The prolonged COVID-19 school closures across Ontario from 2020 to 2022, imposed life-long costs on children, despite evidence available to policymakers early on that closures wouldn’t slow the transmission of COVID-19 and that the harms could outweigh any possible benefits, finds a new study published by the Fraser Institute, an […]
Health
County Delegation Meets with Minister of Health at AMO Conference
A delegation from the County of Essex met recently with Ontario Minister of Health Sylvia Jones to discuss measures to help address systemic issues leading to ambulance offload delays in Windsor-Essex. The delegation from the County of Essex included Warden Hilda MacDonald, Chief Administrative Officer Sandra Zwiers and Essex-Windsor EMS […]
Common Sense Health: Preventing Diabetes Risk Due to COVID-19 Infection
Will COVID-19 and the complications associated with this disease ever vanish? Never bet on it. Virus experts say COVID-19 will raise its ugly head again this fall. With it, they add, the complication of both types of diabetes will increase. It’s the last thing we need when obesity is already […]
Health Unit Office Closed Monday, September 4 for Labour Day
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit office will be closed to the public for Labour Day on Monday, September 4. Website: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Phone: 519-258-2146 Facebook: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Instagram: thewechu Twitter: WEC Health Unit YouTube: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
$345,000 Awarded Locally For Health Research
WE-SPARK Health Institute and its funding partners have awarded 18 research grants totaling $345,000 to tackle local health challenges in its latest round of funding during a celebration event at the University of Windsor’s CORe (Centre of Research Excellence) Building. The grants provide funding to promote the development of early-stage, […]
COVID-19 Outbreak At Windsor Regional Hospital
Windsor Regional Hospital has confirmed an outbreak of COVID-19 on its 7th floor medical unit at the Ouellette Campus. To date, a total of 10 patients have tested positive for COVID-19 on the unit; eight of the 10 patients were symptomatic, while two patients were swabbed due to contact exposure but […]
Common Sense Health: More Fire and Smoke to Come
Fires are a natural part of life in the forests that extend across Canada and the northern US. But it is not normal for these forest fires to consume entire communities, take lives of unsuspecting citizens in a surreal panic, and leave thousands of people and animals displaced. Tragedies happen […]
Free Naloxone Kits Available from Clinical Pharmacists
Reversing an opioid overdose is a matter of life and death. In Canada there is an average of 20 deaths per day. Naloxone is easily accessible at most pharmacies including Main Street Pharmacy and Wellness Centre. We provide patients access to naloxone as well as training on how to use […]
Scheduled Maintenance for WECHU on Saturday, August 26, 2023
Our network will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Saturday, August 26, 2023 starting at 9 a.m. which will include www.wechu.org. All network resources should be restored by 9 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience. Website: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Phone: (519) 258-2146 Facebook: Windsor-Essex County HEALTH UNIT Twitter: @TheWECHU YouTube: […]
Nurse Police Team Pilot Program Extended for Another 6 Months
The Windsor Police Service and Windsor Regional Hospital are pleased to announce the six-month extension of the Nurse Police Team (NPT) pilot program aimed at supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorders and related challenges. The program, launched in May 2023, pairs nursing professionals with frontline police officers to provide proactive, holistic, […]
Common Sense Health: Starving the Gut Feeds the Brain
If our bodies could speak to our brains, many would hear this: “Dear brain, please know the difference between being hungry and bored. Sincerely, I’m getting fat!” Who doesn’t turn to food when the doldrums set in? The smart brains would offer their hosts three pieces of advice. One, eat […]
Test Positive for COVID-19? Get a Paxlovid Assessment
While we have moved into a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are still contracting the disease. At Main Street Pharmacy, our minor ailment-trained pharmacists at are able to assess if you are eligible for treatment with Paxlovid. This is an anti-viral used to treat a COVID-19 infection. While […]
Health Unit Cautions West Nile Virus Positive Mosquito Pools Found
Routine monitoring for West Nile Virus (WNV) has identified three additional positive mosquito pools in our community. There have now been a total of 6 positive pools in Windsor and Essex County (WEC) this year. Certain types of mosquitoes spread WNV, a potentially serious infection to humans. So far in […]
Common Sense Health: What’s the Rub of Dry Eyes?
If having recurring headaches, most people go see a doctor. Or, for severe chest pain, it’s a rush to the emergency room. But when people are constantly rubbing their eyes, there’s no trigger of alarm. It’s just itchy eyes! But Dr. Clara Chan, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University […]
Monster Brand Caffeinated Energy Drinks Recalled
Monster brand caffeinated energy drinks are recalled due to caffeine content and labelling issues Issue: The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to various non-compliances related to caffeine content and labelling requirements. What You Should Do: If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, […]
Erie Shores Health Foundation Announces New Executive Director
Jeff Lewis, Chair of Erie Shores Health Foundation (ESHF), announced today the appointment of Penny J. Bellhouse as the Foundation’s Executive Director effective August 14th. In making the announcement, Mr. Lewis shared, “Ms. Bellhouse, who has roots in the community, has over 15 years of experience in developing strong philanthropic […]
Common Sense Health: Potassium by the Doctrine of the Golden Mean
Aristotle’s doctrine of the golden mean lauds the middle ground of two extremes: excess and deficiency. But not everyone follows this sage advice. And not all vitamins and minerals send clear signals of absence or excess. This week, a look at potassium, the third most abundant mineral in the body. […]
WECHU’s School Readiness Events for Children in September
School Readiness Events What an exciting time for your family! Join us at our School Readiness Events on Monday, August 28 or Tuesday, August 29, 2023 to get useful tips to help your family prepare for the fall. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has many resources and services to help! Visit a School […]
Common Sense Health: A Veterinarian for Assessing Weakness
Readers of a great age face a common problem. It’s called frailty or general weakness. The frail elderly are at risk of falls that require hospitalization, often leading to palliative care. As the condition progresses, independent living at home can become impossible. For people who have reached the end of […]
Tayfour-Emara Research & Education Fund Gets Another Boost
A pair of local surgeons are keeping their legacy of giving to the Windsor-Essex community alive. Last year, Dr. Fouad Tayfour and Dr. Barry Emara came forward with a $250,000 donation to establish the ‘Tayfour-Emara Excellence in Research & Education Fund’. For 2023, they’re upping the ante with a $330,000 […]
Canada Launches 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline On November 30
The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline will be available across Canada on November 30, 2023. The service will be available in English and French, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, to everyone in Canada Suicide is a serious public health issue that impacts people of all ages and backgrounds across the […]
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Issues Extended Heat Warning
Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health has issued an Extended Heat Warning from Wednesday, July 26 to Friday, July 28, 2023 for Windsor and Essex County. Everyone is at risk from heat, especially older adults, infants and young children, people […]
West Nile Virus Positive Mosquito Pool in Windsor and Essex County
Routine monitoring for West Nile Virus (WNV) has identified one positive mosquito pool in our community. This is the first sign of WNV in Windsor and Essex County (WEC) this year. Certain types of mosquitoes spread WNV, a potentially serious infection to humans. So far in 2023, no human cases of WNV […]
Common Sense Health: Are You Making Medication Errors
Winston Churchill said, “The only statistics you can trust are those you falsified yourself.” Unreliable statistics make it hard to know how many people die each year due to medication errors. How many more are taking harmful drug combinations or the wrong doses? The numbers are elusive because medical professionals […]
Common Sense Health: Government’s Good Intentions Gone Bad
Everyone wants a safe, effective, and accessible supply of the products that keep us healthy. Doctors and patients need proven drugs. People seeking to prevent illness with natural remedies also need good products. But governments trying to ensure quality are putting measures in place that will limit the variety of […]
GreenShield To Provide Essential Medicines To Underserved
The United Nations has declared that access to essential medicines is a fundamental human right, yet more than one million Canadians do not have prescription drug coverage. This is a devastating problem, leading those without access to financial aid or employer benefits to have to make an impossible choice of prioritizing […]
You Can Become the CEO Of Your Health
What a great day and wonderful experience on July 5th at Ireland Manual Physiotherapy Clinic in Kingsville! Founder of Become the CEO of Your Health Margaret Wallis-Duffy (RMT) and Founder of Osteosound Megan Buhrmester were on hand for their bone scan clinic. The EchoS rapidly generates a medical report that […]
Common Sense Health: Not Every Pain Needs a Pill
How we wish there were better ways to treat pain. But scientists are struggling to find them. The very nature of pain remains illusive too. Determining if pain is mild, moderate, or severe is a personal perception. Doctors and nurses ask patients to rate their pain from zero to ten. […]
ESHF Grants Over $1.3 Million To Care Close To Home
Erie Shores Health Foundation (ESHF) recently granted over $1.3 million to Erie Shores HealthCare and The Hospice, Erie Shores Campus. These grants represented the noteworthy outpour of support from members of the community committed to advancing healthcare close to home. ESHF’s grant of $689,000 to The Hospice, Erie Shores Campus […]
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Issues Heat Warning
Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health has issued a Heat Warning for July 4 and July 5, 2023. A heat warning is issued when two consecutive days are forecasted to have a daytime high temperature greater […]
Common Sense Health: Coughing Again? Could It be COPD?
Ask any singer what they detest the most and they will say, “People who cough at concerts.” So how do you tell if your annoying cough is due to getting older or being a little out of shape? Is it a common cold? Or could it be a life-threating condition, […]
Health Unit Office Closed Friday, June 30 for Canada Day
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit office will be closed to the public on Friday, June 30 for Canada Day. Website: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Phone: 519-258-2146 Facebook: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Instagram: thewechu Twitter: WEC Health Unit YouTube: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
Special Air Quality Statement Issued by Environment Canada
June 27, 2023 for Windsor – Leamington – Essex County, ON High levels of air pollution in Windsor and Essex County will develop due to smoke from forest fires. Smoke plumes from forest fires over northeastern Ontario and Quebec will move into the area this afternoon or tonight, resulting in […]
Common Sense Health: Safe and Effective Responses to Stress
What is the world coming to? Recent news has artificial intelligence (AI) researchers and CEOS warning of an “extinction risk” from the technology running wild. Forest fires are literally running wild too. Nuclear war might us out. Or economic collapse. If these things don’t get you stressed, then how about […]
SafePoint Video Provides Walk-through for Community
The virtual site tour video of SafePoint has officially launched. Located at 101 Wyandotte Street East, SafePoint is the first health facility to offer supervised consumption services in the City of Windsor. As part of SafePoint’s commitment to community engagement, the video was created to provide community members with a […]
Third MRI Machine Up And Running At Windsor Regional Hospital
A third MRI machine at Windsor Regional Hospital is currently in operation and about to ramp up to full capacity, adding thousands of additional scans for patients on an annual basis. In December 2022, the provincial government announced funding for 27 new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines across Ontario including […]
SafePoint Site Tour Video Released by WECHU
At the Board of Health meeting on June 15, 2023 the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit showcased a virtual video site tour of the SafePoint site located at 101 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor. As part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, the video was created to provide members of […]
Common Sense Health: New Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes
Albert Einstein wrote, “Everything is a miracle.” Is it possible that a new class of drugs is finally providing a miracle in the fight against diabetes? Ozempic and Trulicity, produced by Novo Nordisk and Ely Lilly, are examples of the brand-name prescription drugs gaining attention for fighting type 2 diabetes […]
Beach Water Test Results Available from Health Unit
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has launched the 2023 beach water quality testing program at 8 local beaches. On Monday June 12, 2023, beach water samples were taken by Public Health Inspectors from Sandpoint Beach, Lakeshore Lakeview Park West Beach, Point Pelee North West Beach, Seacliff Park Beach, Cedar Island […]
Common Sense Health: The Health Consequences of Cats
Dog lovers may want to skip this week’s commentary. For cat lovers too, this column may prove a disappointment. A health risk assessment of household cats might be all you need to recommit to a dog. Cats are the darlings of the Internet. And that may be the safest way […]
WECHU Statement on Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality Health Index
The following statement came from Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Medical Officer of Health for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU): “With Environment Canada issuing a Special Air Quality Statement for our region due to smoke from wildfires, I want to remind residents of Windsor and Essex County that wildfire smoke can […]
Common Sense Health: Little Relief and High Costs for Back Pain
A humorous greeting card reads, “Technically I’m still young, but due to my back pain, I’m actually 90.” Whatever the age, including 99, back pain can be agonizing. It’s a surprisingly common problem. A new study published by the Lancet Rheumatology Journal reports that 619 million people suffer from low back pain […]
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Starts Active Tick Surveillance
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) launched their active tick surveillance program on Friday, June 2, 2023. This involves the identification and testing of ticks that are collected by public health staff. The field surveillance is conducted at public parks and trails that are frequently used by residents to retrieve […]
Discovery Week Returns To ESHC With 10 Medical Students Taking Part
Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) is excited to serve as the training ground for ten first-year medical students from Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (London and Windsor Campus) during Discovery Week 2023, taking place from May 29 to June 2. Discovery Week is a specialized learning experience that […]
Health Unit Beach Water Testing to Start June 12, 2023
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will be starting beach water quality testing program at 8 local beaches on June 12th, 2023. The beach water samples will be taken by Public Health Inspectors from Sandpoint Beach, Lakeshore Lakeview Park West Beach, Point Pelee North West Beach, Seacliff Park Beach, Cedar Island […]
Common Sense Health: Early Hormone Therapy Has Benefits
It was surprising news in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. There’s another about-turn among scientists studying hormone therapy (HT) as a treatment for symptoms of menopause. This time, researchers have produced findings that suggest benefits to healthy women who start HT early in the transition to menopause. Women have long […]
Common Sense Health: Good Oral Health Demands Manual Labour
Mickey Mantle, former star of the New York Yankees baseball team, often remarked, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” He was only 63 when he died. Now, with many of us getting a good chance to live beyond 100, […]
Protect Yourself from Tick Bites This Summer
As temperatures start to climb, the Ontario government is encouraging people across the province to take precautions to prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses when enjoying the outdoors. While ticks are most active in spring and summer, they can be found during […]
University of Windsor Secures Canada Research Chairs in Public Health
The University of Windsor and Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) are pleased to announce that three (3) new Canada Research Chairs focused on public health have been approved for federal funding, which will allow for the University to recruit leading public health experts to the Windsor-Essex region. Since the announcement […]
Common Sense Health: Total Family Doctor Prevents Needless Surgery
How important is what I like to call the “Total Family Doctor” (TFD)? For years, I’ve praised the hardworking family doctor for the role he or she plays in medical care. Now, many North Americans say it’s impossible to find a family doctor. What has happened to them? Prior to […]
Nurses Honoured With Recognition for Excellence, Education Funding
Nurses at Windsor Regional were honoured this week to recognize nursing excellence and continuing education efforts. Winners of the Jeanne Mance Extraordinary Nursing Care Awards go to a nurse who continually goes above and beyond to provide compassionate and professional care to patients and exemplifies teamwork, compassion, stewardship and respect. […]
Survivors, Families, Others Tour Windsor/ Essex Brain Tumour Research Lab
Over 65 brain tumour researchers, doctors, survivors, volunteers and families gathered on May 11th at the Centre for Research Excellence (CORe) at the University of Windsor to tour the tumour research laboratory to learn first-hand about brain tumour research happening locally. May is Brain Tumour Awareness Month in Canada which […]
Common Sense Health: Why Do Some Women Have Pain During Sex?
Why do some women shy away from sex? It might be fatigue after a long day where everything, everything, has gone wrong. But before men jump to conclusions, they should know about a disease called endometriosis. This problem causes severe pain during sex. It occurs in about 10 percent of […]
Common Sense Health: Make a Stink for Better Public Washrooms
When asked how to become a famous comedian, Steve Martin replied, “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” It’s true, bad performers can usually be ignored. But there’s no ignoring bad public washrooms. Public washrooms have a reputation for abysmal filth, as evidenced by dirty toilets, overflowing trash, empty or […]
Update to Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s COVID-19 Policies
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has modified their masking and symptom screening policies, effective Monday, May 1, 2023. Throughout the pandemic, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has asked all staff and visitors to wear a mask while accessing our programs and services. With recent changes to COVID-19 guidance from […]
Ontario Ministry of Health: When to Get Your Next COVID-19 Booster
Wondering when you should get your next COVID-19 booster? The Ontario Ministry of Health offers some guidelines and recommendations. You can use the #COVID19 Booster Dose Recommendation tool to determine when to schedule your next COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose. Infants and children 6 months-4 years are only eligible for a […]
Common Sense Health: Are Canadians Better at Preventing Lyme Disease?
It’s tick season and the little pests are out with a vengeance. Tiny as they are, ticks are a huge nuisance and a hazardous vector of disease. Their ability to latch onto unsuspecting hosts has made them one of the most successful blood-sucking parasites on the planet. Ticks are the […]
New Acting Medical Officer of Health Starts May 1, 2023
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) Board of Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mehdi Aloosh as the region’s new Acting Medical Officer of Health (Acting MOH), effective May 1. Dr. Aloosh brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position as a public health and […]
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Leamington WECHU April 18
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is offering a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for ages 6 months and up. This will occur on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The clinic will be held at the WECHU Leamington Office at 33 Princess Street, Leamington. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are […]
Common Sense Health: Fish Oil — Superhero of Supplements
You may be forgiven if you are unfamiliar with Aquaman, a superhero who breathes underwater, communicates with sea creatures, and possesses superhuman strength and agility. But revisit past columns if you haven’t learned that fish are the real superheroes. Why? Because when mere mortals consume fish, their bodies gain extraordinary […]
Community Survey: How Well Do You Know the Health Unit?
We’re looking for your feedback on our programs and services. Your input will help us improve how we support the health of our community. If you haven’t done our survey yet, you can find it online here. The purpose of this survey is to help the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit […]
Common Sense Health: What Is the Best Nutritional Advice Ever Given?
How long has this column recommended a high-fiber diet? Since March 1978 when readers were informed that processed foods create a “slow assembly line” in the bowels. Now some of the world’s most highly regarded nutritional scientists at Imperial College London say dietary fiber is “the best health advice of […]
Health Unit Closed April 7 & 10 for Easter Weekend
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will be closed to the public on Friday, April 7 and Monday, April 10 on the Easter weekend. Website: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Phone: 519-258-2146 Facebook: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Instagram: thewechu Twitter: WEC Health Unit YouTube: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
Common Sense Health: Ecosystem Biodiversity Matters to Health, Nutrition
The routine of modern-day life for most of us involves regular trips to the grocery store and three meals a day. The regular patterns of our diet can be a source of comfort or a rushed necessity. But is eating the same familiar foods – often the same recipes, products, […]
Ontario Association of Optometrists And Province Reach Historic Agreement
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023 members of the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) ratified a new four-year funding agreement with the Government of Ontario. The changes in this agreement are based on the best available clinical evidence and expert opinion for providing people appropriate eye care, as well as the […]
New Online Clock Displays Wait Time For Low-Acuity Patients
Erie Shores HealthCare is pleased to announce the launch of a second Emergency Department Wait Time Clock to help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The new clock will display the expected wait time for the Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ) within the Emergency Department. Erie Shores is one of […]
Common Sense Health: What to Do When Things Fall Down
The law of gravity means our bodies are pulled down to Earth. This fact inevitably spells trouble over time. But for some women, it causes inconvenient and annoying issues, and sometimes surgery, to address what’s called vaginal prolapse. Not all women are born equal. Some inherit tougher pelvic tissues and […]
Main Street Pharmacy and Mobile Medical Clinic Provide Care at Legion
Main Street Pharmacy is on-site today and over the weekend at the Kingsville Legion with the Windsor Essex Ontario Health Team Mobile Medical Clinic. Come in for primary and acute care needs provided by an amazing team of nurse practitioners and nurses. Friday, March 24 9 a.m. -4 p.m. Saturday, […]
Rising Cases of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in Windsor-Essex County
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Warns Community of Rising Cases of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in the Region The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is urging individuals to keep themselves up to date with the pertussis vaccine after a recent dramatic rise of cases in the region. Since November 1, 2022, […]
Common Sense Health: Don’t Let Food Safety in the Kitchen Lapse
It’s an age-old problem, but not one that should come with age. Yet, compared to younger culinary novices, elderly people may be more prone to making mistakes in food preparation that can lead to food poisoning. Kitchens can be a dangerous place. So no harm in having a refresher to […]
Covid-19 Assessment Centres To Close As Of April 1
Another milestone in the fight against COVID-19 — as of April 1, 2023, COVID-19 Assessment Centres at Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) and Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) will be closing their doors. The decision comes following a significant drop in the number of patients accessing the centres as COVID-19 numbers continue […]
Common Sense Health: Fire the Canons! It’s Daylight Savings Time!
In a letter to the editor of the Journal of Paris in 1784, Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” In his advocacy for people to wake up and leverage the day, Franklin joked there should be a tax on window […]
Vaccine Pop-Up Clinic in Leamington on March 10
A pop-up clinic will be taking place March 10, 2023 at the Leamington Office of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. The clinic will offer COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for those 5 years old and up. No appointment is needed. Date: Friday, March 10 Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Location: […]
Common Sense Health: 100th Trip Around the Sun
People often ask me, what’s my secret to a long and healthy life? This week, I start my 100th trip around the sun. So I must acknowledge that Lady Luck has been on my side. But it’s not just good luck, or good genes. As a medical doctor, I learned early […]
Essex County Library and WECHU Offer Survey to Radon Test Kit Users
Did you or someone you know borrow a radon detector test kit this past year? The Windsor Essex County Health Unit and Essex County Library are asking you to take a few minutes to complete this survey https://chkmkt.com/radonsurvey The survey is anonymous and will take less than 5 minutes to […]
Nutrition Month: WECHU and Partners Expand Access to Free Resources
March is National Nutrition Month and this year, Dietitians across Canada are calling on Canadians to unlock the potential of food by finding a dietitian. Understanding nutrition and developing food skills can be intimidating for many, but eating well doesn’t necessarily mean giving up your favourite foods. This March, the […]
Common Sense Health — Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
Vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin.” This is because it is synthesized in our skin in response to sunlight. The beauty of Vitamin D is that it’s free – a great model for “all things in moderation” too. There are two main forms of vitamin D: […]
Common Sense Health: If Only It Was Only an Email Nightmare
This month marks twenty years since the Gifford-Jones newspaper column became accompanied by a “medical update” sent by email to subscribing readers. In early February 2003, the column printed in newspapers was titled, “My E-Mail Nightmare”. It began like this: My daughter said, “Dad don’t do it. You don’t need […]
Health Unit Closes for Family Day on Monday, February 20
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will be closed to the public on Monday, February 20, 2023 for Family Day. Website: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Phone: 519-258-2146 Facebook: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Instagram: thewechu Twitter: WEC Health Unit YouTube: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
Common Sense Health: The Promise of 3D Printing in Healthcare
In healthcare, it’s the elusive breakthrough to a cure for diseases like cancer that has us all hoping. But sometimes it’s the bit-by-bit advancements, rarely getting headings, that make for greater impact. An example is the field of 3D printing, not even a medical technology by inception, but now a […]
Scheduled Maintenance for WECHU on Thursday, February 9
Our network will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 8 p.m. which will include www.wechu.org. All network resources should be back up and running at 9 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience. Website: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Phone: (519) 258-2146 Facebook: Windsor-Essex County HEALTH UNIT Twitter: WEC […]
Common Sense Health: Is It Safe to Have an Alcoholic Drink Before Dinner?
No one in our family has ever needed to cling to a telephone pole on the way home after drinking too much alcohol. Rather, we have long held that moderate amounts of alcohol can be healthy. But are we right? Now, a new Canadian report claims more than one or […]
Health Unit Issues Suspension Orders to Elementary Students
As part of the continued work to prevent the spread of vaccine preventable diseases, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) completed a review of all elementary student immunization records in December and more than 12,000 students received a notice. These students were either overdue for one or more vaccines required […]
Common Sense Health: Magic Mushrooms Are Moving Mainstream
You may have preconceived ideas that magic mushrooms are the party drugs of days past. However, in Canada and other countries, regulations are starting to ease on these prohibited psychedelics. The impetus stems from clinical trials showing remarkable results in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment-resistant depression. The question […]
Ontario Updates COVID-19 Testing Guidance, Increases Paxlovid Access
Ontario has updated its guidance on PCR testing to align with the current recommendations for who should receive Paxlovid – an oral antiviral treatment used to reduce severe outcomes from COVID-19. For more information read Statement from the Chief Medical Officer of Health Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms who meets the […]
3 Virtual Town Halls for Consumption and Treatment Service Site
Businesses, residents, and agencies are invited to have their say at Virtual Town Halls ahead of the opening of the Consumption and Treatment Services Site. In preparation for the launch of the Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS) Site, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), in partnership with the CTS Stakeholder […]
Common Sense Health: Edema Is a Common Problem Often Ignored
What is one of the most common health problems that develops in people as they age, and also one of the least discussed? The answer is chronic swelling of the legs. At best, it’s a natural consequence of aging. But also known as peripheral edema, there can be medical, nutritional, […]
Windsor-Essex Board of Health Welcomes New Chair Fabio Constante
At the meeting held on Thursday, January 19, 2023, Councillor Fabio Costante was elected as the new chair of the region’s Board of Health. As a returning member and City of Windsor Ward 2 Councillor, Costante brings experience and expertise to a board of health which welcomes several new members. […]
Ontario Investing $30 Million More in Windsor Regional Hospital
Investments will connect people in Windsor-Essex with more cancer and cardiac treatment close to home As the Ontario government accelerates the timeline to build the new Windsor Regional Hospital, it is investing approximately $30 million in the current hospital to connect people with improved treatments for patients with cancer and […]
Ontario Reducing Wait Times for Accessing Surgeries and Procedures
Ontario is making it easier and faster for people to access the publicly-funded surgeries and procedures they need by using community-based clinics to eliminate surgical backlogs and reduce wait times. The three-step plan will: • Add 14k more OHIP-insured cataract surgeries each year • Expand community-based clinics to perform more […]
Common Sense Health: Millennials Opting Out of Having Children
A Moroccan proverb claims, “If a man leaves little children behind him, it is as if he did not die.” A Sanskrit saying translates as, “A house without children is only a cemetery.” Having children may be central to sustained human life. But over the past several years, there has […]
COVID Boosters by Appointment at Main Street Pharmacy in January
We have COVID Vaccines available by appointment only. Call 519-712-8800 to book. Bivalent Comirnaty (Pfizer) Booster only after completed primary series Eligibility – Anyone 12 years of age or older who has had at least two doses and whose last dose was more than 3 months ago Appointments available: * Tue […]
Common Sense Health: Aging Well at Home
It’s been said that parents should be nice to their children. “After all, they are going to choose your nursing home.” So it is punishment or reward when children choose to help their parents stay living in their own homes? Some lifestyle choices are clear as night and day. Don’t […]
Common Sense Health: Think Twice Before Shoveling the Snow
What should we conclude when health experts say people over 45 should not shovel snow? That’s a young age! What could be so threatening about clearing the snow to people in the prime of life? A winter storm may inspire some to curl up under a blanket. But for others, […]
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit New Year’s Hours
As we head into 2023, we wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year! If you are out celebrating New Year’s Eve, please be safe – plan for a ride, have a designated driver, or stay the night. Reminder: We will be closed to the public December 30 through January […]
Pharmacists Able to Prescribe for Some Common Ailments in 2023
Spread the word! Starting January 1, 2023 pharmacies can be your one-stop shop to get prescriptions for some of the most common ailments such as pink eye, rashes, insect bites, and urinary tract infections, at no extra cost. Skipping the doctor’s office visit gives you more convenient options to access […]
Common Sense Health: A Fast for the Holidays
As 2022 comes to a close, grave existential questions loom. Is the doomsday clock ticking louder? Have we harmed our planetary home beyond repair? Is the global economy headed for collapse, or will a reckless war end all things? These are some of the debates that friends and families will […]
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Holiday Hours
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will be closed to the public on: Friday, December 23 Monday, December 26 Tuesday, December 27 Friday, December 30 Monday, January 2 Website: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Phone: 519-258-2146 Facebook: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Instagram: thewechu Twitter: WEC Health Unit YouTube: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
WECHU Encourages Respiratory Illness Prevention over the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for gathering amongst family and friends, which heightens the risk for transmission of respiratory illness. In previous years, the region has experienced large spikes in COVID-19 activity in the month of January. In this regard, WECHU is strongly encouraging residents to help prevent the […]
COVID-19, Cold and Flu Care Clinics Available at WRH and ESHC
COVID-19, Cold, and Flu Care Clinics are available at Erie Shores HealthCare and Windsor Regional Hospital. The clinics test, assess and provide treatment for people with COVID-19, and other cold and flu-like illness An appointment is required. Book with Erie Shores HealthCare Book with Windsor Regional Hospital



















































































