No images? Click here In This Issue - January 2020
UPDATE: Live Chat with a Public Health NurseNiagara Parents (formerly the Parent Talk Line) now offers Live Chat for parents and caregivers in the Niagara Region. The modernization of Niagara Parents is one strategy Public Health is using to connect more families in Niagara with supportive services. Please let your patients know that you recommend they connect with a public health nurse, and how they can chat in real time with a pubic health nurse to discuss issues related to parenting and healthy child development. In addition to Live Chat, patients can connect with a nurse via phone (905-684-7555), email or social media. UPDATE: Changes to Prenatal Education offered by Public HealthNiagara Region Public Health is moving away from traditional group classes for prenatal education, shifting towards an evidence-informed service delivery process. As of July 2020 Niagara Parents will no longer be offering group prenatal classes. Opportunities for prenatal education for expectant families will include:
These changes will allow families to tailor their education to their specific needs, while limiting barriers due to transportation or accessibility. Public Health encourages the participation of multiple support people, such as grandparents, siblings, and caregivers throughout the prenatal education period. For more information about Prenatal Services and what is available for your patients, please contact Niagara Parents at 905-684-7555 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7555. UPDATE: NEW Ontario Seniors Dental Care ProgramThe Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has launched the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP). This program provides comprehensive dental care to eligible low-income seniors. Seniors may be eligible for the program if they:
How can your patients apply? Eligible seniors can apply online or by hard copy application and will receive an OSDCP Client Benefit Card in the mail. The online method still requires that the senior print out the application, sign it, and mail it in. Hard-copy applications are available at all Public Health Unit (PHU) offices and Community Health Centres (CHC). With an OSDCP Client benefit card, the senior can obtain dental treatment from any Ontario PHU or CHC that is providing services. In Niagara, eligible seniors with a card may now seek preventive & restorative dental services at Quest Community Health Centre in St. Catharines and the Niagara College Dental Clinic in Welland. If you would like to have hard copy OSDCP applications available for patients at your office, or you or your patients have further questions, please call the Dental Health Line at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7399. REVIEW: Respiratory SurveillanceSurveillance Update: Moderate Influenza Activity
For more detail or the most recent data, please visit Public Health Ontario’s page for the Ontario Respiratory Pathogen Bulletin. REVIEW: Infection Prevention and Control, Disinfectants, Devices, and Decision MakingDid you know?
REVIEW: Help your Patients Quit Smoking This Year!In Niagara, 16% of adults are daily smokers. The majority of people who use tobacco want to quit. Many effective treatments exist, and tobacco use assessments and interventions can be done quickly and efficiently. Here are some tools that can help:
Due to the recent Ontario Smoking cessation system changes, many resources you may be using have been revised.
Physicians are eligible to receive payment for initiating smoking cessation discussions and follow-ups.
For questions about how to support your patients in quitting smoking, please contact Melanie.Seguin@niagararegion.ca or call 905-688-8248 ext. 7413. MEDICAL ADVISORIES & MEMOS: January 2020 Medical Advisories:
Memos: Receive Medical Advisories and Memos electronically from Niagara Region Public Health - subscribe here. |