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14 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, August 15, 2000 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" a Durliam Region launches West Nile virus watch Durham Region Health Department is urging residents of Durham Region to be on the lookout for dead birds to help gauge the potential introduction of West Nile virus in Ontario. While there has been no indication that the virus has spread north into Ontario, health departments across the province are now increasing their monitoring activities and asking members of the public to report findings of numer- ous dead birds in the area, with the exception of pigeons and doves. "We're asking Durham Region residents to look for more than one death in the bird population in the area, excluding pigeons and doves," says Dr. Donna Reynolds, Durham Region Associate Medical Officer of Health. "If anyone does find birds, especially crows, dying off in ~ clusters or in large numbers, they're asked to report this to the Health Department." Pigeons and doves are not included in the surveillance as the Health Department reports that these deaths are attributed to other causes, explains Dr. Reynolds. Members of the public reporting dead birds are asked to call the Health Department at (905) 723-8521 or 1-800- 841-2729, ext. 2188. Residents are asked to only report birds that have died recently and where the cause of death is not noticeable. Birds that have been killed by another animal or automobile, partially eaten by a predator after death or been dead for some time cannot be tested and should not be reported. These birds should be disposed of by burying the carcass deep enough in the ground to avoid attracting predators. Evidence of West Nile virus first appeared last fall in New York State. More than 60 people became ill, with seven deaths reported as a result. The virus is spread by mosquitoes, which become infected after feeding on infected birds. The virus has resurfaced in New York this summer, where positive test results have been confirmed on dead crows. Reports indicate that so far one resident of New York has contracted the virus. The virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus is not known to spread from person to person or from bird to per- son. Most people who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms or only develop very mild symptoms. Three to 12 days following a bite from an infect- ed mosquito, a person may experience a mild fever, headache and mild flu-like symptoms. More severe cases may result in rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness and dis- orientation. While most people fully recover, severe illness may rarely result in death, especially among the elderly. Durham Region Department recommends the following steps to protect yourself and avoid being bitten by mos- quitoes: a remain in well-screened or completely enclosed, air conditioned areas awear light coloured clothing with long sleeves and full length pants a use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed 'skin, carefully following manufacturer's instructions. The Health Department also recommends removing standing water from all areas around your home, as this is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Checking and draining roof gutters, planters, bird baths, wheelbarrows, discarded tires and other potential sources that could collect water will help to reduce the mosquito population around your home. For more. information on West Nile virus, visit the Region of Durham's web site at www.region.durham.on ca. or call Durham Region Health Department's Environmental Help Line at (905) 723-8521 or 1-800-841-2729, ext. 2188. Forthcoming Mavviage By Dorinda and Gary Bradshaw Sia of Gate City Virginia, wish to announce h| the engagement of their daughter Courtney Kimberlin Bradshaw to Jason Todd McCully son of Sandy and Wayne McCully of Seagrave. The couple will be united in { Christ Jesus at the First Baptist Church of Gate City on October 7, 2000 We would like to congratulate both of our wonderful daughters Samantha & Amanda Langford Sam has just heard that she is going to the Olympics in Australia to work as an Administrative Assisstant to the President of the F1.V.B. Have a great mip Sam, and come back safely. Amanda is leaving for Algonquin College in / Outawa on the 20th August, to study Animauon Television for 2 years. Congratulations to both of you! We are very proud parents! " Love akways Mom & Dad Congratulations to Lou Whitfield for graduating from the Police Education Program at Sir Sandford Fleming College Very proud of you! Love Mom & Dad, Jeff, Ed & Cole TEE p Ross and Marilyn Muriro are proud SNE to announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter Heather Dawn © Harald Atzelsberger son of Karl and Herta Atzelsberger of Toronto. Wedding will take place on September 16, 2000 at Uxbridge Baptist Church PIA[L plo[T H[u[D o/L|e|lo rule 1 |o|T]|A Rlo/a|rREMsS|[s|eN]|e|E|D T[e[r[N T|m]E[N o[n|[A Nn E[s]s s|a|r[T[E[R c|r[alw|L o[N|[OJMV] i [r|G|oR|A]Y Bla[L[s|AIMA] 1 [r[L]1]|N]E T|e|n]|O L|elEe elals]|T Gc|o|o[s V|E|E|R 1 |R{K G|(R|1|P]|| Hla|[R[DEN|e|e Y[e[A|rR s|uln sik]|y s[iL]v Wilderness First Aid course offered St. John Ambulance is offering a wilder- cate. ness first aid course. The course instructs valuable informa- tion on cold exposure, bear attacks, burns, gunshot wounds, dental emergencies, mushroom/berry poisoning. The program also offers helpful ideas on improvising first aid supplies, shelters, and signaling for help. The Wilderness First The course is $150.00 and is approxi- mately 28 hours of instruction and is taught over two weekend's. on training. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required before August 31. Call 905/434- Aid course requires a pre-requisite of either a current 7800. Standard or Emergency First Aid certifi- The dates for the training session are September 16, 17, 23 and 24 in Oshawa. We will be offsite at Camp Samac for hands Good luck with your Police Career. | * Choosing your family child care centre... Making <the choice of where your child will be cared for cah make a sig- nificant difference in how he/she evolves. In order to alleviate some of the stress that comes with such an important deci- sion, these helpful hints are being provided to help your family's deci- sion. e When choosing a child care provider ensure that children will be in a safe, healthy and happy envi- ronment. Take the time to discuss disciplines, nutri- tion and the surroundings with potential providers. * Good staffing ratios are also essential to quality of child care settings. Ensure there is sufficient supervi- sion for the number of children enrolled in each care facility you are assessing. Ask about the specialized training and education programs and degrees of the entire staff who will be caring for your child. * Is the environment invit- ing for your child to grow and learn on a daily basis? Is the setting neat, clean and organized into activity areas? Is it large enough inside and out for exercise and learning based on the group's size? Does it place safety for the children high on the list of priori- ties? * Parents should always be encouraged to discuss any concerns they have regarding the day to day activities and care of their children. Are visits open to parents to drop in and see for themselves how their children interact with other children as well as with staff? * One of the very best indicators of quality day care is the attitude of your child/children. Are they happy to arrive at the cen- tre? Do they share their day's activities with the family enthusiastically? While this article is only an overview of a broad num- ber of questions you and your family will want to have answered, it should help you through some of the interview process of placing your child/chil- dren in a quality child care centre. After all, investing in our children at this stage in their lives is investing in a strong potential for future growth throughout their school- ing. Stonemoor Day Care OPEN YEAR ROUND glonemoor 6:30am -- 6:00pm NB Registration accepted all year round Nomprofit- > sy = hy Trae" organization v i Port Perry Uxbridge A 985-0800 852-3510 Contact Karen 985-0800 UTICA COMMUNITY DAYCARE Over 12 years of caring, learning, and friendship Qualified staff large outdoor playgrounds exciting developmental programs home cooked meals on several busing routes full or part days 15 months - 12 yéars Located at 14251 Marsh Hill Rd. - just 5 minutes east of Pont Perry! WINNERS OF THE 2000 PORT PERRY STAR 'READER'S CHOICE AWARDS' Call 905-985-8783 TYKES OF COLUMBUS CHILD CARE CENTRE - Qualified Staff - - Government Licensed - - Ages 18 months to 5 years - 3250 Simcoe St. N. (in the village of Columbus) 655-7500 a --