The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Orono Weekly Times - 7 DURHAM REGIONAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT DURHAM SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT Reports outbreaks of noroviruses in community Durham Region Health Department is reminding area residents about the importance of handwashing and other infection control practices, as a number of norovirus outbreaks have been reported in the past month in the Region. " H e a l t h Department staff have investigated a number of outbreaks involving noroviruses in the community, including settings such as day nurseries, long-term care homes, retirement homes and hospitals," explained Ross MacEachern, Manager, Environmental Health with the Health Department. "Norovirus is very contagious and can spread rapidly throughout these environments." Norovirus symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and some stomach cramping. Individuals affected may also experience a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and a general sense of tiredness. The illness begins very suddenly and may last only one or two days. Generally, children experience more vomiting than adults, but most noroviruses by following these simple steps: Wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom, changing a child's diaper and before preparing or eating food. Alcohol hand sanitizers containing at least 70 per cent alcohol concentration is also effective against noroviruses. Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner. Stay at home if you are feeling ill. Visitors should not enter healthcare facilities such as hospitals, long-term care homes, or retirement homes if they or their family members are feeling ill. Do not prepare food while you have symptoms or for three days after you recover from the illness. For more information about noroviruses, please call the Health Department's Environmental Help Line at 905-723-3818 or 1-888777-9613, ext. 2188. Durham Region hosts learning workshop for parents The Regional Municipality of Durham, Social Services Department will be hosting a two-hour evening workshop--"Helping Children Cope with Separation and Divorce"--to provide parents with the tools and techniques to help their children cope through a separation or divorce in a healthy way. This workshop is presented by the Family Services Division. "Helping Children Cope with Separation and Divorce" workshop will be held on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Regional Municipality of Durham Headquarters, 605 Rossland Rd. E., Whitby. It is hoped the workshop will provide parents with an understanding of how children grieve and react to separation and divorce, and offer parenting strategies to support their child's successful adjustment. A fee is required for participants: $20 per person and $35 per couple. Child care will not be available. For more information on the workshop or registration, please call Family Services Durham at 905666-6240 (press "0") or v i s i t www.durham.ca/FamilyS ervicesResources. individuals affected can experience both vomiting and diarrhea. There are no antiviral medications or vaccines that work against noroviruses. Most individuals recover quickly from norovirus, however, sometimes they are unable to drink enough liquids to replace fluids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea. This can result in dehydration that may require medical attention. Dehydration usually affects the very young, the elderly and persons with weakened immune systems. You can decrease your chances of spreading or coming into contact with reliable · responsible · recyclable YOUR OFFICE SUPPLY STORE INKJETS · LASER · RIBBON CARTRIDGES COPY & PRINT CENTER 410 TORONTO ST., NEWCASTLE · 905-987-4781 COMMUTERS DREAM HOME! MATURE .38 ACRE CORNER LOT - $264,900 SAVING LIVES at work, home and play This Four Level Sidesplit was Completely Renovated. Minutes to Hwy for Commuters. Fantastic Layout with Three Bedrooms, Two Baths, Finished Basement and Family room with Gas Fireplace. Go Bus Available to Oshawa and Peterborough. ROYAL SERVICE REAL ESTATE INC. · JANICE PARISH Broker of Record Toll Free 1-888-372-4140 · janice@royalservice.ca · 118 King Ave. E., Newcastle 905-987-1033