No images? Click here In This Issue - August 2020
Physicians' CornerWelcome to Niagara Region Public Health's first broadcast for physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other Health Care Providers! In the first broadcast (video included below), Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health provides an update on what to expect this September, specifically in preparation for schools reopening, speaks to a new report from Public Health Ontario on the negative impacts of COVID-19 on children and families, and provides a brief reminder of the July 22 planning for the upcoming influenza season memo and where you can access the latest data on the pandemic here in Niagara. Have a burning question or something you would like to see discussed in a future session? We'd love to hear from you! UPDATE: New Resources Available for Niagara ParentsNiagara Region Public Health is committed to serve Niagara parents by providing reliable advice about pregnancy, newborn care, feeding your baby, parenting questions, child or parental mental health concerns, and community supports. Service pamphlets for the following programs are now available to order for your practice to help support new and expecting parents. Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) Home Visiting Program: Our HBHC program is a free and voluntary program for pregnant moms, and families with young children up to the age of six. Our public health nurses provide home visits for:
Nurse Family Partnership (NFP): Our NFP involves home visits by a public health nurse for young, socially and/or economically disadvantaged, first-time mothers under the age of 25. These home visits occur throughout pregnancy and until the child’s second birthday. The program goals are:
Information regarding the referral process for our home visiting programs can be found here. Early Beginnings Program: This program is geared towards premature babies and their families. This fun and playful group allows for families to learn activities that will help support their child’s growth and development. Individuals who attend this program will:
For questions and inquiries please contact Niagara Parents at 905-684-7555 or 1-888-505-6074 ext.7555, Monday – Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. UPDATE: Supporting Patients with Alzheimer'sSeptember is World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Niagara has one of the largest senior populations per capita in Canada. As of 2016, approximately 9,640 people in Niagara are living with a form of dementia. By 2026, this number is expected to increase by 30%. The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region is offering First Link® for health care providers looking to support their patients living with dementia. How does First Link® work?
Referral forms for this program are available online. For more information about programs offered through the Alzheimer Society of Niagara, please call 905-687-3914. REVIEW: Suicide PreventionWorld Suicide Prevention Day is held annually on September 10. This day promotes education and awareness and offers a chance to connect and reflect on how we can work together to prevent suicide. In Niagara, someone dies by suicide approximately every 9 days. Although certain demographics of people are disproportionately affected by suicide, no one is immune and reducing the risk of suicide (suicide prevention) in our community is everyone’s responsibility. While we all have a role to play in preventing suicide, health care providers have a unique opportunity to make an impact. Creating safe spaces where patients can talk about suicide, and asking directly about thoughts of suicide can help to reduce the stigma that many people feel about the topic, and can open up a life-saving line of communication. Research from the Lighthouse Project has shown that in the month prior to dying by suicide:
As part of our Suicide Prevention framework, we have prioritized working with health care professionals to understand providers’ needs when it comes to talking to patients about suicide, and to support this work, including finding opportunities to connect you to continuing education. Suicide: Facing the Difficult Topic Together is a 2 hour online module (2.0 Mainpro + credits) that will empower you to address suicide with your patients. At the end of the course, you will be able to:
For additional support for your patients in Niagara, see our website for resources. For questions or additional information, please contact Stephanie Hicks. REVIEW: Rabies in NiagaraThere are a number of ways that patients can be encouraged to protect themselves against rabies:
As of the end of July, 2020 there have been 474 cases of raccoon strain, and 21 cases of fox strain rabies in Ontario and one case of raccoon strain in Niagara. Niagara Region Public Health & Emergency Services Rabies Prevention program is active through the COVID-19 pandemic. Please report any suspected cases immediately when a person has been exposed to a rabid or suspected rabid animal. Public Health staff are available 24/7 to assist you with patient risk assessment, and advise on rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Wherever possible, in order to minimize the impact on our hospital emergency and urgent care departments, please arrange for any rabies PEP to be done at your clinic or office. For more information, please call the Environmental Health program at 905-688-8248 ext. 7590 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (after hours, call 905-984-3694). FREE CME TRAINING: Vaccine Hesitancy - Supporting Families in Vaccine Decision-MakingFamily physicians and clinical staff are invited to attend this virtual (Zoom) event! September 30, 2020 – 5:30 – 8:15 p.m. Vaccine preventable diseases result in significant costs to individuals, the health care system and society. Health care professionals are vital in helping individuals and families make an informed decision to vaccinate. In response to requests for more information and best-practice around how to converse with vaccine hesitant patients, please join us for a virtual (Zoom) CME with keynote speaker Dr. Noni MacDonald. Learning objectives:
Register online or call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7396 by Wednesday, September 23. This Group Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to two Mainpro+ credits. MEDICAL ADVISORIES & MEMOS August 2020
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