Page 20 - DECEMBER 22 , 2016 - martensville messenger
Influenza Cases Expected To Peak
During Holiday Season
It ' s about to be a busy holiday and post-holiday season for healthcare workers as they prepare for an increase in influenza cases .
To date , 87 cases of influenza have been reported in the Region , including nine hospitalizations . Almost half of those cases were reported over the last week , indicating the predicted peak of flu activity will be in about three to four weeks .
" Vaccination , combined with diligent hand washing , is the best way to lower your risk of getting influenza ," says Dr . Johnmark Opondo , Deputy Medical Health Officer for the Saskatoon Health Region . " Seasonal influenza poses a serious health risk to many people , including the elderly , young children , pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems or other chronic health conditions , as well as their caregivers ."
While mass immunization clinics may be over , public health officials continue to encourage everyone to get immunized . This comes on the heels of the release of the 2015 Reportable Disease Report , which shows during 2011 to 2015 , over 2000 cases of influenza were reported , making up 86 per cent of all vaccine preventable disease in our region . The report also describes and tracks the rates and risks for other reportable diseases like tuberculosis , antibiotic-resistant organisms , like MRSA ( Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ), other dangerous conditions like animal bites , and outbreaks .
Last year , one in five individuals with lab-confirmed influenza were hospitalized . A total of 125 individuals were reported ; however , this number underestimates the true impact of influenza disease on our community , as many more individuals attended our emergency departments or were even hospitalized for influenza related complications such as pneumonia .
The report also illustrates the impact of an outbreak of pertussis ( whooping cough ) in 2015 on the city of Saskatoon , as well as the communities of Rosthern , Humboldt , Watrous and Wadena .
" Vaccination is the safest and single most effective way to protect yourself and your family from vaccine preventable diseases , including influenza ," says Dr . Opondo . " Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria spread by coughing and direct contact with droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person . The bacteria spreads easily when people are in close contact with others , such as in homes , classrooms and childcare centres , when basic preventative measures are not observed . That is why we can ' t stress enough the importance of both vaccination and hand washing ."
Hand washing becomes even more critical with non-vaccine preventable illnesses such as norovirus and other gastro-intestinal illnesses which can cause diarrhea and vomiting , and can be present in the environment , on food and food prep areas , and are easily transmitted in gatherings of people , especially over the holidays .
Particularly during this season , and all year long , health officials encourage you to wash your hands frequently , cough and sneeze into the bend of your arm , not your hand ; avoid touching your nose , mouth or eyes with your hands ; stay home from work or school when you are sick , and clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that many people touch , such as door knobs , phones and television remotes .
Information on vaccines can be found on Saskatoon Health Region ' s website . Visit 4flu . ca for information on how to receive your flu shot .
Merry Christmas Martensville !
Thank you so much for your welcoming support of our new business !
See you in January !
-SoulPower Instructors
Second Set of Traffic Lights Will Soon Be Operational
Shanine Sealey , Martensville Messenger
Motorists may have noticed that traffic signals have been erected at the intersection of Centennial Drive North and 3rd Street North . The City of Martensville had a temporary four-way stop installed when Canadian Tire opened in October 2015 , with plans in place to have the traffic signals installed this year . This particular intersection sees a high volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic during peak hours , and therefore steps were required to be taken to ensure the safety of those utilizing the intersection by improving pedestrian safety and reducing the risk of collisions . “ The four-way stop was installed to address safety concerns temporarily until the design and budget for the traffic signals was able to be finalized ,” City of Martensville Engineering Assistant , Matt Gruza stated .
Initially , the City of Martensville had planned on having a pedestrian crosswalk with a push button signal installed ; however , after further review , they determined that the push button crosswalk signals would not work as they would be unable to install a light in the centre lane . The reason for this is that the centre lane is being used as a turning lane into the commercial development where Canadian Tire and Dollarama are located . City administration felt as though having the lights located on only the sides of the road was not noticeable enough for motorists , and therefore did not provide the adequate amount of safety for pedestrians utilizing the crosswalk , which resulted in the decision to install the temporary four-way stop until proper traffic lights could be installed .
The traffic lights are expected to become operational by the end of 2016 ; however , a final date of when they will be up and running is pending installation and testing of the control hardware . “ One major benefit that a signalized intersection has over a four-way stop is the ability to modify the signal timing to reflect the traffic demand at various times of the day and address specific turning movements ,” Gruza explained . Throughout the planning process , consideration was taken to ensure that there would be compatibility between the traffic signals located at Main Street and Centennial , at 3rd Street North and Centennial , and with any future signals that may be installed as part of the new interchange project . “ Having compatible controllers and equipment allows for more flexibility in designing traffic signal timing that addresses peak commuter traffic flows during the morning and evening rush hours . A signalized intersection is also helpful in increasing safety for cyclists and pedestrians , compared to a four-way stop control ,” Gruza added .
In only a matter of weeks , the City of Martensville will officially have its second set of fully operational traffic lights ! For more information on City of Martensville projects , or on the upcoming interchange project , visit www . martensville . ca .
BLACK PEPPER
The Finest East Indian Cuisine
306-955-7775
Christmas Greetings
ABOVE : The traffic lights at the corner of Centennial Drive North and 3rd Street North will be fully operational within the next week . ( Ciara O ’ Reilly )
Hours : Monday - Friday 11 - 9 Saturday - Sunday 12 - 9 Lunch Buffet : Monday - Friday 11 - 2
Supper Buffet : Friday & Saturday 5 - 9 Unit # 8 , 7 Centennial Drive North
Season ’ s Greetings
Happy Holidays from the Staff at Martensville Veterinary Hospital