We hope that you had a Happy Valentine’s Day and that you and your loved ones are staying safe and connected, as we continue to follow COVID 19 rules and regulations.
Mark your Calendars
February is Black History Month. To mark the occasion, London Police Service celebrated its Trailblazing Award winners with a virtual event on the 26th. The award recognizes outstanding youth, and celebrates the contributions of Sergeant Lewis Coray, the first black officer hired by London Police Service. This year’s keynote speaker is Barbara Nathoo, a passionate advocate for children’s education. For more information visit the LPS website London Police Service
COVID 19
We’re all keeping a close eye on provincial regulations impacted by COVID 19. It’s also a good idea to stay on top of potential scams and issues of concern related to the pandemic. The Government of Canada maintains a website with up-to-date information COVID 19 Frauds & Scams. The site also has informative content about other related issues. For example, the site addresses misinformation that has arisen during the pandemic. One such topic is titled “Exposure to electromagnetic fields”. The subheading states: “Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 5G devices doesn’t spread COVID-19. There is no scientific basis behind these claims.”
As the vaccine rollout continues, there are media reports that the province will be launching a web portal for bookings. The Global News report says a successful pilot project was carried out in January, and the hope is to have the portal up and running by late February or early March.
The Thames Valley District School Board has introduced a way for students to stay fit during the pandemic. It’s called the Red Shirt Effect. The name refers to athletes who may not be on the playing field, but are still part of the team. Workouts have been developed to be used at home that require a minimum of equipment and space. Details can be found on the TVDSB website: New initiative produces student with virtual fitness.
Winter Safety
Falls are the most common cause of injury among Canadians seniors. According to Statistics Canada, it’s estimated 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will experience at least one fall each year. Winter can be especially treacherous, and with that in mind, the Mayo Clinic has advice on its website about helping to prevent falls. This includes:
- Take care in risky locations. Check to see if the ground is slippery when exiting a car.
- Allow for extra time.
- Check your gait. Use a slower and wider gait for better stability.
- Dress appropriately.
- Carry a cell phone with you.
For more tips visit: Avoiding the slip: Winter Fall Prevention
Pet Protection in the Cold Weather
Our pets are also vulnerable to cold, and it’s helpful to keep these SPCA tips in mind.
- Know your dog’s limits. Some are more susceptible to the cold because of their age or breed.
- Check your car hood to ensure a cat hasn’t crawled under there for warmth.
- Wipe your dog’s paws. Avoid having them lick off road salt, antifreeze or de-icers.
Additional advice can be found at: Top 10 Winter Weather Tips for Pets
