News Archive
SubscribeBitter Temperatures Expected to Persist Into This Evening As Cold Alert Extended
London, ON – The weekend’s bitter cold continues to grip London and Middlesex County as temperatures continue to hover around -15C with windchill values of -23. Today’s Environment Canada forecast is calling for a daytime high of -11C, before things head back into the deep freeze overnight with a low of -20C and windchill values of -24. Therefore, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is extending its current Cold Weather Alert until Tuesday, January 22, when temperature will climb to a daytime high of -4C.
Health Unit Includes Vaping and Cannabis in National Non-Smoking Week Campaign
Many people across the region start the year by making a commitment to healthier living. So it’s no surprise that among the many new year’s resolutions that get made each January, quitting smoking is consistently near the top of the list. For this year’s edition of National Non-Smoking Week, which runs from January 20th to January 26th, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is not only focusing on tobacco, but is encouraging people to think about the smoking and vaping of cannabis as well.
Call for Frigid Weekend Temperatures Leads to Latest Cold Weather Alert
A very cold weekend is on the way, with the mercury expected to dip to nearly -17C Saturday night, then to -21C overnight Sunday, breaching the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s threshold for a Cold Weather Alert. The current Environment Canada forecast is also calling for plenty of snow this weekend, which could cause dangerous conditions for driving and for walking. The Health Unit is reminding those planning to spend time outdoors to take precautions and dress for the conditions in order to avoid possible cold-related injuries. The Alert is expected to remain in place until the morning of Monday, January 21, when the Environment Canada forecast calls for temperatures to increase to a daytime high of -11C but remain cold overnight.
Temperatures to Drop Overnight as Windchill Values Make First Blast of Winter Feel Even Colder
London, ON – Winter’s mild start is taking a sharp cold turn tonight as the mercury and wind chill values drop, creating conditions approaching the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s threshold for a Cold Weather Alert. Environment Canada’s forecast is calling for an overnight low of -14C and wind chill values that will drop from -9 in the evening to a frigid -20 by Friday morning. Though forecast temperatures do not meet the MLHU’s threshold for issuing a Cold Weather Alert, the Health Unit is reminding anyone who will be spending time outdoors this evening, or taking part in winter activities, to prepare for the conditions.
Health Canada Advisory About Plasma Pens Prompts Advice from Health Unit
London, ON – A device used in some personal service settings and private homes across London and Middlesex County was the subject of a Health Canada advisory issued last week. Health Canada issued the news release on November 26th advising consumers that plasma pens, also known as “fibroblast devices”, are not approved in Canada. As they have not been evaluated for safety, effectiveness or quality, the agency has declared that the devices may pose health risks and is recommending that consumers avoid the use of plasma pens, whether at a spa, esthetician, cosmetic clinic, or any other location, including private homes.
Unexpected Hepatitis A Outbreak Demonstrates Local Health Inequities
An unexpected number of hepatitis A cases have been reported to the Middlesex-London Health Unit over the last few months, resulting in an outbreak mostly among under-housed or homeless Londoners, and those who inject drugs. Where the Health Unit would only expect to see about three cases of hepatitis A per year, most of them travel-related, there have been 16 non travel-related cases in 2018 so far; 15 since October 1st alone.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection to Hold News Conference This Morning
The Middlesex-London Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection will hold a news conference at 9:30 a.m. this morning to provide an important update about London’s Temporary Overdose Prevention Site and proposed permanent sites.
Temporary OD Prevention Site to Operate Through end of 2018 as Proposed Permanent Sites Receive…
The Middlesex-London Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection received notification late Wednesday afternoon that the Federal Government had approved the applications for two permanent Consumption and Treatment Services (CTSs) in London, at 446 York Street and 241 Simcoe Street. The correspondence from Health Canada also advised officials that the temporary overdose prevention site (TOPS) at 186 King Street had been approved as an interim facility until the site at 446 York is operational. The news comes on the same day that correspondence was also received from Ontario’s Health Minister indicating that TOPS would continue to operate through the end of 2018.
Health Unit Prepares for New Smoking and Vaping Laws in Ontario
With the passing of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017), the smoking and vaping of cannabis will be regulated under the same provincial legislation that controls tobacco, banning its consumption in the same places where tobacco use is already prohibited.
Release of Community Drug and Alcohol Strategy Next Step in Local Response
Each day, people across the City of London and Middlesex County face challenges associated with the use of drugs and alcohol. These challenges can, and often do, have devastating negative effects on health, relationships, safety and overall community wellness. In an effort to address these harmful impacts, the Middlesex-London Community Drug & Alcohol Strategy – A Foundation For Action was released today.