Health Unit

For Parents

Idling

A car’s exhaust contains particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Asthma and other respiratory conditions are aggravated by car exhaust, and that’s a serious concern in school yards. Reducing unnecessary idling – like when waiting for your child at theirschool – will cut pollutants, improve air quality and the health of the children. Just bycutting back idling by five minutes a day you will save about 44.9 litres of fuel ($55.36 at$1.25/L) and 103 kg of greenhouse gas emissions in a year.

For more information about the health and environmental impacts of vehicle exhaust, visit the health unit’s website at

www.simcoemuskokahealth.org

or call Your Health Connection at 721-7520, or 1-877-721-7520.

 

Extreme Cold

Extreme cold occurs when temperatures drop significantly below average for that time of the year. Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, can cause other serious or life-threatening health problems. To keep yourself and your family safe, you should know how to prevent cold-related health problems and what to do if a coldweather health emergency arises. You can avoid cold-related injuries such as frostbite, frostnip and hypothermia by following these cold weather safety tips:

•Cover exposed skin (exposed skin can become frostbitten in 30 seconds).

 

•Wear a hat (up to 40% of body heat loss can occur through the head).

 

•Wear gloves or mittens and a scarf to protect the chin, lips and cheeks.

 

•Keep children indoors if the temperature falls below –25°C, or if the wind chill is –28°C or greater. (Canadian Paediatric Society)

 

•Drink warm fluids – but NOT caffeinated or alcoholised beverages as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.

 

•If you start to sweat, cool off a little (wet clothes can freeze).

 

•Wear clothes in layers: inner layer, middle layer and outer layer.

 

•Keep moving. Limit time sitting – stand up and move around.

 

•Take shelter from the wind – this can reduce wind chill exposure.

 

•Always be alert for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

 

•Plan ahead – listen to the weather forecast.

For more information about extreme cold and cold-related injuries, visit the health unit’s website at

www.simcoemuskokahealth.org

or call Your Health Connection at 721-7520, or 1-877-721-7520.