Latest news with #WindsorEssexHealthUnit
CTV News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Windsor's top doctor urges caution as wildfire smoke pushes air quality off the charts
With skies hazy and Detroit's skyline nearly invisible across the river, Windsor-Essex's top doctor is urging residents to keep a close eye on air quality conditions — and to take steps to protect themselves. 'My recommendation as always when it comes to wildfire smoke, is to check air quality every day,' said Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Medical Officer of Health for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. Aloosh says people with conditions like asthma, COPD or heart disease are especially vulnerable when smoke levels rise and recommends downloading an air quality tracking app for up-to-date local data. 'It provides us with an hourly air quality score,' he said, 'and then there's a recommendation attached to that score so people can adjust their schedule based on that.' On Friday, Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for Windsor-Essex, warning that the region's air pollution index had reached 10+, a level considered 'very high risk' to human health. The scale technically tops out at 10. The smoke is coming from wildfires burning across Western Canada and drifting south — blanketing Southwestern Ontario and settling over the Windsor-Detroit region. At one point Friday afternoon, Detroit was ranked as having the worst air quality in the world, according to IQAir's global tracking system. Aloosh recommends keeping windows closed to prevent fine particulate matter from getting inside. He also says using an air purifier, if available, can help filter smoke that does make its way indoors. And as smoky skies become a familiar summer sight, Aloosh warns we may need to get used to it. 'This is unfortunate,' he said. 'But going forward, we might see more of this poor air quality in our region. We should be prepared for that.' Experts say climate change is contributing to longer, more intense wildfire seasons — and with that, more days where the air we breathe could pose a serious risk.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Swimming not recommended at one Windsor-Essex beach
Holiday Beach Conservation Area seen in Amherstburg, Ont. on April 14, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit report said swimming is not recommended at one Windsor-Essex beach. There is a warning at Holiday Beach, as counts are 200 or higher. Sandpoint Beach, Lakeshore Lakeview Park West Beach, Point Pelee Northwest Beach, Seacliff Park Beach, Cedar Island Beach, Cedar Beach, and Colchester Beach are all open for swimming. The Health Unit monitors beach water quality at eight public beaches once a week on Wednesdays, from May to August to test for bacteria ( levels to determine if the water is safe for swimming. Water samples are sent to the public health lab in London, Ontario for E. coli bacteria count analysis. This season's sampling results are posted on and available by calling the beach hotline at 519-258-2146, extension 1490.
CTV News
02-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
WECHU invites community to vote on video challenge submissions
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is inviting the community to vote on video submissions about how digital technology affects their well-being. The health unit has worked with a panel of youth judges to complete three rounds of youth voting, narrowing down 64 'Connected, Not Controlled' public service announcement (PSA) video submissions. The top five videos in the Grade 6 - 8 and Grade 9 - 12 divisions are now open for public voting. The Connected, Not Controlled Challenge is a video contest for students in Grades 6 - 12 across Windsor-Essex. Students were asked to make a short, 30-second PSA video about how digital technology affects their well-being. The goal is to get students thinking about their tech habits and to encourage a healthy, balanced use of technology. The public will choose the winners by voting online. People can vote on the Connected, Not Controlled website from June 2 until June 9 at 11:59 p.m. Each day, voters can pick their favourite video in two groups: one for Grades 6 - 8 and one for Grades 9 - 12. The videos with the most votes will win first, second, and third place in each group. Winners will be announced June 11. Stay connected to the Challenge by visiting the Connected, Not Controlled Challenge website and follow the Health Unit on Facebook, X, and Instagram for challenge updates and announcements.
CBC
28-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Measles cases slowing down in Windsor-Essex, says health unit
Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Medical Officer of Health with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, describes a drop-off in the number of measles cases in the region. But he cautions it's still 'the most contagious disease' known to medical science, and vaccination remains important.
