Public health advice

Consult the Plan d'action local de santé publique 2010-2015

This spring!

Montreal Public Health Summer University

From May 7 to 18, 2012, the Montreal Public Health Summer University proposes knowledge improvement on data from sociosanitary investigations. Training modules and lunch-time conferences will be organized.

For information, go the Direction de la santé publique de Montréal website.

Measles

The Health Network, in collaboration with the School Network, is launching a vaccination campaign in the spring in schools to respond to the return of the measles, which is back in full force. Schools will communicate the vaccination schedule as soon as it is available. For information, call Info-Santé at 8-1-1 or go the Agence de Montréal's website.

This winter...

Winter fun !

This winter, go outside and be active, discover the great outdoors! Participate to the activities organized in Winter Fun!

Measles vaccination and teenagers 14 years of age and older

Did you know that you can get vaccinated against measles without your parents' consent? The more people get vaccinated, the better the public is protected. If many teenagers get vaccinated, we can even beat the disease! If you want more information, you can watch the video made by the Direction de la santé publique de Montréal and consult their website.

Carbon monoxide: Be cautious of intoxications!

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas. It is odourless, colourless and tasteless. Its presence can therefore be unnoticed... Be cautious! Two-thirds of all households would have at least one source of carbon monoxide in their environment.

For information, consult the site of the Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal.

This fall...

Breast cancer

October is breast cancer awareness month. Today, numerous women are alive and well thanks to quick screening and treatment. Though it's not infallible, the mammogram is the most reliable method to detect breast cancer.
^{source: www.cancer.ca} 

In Quebec, the Programme de dépistage du cancer du sein (PQDCS) offers a mammogram every two years for women aged 50 to 69. For women of other age groups, the advantages of the mammogram are not certain. At all ages, it is most important for women to discuss the matter with their doctor.
^{source: MSSS}

Breastfeeding

The first week of October was designated World Breastfeeding Week. Breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby, since all mothers produce milk naturally adapted to their baby. Furthermore, prolonged breastfeeding can reduce the risk of women's breast or ovarian cancer. Consult a health professional for more details on the matter.
^{source: MSSS}

In the Summertime

Take caution in extreme heat

The West Island HSSC recommends the following preventive measures in order to prevent the risk of health problems when the summer heat becomes extreme: 

• Spend time in a cool place, preferably where there is air conditioning 
• Drink water without waiting to be thirsty 
• Reduce physical activity

Seniors and those affected by chronic health problems must be wary as to not aggravate their health. Adults must look after children under four, as they are not able to take proper precautions themselves against the heat. For information, contact Info-Santé 8-1-1 or consult the site of Health Canada, and in case of emergency, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1. 

When it's very hot, check on your friends and family! 

 Ragweed: pull it out!

Ragweed is a very invasive plant. The territory of the West Island Health and Social Services Centre (HSSC) is among the areas that contain the highest concentration of ragweed and the highest number of allergic children (more than 6,000 children). It is between the end of July and the first frost that its pale green flower releases its pollen and triggers an allergic reaction in sensitive people. We can all contribute to the improvement of the population’s respiratory health by pulling out ragweed before it produces its flowers. For information: www.herbeapoux.gouv.qc.ca 

Take action against ragweed! 

 This summer, make your pools safer

Did you know that Québec holds the unfortunate record number of drowning incidents for residential pools in the country? Vigilance of pool owners is essential to everyone’s safety. We suggest you apply the following safety measures in order to make your pool safer:

• Establish rules for your pool
• Equip yourself of lifejackets
• Build an adequate fence around your pool
• Learn how to provide first aid and CPR
•  Never let children unattended around the pool area

For information : www.mapiscinesecuritaire.com

Bedbugs

The bedbug is a topic that is more and more frequent. After almost disappearing in the years following the Second World War, this little insect is indeed back in Montreal, just like it is in most of the world's big cities. To learn more about bedbugs, read:

• the flyer: Don't let bedbugs bite 
• the guide for building owners, administrators and managers

For information, also consult the site of la Direction de la santé publique de Montréal (english version coming soon)