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"WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, JANUARY s, 2001 - 11 Year-long study will identify issues Region to launch health 'surveillance system' TA ---- a - Beginning the week of Jan. 8, the Durham Region Health Department will survey 100 area residents each month during 2001 to help identify prevailing issues in Durham Region. Known as the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS), the sur- vey was first piloted in Durham Region in 1999 with funding from Health Canada, Cancer Care Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Health. The goal of the survey is to gather current information on health trends and con- cerns. "Each month's survey will give us timely informa- tion about the health - knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of the/ resi dents of Durham Region," said Kathy Moran, an epi- demiologist with the Health Department. "Currently, we rely on provincial and national "surveys for health data," said Ms Moran. "While the information is useful in planning programs and services, it can take years after a survey is completed for local data to be com- piled and sent to individ- ual health departments. Also, data for some of our programs are unavailable from any source." Throughout each month in 2001, 100 Durham Region residents 18 years of age and older will be randomly selected to par- MP pleased with move John O'Reilly, Member of Parliament for Haliburton-Victoria- Brock, has been appoint- ed the Parliamentary Secretary for National Defence. : Mr. O'Reilly has been on the Defence and Veteran's Affairs Committee since 1993, and was part of the group that produced the 'Quality of Life' report that changed the struc- ture of the Canadian Armed Forces with improved pay and bene- and improved housing allowances. "l have helped moni- tor the recommendations with over 60% of the 87 recommendations acted on and the rest are in the process of being studied, before being implement- ed." said Mr.O'Reilly. O'Reilly named secretary to defence minister fits, better equipment The role of Parliamentary Secretary is to fill in for the minister in the House of Commons at Question Period and other events, both in Canada and other countries 'that Canada has members of the mili- tary serving. "I look forward to the new challenge to act as assistant to the Minister of Defence as I will be able to continue with the improvements that are required to maintain an effective military for Canada. "My goal in serving.on the committee was to ensure sufficient equip- ment, training and pay was a priority for the mil- itary and I will be able to continue to work in that direction," said Mr. O'Reilly. Job Finding Club set to begin another session Gain creative and effec- tive job search skills in the Job Finding Club. Meta Vocational Services Ing.. in Bowmanville is offering a three-week job search pro- gram from Jan. 8 to Jan. 26. In this program you will learn how to access the 'preparing hidden job market, effec- tive interview skills, resumes and cover letters and more. The Job Finding Club is sponsored by Human Resources Development Canada. For more informa- tion contact Lycett at 905/697-8887. Cathleen ticipate in the telephone survey. Questions asked will cover lifestyle behav- iours that may impact their health and the health of their families. This will include ques- tions about smoking, drinking and driving, immunization, use of car seats and bike helmets, sun safety, health care ser- vices and well water test- ing. Cast Iron Beauty MODEL GD60 B Vent, top or reat direct vent models 35,000 BTU's FURNITURE & AP "This information will be used to measure the impact of our program in the short-term and to track changes in the health of Durham Region residents over time," said Ms Moran. "The data will allow us to improve the programs and services we provide to the Region's 510,000 resi- dents." One such example used by Ms. Moran cites the Propane or Natural Gas y FIREBRIDGE 7&7 "WAREHOUSE 11 Main St. N., Uxbridge 852-0369 pad % B®} = ' . A t 3 § ¥ ¥ | | i i ESTE 3 1-800-638-4751 Cl Some items PLIANCES OG ST., PORT PERRY (905 Health Department's recent promotion of free flu shots for all residents in Durham Region. The survey will tell the Health Department how well its education and awareness campaign has worked and set a baseline for tracking changes in immunization rates in future. The Institute for Social Research at York [els] IN cI RE: Small enough to fit practically anywhere, only | PAN [1eT5) Impressive 22,000 BTUs cdf ~~ OVERRIDGE FIREPLACE WAREHOUSE 170 Casimir St., Port Perry 985-0715 University will be conduct- ing the survey on behalf of Durham Region Health Department and other par- ticipating health units across Ontario. For more information about the RRFSS, please visit Durham Region's website - at www.region.durham.on.ca. Survey results will also be listed on the website as they become available. 0) FF limited time only HH D priced below cost se UNITED rr ------ pan anm