|
|
|
|
Thunder Bay Fire Management Headquarters (FMH) and Provincial Logistics Centre (PLC) Wellness Day a Success
On June 4th, Thunder Bay FMH and PLC, in association with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, hosted a Wellness Day at the headquarters located at 1580 Arthur Street West. Roughly 90 staff participated in the Wellness Day.
The day was meant to encourage staff to be healthier in all aspects of their lives and to learn new ways to accomplish this. Staff took part in: a yoga session facilitated by local fire crew leaders and fitness enthusiasts, Mindy Blumberg and Dean Johnson; a healthy eating and cooking demonstration presented by the Health Unit’s Karling Zaporzan; and a health fair with displays and games to help participants take a closer look at a variety of potential health hazards.
Lunch was catered by Ling Lee’s, using the stir-fry techniques demonstrated earlier. After bellies were full, the day wrapped up with a smoking cessation presentation by Carrie Wiley, public health nurse from the Health Unit. Encouragement was offered, along with a quit smoking program for those who smoke, and reasons to never start for non-smokers. All in all, it was a day to embrace physical, mental and nutritional health!
The day proved to be a great success. The staff all enjoyed themselves and gained renewed motivation to incorporate healthy behaviours into all aspects of their lives. A special thank you goes out to the staff at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit for enabling the day to happen and bringing their expertise to the headquarters.
Submitted by Jala Hamilton, Fire Crew Leader, Thunder Bay Fire Mangement Headquarters
|
|
|
|
|
New FREE resources from PARC (Physical Activity Resource Centre)
|
|
|
 The Don’t Skip Out campaign is aimed at adults 18-64 years old and focuses on the importance of making physical activity a priority – despite how busy we are.
There are 3 different posters available with the following messages:
Poster 1: Too busy to exercise? You don’t skip brushing your teeth because you are too busy. Don’t skip out on your health.
Poster 2: Too busy to exercise? You don’t skip tying your shoes because you are too busy. Don’t skip out on your health.
Poster 3: Too busy to exercise? You don’t skip your morning coffee because you are too busy. Don’t skip out on your health.
These posters were created to help raise awareness of the importance of physical activity and encourage adults to get active.
Bilingual posters are available for download by registering at
ophea.net/product/dont-skip-out-posters
For hard copies, contact Hanna at 807-625-5972.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can Breastfeeding Moms Return to Work?
The World Health Organization, the Canadian Pediatric Society and Health Canada recommend babies receive only breast milk for the first six months of life with the introduction of complimentary foods around six months. Health Canada and the Canadian Pediatric Society also recommend breastfeeding up to two years and beyond. So what does this mean for mothers returning to work from maternity leave?
There are many benefits for both mom and baby who continue to breastfeed. Some benefits for babies include increased protection against childhood diabetes and certain childhood cancers, protection against ear, stomach and respiratory infections, and promotion of healthy brain development. For moms, breastfeeding protects against breast and ovarian cancer, helps the uterus return to normal size after birth and decreases risk for osteoporosis. So now what does this mean for employers who support breastfeeding employees?
A supportive working environment for a breastfeeding family means:
- Improved productivity, loyalty, morale and work satisfaction (Galtry, 1997; Ortiz et al., 2004)
- Less absenteeism - breastfed children are less likely to be sick, resulting in less sick days for staff (Cohen et al.,1995)
- Less staff turnover - staff breastfeeding are more likely to return to a workplace where they feel supported in their personal decisions resulting in loyal, experienced and trained staff (Galtry, 1997)
Breastfeeding mothers in Ontario also have the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on their side. According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, employers have a duty to accommodate the needs of women when they are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a natural part of child-rearing and women should not be discriminated against because they have chosen to breastfeed. Employers should also provide breastfeeding mothers with adequate breaks for breastfeeding or expressing breast milk without forgoing regular meal time breaks or working additional time for breaks taken.
For more information on the Policy on Discrimination because of Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, visit www.ohrc.on.ca. For all other breastfeeding inquiries, call Miranda at 625-5913 or email miranda.bennett@tbdhu.com.
|
|
Take the Challenge!
Take the Challenge! The Thunder Bay Breastfeeding Coalition invites all breastfeeding moms to the annual Breastfeeding Challenge on Saturday October 4, 2014 at the Waverley Resource Library. The challenge aims to set the record for the most women breastfeeding at one time in a set geographical location as a percentage of the birth rate. It’s free, fun and friendly and you have the chance to win great prizes!
To register, call (807) 631-1704 or 625-5913.
|
|
Commuter Challenge 2014
The Commuter Challenge is an annual friendly competition that encourages individuals and workplaces to explore greener transportation options to and from work for personal, environmental and community health. It takes place the first week of June during National Environmental Week when commuters across Canada are challenged to try alternatives to driving alone for at least one trip during the week. Participants log their trip at commuterchallenge.ca for a chance to win prizes. EcoSuperior, with funding from the City of Thunder Bay and in partnership with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, led the first city-wide coordinated effort to promote Commuter Challenge in Thunder Bay. The results? Thunder Bay placed 1 in the Country for communities in the 100,000 people range! Here are some stats:
- 798 people registered in Thunder Bay
- 606 people participated by logging at least one trip onto commuterchallenge.ca
- 54 workplaces participated
- 43,688 kilometres tracked
- 2,705 litres of fuel saved, representing roughly $3,922 saved in fuel costs in a week
- 488,017 calories burned
- 6,253 kg of greenhouse gases avoided, which is enough to fill the Canada Games Complex pool 1.4 times.
- 87 people tried transit
- 274 people tried cycling
- 212 people tried walking
- 306 people tried carpooling
Dr. Janet DeMille, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Thunder Bay District Health Unit; Jon Hendel, Planning & Marketing Analyst, City of Thunder Bay – Transit Services; Nick Franze, Thunder Bay Transit Bus Driver.
Thunder Bay is an active and vibrant City and we should all be proud of making our City #1!
We would also like to congratulate the workplaces that had the highest percentages of participation!
1 - 19 Employees: Bay Credit Union
20 – 49 Employees: Lutheran Community Care Group
50 – 199 Employees: Ministry of Government Services
>200 Employees: Confederation College
A big thank you to our wonderful sponsors listed at ecosuperior.org/article/commuter-challenge-1250.asp
The end of Commuter Challenge does not mean you have to stop being active, carpooling or taking transit. Now that you know how easy these commuting options are, we hope you’ll consider making a healthy and green choice more often.
We’ve had a great week and are already thinking about how to make it even better next year.
Submitted by The Commuter Challenge Team
Top
|
|
 Parents@work
Sending your child off to college
or university?
If you’re a parent sending your child off to higher education, you wouldn’t be alone if you admitted to mixed feelings: excitement, pride, relief and perhaps anxiety about what this new phase will bring. You may also be pondering a new role for yourself as a parent. Do you fade into the background of their life as they become more independent, or stay actively involved?
Research shows that parental awareness and caring throughout the postsecondary years does make a difference. So how can parents support their child as they navigate this stage of life? Here are some tips to make the transition healthier and happier.
- Be honest with yourself about your own feelings. Seeing your son or daughter head off to college or university can be difficult and as a parent you might be very invested in the outcome or have mixed feelings. Understanding your own feelings and motives will help you to distinguish between your child’s issues and your own.
- Let your young adult know that you are there to support them. Listen and give thoughtful advice, but step back a little and encourage them to take ownership of their own life decisions.
- Have a conversation about more than just academic issues. It’s important to talk about other aspects of campus life, like dealing with stress, staying healthy and reducing risks associated with drinking and sexual behaviour. Let your child know that you care and that they can talk to you.
- Encourage new ideas, activities and friendships. Students who are engaged in their school experience and have a supportive peer network are better able to manage stress.
- Be informed about the school and its services. Schools provide orientation information to first year students and to parents of new students. Plan time to participate with your student. Read the literature provided by the school and attend any parent sessions if they are available. Learning about support services, health, counselling, accessibility and advising, to name a few, can help you to direct your son or daughter to available resources and services they may have forgotten or overlooked.
- Encourage your young adult to use student support services. Seeking help is a not a sign of weakness and shows maturity. This is especially important for a student who is struggling with academic or mental health issues. Encourage your student to connect with these services as soon as possible when concerns arise. On campus counselling may be the most immediate source of help if a student is living away from home.
- Learn about community and provincial resources. There are many resources in the community – different support groups, organizations, and helplines. Your school may know many of them. A good resource is Good2Talk - a free mental health helpline for Ontario’s post-secondary students.
Click on the links below for more information on how to talk to your teen and stay connected during their transition to college or university.
CAMH’s Back to School Basics – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Parenting a First Year Student – Lakehead University
The Top 10 Things Every Parent of a First Year Should Know – University of Toronto
Tips for Parenting Through the University Years – McMaster University
Tips for Parents on Building Healthy Relationships with their Teenagers – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Top
|
|
Are you thinking of quitting smoking?
MATCH Study can help!
Smoking is associated with a number of serious health issues. Quitting smoking can be the single most beneficial thing smokers can do to improve their health. Well-validated research studies have consistently shown that using smoking cessation medications doubles the chances of successfully quitting.
MATCH is an internet-based research study being conducted by the scientists at the Nicotine Dependence Clinic at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). The purpose of this research study is to assess the real-world effectiveness of approved prescription-only smoking cessation medications, bupropion and varenicline. This study will provide 12 weeks of medication at no cost to help participants quit smoking.
To learn more about the study and to enroll, please visit: MATCHstudy.ca
Top
|
|
Autumn Chicken and Squash Dinner
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
 Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
(about 1-1/2 lb / 750 kg)
1 large Ontario Onion, thinly sliced
1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced 1-1/2 lb (750 g) Ontario Butternut Squash, pared and cut into
approx. 3/4-inch (2 cm) pieces
1 cup (250 mL) water
1/2 cup (125 mL) teriyaki marinade and sauce
2 tsp (10 mL) minced fresh gingerroot
3 tbsp (45 mL) water
2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour
Preparation
In large nonstick frypan or Dutch oven, heat oil. Add chicken breasts and brown on both sides; remove chicken. Add onion and garlic to pan; cook and stir over medium heat until onion is translucent. Return chicken to pan. Add squash.
Combine 1 cup (250 mL) water, teriyaki sauce and ginger; pour over chicken and squash. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink inside and squash is tender, spooning sauce over top occasionally. Remove chicken and vegetables to platter; keep warm.
Smoothly combine 3 tbsp (45 mL) water and flour; add to pan. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens. Pour over chicken and vegetables. Serve immediately.
Recipe posted by Foodland Ontario © Queen's Printer for Ontario
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
