What to do when the holidays aren't happy
By Cecilia Nasmith
This is the time of year everyone wishes everyone else happy holidays, but not everyone finds it a festive season.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit has issued a press release offering 10 ways to deal with the stress and depression that cloud the season for many local residents.
These feelings are commonplace for those juggling demands and oversized expectations amid hectic schedules.
Public health nurse Marisa Curran listed holiday parties, gift buying, family get-togethers, overexcited children, extra meal planning and financial concerns as some of the most common stresses.
“All of these added pressures can lead to frayed nerves, short fuses, damaged relationships and depression which has an impact on people’s health,” Curran said.
“Trying to reduce stress before it takes an emotional toll can pay off, and you might find you start to enjoy the holidays.”
The press releases included these suggestions to reduce stress.
• Show your feelings. If someone close to you has recently passed away or you’re unable to be with family over the holidays, it's okay to show and share your grief and emotions.
• Reach out to others, especially if you are feeling lonely or isolated. Seek out community or social events that can offer support and companionship. Volunteering to help others can also lift your spirits and make you feel more connected.
• Be realistic about the holidays. The festive season; it doesn’t have to be perfect – as family dynamics change, holiday traditions and rituals will too. Hold on to a few traditions, and be open to new ones.
• Set aside differences with family and friends. Accept others as they are and, if possible, set aside grievances until a more appropriate time. If necessary, limit time spent socializing with loved ones if these situations make you feel anxious or angry.
• Stick to a budget. Deciding how much you can afford to pay for gifts reduces the financial strain (and related stress and anxiety) on your family. Gifts don't buy happiness so show your love in creative ways – perhaps with a gift of time, such as spending a day with a loved one or teaching a child a new hobby or skill.
• Just as you budget your money, budget your time. Set aside specific days to shop, bake, decorate, visit or do other activities. Plan meals in advance and line up what you’ll need to buy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help to prepare for or clean up from parties and meals.
• Learn to say no. Agreeing to take part in a project or activity for which you have no time can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Set realistic expectations for what you can do over the holidays. Seek balance and try not to overdo it.
• Make time for the people who matter most in your life. Rather than rushing around, arrange for quality-time pursuits like outdoor winter activities with the children or a date night with your partner.
• Don’t abandon your health. Eat healthy, with an occasional holiday treat and portion control on the radar. Get enough sleep, and try to be active every day. Make time for yourself to recharge from the holiday bustle by taking a walk, listening to music or reading a book.
• Seek professional help if required. Despite your best efforts, you may still feel sad, anxious, stressed or unable to cope. If these feelings persist, speak to your health-care provider or a mental-health professional. Locally, the Canadian Mental Health Association (www.cmhahkpr.ca) provides a free 24/7 professional crisis support line at 1-866-995-9933.
Claxon wins second Pitch To The Chief at Venture 13
By Cecilia Nasmith
Baltimore resident Amy Arthur has won the second Pitch To The Chief competition with her innovative product the Claxon, a hands-free personal-safety device.
Organized in partnership with the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation, the Nov. 28 competition offered technology entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their own products and services to Cobourg Police Chief Kai Liu.
The chief was joined in the Innovation Commons of Venture 13 by Cobourg Police Services Board Chair Dean Pepper, Inspector Jeff Sheils and NCFDC board members Pam Russell to hear the pitches.
Each 10-minute presentation included slides and demonstrations, followed by an interactive question-and-answer period. The products on display included IoT sensors, robotics, wearables, and connected and autonomous vehicle infrastructure.
Arthur’s prototype, which she demonstrated during her pitch, was developed in-house at the Venture 13 MakerLab with fellow VentureZone member Alex Papanicolaou of Campbellford, with design input from Northumberland Makers members. The MakerLab is a collaborative prototyping, engineering and microfactory space created in support of startups and makers.
A former Ontario Provincial Police summer intern, Arthur distinguished herself during her work on her bachelor-of-science degree at McMaster University by inventing a novel light-therapy device. She is currently finishing a forensic psychology degree at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
In the town's press release, Arthur called herself a problem solver.
“When I see a problem that I know I can solve, I have to face it head on,” she said.
“In the market of personal-safety devices, there is not one all-inclusive product that works for everyone and in all situations. I have taken on the task of solving this issue,” she stated.
“I feel truly honoured to have had the opportunity to present my product idea and prototype to the Chief and his panel. To gain their feedback and commitment for future collaboration will be instrumental to Claxon’s success.”
Chief Liu said they are pleased to have a second Pitch To The Chief session.
“Like the first, these startups were very impressive and came forward with innovative ideas and approaches relevant to policing in the twenty-first century,” he said.
“The Cobourg Police Service is committed to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, and is proud to bring and continue this event here at Venture13.”
A third Pitch To The Chief competition is planned for the first half of 2019.
Health unit asks residents to consider advocacy for Christmas
By Cecilia Nasmith
In the spirit of the season, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit asks local residents to consider a gift that can't be purchased on-line or elsewhere – advocacy on behalf of those most in need.
The health unit has issued a press release urging people to take a stand against poverty in Northumberland County, where 16% of local children live in poverty.
The health unit also cited a recent study indicating that a living wage in Northumberland – what a family of four with both parents working full-time would require to cover basic expenses in 2018 - would be $17.95 per hour. This amount falls almost $4 short of Ontario's current minimum wage.
The generous donations of time and money members of this community come through with at this time of year do help in the short term, said Krista Nairns, a Social Determinants of Health Nurse at the health unit. But for the long haul, supporting solutions that get to the root causes of poverty can make an even bigger difference.
In considering ways people can work toward keeping poverty under wraps, Nairns added, one of the most obvious is to be kind and non-judgmental in one's attitude toward low-income earners.
“Being poor isn't a choice,” she stated.
“There are many reasons why people live in poverty, much of it beyond their own control.”
Nairns listed a number of conditions that contribute to what has been called the poverty trap, including an inability to get reliable, secure work, lack of affordable housing options, and an inability to afford healthy food or good child care.
“All of these factors contribute to poverty, which in turn can hurt people's health,” she stated.
Nairns considers income-based solutions essential to address poverty successfully, and residents can show they care by acts of advocacy – getting behind increased social-assistance rates, calling for living wages for workers, supporting basic employment standards to reduce unstable work situations, and encouraging the construction of more affordable housing units.
“Raise awareness and lobby for change by talking to your family, friends, neighbours and elected officials about the importance of these income-based solutions,” she urged.
The benefits go beyond helping those in poverty, Nairns pointed out. The ripple effect goes out to everyone, boosting the local economy when everyone has stable jobs that pay living wages. Communities become healthier when everyone has a safe and affordable place to live, can afford nutritious food and is able to participate in recreational activities. Local families eventually face less stress, while children are better able to grow, thrive and succeed in school.
NHH Auxiliary celebrates a half-century at Petticoat Lane
By Cecilia Nasmith
In 1968, the Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary opened the Petticoat Lane thrift shop.
Half a century later, the volunteer-run retail establishment has raised almost $2.5-million for the hospital.
On Thursday, auxiliary volunteers celebrated the anniversary (and the achievement) with coffee, cake and a 50% off sale at the Cobourg store. They had also created wonderful collages of significant people and highlights of an amazing half-century.
Just as the hospital it supports has had several changes of names and a significant change of location, the auxiliary has changed as well. For example, it was a ladies' auxiliary at the time Petticoat Lane opened.
The story of Petticoat Lane has been set down by auxiliary volunteers through voluminous scrapbooks outlining a simple but great notion that they would be celebrating 50 years later.
Minutes of the November 1968 meeting mention a discussion on the advisability of opening what they termed an Opportunity Shop, a volunteer-staffed outlet to sell nearly-new clothing and miscellaneous household articles. Pat Haworth and some members of the executive toured an Opportunity Shop at the Belleville hospital and were impressed by its success.
A Nov. 27 note reports the rental of space at 201 Third St., and the clean-up and alterations made in hopes of a Dec. 6 opening. Preparations included a request for such donations as an ironing board, a steam iron, four hardwood chairs, two bookcases and two full-length mirrors.
The Dec. 6 opening did materialize. Five volunteers made themselves available to pick up goods from donors' homes, and it was originally a consignment arrangement – a 50-50 split between the shop and the donor.
By April 1970, Pat Howarth reported that buyers were coming from as far away as Lindsay and Bancroft, and that customers were requesting longer business hours.
Three months later, it was deemed that the shop had outgrown its premises. It was relocated to larger quarters at 93 King St. W. Through the years, the operation would repeat the process when needed, moving to Division Street, back to King Street, into Midtown Mall and finally (in February 2010) to their current location at 25 Munroe Street (behind the Beer Store).
The volunteer management could boast considerable financial acumen (and, therefore, profit). A December 1983 newspaper report revealed that Petticoat Lane proceeds over six years were $452,000, The article also gave credit to the volunteers on the front line who were selecting, repairing, cleaning, pricing and arranging displays. It stated that they considered the store successful beyond the hopes of its original organizers.
The write-up by the auxiliary offered two secrets of Petticoat Lane's success. For one thing, it satisfies a community need. For another, it is run by dedicated and efficient volunteers who continue to satisfy that need.
Since its 1968 opening, Petticoat Lane has raised $2,384,794.
Their current location is a good one, Petticoat Lane coordinator Lorrie Phipps said, offering convenience not only in terms of transportation routes but in proximity to a wide variety of shopping.
The volunteers do their behind-the scenes work in the curtained-off room on the west end of their retail space, and the atmosphere is bustling and friendly. From the hands-on work of ensuring donations of used merchandise are at their best to the more artistic work of arranging attractive displays, everyone pitches in with good cheer to make it come together.
The result, Phipps said, is a store that offers great merchandise and a shopping experience that is like a treasure hunt.
“We pledge over $100,000 a year, and we have always made our pledge – and sometimes more,” Phipps said.
“It's a good place to support the hospital, but also to bring your unwanted goods so they don't end up in the landfill. So everybody becomes part of the hospital in their own little way.”
On the wall behind Phipps, in the back room where the volunteers work, is the huge cheque reflecting their donation two years ago - with the notation on the subject line that the auxiliary had raised more than $1-million for the hospital since it opened at its current location and changed its name to Northumberland Hills Hospital in 2003.
Among the honoured guests for the 50th-anniversary celebration was NHH president and chief executive officer Linda Davis, who was drafted for cake-cutting duty.
“On behalf of the patients we serve and the staff and physicians, thank you so much for what you do,” Davis said.
NHH News
By Cecilia Nasmith
CEO predicts tough winter at NHH
Between ALC and seasonal surge, Northumberland Hills Hospital president and chief executive officer Linda Davis predicts a tough winter for the hospital.
ALC is the term for alternative level of care, describing vulnerable patients who would be well enough for a discharge if the appropriate supports could be arranged – but until this situation is addressed, these patients continue to occupy a hospital bed and draw on hospital resources such as staff time.
Surge is a phenomenon of in-patient admissions for whatever reason (including flu season), increasing to the point of overriding capacity.
At the NHH board's December meeting, Davis shared the latest data for the Central East Local Health Integration Network, which had an ALC rate of 21.3%. And of the hospitals within the Central East LHIN, NHH had the sixth-highest rate at 20.5%.
As for surge, Davis said it was something that could normally be expected from time to time, but it seems to be growing for now,
“This morning we were at 117% occupancy with 10 in emerg,” she said.
“It's difficult in ER when everything gets backed up and we can't get new patients into beds.
“It's going to be a tough winter, I think, for us. I have asked for a session with the LHIN about this.”
NHH shares seven steps for a healthy holiday season
The flu-vaccination campaign Northumberland Hills Hospital launches each fall for staff and physicians is doing well, president and chief executive officer Linda Davis announced at the December board meeting,
“I'm very pleased in terms of the flu vaccination rate. It's higher already than last year,” Davis said.
“It's 53% right now and we're still working on it. Last year, I don't think we made the 50% mark – closer to 45%.”
The hospital encourages flu vaccination for its own physicians and staff, as well as for members of the community. In fact, the first step of the Seven Steps for a Healthy Holiday Season is, “Get your flu shot, not the flu.”
The seven steps have been included in the hospital's In Touch newsletter, and were also part of Davis's senior management report at the board meeting. The other steps are:
Wash your hands (and wash them often) to reduce your risk of picking up unwanted germs.
Eat well and get a good balance of rest and exercise to strengthen your immune system.
Sneeze and cough into your sleeve (not your hand) to minimize the risk of spreading germs to surfaces you touch.
Stay home from work, school and public events if you are sick – not only to get the rest you need to get better, but also to minimize the spread of germs you may be carrying.
Plan ahead for the holidays (for example, by making note of your doctor's or nurse practitioner's holiday hours and ensuring in advance that your prescriptions are up to date).
Consider alternatives to an emergency-room visit. This might include the Telehealth Ontario service (1-866-797-0000), visiting the Central East Local Health Integration Network HealthLine website for a list of health and community services across the region (http://www.centraleasthealthline.ca/), or visiting the Port Hope walk-in clinic on the second floor at 99 Toronto Rd. (905-885-0611). It will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 and on Jan. 1 but, otherwise, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays (at the discretion of the physician on duty).
“We just wanted to make sure everyone does try to stay healthy through the holidays,” Davis said.
NHH Foundation announces successful 2018 gala
Northumberland Hills Hospital president and chief executive officer Linda Davis took a moment at the December hospital-board meeting to express thanks to foundation chair Tyler Hathway and executive director Rhonda Cunningham for the work they did to make to make the big 2018 gala such a success.
Hathway said the proceeds were “a record-breaking $270,000.”
Records were also broken on the Dec. 1 Reindeer Run, with 185 participants (up from 140 last year), Proceeds are split between the foundation and YMCA Northumberland, he said, and the foundation's share was almost $1,500.
The annual Light Up A Life campaign has been launched, and stands at $100,000 of its $150,000 goal.
And overall, Hathway said, the foundation is making good progress on its goal of raising $2.4-million for the hospital. As of Nov. 30, their unaudited figures show they have raised $2.194-million to date in a fiscal year that ends March 31.
Register now for December PACE session
Spaces are still open for the Dec. 19 PACE presentation on chronic pain and the symptom cycle.
At the December Northumberland Hills Hospital board meeting, president and chief executive officer Linda Davis said the monthly sessions that chief of staff Dr. Mukash Bhargava began organizing three years ago continue to draw a sizeable audience.
The November session presented by emergency-department chief Dr. Peter Barnett – How To Prepare For Your Trip to the Emergency Department – was attended by more than 50 people, and has been recorded and uploaded to www.pacetalks.com.
It was a subject appropriate for any time of year, Davis's report said, but even more so as we head into the busy flu and holiday season,
The hour-long sessions consist of a 30-minute talk, a 20-minute question-and-answer time, and a 10-minute moderator summary. Locations alternate between Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg and Port Hope's Community Health Centre Northumberland. On Dec. 19, Dr. Francesco Mule's presentation will take place in Port Hope.
Davis's report included a list of sessions through May,
Science of Happiness in Cobourg on Jan. 16 with Dr. Bhargava.
Ancient Wisdom With Today's Food in Port Hope on Feb. 20 with Dr. Deepa Bhargava.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Finding Quality Health Information On-line in Cobourg on March 20 with Amanda Ross-White.
Science of Mindfulness in Port Hope on April 17 with Dr. Jackie Gardner-Nix.
Caring For Your Skin in Cobourg on May 22 with Dr. Anuja Sharma.
Sessions are free, but registration is required. You can sign up by visiting www,pacetalks.com.
Town announces potential flooding solution
By Cecilia Nasmith
In response to both historical and recent flooding events along Midtown Creek upstream of the Canadian National Railway-Canadian Pacific Railway corridor, the Town of Cobourg is proposing to establish an On-Line Flood Ponding Area upstream of the Kerr Street right-of-way.
The Town of Cobourg press release said that the project would incorporate the Kerr Street extension from Division Street west to the railway spur to create upstream ponding during the creek's high-flow periods.
The town has planned this project under Schedule C of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process, the news release continued.
The Environmental Study Report has been completed and is now available for public review and comment. Subject to comments received as a result of this notice and the receipt of necessary approvals, the Town intends to complete the detailed work on the preferred design alternative and proceed to construction in 2019.
You can review the report on-line at www.cobourg.ca and any time during business hours (weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the public-works office in Building 7, 740 Division St. Written comments can be provided to the town within 30 calendar days of the Dec. 6 release of this notice, and should be directed to the Director of Public Works.
A person or party may request that the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks order a change in the project status and require a higher level of assessment under an individual Environmental Assessment process (referred to as a Part II Order). Reasons must be provided for the request, and copies of the request form must be sent to three parties – the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (77 Wellesley St. W., 11th Floor, Toronto M7A 2T5), the Director, Environmental Assessment and Permissions Branch, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (135 St. Clair Ave. W., First Floor, Toronto M4V 1P5), and Director of Public Works, Town of Cobourg, 740 Division St,, Building 7, Cobourg K9A 0H6).
The press release reminds everyone that all personal information included in a Part II Order submission (such as name, address, telephone number, property location) is collected, maintained and disclosed by the ministry for the purpose of transparency and consultation. The information is collected under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act or is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public as described in s.37 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
“Personal information you submit will become part of a public record that is available to the general public, unless you request that your personal information remain confidential,” the press release said.
For more information, you can contact the ministry's Freedom of Information and Privacy Co-ordinator at (416) 327-1434.
Inaugural Meeting Of New Port Hope Council
By Brian Coggins
At the Inaugural Meeting of Port Hope Council on December 4th, Mr. Justice Alan P Ingram swore in each newly elected member of Council and the Mayor. Brian Gilmour, the Municipal Clerk, presented Mayor Sanderson with the Chain of Office.
The new council is made up of Ward One Councillors Les Andrews, Laurie Carr, Jeff Lees, and Wendy Meadows, Ward Two Councillors John Bickle and Vicki Mink, and Mayor Robert Sanderson.
Les Andrews was unanimously appointed Deputy Mayor for the term of this Council.
Mayor Sanderson and Deputy Mayor Andrews will meet between now and the next Council meeting on December 15th to appoint Councillors to their new portfolios which will be announced at this meeting.
A reception for the new Council was held following the meeting.
