News Archive
SubscribeForecast High Humidity Leads to Middlesex-London's First Heat Alert of 2014
Environment Canada’s forecast calling for high humidex values to reach near 40 has prompted the Medical Officer of Health to issue the summer’s first Heat Alert for the Middlesex-London Region. The forecast calls for a hot and hazy airmass to descend on Southwestern Ontario tomorrow, with temperatures climbing by the afternoon before a cold front moves in and brings more seasonal temperatures through the rest of the week. A forecast calling for humidex values of 40 or more is one of the Health Unit’s triggers for issuing a Heat Alert.
More West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquitoes Found in Middlesex County
Evidence is showing that West Nile Virus activity is becoming more widespread in our community, despite the cooler temperatures London and Middlesex County are experiencing. Since the first West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes of the summer, found in one trap in London’s Sifton Bog and the other in the south end of Strathroy, one more trap has tested positive in Dorchester.
Health Unit Reports Summer's First West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquito Traps
Mosquitoes found in two local traps have tested positive for West Nile Virus; the first is in London’s Sifton Bog and the other in the south end of Strathroy. The findings are the first indication that West Nile Virus is present in the Middlesex-London this year and provides a great opportunity to remind residents how to protect themselves against mosquito bites this summer.
[Upcoming] Nicotine Replacement Therapy Workshop
Are you ready to quit smoking? The Middlesex-London Health Unit is hosting a workshop in London to help you quit. The STOP program delivers research-based, cost-free smoking cessation workshops in local communities. To see if you’re eligible, and to register, please call: 519-663-5317 ext. 2675.
Do Your Part - Help Keep Parks and Playgrounds Tobacco-Free This Summer
London, ON – A year after the City of London’s outdoor smoking bylaw came into effect, less tobacco use is happening within local parks, playgrounds and sports fields. The local bylaw prohibits smoking within nine metres of park recreational amenities such as playground equipment, splash pads, sports fields and spectator areas, and the entrances to municipal buildings such as arenas, libraries and community centres. Through awareness and the self-regulating nature of the bylaw - by which sports fans, parents, and park and playground users encourage each other not to light up - there is less second-hand smoke and tobacco use in the places where people are most active or enjoying time spent outdoors.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy Workshop
Do you want to quit smoking? The Middlesex-London Health Unit is hosting a workshop in London to help you quit. The STOP program delivers research-based, cost-free smoking cessation workshops in local communities. To see if you’re eligible, and to register, please call: 519-663-5317 ext. 2675.
From June 7th to 14th Safe Kids Week Puts the Emphasis on Water Safety
London, ON – With the arrival of warmer temperatures and summer sun, more people will be spending time poolside or at the beach in the coming days and weeks. Because of the risks associated with water activities, the 19th annual Parachute’s Safe Kids Week will focus on water safety, and the prevention of drowning and water-related injuries. From June 7th to 14th, the theme will be: Safe Swimming, Safe Splashing, Safe Kids. The tragic loss of more than 570 Canadian children by drowning in the past 10 years highlights the critical importance of water safety messages, resources and education.
Safe Kids Week
Did you know? June 7-14 is Parachute Canada’s Safe Kids Week, which is an annual public awareness campaign about preventable childhood injuries. The 2014 Safe Kids week theme is Safe Swimming, Safe Splashing, Safe Kids, which highlights the importance of water safety and drowning prevention.
One Life One You Team Celebrates 2014 World No Tobacco Day
London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit’s One Life One You team is joining forces with about 50 teens and youth from the eight health units that make up the Southwest Tobacco Control Area Network (SW TCAN) to celebrate World No Tobacco Day tomorrow. This year’s celebration will be held at Tecumseh Park in Chatham, where the One Life One You and youth from the SW TCAN will take part in the Chatham-Kent Youth Festival.
Campaign Aims to Decrease Road Injuries by Reminding Drivers and Cyclists to Share the Road
Middlesex Centre, ON – Encouraged by warmer temperatures and drawn by a desire to be active, more and more cyclists are riding city streets and county roads. As bicycle riders and motorists find themselves increasingly sharing roadways, the London Middlesex Road Safety Committee has launched an awareness campaign to prevent collision-related injuries and deaths. Using an approach that combines traditional media with highly visible signage, the Share the Road campaign encourages drivers and cyclists to be courteous and respectful of one another, while providing safety margins for vehicles that pass bikes.