Medical Officer Of Health-Child Passenger Safety-Public Education

City to launch child passenger safety campaign

Councillor Jan Harder, Board of Health member, Police Chief Charles Bordeleau, and Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health, will launch the A1 Secure child passenger safety campaign. The campaign aims to reduce the three most common mistakes in car seat usage.Date: Thursday, May 17
Time: 9 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Barrhaven Child Care Centre
56 Kennevale DriveAs part of National Road Safety Week, the event will include information about child passenger safety, and Ottawa Public Health’s recent work to enhance public education, increase local partnerships, and develop resources on this topic. read more..

source:ottawa.ca

Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards-Garage Sales-Car Seats-Helmet

Think Twice and Ask Questions: Garage Sale Safety Tips

Garage sale season is underway as communities, neighbourhoods and families put tables of used items up for sale. Garage sales are a great place to find deals but please think twice and ask the right questions before making a purchase:— Helmets Ottawa Public Health recommends that you never buy one used because you can’t always see the damages a helmet has received. This means that you can’t be certain that it will provide you with the protection you need from a major impact. For tips to help you choose the right helmet  and ensure a good fit visit: http://www.ottawa.ca/en/health_safety/living/injury/helmet/index.html
If you are planning to buy a helmet, you may want to consider buying one on June 2, 2012 when there will be discounts from twenty three retailers participating in Capital Velo fest!  Participating retailers, location, as well as the discount being offered will all be made available at: www.AdoptAHelmet.com
- Car Seats must have a National Safety Mark or the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards label.  Contact Transport Canada at 613-998-8616 to find out about recalls or public notices.  A car seat is not safe for use after 10 years. Also, car seats bought in the United States do not meet Canadian Standards and are illegal for use in Canada.
- Corded Window Coverings can pose a threat to children because they can become strangled in the cords. Make sure all safety devices, warning labels, and instructions come with these items.- Strollers made before 1985 do not meet current safety regulations, as such should not be bought.  Strollers must have clearly marked the manufacturer name, date and model to check for recalls.  Wheels, brakes and locking mechanisms must be checked to ensure they’re in working order.
- Cribs made before 1986 do not meet current safety regulations, as such should not be bought.  Check to make sure there is a label that shows the crib meets CSA standards. It is not recommended to use cribs that are older than 10 years because they are more likely to have parts that are broken, worn or missing.  Be aware that you can bring home beg bugs if you buy used furniture and mattresses. Inspect all used furniture and mattresses for signs of bed bugs. Refer to Bedbugsinfo.ca for more information.Anyone holding a garage sale is legally responsible for ensuring that the items are safe and meet regulatory requirements, but it’s still important for buyers to take charge of becoming informed about the item they want to buy.  Please note that Health Canada has banned the selling of babywalkers and lawn darts with elongated tips because they pose an unreasonable danger in their normal use.  For more information about garage sale safety, please visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2012/2012_72-eng.php http://ottawa.ca/en/health_safety/living/injury/index.htmlFor more information on this and other topics, please call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744 ¦ TTY 613-580-9656, visit ottawa.ca/health. read more..

source:ottawa.ca

Support Children-Mental Health

Sunday, May 6, support children’s mental health and take part in “Walk so Kids can...

Sunday, May 6, support children’s mental health and take part in “Walk so Kids can Talk.” Learn how you can get involved read more..

source:ottawa.ca

Child Development

Growing Up On Track

Parents want the best for their children!  They work very hard to coax a baby’s first smile, steps and words.  But parents often worry about:

• When children should master each skill
• How to help their child learn tasks and skills

It is very important for babies and young children to develop and learn the skills they need as they grow up.  Many children need extra help in one or more areas.  IT is easier to correct or catch up on growth and skills when you figure out what your child needs as soon as possible. [[MORE]]How do I know that my child’s growth and development is on track? One tool that you can use to check on your child’s development is the Nipissing District Development Screen (NDDS) for infants and children up to 6 years of age.  This tool is available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese.  It includes:

• A checklist of skills most children can do at each age
• Tips on what to do to help children learn

Where can I get this information?The NDDS is free-of-charge for people living in Ontario.  You can receive your copy by: 

• Ordering copies at www.ndds.ca
• Registering at 222.endds.com/en/index.html to receive the tool by email
• Calling the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744

How does the tool for checking child development work?Parents can use the tool themselves for their child or they can get help from a public health nurse, doctor, child care provider or Early Years Centre.On your own or with help, first answer the 12 to 14 questions about your child’s skills.  If you answer “no” to a question, think about why your child cannot do this skill.  Also, use the tips provided to do what you can to help your child learn.If you have questions about your child’s growth and progress, how to use the NDDS, or where to find help, please call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744 | TTY 613-580-9656, visit ottawa.ca/health or your child’s doctor. read more..

source:ottawa.ca

Eye Conditions-Free Eye Exam

Don't over LOOK your eyes

Your eyes help keep you safe and independent, so it is important not to take your vision for granted. The best thing you can do to protect your eyesight is to have an eye exam every year.  Even if you don’t wear glasses or don’t think you have problems with your vision, an eye exam every year is an important check-up.  As you get older, dryness, sensitivity to glare, and trouble reading small print are all normal changes to your eyes.  But, there are also more serious eye conditions, like glaucoma and macular degeneration that can cause you to lose your eyesight before you notice any warning signs.  Visit www.cnib.ca for more information on these conditions. An eye exam can pick up these serious conditions before you lose your vision.If you are worried about the cost of having an eye exam, this information may help: [[MORE]]

• If you are under 20 or over 65 years of age, you can get a free eye exam once a year.
• If you are 20-64 years of age and have diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts or other medical problems you can have a free eye exam once a year.  You can find a full list of the conditions at http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/ohip/services.html or you can call ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 or TTY 1-800-387-5559
• If you are on social assistance or disability you can have an eye exam every two years for free
• If you have your own private health insurance you may be covered for an eye exam.  Speak to your insurance provider for details.

You may also be able to get help to pay for your glasses.  Talk to your case worker if you are on Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). If you are not on OW or ODSP, but have a low income and limited savings, you may be able to get help through the City of Ottawa’s Essential Health and Social Supports Program.  For more information on this program, call 613-560-6000. For more information on protecting your vision and other health related topics, call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744, TTY: 613-580-9656 or email us at healthsante@ottawa.ca.  For more information about eye conditions, visit www.cnib.ca. read more..

source:ottawa.ca