Eastern Ontario Health Unit

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit promotes and protects the health and wellness of our community by preventing diseases and injuries, and by advocating for a safe and healthy environment through strategic partnership. Visit www.eohu.ca for more information.

SEPTEMBER

Back-to-school Time is the Perfect Time to Update Your Child’s Immunization Status

While you are preparing for your children’s return to school each year, it is a good idea to take a few minutes to ensure their immunization is up to date.

And did you know that you’re responsible for informing the Eastern Ontario Health Unit every time your child receives a vaccine? It’s as easy as calling the Immunization Department at the EOHU, we will be happy to update our records on your child’s immunization. Remember that incomplete records can delay your children’s attendance at school or cause their suspension.

For more information on immunization for children, call the Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 613-933-1375 or at 1 800 267-7120 and ask for Health Line. You can also visit www.eohu.ca.

OCTOBER

Staying Healthy This Flu Season

Cold and flu season are upon us, which means it’s time to take simple steps to help prevent and reduce spreading the flu and other infections. The most effective way is for you and your loved ones to get the annual flu vaccine. It improves your family’s chances of a fluless season and helps stop the infection from spreading.

Influenza immunization is available through your healthcare provider, at community health centres and participating pharmacies. You can also get your flu vaccine at one of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s (EOHU) community clinics, which will be held across Eastern Ontario from October 28^th until November 26^th. For more information about the EOHU’s flu immunization clinics, visit our website at www.eohu.ca.

Washing your hands properly and instructing your children to do the same will also help prevent the spread of infections. Remind your kids to wash their hands before and after handling food, before and after eating, after using the washroom, as well as after blowing their nose, sneezing or coughing.

Viruses and bacteria can also be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This is why it’s important to cough and sneeze into your sleeve (not your hands) or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Throw away used tissues in a garbage can immediately and wash your hands well. And remember, keep your child home from school when he or she is sick!

DECEMBER

Children Can Get Stressed Out Too

Children can experience stress just like their parents – especially during the holidays! A too-busy schedule, interrupted routines, and the excitement of the holidays can leave kids feeling overwhelmed and irritable.

Here are some tips to keep stress levels in check during the holidays:

• Try not to overcrowd your schedule. Set aside some regular time to relax with just the family.
• Stick to your basic family routines, and try to limit late nights.
• Eat healthy meals.
• Make time for some physical activity for the whole family – it’s a great stress buster!

January

Beat the Winter Blues

We all know how important it is to be active, but the cold winter months can make it difficult to get motivated. For many of us, that means spending more time in front of the television. But cold weather doesn’t have to mean staying inside – there are many fun winter outdoor activities for families! And getting some exercise and fresh air can help beat the winter blues and give everyone a much-needed boost of energy at this time of year.

• Visit your local trails with the family to enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
• Participate in the local Carnival and winter celebrations.
• Have everyone put on their skates and head to an outdoor rink with family and friends.
• Recruit the kids to help shovel the driveway (followed by some well-deserved hot chocolate!)
• Limit screen time to less than 2 hours each day.

Don’t forget to bundle up properly when the weather is cold. For more tips on physical activity, visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s website at www.eohu.ca. You can also call 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120 and ask for Health Line.