CFWE Radio News - August 27 - 2015

Health Matters
 
An air quality advisory was issued for the City of Edmonton and surrounding area today by Alberta Health Services.

Individuals are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with poor air quality. With the current conditions individual may experience temporary irritation of the eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath.

Residents are reminded not to use backyard fire pits or fire boxes in parks when the air quality risk is high or very high, as it is now.

Individuals with respiratory conditions (such as COPD and asthma), and individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions (such as angina, previous heart attack and congestive heart failure), may notice a worsening of symptoms, due to the current air conditions. These individuals should monitor for worsening of symptoms and take the precautions routinely recommended by their physicians if a worsening of symptoms occurs. Children and elderly are also at higher risk of smoke-related illness.

Individuals experiencing symptoms can also call Health Link at 811 to speak to a registered nurse.
 
 

A blue-green algae bloom advisory has been issued for Hawrelak Park Lake, in the city of Edmonton.

Visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any lake, including Hawrelak Park Lake, at any time. Boiling water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae. An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock while this advisory is active.

People who come in contact with visible blue-green algae or who ingest water containing blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days. Symptoms in children are often more pronounced; however, all humans are at risk of these symptoms.

Weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the lake to another.  As such, this advisory will remain in effect for Hawrelak Park Lake until further notice.
Please note that areas of Hawrelak Park Lake in which the blue-green algae bloom is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while this Blue-green Algae Advisory is in place.
 

This year, 182 cases of pertussis have been confirmed in the North Zone, three of which have required hospitalization. About half of all confirmed pertussis cases in Alberta this year are from the North Zone. Alberta Health Services’ North Zone is composed of Edson, Fort McMurray, Grand Prarie, High Level, High Prarie, Hinton, Peace River, Slave Lake, St. Paul, Westlock and Cold Lake. It is Alberta Heath Services largest zone.

Pertussis can be treated if caught early; however, immunization can safely prevent disease and, even if disease does occur, reduce the severity and spread.

In Alberta, pertussis immunization is offered free of charge through Alberta’s routine childhood immunization program. A series of doses is recommended starting at two months of age; again at four, six and 18 months; at four to six years; and again in Grade 9. Following this schedule ensures protection is complete and up-to-date. Albertans who have not received a dose of pertussis vaccine since turning 18 years of age are also eligible to receive a single additional dose in adulthood. All Albertans can prevent illness and the spread of disease by following the recommended immunization schedule.