HEALTH BRIEFS - SPRING 2005 Information for a healthy workplace Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit 1-800-660-5853 http://www.healthunit.org *********************************** TABLE OF CONTENTS A fall can be prevented! Could you take the challenge? Leeds, Grenville & Lanark Counties Library Project Is there a baby in your future? Plan for it! Learn to Recognize and Respond to preterm labour Tuberculosis and traveling Night Shift nutrition Save those baby teeth! Proper fencing can make your backyard pool safer Keep safe this summer in your backyard pool =================================== A FALL CAN BE PREVENTED! Submitted by Julie Ingleby, RN, BScN, Public Health Nurse & Tawnya Boileau, RN, BScN, Public Health Nurse Tripping, slipping, and loosing your balance, can all be considered a fall. Studies show falls occur in all age groups, but most often among older adults (65 yrs +). Half of all injuries in this age group are due to falls and falls are the 6th leading cause of death. Additionally, falls can significantly impact the lives of older adults by jeopardizing their independence and quality of life (Active Independent Aging Website, 2005). Although falls are common, most of them can be prevented by planning ahead and by following the 5 Smartrisk messages. These messages have been developed by the Smartrisk Foundation and when applied can prevent most injuries (Smartrisk Website, 2005). LOOK FIRST - Assess your home for hazards - Ensure commonly used pathways are well lit - Clear outdoor walkways of leaves, ice and snow - Remove clutter from commonly used indoor areas especially stairs - Have regular health check ups and eye exams WEAR THE GEAR - Wear supportive, non-skid footwear - Wear personal emergency response devices if necessary - Keep a flashlight and phone within reach at the bedside in case of emergency - Use assistive devices properly if required STAY SOBER - Alcohol, drugs, some medications, fatigue and distractions can increase your risk of falling by impairing your judgement, coordination, and reaction time. BUCKLE UP - Ensure shoes are fastened safely - Attach emergency numbers by the phone - Remove scatter mats or ensure they are properly secured. GET TRAINED - Know your abilities and limitations, and ask for assistance when needed - Regular physical activity can help strengthen muscles and bones, and improve balance and coordination (Canada's Physical Activity Guide). - By following Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating, the body's nutritional needs can be met. Adequate hydration is also important in falls prevention. Falls by older adults are often the result of environmental factors and/or an individual's health status. Fortunately, by following these messages, we can reduce or eliminate factors that contribute to falls. Most Injuries are Predictable and Preventable. Plan Ahead, Prevent a Fall! =================================== COULD YOU TAKE THE CHALLENGE? Submitted by Julie Bolton, BNSc, RN, Public Health Nurse Television has become a large part of our lives. It can be educational and a source of entertainment however, it can also create problems when it takes the place of physical activity and/or social interaction. Research has shown that children over the age of 2 spend on average, 21 hours per week watching television (Statistic Canada, 2002). This startling statistic does not include the amount of time spent using the computer or playing video games. All of this sedentary activity in combination with unhealthy eating habits leads to an increase in the rate of obesity and puts them at a higher risk of chronic health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer. Children and youth are not the only segment of our population who are less physically active. Half of all adults in Ontario are considered to be inactive (Healthy weights, Healthy Lives, 2004). Combined this with poor food choices and larger portion sizes adults who are inactive are at a higher risk for obesity and chronic disease. To help combat these alarming statistics the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit has been inviting schools to participate in the TV Turnoff Challenge for the past five years. This year we broadened the campaign to include schools, families and the community. The Challenge ran from April 4th to the 10th. A total of 21 schools participated for a total of 3753 students. The Health Unit website (www.healthunit.org) contained resources for the community and families that could be downloaded and used to help make the week fun while increase their physical activity and healthy eating. Taking small steps towards decreasing our screen time and increasing our physical activity and healthy eating habits will go a long way to improving our overall health. Congratulations to all of the students, teachers, families and community members who took the Challenge and made a move towards better health! Sources: Healthy Weights, Healthy Lives. 2004 Chief Medical Officer of Health Report. http://health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/ministry_reports/cmoh04_04.html Accessed December 2004.Statistics Canada. Television Viewing 2002. They Daily. November 21 2003. =================================== LEEDS, GRENVILLE & LANARK COUNTIES LIBRARY PROJECT Submitted by Bonnie Schnittker RN, Public Health Nurse Current books of reliable information on Breast Health and breast Cancer are now available at all local libraries for everyone to use. The following books were purchased and are in local libraries now: Dr. Susan L ove's Breast Book General information on breast health - an excellent resource book. B.O.O.B.S.: A Bunch of Outrageous Breast Cancer Survivors tell their stories of Courage, Hope and Healing in dealing with breast cancer. Written with humour, insight, raw emotion and honesty. I'm Too Young to Have Breast Cancer Intimate and detailed anecdotes from 16 real women under the age of 40 who encounter breast cancer. Breast Cancer Husband Helpful information for men on how to cope and be a support for their partner. After Breast Cancer: A Common Sense Guide to Life after Treatment Information on a wide range of practical issues women face after treatment. For further information on Breast Health and Breast Cancer: Canadian Cancer Society 1 888 939-3333 www.cancer.ca Ontario Breast Screening Program 1-800-668-9304 http://www.cancercare.on.ca Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit 1-800-660-5853 http://www.healthunit.org The Leeds Grenville & Lanark Counties Library Project was made possible by the generous support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario Chapter. The partners in this project are: - Survivors of Breast Cancer - Rideau Lakes Public Library - Country Roads Community Health Centre - Regional Cancer Program for Southeastern Ontario - Canadian Cancer Society - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit - Breast Health Coalition of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Take a look for these books the next time you are at your local library. =================================== IS THERE A BABY IN YOUR FUTURE? PLAN FOR IT! Submitted by Cathy Millard RN, BNSc, Public Health Nurse Most people know that it is important to the health of your baby to have prenatal care during pregnancy. But this care often begins too late to prevent some risks to the baby's health. Babies begin to develop before women know they are pregnant. This means that the time to prepare for pregnancy is before a woman gets pregnant. You plan for school, work, holidays and retirement. What about your baby? There are things both men and women can do to improve the health of their future children. Begin planning for your pregnancy 3 months in advance. Since both a healthy sperm and egg are required for a healthy baby, there are things that both men and women can do. Consider the following: - Am I ready to be a parent? - Do I have support and get the help I need when I feel stressed or depressed? - Do I exercise regularly? - Do I eat healthy meals and snacks? - Do I take a folic acid supplement of 0.4mg every day? - Is my home smoke free? - Do I consume less caffeine than would be in one cup of coffee? - Do I avoid alcohol? - Do I avoid recreational drugs? - Have I discussed over the counter and prescription drugs with my doctor or pharmacist? - Do I feel safe physically and emotionally? - Have I thought about biological, physical and chemical hazards in my life? - Do I know my family's health history? - Have I been tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections? - Are my immunizations up to date? If you answered "no" to any of the above questions, there could be risks to your future child's health. We can give you information on how to improve your lifestyle habits now. Your children will thank you. Call the Health Action Line at 1-800-660-5853 or visit www.healthbeforepregnancy.ca or www.Healthunit.org Adapted from Best Start Resource Centre =================================== LEARN TO RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND TO PRETERM LABOUR Submitted by Lois E. Dewey, RN, BScN, IBCLC, Public Health Nurse "I knew something wasn't right, but it was way too early for me to be in labour. I waited for two days, unsure of what was happening, and afraid to go to the hospital. I delivered my baby at 28 weeks. I wish I had known better," says a new mom in Smiths Falls. Every year about 8% of babies, or around 120, are born preterm in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. These are babies born more than two weeks early. Preterm and low birth weight babies have more health problems in the newborn period. Some of these babies will have life long disabilities. Some preterm babies are very small. Some may not be strong enough to live. Families with a preterm baby must cope with emotional pain and life challenges. They will have added financial costs. Preterm babies who survive with a disability will need many community resources to help them throughout their life. During his/her lifetime, it is estimated that each preterm low birth weight baby will use about $676,800 (1995 Canadian dollars) in health care. Some risk factors, before or during pregnancy, may result in a preterm birth. These risk factors include: cigarette smoking, infections, high stress, cocaine use, poor eating habits and prolonged standing on the job (more than 3 hours). One of the best ways to reduce the problems that come with a preterm birth is for families to recognize the signs and symptoms of preterm labour and act quickly. This gives the medical team time to give the mother medications, which make a big difference to the health of the baby. Signs and symptoms of preterm labour: - Bad cramps or stomach pains that don't go away - Bleeding, trickle or gush of fluid from the vagina - Lower back pain/pressure, or a change in lower backache - A feeling that the baby is pushing down - Contractions, or change in the strength or number of them - An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge - SOME WOMEN MAY JUST FEEL THAT 'SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT' If any of these symptoms are present, GO TO THE HOSPITAL RIGHT AWAY! For more information on preterm labour and how to reduce the chance of preterm labour call the HealthAction line at 1-800-660-5853 or visit our website at www.healthunit.org. =================================== TUBERCULOSIS AND TRAVELING Submitted by Martina Flanagan, RN, B.Sc.N, Public Health Nurse It has been estimated that one-third of the people in the world are infected with latent tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is also known as T.B. Latent tuberculosis means that the person has tuberculosis germs in their body, but that the germs are not yet causing them to feel ill and the germs are not yet contagious to other people. Worldwide, there are about eight million new cases of tuberculosis every year with two million deaths attributed to this disease. In many countries tuberculosis is a serious disease that may pose a risk for travelers. There are 23 countries identified as having a high incidence of tuberculosis. These include locations such as India, China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan and numerous others that are traveled by many Canadians. The germ that causes tuberculosis is a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. It can be spread from an infected person to the traveler by coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread through unpasteurized milk or milk products. To become infected, a person usually would have to spend a long time in a closed environment where a person with untreated tuberculosis was coughing or sneezing. . This ill person with untreated tuberculosis would have to secrete numerous T.B. bacteria from the lungs. Tuberculosis most commonly attacks the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, the bones and the brain. Travelers who anticipate prolonged exposure (such as three or more months) in a country in which tuberculosis is known should have a tuberculin skin test before leaving Canada. The tuberculin skin test is the only acceptable test for assessing T.B. infection. This test is called the Mantoux skin test. A nurse or physician injects a small amount of T.B. protein through the skin in the arm. This T.B. protein cannot cause infection. However, the reaction to this protein indicates if the traveler has ever been exposed to the tuberculosis bacteria before the trip. The skin test is assessed 2 to 3 days after being administered. When the traveller returns from an area of high T.B. prevalence it is recommended that another skin test be completed in order to determine if they have been exposed to this potentially serious bacteria during their travels. If it is determined that there was exposure while traveling, the medical follow up will be more easily carried out. All travelers who become infected with the T.B. bacteria can be treated to prevent T.B. infection from progressing to a T.B. disease. Travelers who already have a positive tuberculin reaction are unlikely to be re-infected. Persons with HIV infection are more likely to have an impaired response to the Tuberculin skin test. Therefore, travelers with HIV infection should inform their physician about their HIV status. Travelers who suspect that they have been exposed to Tuberculosis should inform their physician of the possible exposure and receive an appropriate medical evaluation. Tuberculosis can be treated successfully with multiple medications. =================================== NIGHT SHIFT NUTRITION Submitted by Heather Deegan, MSc, RD, Public Health Nutritionist Does working the night shift lead to abnormal eating patterns, unusual food choices, and low energy levels? It may seem difficult to make healthy food choices when working shifts at odd hours, but with a little bit of planning you can get energized with the foods you eat. When planning meals, aim for high fibre and lean protein. This translates to choosing whole grains and fruits and vegetables along with low fat protein foods including meat, milk products and beans. Carbohydrates are an excellent source of energy and are also low in fat. Protein helps you feel full longer and gives your muscles fuel. Keep fat intake low so calories can be used while working rather than stored in the body as extra weight. Whether eating from the cafeteria vending machine, grabbing take-out food or munching in the car, healthy choices are easy to make. Some good choices are: - pasta salad with vegetables and tuna - bean burritos with cooked vegetables and salsa - lean grilled steak with cooked vegetables and noodles wrapped in a soft tortilla shell - vegetable soup with cheese and crackers Snack on fruit and raw vegetable sticks to fuel muscles, help you feel full between meals, and avoid feeling sluggish throughout the night. =================================== SAVE THOSE BABY TEETH! Submitted by Robin Cleary, RDH Tooth decay in infants and children can be a very serious and painful disease and if left untreated can result in infection and premature loss of the baby teeth. Early Childhood Caries (ECC) has been more widely known as Nursing Bottle Syndrome (NBS), Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Nursing Caries is a disease that affects the teeth of young children. ECC can affect both breast and bottle fed babies and is most commonly found on the upper front teeth. We often hear parents say, "my child's teeth look like they are rotting". At first the disease may appear as brown spots on or between the teeth. If the disease becomes advanced it could affect the whole tooth and it may appear that the teeth are rotting. At this stage pain or infection could be present and if the child has not already seen a dentist an appointment must be made as soon as possible. When speaking with parents of young children, a general concern is how are cavities caused, and can they be prevented? There are many factors that can contribute to this disease and prevention is the key! Frequency and length of time that teeth are exposed to sugary liquids are important. These sugary liquids include breast or bottle milk, formula, fruit juices or any other sweetened beverages. When giving your child fruit juices diluting them with water helps to cut back on sugar intake. Allowing a child to fall asleep at the breast or with a bottle can be harmful to the teeth and as well could cause choking. The bottle is not best used as a means of comforting your child (daytime or night), because the continuous flow of a sugary liquid over the teeth is a main factor in causing ECC. When necessary, water is the best choice of liquid to use in a bottle when it is not feeding time. When giving your child a pacifier or soother it is important not to dip them in honey, corn syrup or any other types of sweeteners. As well, introduction of a cup to an infant between 12-15 months of age is recommended, especially when fruit juices are given. SNACKING is another area in which our choices will help to prevent decay. How much sugar is not as important as when and how often the sugar is being given. If you choose to give your child a sweet snack it is best given with a meal. Between meals, offering snacks with out high sugar content such as fresh fruits and vegetables or cheese and crackers will help to prevent ECC. Consistency is also important! It is best to avoid snacks that are sticky such as raisons, taffy, licorice and fruit chewies because they will stick to the teeth for a longer period of time, and this can increase the chance of tooth decay. Keeping your child's mouth clean is a key factor in preventing tooth decay. Wiping the teeth and inside of your child's mouth with a damp gauze or using the corner of a clean damp washcloth will work effectively until you are comfortable using a toothbrush. Developing a daily routine of cleaning your child's teeth and gums, even before the teeth are present, will help to prevent decay and will also help to begin a positive oral care habit for your child. If you feel that your child may have ECC you should make an appointment with your family dentist as soon as possible. You may also contact a Dental Hygienist at the Dental Services Department of the Health Unit, 1-800-660-5853, if you have any questions about this article or for any other dental inquiry. =================================== PROPER FENCING CAN MAKE YOUR BACKYARD POOL SAFER Submitted by Rebecca Kavanagh, RN, B.Sc.N, Public Health Nurse Having a backyard pool is fun for everyone, especially children. Tragically, these pools are also a common location for drownings, near drownings and other injuries. In fact, 38% of all toddler drownings occurr in the home swimming pool (Red Cross, National Drowning Report 2001 Edition). The best way to prevent injuries and drownings from occurring is to never swim alone. Always ensure that children (or any weak swimmers) are supervised by an adult swimmer and have proper fencing to restrict access when the pool is not being used. Any artificial body of water that can be used for swimming and wading such as hot tubs, inflatable, in ground, above ground and some fish ponds are all considered pools. Safe Kids Canada recommends the following specifications for your fence: - It should be four sided. Having your house act as one side is not suggested, especially if there is access to the pool via a patio door. - The fence should be at least 1.2 metres (4 feet) high. - The gate must close and latch by itself (called self-closing, self-latching gates). **Each municipality has their own bylaws with consequences for not abiding by them. Please contact your municipality for more information. If all home pools were equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates, about one-third of all toddler drownings could be eliminated. (Safe Kids Canada, March 2005). =================================== KEEP SAFE THIS SUMMER IN YOUR BACKYARD POOL Submitted by Rebecca Kavanagh, RN, B.Sc.N, Public Health Nurse Swimming is a great way to keep cool and have fun, but the statistics tell us that it can also be dangerous. Nearly 500 Canadians die by drowning and many more are seen in emergency rooms each year (Canadian Red Cross, 2003). You can help keep yourself and your family safe when swimming by following these simple guidelines. Stay Sober: - Swim and/or supervise children only when you are free from impairment. Drugs, alcohol, drowsiness and distractions can all affect ones alertness and ability to react to a situation. Look First: - Always supervise children when they are swimming or playing near the water. - Check your fence yearly for damages and wear. - Keep safety equipment and a phone near the pool. - Ensure the pool area is clear of clutter and that the pool cover is completely off before swimming. Buckle Up: - Enclose the pool on all sides with a fence that is at least 4 feet high and has a self-closing and self-locking gate. Get Trained: - Take lessons and know your swimming and lifesaving abilities and limitations. - Learn CPR and First Aid and know how to use the lifesaving equipment. - Learn about your municipality's by-law regarding pools and fencing. Wear the Gear: - Ensure that weaker swimmers wear a Personal Flotation Device or Life Jacket while in or around water. - Keep a phone handy for emergencies. - Cover up, seek shade and wear sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection of SPF 15 or greater.