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Increased detection of xylazine and benzodiazepines in Ontario’s unregulated drug supply
Posted on Thursday, March 09, 2023 07:00 AM
KFL&A Public Health has released an alert to caution residents about an increased detection of xylazine and benzodiazepines in Ontario’s unregulated drug supply. This is in response to a notification distributed recently by the Chief Medical Officer of Health and Chief Coroner to public health units throughout Ontario.
Both xylazine (a highly toxic animal tranquilizer) and benzodiazepines are potent sedatives that may contribute to an increased risk of drug poisoning and death, when using drugs...
KHSC’s KidsInclusive becomes lead agency for three early child development programs
Posted on Friday, January 27, 2023 04:00 AM
Kingston—On May 1, 2023, with the approval of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), the operations of three early child development programs at KFL&A Public Health will transfer to KidsInclusive at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC). This change will impact preschool speech language, blind low vision, and infant hearing programs. It is anticipated that this transfer will not disrupt the services of these programs as they are already well aligned with the core...
KFL&A Public Health Releases the Cost of Eating Healthy Report
Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 06:00 AM
KFL&A Public Health is responsible for monitoring food affordability. In 2022, the cost to eat healthy for a family of four (two adults, two children) in the KFL&A region was approximately $1099 per month.
“Our food costing has shown repeatedly that households on low incomes or social assistance struggle to put healthy food on the table and cover other living expenses after paying rent,” said Tracy McDonough, Registered Dietitian at KFL&A Public Health. “Being unable to afford healthy food can...
New members welcomed to KFL&A Board of Health
Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 09:45 AM
KFL&A Public Health is thanking board chair, Denis Doyle for his service as a member of the KFL&A Board of Health for eight consecutive years. Denis’s retirement from the Board of Health also marks the end of a distinguished career in public service and office.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have had the privilege to serve the residents of KFL&A and to be associated with an agency that provides such a diverse and wonderful range of programs and services that promote and protect our...
Twenty-first annual Jingle Bell Run
Posted on Thursday, December 01, 2022 05:30 AM
KINGSTON – More than 11,000 students and staff from 40 schools in Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) will take part in the 21st annual Jingle Bell Run. Students will be donating a non-perishable food in exchange for a jingle bell and participating in a 1 km festive fit break where they will walk, run or skip around their school or community “with bells on”. This is a partnership between KFL&A Public Health, local school boards, and local food banks to help gather food donations...
November is Radon Action Month
Posted on Tuesday, November 01, 2022 07:00 AM
Kingston – During National Radon Action Month, KFL&A Public Health is encouraging all residents to test their homes for radon.
Breathing in high levels of radon for many years can lead to lung cancer. In Canada, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. The best time to test your home for radon is during the winter months when windows and doors remain closed. Radon testing is simple and inexpensive.
“People are spending more time at home, increasing risk of exposure to radon. Now,...
Get immunized early against influenza
Posted on Friday, October 28, 2022 07:15 AM
Kingston – KFL&A Public Health is reminding residents that it is important to get your flu shot to protect yourself and vulnerable people such as the elderly and those who are too young to be immunized. We recommend that all KFL&A area residents, not just the young and the elderly, get immunized early.
The vaccine will maximize protection against the influenza virus, which is known to cause severe illness and result in hospitalization or even death among previously healthy children, older adults,...
Statement from local Medical Officers of Health regarding the return to school
Posted on Monday, August 29, 2022 08:00 AM
The Medical Officers of Health from Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) and Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington Public Health (KFL&APH) have released a joint statement regarding the return to school for students and educators.
As local students prepare to return to the classrooms in September, we anticipate that the 2022/2023 school year will proceed with minimal disruptions. Classroom learning continues to offer the best educational, social, and emotional experiences for...
KFL&A Public Health extends heat warning for Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, and Napanee
Posted on Monday, August 08, 2022 05:00 AM
Kingston — Due to high heat and humidex levels, Environment Canada has extended the current heat warning for Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, and Napanee to include today, Monday, August 8.
A combination of heat and high humidity can be hazardous to your health. Conditions during high heat and humidity have the potential to cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and in some cases death. Maximum temperatures are expected to be near 30 with minimum temperatures in the low-mid...
KFL&A Public Health issues a heat warning for South Frontenac, Plevna, Sharbot Lake, Sydenham, Tamworth, Bon Echo Park, and Denbigh
Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 05:30 AM
Starting today, and continuing through to Wednesday, July 20, Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for South Frontenac, Plevna, Sharbot Lake, Sydenham, Tamworth, Bon Echo Park, and Denbigh due to high heat and humidex levels. Daytime high temperatures are expected to reach 31 degrees Celsius with humidex values in the upper thirties. Tonight's overnight low near 20 degrees Celsius will provide little relief from the heat.
A combination of heat and high humidity can be hazardous to your...