the heat and need help accessing places to cool down.To avoid heat-related illnesses, residents and visitors should:

• Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water and avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun and seek shade and shelter at the first signs of heat exposure
• Wear lightweight and loose clothing
• Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned location, including shopping malls, local libraries or neighbourhood community centres
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows partly rolled down

Residents can cool down at City of Ottawa pools, splash pads, wading pools, beaches and community centres, as well as Ottawa Public Library branches. In addition, Rainbow Cinemas in the St. Laurent Centre has partnered with the City of Ottawa to provide reduced ticket rates to help people access air conditioning and to cool down during heat warnings.High air pollution and UV index levels often occur during hot weather conditions.

• People with breathing and heart problems and parents and caregivers of children should pay attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index available at airhealth.ca or at 1-866-688-3810.
• Check the forecasted UV index daily at theweathernetwork.com, local newspaper, television or radio. Choose a sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

As part of the City of Ottawa Heat Action Plan, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) closely monitors the weather forecast for heat, smog and UV index levels and notifies residents, service providers and media when heat thresholds are met. We offer protective and proactive advice on how to deal with these summer conditions.The smog and heat thresholds are:

• Heat Advisory (humidex of 36 or more for a least two consecutive days)
• Heat Warning (humidex of 40 or more for at least two consecutive days)
• Heat Emergency (humidex of 45 or more for at least two consecutive days or situational factors)
• Smog Advisory (based on air quality index (AQI) of > 50)
• UV Index Warning ( UV index of 10 or higher)

For additional information on ways to beat the heat, visit ottawa.ca/health or call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth). read more..

source:ottawa.ca

Medical Officer Of Health-Environment Canada-Ottawa Residents-Consecutive Days-Heat Exhaustion

Heat Warning in effect for June 19-21

The Medical Officer of Health is issuing a Heat Warning for June 19-21. A heat warning is declared when Environment Canada forecasts a humidex of 40 or hotter for at least two consecutive days. It is important to know that extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.  Infants, young children and the homeless are also at greater risk from extreme heat, along with people taking medications like anti-Parkinsons and antidepressants. OPH is encouraging people to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be isolated or vulnerable to the heat and need help accessing places to cool down.To avoid heat-related illnesses, Ottawa residents and visitors should:

• Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water and avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun and seek shade and shelter at the first signs of heat exposure
• Wear lightweight and loose clothing
• Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned location, including shopping malls, local libraries or neighbourhood community centres
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows partly rolled down

Residents can cool down at City of Ottawa pools, splash pads, wading pools, beaches and community centres, as well as Ottawa Public Libraries. In addition, Rainbow Cinemas in the St. Laurent Centre has partnered with the City of Ottawa to provide reduced ticket rates to help people access air conditioning and to cool down during heat warnings.  High air pollution often occurs during hot weather conditions. People with breathing and heart problems and parents and caregivers of children should pay attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index available at airhealth.ca or at 1-866-688-3810.As part of the City of Ottawa Heat Action Plan, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) closely monitors the weather forecast for heat, smog and UV index levels and notifies residents, service providers and media when thresholds are met.  We offer protective and proactive advice on how to deal with these summer conditions. The heat, smog and UV thresholds are:

• Heat Advisory  (humidex of 36 or more for a least two consecutive days)
• Heat Warning (humidex of 40 or more for at least two consecutive days)
• Heat Emergency (humidex of 45 or more for at least two consecutive days or situational factors)
• Smog Advisory (based on air quality index (AQI) of > 50)
• UV Index Warning ( UV index of 10 or higher)

For additional information on ways to “beat the heat”, visit ottawa.ca/health or call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter @ottawahealth. read more..

source:ottawa.ca

Transportation Committee Chair-Physical Activity-City Of Ottawa-Residents

The City of Ottawa has two campaigns this month that will...

The City of Ottawa has two campaigns this month that will encourage people to put their bodies to work, including cycling and walking to their workplace. The month of May is both Bike to Work and Physical Activity Month.“Walking and cycling are great ways to get around our city that also benefit your health and the environment at the same time,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Ottawa is committed to providing the pathways and cycling lanes needed to promote active transportation and with the price of gas, people can save money while getting more physically fit.”The City’s Planning and Infrastructure Department, Ottawa Public Health (OPH), and EnviroCentre are working together to get residents to cycle to work and take up other forms of exercise, like walking, to become physically active.“Bike to Work Month focuses on encouraging residents to try cycling as a clean and healthy choice to commute to work,” said Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, Transportation Committee Chair. “We encourage workplaces across the city to sign up and get their colleagues to discover cycling. We are pleased so many businesses and organizations have supported and accommodated cyclists by providing such amenities as showers, change rooms and bike racks.”Bike to Work Month includes various activities throughout May, including an online pledge at biketoworkottawa.com where participants input their commuter cycling distances travelled to learn how much money they saved and how healthy activities contributed to cleaning the air. All registrants will be automatically eligible to win many prizes, including a new bike.“Cycling and walking are great forms of transportation and activities to ensure you are exercising every day,” said Councillor Diane Holmes, Chair of the Board of Health. “May is Physical Activity Month and we encourage residents to leave their cars at home and bike or walk to work – it’s a great way to integrate physical activity into your daily routine.”One of the key objectives in OPH’s Healthy Eating and Active Living Strategy is to increase active transportation and walking. Research has shown that adults who get 150 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week reduce their risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancers, such as breast and colon cancer. Residents can find tips for getting active at ottawa.ca/health.For more information, call 3-1-1 or visit biketoworkottawa.com or ottawa.ca/health read more..

source:ottawa.ca

Expanded Smoke-Free Regulations-Regulatory Changes-City Of Ottawa-Smoking

Expanded smoke-free regulations are now in effect

The City of Ottawa’s expanded smoke-free regulations are now in effect. Smoking is now prohibited on all municipal properties, such as parks and beaches, and on all bar and restaurant patios. These changes are designed to protect non-smokers and children from second-hand smoke, and to reduce smoking rates.Starting today, by-law enforcement officers will provide information and issue courtesy warnings where appropriate.By-law and Regulatory Services and Ottawa Public Health staff are continuing to reach out to all affected restaurants and bars, business groups, community associations, event organizers and users of City facilities. Public awareness strategies will continue throughout the spring and summer to help ensure a smooth transition for the regulatory changes.For more information about the expanded regulations, or for help to quit smoking, please visit ottawa.ca/smokefree or call 3-1-1.If you are a restaurant or bar owner and would like to arrange for training for your serving staff, please e-mail healthsante@ottawa.ca or call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744. read more..

source:ottawa.ca

National Capital Commission-Rideau Canal Skateway-City Of Ottawa-State Farm

Skate Safe and wear your helmet during Winterlude

Ottawa — The City of Ottawa, the National Capital Commission (NCC) and State Farm®, sponsor of the Skate Safe program, have teamed up once again to make an Ottawa winter tradition more fun for everyone through the Skate Safe program.  The Skate Safe tent officially opened on Saturday morning on the Rideau Canal Skateway at the State Farm Zone at Concord. Visitors to the Skate Safe tent will get assistance with helmet fittings, tips on helmet use and a free 15-minute “tips and tricks” skating session from staff and volunteers from Ottawa Public Health (OPH), Ottawa’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department and ThinkFirst.  The tent will be open Saturdays and Sundays during Winterlude, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., until February 20.“Skating on the canal can be even more enjoyable if you possess basic skating skills and are wearing a proper helmet,” said Councillor Mathieu Fleury, member of the Board of Health.  ”I’m proud that Ottawa Public Health and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services have joined forces to offer this innovative Skate Safe program to residents and tourists enjoying skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway, a UNESCO world heritage site, located here in our Nation’s Capital.”The Skate Safe program is a partnership between the City of Ottawa, the NCC, State Farm, the Ottawa chapter of ThinkFirst, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Brian Injury Association of Canada.  The initiative began in 2004 when the NCC approached Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and asked for assistance in addressing the growing number of skating injuries on the Rideau Canal Skateway. “The NCC wants residents and visitors to have a safe and positive experience on the world’s largest skating rink,” said Marc Corriveau, Director of Urban Lands and Transportation at the NCC. “Our partnership with the City of Ottawa and State Farm is building awareness of and encouraging the use of helmets on the Rideau Canal Skateway.”“State Farm is always proud to have the opportunity to sponsor world renowned events, and being part of the Rideau Canal Skateway 2012 is a great way to show support for Canadian families.  This event highlights the opportunity for family and friends to be able to interact and enjoy time together in a safe and friendly environment,” said Caroline Quinn, State Farm Canada Marketing Manager. “Our relationship with the NCC, City of Ottawa, and CHEO to support the Skate Safe program is a great way to enhance this family experience.  We’re excited to be an official sponsor of this celebration which continues to be a memorable event, year after year.”This year, OPH will be hosting a contest to encourage Ottawa youth to wear a helmet while skating on the Skateway and at other City indoor and outdoor skating facilities.  ”Get Caught Wearing Your Helmet is just one more way that OPH is reaching out to youth,” said Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health.  ”Making it fun by providing youth incentives to wear a helmet while skating will help us promote the important message that wearing a proper helmet is the right thing to do.”For more information on Skate Safe, please visit ottawa.ca/health, or call the OPH information line at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). read more..

source:ottawa.ca

Restaurant Staff-City Facilities-City Of Ottawa-Regulations-City Park

Expanded smoke-free regulations will clear the air starting April 2

With the City of Ottawa’s expanded smoke-free regulations coming into effect on April 2, the City is working to ensure residents, businesses and other affected groups are aware of the changes.The expanded smoke-free regulations will prohibit smoking on all municipal properties, such as parks and beaches, and on all bar and restaurant patios. These changes are designed to protect non-smokers and children from second-hand smoke, and to ultimately reduce smoking rates.[[MORE]]“Whether you’re at a City park or beach or at a restaurant patio this summer, you will be able to enjoy yourself without the dangers of second-hand smoke,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “The City of Ottawa is once again a leader in providing smoke-free spaces for our residents and visitors.”During March and April, By-law and Regulatory Services and Ottawa Public Health staff are reaching out to all affected groups by:

• Sending letters and e-mails to all affected restaurants and bars, business groups, community associations, event organizers and users of City facilities;
• Notifying the public through ottawa.ca, social media, and print and radio advertising;
• Visiting all restaurant and bars with patios or terraces to discuss the changes, and providing information and signage to ensure that employees and patrons are aware of the new regulations;
• Offering information and training sessions for restaurant staff and other interested groups; and
• Engaging City employees through an internal communications strategy that includes information and training sessions.

Awareness strategies will continue throughout the spring and summer to help ensure a smooth transition for the regulatory changes. Starting April 2, 2012, by-law enforcement officers will provide information and issue courtesy warnings where appropriate. Fines may be issued starting July 2, 2012.“We are reaching out to all affected groups to ensure people are aware of the expanded regulations,” said Councillor Mark Taylor, Chair of the Community and Protective Services Committee. “A three-month awareness and education phase has been built-in to the implementation of these regulations before the period when fines begin.”“I look forward to celebrating Ottawa’s first smoke-free patio, park and beach season very soon,” said Councillor Diane Holmes, Chair of the Board of Health. “The regulations are part of a larger strategy that will make Ottawa a healthier city for all.”For more information about the expanded regulations, or if you need help quitting smoking, please visit ottawa.ca/smokefree or call 3-1-1.If you are a restaurant or bar owner and would like to arrange for training for your serving staff, please e-mail healthsante@ottawa.ca or call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744. read more..

source:ottawa.ca

National Capital Commission-Brain Injury Association-Rideau Canal Skateway-City Of Ottawa

City, NCC and partners to promote helmet use on the Rideau Canal Skateway

Ottawa – The official opening of the Skate Safe tent will take place on the Rideau Canal Skateway during Winterlude on Saturday.Date: Saturday, February 4Time: 11:30 a.m. to noonLocation: Rideau Canal Skateway at the State Farm Zone (at Concord Street)The Skate Safe program is a partnership between the City of Ottawa, the National Capital Commission, State Farm, the Ottawa Chapter of ThinkFirst, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Brain Injury Association of Canada.Invited guests include: Councillor Mathieu Fleury, member of the Board of Health; Mr. Marc Corriveau, Director of Urban Lands and Transportation, National Capital Commission; Mr. Paul Hill, Agency Field Executive, State Farm; Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health; ThinkFirst Ottawa Chapter; and Mr. Harry Zarins, Executive Director, Brain Injury Association of Canada. read more..

source:ottawa.ca