Ottawa Public Health 2015-2016 Holiday Season Schedule
The latest Food Premises and Personal Service Settings (tattoo and body piercing studios, hairdressing and barber shops, nail salons, electrolysis and various other services) public health inspection reports are available online 24/7.
The Sexual Health Centre and Satellite Clinics will be closed on Christmas Eve (December 24), Christmas Day, the statutory holiday, Monday, December 28, in lieu of Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve (December 31) and New Year’s Day.
The Dental Clinics and Well Baby Drop-In will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
The SITE office will be operating on the following schedule:
Thursday, December 24 – 8:30 a.m. to noon
Christmas Day – closed
Boxing Day – closed
Thursday, December 31 – 8:30 a.m. to noon
New Year’s Day – closed
The SITE Mobile Van will be operating on the following schedule:
Thursday, December 24 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Day – closed
Boxing Day – regular schedule
Thursday, December 31 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New Year’s Day – regular schedule
The Ottawa Public Health Information Line (OPHIL) will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day; however, you can call and leave a message and inquiries will be responded to within one business day. You can also connect with us online for the latest health information on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Ottawa Public Health.
Ottawa Board of Health: Meeting highlights, December 7, 2015
On Monday, the Ottawa Board of Health held a special meeting to discuss the Board of Health’s 2016 budget and considered a consultation plan to expand smoke-free places in Ottawa to also include non-tobacco combustible substances.
Draft Board of Health 2016 Budget
The Board approved a balanced budget of $59 million, which includes the City of Ottawa contribution $12.6 million, and the province of Ontario and other revenue sources contribution of $46.4 million. This 2016 budget allows Ottawa Public Health (OPH) to continue to provide core services Ottawa residents deservedly expect.
For 2016, the Board approved strategic investments in programs and services that supports mental health and suicide prevention training ($200K), reduces infectious diseases in retirement homes ($280K), reduces environmental health hazards in our community ($120K), and creates a new reserve fund ($200K) to replace obsolete information technology and improve electronic patient information.
Residents were invited to have their say on the budget by contacting OPH on Twitter, via email or by calling the Ottawa Public Health Information line. Feedback from the community was shared with the Board prior to consideration of the budget and has helped inform program planning and service delivery.
Final approval by City Council is scheduled for December 9, 2015.
Let’s Clear the Air 2.0
Next, the Board approved the Let’s Clear the Air 2.0: Consultation Plan report.
OPH will now consult with relevant stakeholders on the potential to expand by-laws to regulate the use of e-cigarettes and smoking of non-tobacco combustible substances in public places and work places in Ottawa to reduce exposure to second hand smoke.
You can also check out Board of Health reports and agendas or watch an archived video of the meeting on YouTube!
Cooking 101: Making the most of your leftover rice
Author: Jane Hammingh, Registered Dietitian
It seems that every time I make rice, I have leftovers. Fortunately, cooked rice is versatile and great to have on hand in the refrigerator. I make it last a couple days longer by turning it into budget-friendly meals and even desserts.
Here are a few ideas to turn your plain cooked leftover rice into a fabulous new meal.
Vegetable fried rice
It is one of the best ways to use leftover rice. If you don’t have fresh veggies on hand, you can use frozen mixed vegetables.
Rice pudding
A dish made from rice mixed with water or milk and other ingredients such as cinnamon and raisins.
Salads
Rice salads are perfect any time of the year. They are simple, adaptable and go with any main course. Whether it’s brown or white rice, jasmine, basmati or wild – they all taste great.
Stuffed peppers or acorn squash
Use cooked rice as a stuffing for vegetables such as peppers, squash and eggplant. The leftover stuffing, if there is any, is nice as a side salad.
Rice Pancakes
This is a great way to use leftover rice. Make these pancakes for breakfast and serve with your favourite fresh fruit or yogurt. Make extra and freeze for another day. Never heard of rice pancakes before? Check online for more information and recipes.
Keeping cooked rice safe to eat
Do not keep cooked rice at room temperature for more than two hours (one hour on hot days).
Cool rice as quickly as possible before placing in the fridge by putting it into a shallow pan, portioning the rice into smaller portions, or cooling it in an ice bath.
Store cooled rice in the fridge in a container and always cover it with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid.
Cooked rice freezes well. Defrost in the refrigerator or the microwave.
Store cooked rice in the fridge for no more than 3 days.
Next time you are making rice, cook more than you need and turn that leftover rice into a fabulous new meal or side dish.
Please share your ideas for healthy recipes in the comments or tweet us your photos @OttawaHealth.
For more recipe ideas visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca.
Spaces now available for the Ministry-funded childhood weight management program
Author: Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, Medical Director, Bariatric Medical Institute
Did you know that in a recent national survey of 6th graders, 24 percent boys and 30 percent girls experienced daily teasing, bullying, or rejection because of their weight? And those numbers more than double by high school. The Bariatric Medical Institute still has some spots left in its FREE Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care funded childhood weight management program geared towards children between the ages of 5 and12.
There is absolutely no cost to you or your family, but space is limited with only 75 spots remaining as of the publishing of this article.
Our Family Reset Program is unique in that we don’t directly include the children, but rather works almost exclusively with parents to help families cultivate healthful living changes. Not directly involving the children helps to shield them from inadvertently negative impacts upon their self-esteem, body image and relationship with food. As well, studies on programs delivered exclusively to parents have been shown to have the same or better outcomes than those that include the children.
Additionally, if you and/or the other parent are struggling with your own weight, you will have full access, again at NO COST, to our five phased program: Nutrition, Behaviour, Fitness, Fusion, and Relapse Prevention.
If you have a child or children between the ages of 5 and 12, live in Ontario, and are worried about their weight, please visit the Bariatric Medical Institute’s website for more information.
Macaroni and cheese does not have to come from a box! This homemade Quick Macaroni and Cheese recipe is easy to make and healthy for you. Make it your own by adding ingredients your children love to eat. Or try new ingredients for a new experience!
Here are some great ideas to make-over this recipe:
Stir in meat to add protein (add in step 4)
Cooked chicken cut into bite sized pieces
Canned tuna or salmon (drained and flaked)
Lean ground beef (cooked and drained)
Add vegetables to increase vitamins and minerals and add a splash of colour (add in step 4)
When it’s time to add cheese, mix it up. Combine cheddar with parmesan cheese. Or try one or more of these: grated Gruyère, Brie, fontina, mozzarella, Feta, sharp cheddar all taste great.
Bake it
Top with breadcrumbs and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes at 350°F.
Try this recipe and please let us know what you think in the comments below. Enjoy!
On November 16. 2015 Causeway Work Centre in Ottawa published their first edition of their Causeway Newsletter. This inaugural edition featured an article about the Needle Hunters Program.
The Needle Hunters Program is a major component of the City of Ottawa’s corporate response to discarded needles, crack pipes, and other drug paraphernalia found in our communities. The Needle Hunters are a group of people who proactively search for and dispose of these items in priority neighbourhoods across the City. Their clean up routes are constantly monitored and adjusted in order to target areas of particular need.
In place since 1998, the Needle Hunters operate year-round, and work seven days a week. A Needle Hunters winter route was initiated in during the 2012-2013 winter season in many of the ByWard Market area parking garages and covered/accessible areas. Currently, they monitor/patrol the communities of:
ByWard Market/Lowertown
Centretown
Hintonburg
Vanier
Carlington
Watch the video to learn more about the Needle Hunters program or read the full article in the Causeway newsletter.
To learn more about what is being done about discarded needles in Ottawa visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca
On Monday, November 16, Federal Minister of Health Jane Philpott, Deputy Mayor Mark Taylor, Board of Health Chair Shad Qadri and Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Isra Levy joined us at Ottawa City Hall for their annual flu shots.
Parenting In Ottawa makes its TV debut on November 18!
We are excited to announce that we have teamed up with CHEO -- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario to deliver a series on CTV Ottawa called “Parenting In Ottawa” this fall and winter. The topics covered will include common issues faced by parents in Ottawa and will help them make sure kids in our community stay their healthiest.
Starting November 18, a new biweekly series, Parenting in Ottawa, will be broadcast on CTV’s News at 6. Parents will talk about the challenges of keeping kids healthy and safe in today’s world, and experts in children’s health will share their advice. The series will include both individual news stories and special editions of News at 6 on a health theme. The first broadcast on November 18 will focus on “Ready. Set. Grow.”: children’s growth from birth to age 4 and how parents can make sure their children are prepared to start school. In addition:
Parents and kids can participate in person by dropping in to the Vanier Community Service Centre, 270 Marier Ave., on November 18 from 5:30 to 7 PM for a Parenting in Ottawa Drop-in. Parents can talk to public health nurses from OPH about issues like helping your child eat healthy and be active, support for breastfeeding, do’s and don’ts of discipline and where to find support in the community.
Tune into interviews with experts on children’s health on CTV and CFRA during the day.
You can join the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page to ask your own questions. On November 18, come and discuss being ready for starting school.
Future episodes in the series will cover topics like healthy eating and activity, puberty, mental health, technology, and more.
Ottawa Board of Health: Meeting highlights, November 9, 2015
This past Monday, the Board of Health met to discuss three reports.
2016 Draft Operating Budget for the Ottawa Board of Health
Ottawa Public Health staff tabled the 2016 Draft Operating Budget for the Ottawa Board of Health report at this meeting. The 2016 budget is $59 million, which includes the City of Ottawa contribution of $12.6 million, and the province of Ontario and other revenue sources contribution of $46.4 million.
OPH has identified savings and is recommending the following strategic investments:
A $280K investment to enhance public health inspection capacity in OPH’s work with long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and the community.
A $200K one-time investment to foster mental health in our community through suicide awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting workplace mental health.
A $120K investment to increase capacity to identify, investigate and manage environmental health hazards in the community and to conduct surveillance.
The creation of a fund to replace and update information technology (IT) systems used by OPH in the delivery of patient care and client services.
The Board of Health will be discussing the 2016 Draft Operating Budget at its next meeting on December 7, 2015, and they want to hear from you!
Share your ideas:
on Twitter @ottawahealth using the hashtag #OttHealthBudget2016;
by calling the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enhanced Sexual Health Strategy
The Board of Health approved an Enhanced Strategy to Address Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections in Ottawa. The report highlights OPH’s aim to increase the focus of sexual health and harm reduction services on populations with the greatest burden of infection and most in need of sexual health and harm reduction services. Through enhancements to the strategy OPH will also work to expand capacity of community practitioners to ensure the general population has access to these services in Ottawa.
Update on Dental Health Services in Ottawa
To improve access to dental care, and reduce the burden of poor oral health in Ottawa, OPH provides comprehensive dental health services including promotion, prevention and treatment. Currently, OPH coordinates several dental programs for children and youth from low-income families which will all be integrated under one, new Healthy Smiles Ontario program (anticipated to take effect January 2016). In addition, OPH received 100% provincial funding to build a dental clinic at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health to provide preventive and treatment services in a culturally safe environment (expected to open Spring 2016). Through these initiatives, OPH will continue its work to ensure that eligible Ottawa residents continue to receive accessible public health dental services.
Board of Health Spotlight
The Chair of the Board of Health recognized the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health and Chidren’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) for their leadership and dedication in promoting, protecting and preserving oral health in Ottawa.
Allison Fisher, Executive Director of the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health and Dr. Stephanie Lauzière, Director of Dental Clinics at CHEO thanked OPH for their partnership and accepted recognitions certificates on behalf of their respective organizations.
Additional Highlights
Councillor Shad Qadri highlighted OPH’s work with community partners encouraging residents to keep party-safe if consuming drug and alcohol consumption around Halloween.
Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health, updated the Board on influenza immunization, local enteric and respiratory outbreaks, the Infant Feeding in Ottawa report and health system transformation discussions at the provincial level.
The Board also approved the 2016 Board of Health meeting schedule.
For a full meeting recap you can watch the meeting live on YouTube or view the archived webcast. Every meeting is webcast live on YouTube and archived videos are posted online within days of the meeting. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
November is Radon Action Month. Now is the time to test your home for radon!
The health risks from radon exposure are long-term and often depend on three things:
The level of radon in your home or building
The length of time you are exposed to radon
Your smoking habits or exposure to second-hand smoke
Studies by Health Canada have shown that radon concentrations vary a great deal across Canada, making it impossible to predict radon levels in any one home or building. The only way to know if you are being exposed to radon gas is to test for it. Testing for radon is easy and affordable. Health Canada suggests that you use a long-term radon detector for a minimum of three months.
The current Health Canada guideline for radon in indoor air for dwellings is 200 Becquerels per cubic metre, or less.
There are two options to test buildings for radon:
Do-it-yourself radon test kit. This can be purchased over the internet, at local hardware, home improvement, or building supply stores, or from Ottawa Public Health. The cost of testing ranges from $25 - $170 .To purchase a kit from Ottawa Public Health, please call: 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656).
Hire a radon testing company
For a list of certified Canadian radon testing companies consult the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) or call 1-855-722-6777.
Resources:
Health Canada – Radon
How to Fix the Problem?
Canadian Lung Association
Canadian – National Radon Proficiency Program
For more information contact Ottawa Public Health: 613-580-6744 or visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca
We spoke to 2600 Ottawa mothers about how they are feeding their babies. Here is what they had to say.
Results presented are from Ottawa Public Health’s Infant Feeding Surveillance System (IFSS), collected from Ottawa mothers with babies born between 2012 and 2014.
Confused about best-before-dates and expiry dates? You’re not alone! I was going through my pantry and came across cans and packages that have been there for.....well, quite a long time. I wasn't sure if I could still use them or whether they should be thrown out.
By better understanding what the best-before-date and expiry date actually mean, you can save money and waste less food.
I found a can of tomatoes with a best-before-date of 14 JA 30. That’s January 30, 2014! Luckily, one of my colleagues is a Public Health Inspector at Ottawa Public Health and she was able to provide some very valuable insight on best before/expiry dates.
What does the Best-Before-Date mean?
It tells you about the quality of an unopened food product that has been properly stored.
The quality relates to how long the food will keep its freshness, flavour and nutritional value. The best before date is NOT an indicator of food safety. It says nothing about whether it is safe to eat the food within.
What types of foods must have a best-before-date?
Any pre-packaged food that has a shelf life of 90 days or less must have a best-before -date, for example, yogurt, milk or eggs.
Packaged foods that have a shelf life longer than 90 days do not require a best-before-date, for example frozen, dried or canned foods. But many manufacturers choose to add best-before-dates to these products.
Is it okay to eat that can of tomatoes with a best before date going back 8 months?
It is okay to eat foods (the type that have a shelf life longer than 90 days as mentioned above) after the best-before-date. It is important to note that it may have lost some of its freshness, flavour and nutritional value, and its texture may have changed.
Related: How to read food date labels and packaging
Once I open a can, is the best-before-date still valid?
Once opened, the best-before-date no longer applies. Once the can is open, it should be properly stored and eaten within a few days.
What should people know about expiry dates?
After the expiry date, the food may not have the same nutrient content.
Do not eat any foods after their expiry date. Also, if the expiry date is removed or not visible, throw it out.
The expiry date must be placed only on foods which are specifically designed to meet nutrition needs:
Baby food or infant formula (human milk substitutes),
nutritional supplements (vitamin and mineral supplements, amino acids),
meal replacements,
low energy diet foods (prescribed) and
formulated liquid diets.
Hopefully this blog will help you better understand best before and expiry dates. If you still have questions, ask us in the comments section below, on Twitter (@OttawaHealth) or Facebook!
Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults in Canada?
20- 30% experience at least one fall each year
95% of all hip fractures are due to a fall
50% of all falls causing hospitalization happen at home
Falls can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of independence and even death.
The Staying Independent Checklist is a new self-screening tool for older adults to find out if they are at risk for falling. If you score 4 points or higher you may be at risk of falling.
Visit ChamplainHealthLine.ca, print off the checklist and if you score 4 points or higher speak to your doctor/health care provider about your score.
For more information or to have a copy of the Staying Independent Checklist mailed to you, please call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656) or visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca
Deep-fryers are a thing of the past in local hospitals!
Author: Gilles Cloutier, Registered Dietitian
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the Champlain Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Network (CCPN) and the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) recently announced that, as a result of over two years of hard work, hospitals in the Champlain region are changing the food they serve to staff, visitors and patients in their cafeterias, gift shops, vending machines and franchise operations.
Video Source: Champlain LHIN- RLISS de Champlain
This move is part of the Healthy Foods in Champlain Hospitals initiative which strives to reduce the rates of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and cancer by creating an environment where the healthy choice is the easy choice. Hospital leaders have stepped up, determined to make their institutions true models of healthy living. Bronze, silver and gold levels have been established and hospitals are working toward these targets.
From the very beginning, Ottawa Public Health has been a partner in this project providing its expertise in the implementation of progressively healthier menu choices. We applaud the work that the partners have accomplished in creating healthy and supportive environments that enable healthy behaviours, allowing individuals to take responsibility for their own health.
They aren’t done – the work continues! Once the 20 hospitals meet their December target for bronze level certification, they will start working towards the silver level.
Congratulations to all who have worked so hard to make this healthy food policy a reality!
Find out more about this exciting initiative by visiting the LHIN’s website.
Ottawa Public Health (OPH), in partnership with Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Service, and the Ottawa Hospital, are encouraging residents to stay safe while celebrating Halloween this weekend.
Every year on Halloween, Ottawa sees a spike of alcohol and drug-related emergency room visits. Excessive alcohol and drug use can lead to falls, increased violence and potentially dangerous alcohol intoxication. In addition, there is an increased risk of alcohol and drug-facilitated sexual assaults.
There has been a recent increase in Ottawa of reports of adulterated MDMA (also known as Molly or Ecstasy) that are actually a type of bath salts. As well, there have also been recent incidents with magic mushrooms causing unusually strong hallucinogenic reactions. Use of illegal drugs such as MDMA can have life threatening and potentially fatal consequences. MDMA is made up of many different chemicals, the most common one being methamphetamine. The exact strength and ingredients of each pill are always unknown. This makes it difficult to determine the most effective medical treatments for the unexpected side effects.
To help plan your evening and to stay safe:
Don’t mix alcohol and drugs
Before heading out, create a safety plan
Find out more about Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
Fuel your body with food not just alcohol and stay hydrated with water between drinks
Avoid taking drugs. If you choose to take them, remember where and from whom you got them in case a follow up is needed
Plan your travel home with a designated driver or alternate ride. If you are walking, be sure you are easily visible to drivers and that you follow the rules of the road
If you feel unsafe or unwell, seek help immediately from people you know. Call 911 if someone shows personality changes, is unable to walk or has a change in their level of consciousness
For additional information, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca and Parenting in Ottawa or call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). Connect with OPH on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr.
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