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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday July 26, 2008 - 69 Your health in changing climate I t is now widely accepted that human activities are contributing to climate change. How we heat and light the buildings we live and work in, our choice of vehicle, how our food gets to our table, where we go on vacation ­ all these things, and more, affect emissions of greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. A changing climate can affect your health and wellbeing in many ways. Temperature extremes, extreme weather events and insect and tick-borne infectious diseases are all expected to increase over the coming decades. Health impacts are expected to be higher in developing countries that do not have stable health care systems, active public health initiatives, and whose citizens do not have access to, or cannot afford, air conditioning and window screens. But even wealthy, developed countries, which are well positioned to respond to impacts of a changing climate, can be affected. The European heat wave of 2003 and hurricane Katrina in the United States in 2005 both resulted in widespread human suffering. In Ontario, climate change is expected to increase average summer temperatures by 5°C and winter temperatures in some southern locations by up to 6°C by the end of this century. In the Toronto-Niagara region, this means that the number of days with temperatures over 30°C is expected to double from 15 to 30 by the 2030s. This is expected to increase the number of heat-related health impacts such as heat stroke, heart attacks and premature death. People particularly vulnerable to extreme heat are those without air conditioning, and the very elderly and very young, who tend to have more difficulty regulating body heat and who may not be able to move, unassisted, to cooling centres. Warmer temperatures are expected to increase the number of days that we experience smog as well. This means that we can expect to see an increase in air pollution health impacts such as bronchitis and asthma. Warmer temperatures may also have some health benefits for southern Ontario by reducing the number of cold-related deaths in winter. Unfortunately, warmer winters may allow better survival of ticks and insects that are capable of spreading infectious diseases. For example, in a warmer world, the range of the black-legged tick, which spreads Lyme disease, could include most of heavily-populated Ontario. The mosquitotransmitted West Nile virus, first identified in New York in 1999 and now affecting most of the United States and Canada, may cause more frequent outbreaks of human illness. There are steps that each of us can take to protect our health from the changing climate which includes: · Pay attention to the heat and cold alerts issued by Halton Region and the air pollution forecasts issued by the Province and adjust your daily routine. · Remove standing water in your yard to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and use insect repellent with no more than 30 per cent DEET, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and any time in wooded areas. Use a repellent with 10 per cent DEET for children under 12 and do not use on infants less than six months. · Reduce emissions that contribute to climate change by adjusting your thermostat to use less energy and turning lights, TVs and computers off when they are not in use. For information, call Halton Region at 905-8256000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866),TTY 905-827-9833 or visit www.halton.ca. -- Health Notes is prepared by staff of the Halton Region Health Department. OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO RECRUITING: Ann McComb hears from volunteer Jodi Severin about volunteering at the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH). Last year OTMH held an open house to recruit volunteers. It's now looking for those who want to work in its gift shop. OTMH gift shop is recruiting The Auxiliary to O a k v i l l e - Tr a f a l g a r Memorial Hospital (OTMH) is looking for volunteers to help out in its Treasure Cove Gift Shop as cashiers and customer service representatives. "Our gift shop stocks a great variety of unique items from gourmet and hostess gifts, to clothing, jewellery and baby wear," said Bonnie Collins, gift shop manager. "We are looking for outgoing people to join our volunteer team. Currently, we have openings for cashiers / customer service representatives. Retail experience would certainly be an asset, but is not essential." "With our shop open during the weekends and evenings, we have a variety of daytime, evening and weekend shifts available," said Carole Daniels, manger of volunteer services. "We invite anyone interested in joining our team to give us a call and learn more about this exciting opportunity," said Daniels. The Treasure Cove Gift Shop is located in the main lobby of OTMH and is operated by the Auxiliary. Gift Shop volunteers are needed for shifts that include: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 12:30-3:30 p.m.; 3:30-6:30 p.m.; and, 6:308:30 p.m, Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. With a membership of close to 700 volunteers, the Auxiliary has contributed more than $5 million dollars to OTMH to date, to help enhance the quality of healthcare at OTMH. Last year, the gift shop raised $234,600 for hospital equipment. If you would like information about volunteering opportunities at OTMH, call the OTMH Volunteer Department at 905-338-4643, e-mail lparente@haltonhealthcare.on .ca or log on to the Halton Healthcare Services website at www.haltonhealthcare.com. Dr. Jenna Davis Family Chiropractor/ Acupuncturist Alliance Healthcare Professionals Dr. Jenna Davis 905.845.2291 Thank you Oakville for the Nomination for Best Chiropractor! CHIROPRACTIC MOTHER'S MORNING OUT Wellness, Health and Development Information for You and Your Family WITH DR. JENNA DAVIS FREE Monday, July 28, 2008 10:30am to 11:30am · Baby Yoga · Developmental and cognitive activities · Meet other new parents · Postural and core strengthening exercises for parents · Health and wellness discussions EVERYONE WELCOME! FREE MONTHLY EVENT Reduce Reuse Recycle FREE YOU AND YOUR PREGNANCY Morning Sickness? Breastfeeding Concerns? Pregnancy and Postnatal Nutrition questions? Whether you are minutes pregnant or minutes away from delivery, there is important information for everyone! 4 Week Session is offered Thursday from 7-8pm First Class: Thursday, July 31! Please call Alliance Healthcare to register. Seating is limited. 232 South Service Rd. E, Oakville, ON L6J 2X5 www.alliancehealthcare.ca