This Month at GEPH

Summer Camp Ready? Protect Against Measles

To book an appointment at a Grand Erie Public Health vaccination clinic, please visit our website.

Summer camp is a time for fun, friends, and new adventures, but with measles activity continuing in our region, it’s also a time to be prepared. Grand Erie Public Health is urging all parents and caregivers to check their child’s immunization records and make sure they’re up to date with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.

If your child is exposed to measles and doesn’t have proof of immunity, they could be excluded from camp for up to 21 days. Don’t miss out on summer fun; make sure your child is protected. Get vaccinated today!

Watch Out for West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is a disease spread through an infected mosquito’s bite. West Nile symptoms can seem like the common cold or flu. However, the virus can also cause serious illness, potentially leading to hospitalization and even death.

With summer in full swing, the great outdoors is calling for adventure. Using mosquito repellent containing DEET is the best way to reduce the risk of West Nile infection. When sitting around the campfire, wear light-coloured long sleeves, pants, and socks from dusk to dawn to prevent mosquito bites.

To learn more about preventing West Nile virus, including tips around your home, please click the below links.

Haldimand - Norfolk

Brantford - Brant

Harm Reduction

There are many local resources to go to for help, click the links below to learn more.

Haldimand - Norfolk

Brantford - Brant

Harm reduction is not about promoting drug use. It’s about promoting safety, compassion, and support so that people who use drugs can seek help when they’re ready. Harm reduction focuses on behaviours that you can change to help improve your health while using substances.

You don’t have to reach a breaking point to seek help with substance use.

Positive Coping Strategies

Stress is a common experience, but nearly a third of youth in Ontario report using poor coping mechanisms. Learning to cope with stress in healthy ways builds strength, confidence, and resilience. The way you think shapes how you feel.

Positive coping strategies include:

Setting boundaries
Staying active
Asking for help
Practicing mindfulness and deep breathing
Focusing on gratitude
Using positive thinking
Shifting your inner dialogue

Any of these techniques can have a big impact on your mood and stress levels.

To learn more, click the links below.

Haldimand - Norfolk

Brantford - Brant

Well Water Testing is Free

To learn more, click the link below.

Haldimand - Norfolk

Brantford - Brant

Did you know that GEPH offers free well water testing for residents whose drinking water comes from a private well? Water samples are tested for two types of bacteria: total coliforms and E. coli. If these bacteria are in your water, they could cause illness such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and other symptoms, which can lead to additional health concerns. We recommend testing your water every spring, summer, and fall, regardless of taste or smell.

Please join us @granderieph to stay connected!