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Every year, public health inspectors at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit investigate over 200 suspected rabies cases. No cases have been found in domestic cats or dogs, but it has been found in wildlife in the area including foxes, bats and skunks. The virus can be passed to a human through a…
Smoking + Radon = Dangerous combination
Statistically, 1 in 20 people who have a high concentration of radon gas in their homes will develop lung cancer. However, if you smoke on top of this, your chances of developing lung cancer are 1 in 3. Don’t let the two leading causes of lung cancer stand…
Vaccine Protection Against Pertussis
TBDHU recommends adults receive vaccine protection against pertussis (whooping cough) so they do not spread the infection to infants who will not be protected until they receive their infant vaccine series.
The FREE Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria,…
Mould in the corner of a room.
Mould is a health hazard. It is a type of fungus – or more accurately, a group of different kinds of fungi – that can grow in damp areas in public places and in your home. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s role is to:
Inspect public areas as necessary and…
Bed bugs are insects with oval-shaped bodies and no wings. Unlike most public health pests, bed bugs are not known to transmit or spread disease. However, they are certainly a pest - feeding on blood, causing itchy bites and generally irritating their human hosts and they can cause other…
Have you recently had a baby or has someone close to you had a baby in the last year? Did you know that 1 in 5 women experience mood changes after baby? Postpartum mood difficulties (PPMD) or often called postpartum depression (PPD) not only affects women but has the potential to affect her…
The environment affects our children more than it does adults for various reasons (read on below). The Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s role is to inform the public about these risks and provide information on how to reduce them. We want to help you ensure your children – and all children living…
Ammonia is a colourless gas with a very distinct odour. People may readily recognize this smell because it is used in many household cleaners and window cleaning products. High levels of airborne ammonia gas can dissolve in water to cause corrosive ammonium hydroxide. Most people smell ammonia…
Radon is an invisible, odourless radioactive gas that can be found in homes across Canada. It is produced naturally in the ground as uranium breaks down. The resulting gas can seep through cracks in the foundation, pipe openings, sump pits, and other openings into your home. Although it is present…
The safest place for your baby to sleep is on his or her back, in a crib, cradle or bassinet. We recommend you place your baby to sleep next to the adult’s bed for the first 6 months of life. Below are some more tips to remember when placing your infant to sleep:
Quick Tips to Remember…
If you have any questions about the information below or would like further support, please do not hesitate to contact a public health nurse at (807) 625-8814 or by email: hbhc@tbdhu.com.
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My child is learning and growing so much. How can I check their growth and development and…
Air quality has a direct impact on our health. Certain medical conditions including asthma, COPD and bronchitis can be triggered or worsened by poor air quality, resulting in lost activity days, hospitalization and in extreme cases death. There is also a growing awareness of radon, a naturally…
Can Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding be used as a Method of Contraception (birth control)?
Yes. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding can be used for birth control, but only if you answer “Yes” to ALL of the four statements below:
My baby is less than 6 months old.
I have not had a period since my baby…
Join our Lactation Drop-In Support Group, a welcoming space for anyone preparing to breastfeed or chestfeed, as well as those currently nursing a child of any age. This group provides peer support and access to evidence-based information to help you navigate your feeding journey. Whether you're a…
Happy National Breastfeeding Week!
We are starting this week by celebrating the power of peer support and the breastfeeding/chestfeeding experience. Connecting with others can provide the emotional support you need to overcome feeding challenges and reduce feelings of loneliness, sadness, or…