Health

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An inside look at one local nurse’s world during the pandemic

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This is the second of a two-part podcast taking us inside Northumberland Hills Hospital to look at what it is like to be a nurse working during a deadly pandemic. The first episode deals with a protest held on June 19, 2020, outside the office of MPP David Piccini in Port Hope. Please listen to both episodes. Driving throughout Northumberland County, there are many lawn signs praising the work of frontline workers, especially those in healthcare. Many people, including Premier Doug Ford, have called them heroes. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health

Nurses protest outside MPP’s office seeking right to negotiate contract, says union leader

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This is the first of a two-part podcast looking at the issues facing local nurses at Northumberland Hills Hospital. The first episode deals with a protest held on June 19, 2020, outside the office of MPP David Piccini in Port Hope. The second episode goes inside the hospital to look at what it is like to be a nurse working during a deadly pandemic. Please listen to both episodes. 

Driving throughout Northumberland County, there are many lawn signs praising the work of frontline workers, especially those in healthcare. Many people, including Premier Doug Ford, have called them heroes. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health, Politics

Local Chief Medical Officer gives timely update as province relaxes rules

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It is now an all too familiar mantra: physical distance, wash your hands, stay home, wear a mask. But, there is a lot more to it than just repeating those guidelines. Businesses are reopening. We are being given more chances to get outside and enjoy nature. This is something important especially for those who feel cooped up for the past two months. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health

Re-opening the economy a delicate balance, says local MPP

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The other day I was looking out my window only to see a local construction crew working on a roof. None of them were six feet apart. There was no physical distancing. The same day, I received an email from a national grocery chain heralding the expansion of hours, allowing more people into his company’s stores, along with the opening of meat counters and bakeries. Yet, scanning social media, there is a wave of people expressing their concerns that we are reopening too quickly. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Economy, Health, Politics

Community preparing for mental health issues related to COVID-19

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More and more we are hearing about the mental health echo. This is the effect of the pandemic on people’s psyche. The physical distancing, isolation, and other measures are placing unprecedented anxiety and stress on our lives. Mental health services in Northumberland are expanding. We have watched as new and existing organizations work hard to meet the needs of our community. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health

Chief Medical Officer for Northumberland gives extensive interview about Covid-19

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Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lynn Noseworthy provides timely, relevant information about Covid-19 and its impact on Northumberland County in this 50-minute interview. She addresses everything from a clear understanding of the virus to preventative measures. Most critically, she gives an outline of the steps people should take if they suspect they are infected and need help. For more information go to the health unit’s website. There will you find out more information about the number of cases of Covid-19, along with an accurate step-by-step if you think you are sick with the virus and other good resources. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Health

Members of the new Ontario Health Team explain impact on health care in Northumberland

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Our local health care system is about to go through a seismic transformation. Two weeks ago, the provincial government announced Northumberland was chosen to be one of 24 pilot programs to completely overhaul the way health care is delivered to us. The new model is called an Ontario Health Team. The phrases that keep coming up in all the announcements focus on several keys: collaboration, patient care,  and better navigate the system. All of it with the goal of improving the outcomes and addressing wait times and hallway medicine – the two clichés often associated with the issues facing the overstressed health care system. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Health

Clearing the smoke about e-cigs, along with a new cancer peer support group in Northumberland

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Taking care of oneself is critical to good health. Today, I have two guests talking about some serious health-related issues. My first guest will be talking about vaping, which has made headlines recently across North America — as of yesterday, USA Today reported the number of vaping illnesses surged to 1,299 cases, and the death toll sits at 26. In September, Ontario health officials were watching three cases possibly related to vaping. And, the Health Minister, Christine Elliot, has called for a review of the situation related to vaping, calling for more data and input from experts before announcing any action. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Health

Task force on opioids to hold first meeting in September, says health unit official

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A task force led by the health unit involving local police, Northumberland Hills Hospital, and emergency services (fire and paramedics) will take place in September. It is being called the first step in addressing the opioid crisis in Northumberland County. There will also be an effort by a tri-county group tasked with formulating a drug strategy for the area to engage the community and front-line workers, addicts and families, to build a comprehensive response. Megan Deyman, the Coordinator of the Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland Drug Strategy, and Catherine MacDonald, substances and harm reduction coordinator at the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Health Unit talk at length about these and other measures. But provincial cuts to the health unit and grants to the drug strategy group are hanging in the balance, threatening these and other initiatives to fight opioids in the community. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health, Opioids