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MICHAEL SCHMIDT PROTEST When Michael Schmidt’s big blue bus rolls up outside of the Health Unit, you know something’s going on. What occurred outside of the Grey Bruce Health Unit on October 13 was a support rally to help Michael Schmidt and his argument to allow him to distribute unpasteurized milk. I personally am on the side of the Health Unit, because they know what consuming this milk does to people. I am fine with Michael drinking his own unpasteurized milk, but he should not be distributing it to others. I didn’t come into this subject with much knowledge but left with a fair grasp on the situation. Michael says that they want the right to be able to put in their bodies what they think is healthy and not what the government thinks is healthy. He also stated that the Health Unit shouldn’t get involved. That’s what the Health Unit does though; they get involved when symptoms of illness start occurring. It’s their job. This is also costing our government money for these people getting sick over drinking something that isn’t healthy for you.   Shane Jolley, an independent candidate in the provincial election, took the stage first to support Michael. Everyone seemed shocked when Michael started handing out unpasteurized milk on the spot. A hush went over the crowd when Chris Munn, one of the Directors of Operations and Program Development at the Health Unit, marched straight up to the stage and grabbed a glass. He proceeded to ask Michael if the milk was pasteurized. Michael, with the support of his crowd, proceeded to say no. In a short media interview afterwards it was stated that there is a possibility of charges being laid again towards Michael Schmidt. What he did at the protest was illegal and unnecessary. He was making points to his followers before he even handed out the milk. By doing that, he caused more problems for himself.

Posted: October 27,2011 By: Nathan Brown

YOUTH HEALTH COUNCIL On Saturday October 1, Youth Council members from area high schools gathered at the Grey Bruce Health Unit for training and information on health issues they will be promoting in the coming year. Each month the designated Youth Council students will broadcast a different health issue to students at their school. The students received a warm welcome and plenty of healthy snacks on arrival to the Health Unit that morning. Introductions were made and a tour of the building helped orient everyone. After a nutritious lunch the work began. The students were split into two groups; each group attending a different workshop and then switch. Both workshop provided information and ideas the Youth Council members would take back to their schools to promote to students. The workshop presented by Public Health Nurses addressed substance misuse. A brainstorming session looked at the kinds of substance abuse that goes on in their schools and effective ways to inform youth about the dangers. A brain teasing game tested the participant’s knowledge on substances. Another session addressed ways to get this information out to the public. In the second workshop, a Health Unit dietician discussed healthy eating, the chemicals and sugars found in certain drinks and food combinations that are good for you. This workshop was an eye opener to some of the nutritious foods out there and that eating healthy isn’t hard. One game involved identifying certain fruits and vegetables and then going into detail about what’s healthy about them. The workshop also looked at physical fitness and the importance of staying active. Following the break, the students learned about tobacco initiatives underway at the Health Unit. The Play Live Be Tobacco Free program is about tobacco use in recreational areas such as parks and playgrounds. That flowed into the presentation on the Nic-O-Time Challenge. This program challenges students to sign up to either quit smoking, or to remain tobacco free. Participants fill out a survey on tobacco and youth to become eligible to win prizes.             The students received some “swag” to take back to their schools to help promote both programs and the Youth Council itself. An evaluation session wrapped up the day.

Posted: October 07,2011 By: Nathan Brown

C.D.H.S. UPDATE: DISABLE THE LABEL! In September, I applied for a position on Children's Mental Health Ontario and am now one of 8 teens across Ontario on the Youth Action Committee. I am able to take the knowledge I learn from this committee and apply it at my small school. After creating the Disable the Label group, we have been working on a lot of initiatives. Next month is Suicide Prevention Month at our school. We will be running an art contest with the theme of "Mental Health and Suicide Prevention". Art submissions can include 3D/2D visual art, poetry, video-editing, and musical compositions. There will be 5 winners-the first place receiving an iPad! In addition, I am working on ordering in materials to create my "Student Stress Packages". These packages will include books, resources, granola bars, pens, stress balls, wrist bands, etc. that each student can take home and utilize with his/her family. Not only will this create awareness, but it will hopefully help in educating students on the signs and symptoms of a mental illness. Resources will also focus on stress management in an effort to be proactive to the rising issue of teenage mental illness. Focusing on stress as well as mental illness, these packages are not limited to the 25% of teens who actually suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. We are able to reach out to every student, while doing so in a way that does not single anyone out or create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Once materials are ordered in, these packages will be handed out during homeroom classes. It is through this effort that I hope to effectively reach out to those around me and eliminate the negative stereotypes that exist in our society. Being the same age as the students in my school, I feel that I am at an advantage when it comes to connecting with those around me. From experience, I realize the importance of presenting resources in an appealing, hands on format. Our society is so driven by visual appeal and, coming from the same generation as the teens at my school, I know what it takes to create this change. I am proud to say that Chesley District High School has become proactive in our attempts to combat stigma and create mental health awareness!

Posted: January 28,2012 By: Kathryn Loucks

IN THE NICO-O-TIME CHALLENGE During the month of March, the Grey Bruce Health Unit challenges you to Quit Smoking, Cut back or don’t even start smoking. In the Nico-O-Time challenge if you are between the ages of 14 and 19 you can take a little survey and will become eligible to win fantastic prizes. Trying to quit or be tobacco free throughout the month of March? Then you must have a supporting friend to help you through the challenge. For more information on the Nic-O-Time Challenge, check us out on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and look us up on YouTube!   If you would like to like to sign up go to www.quit2win.ca and take the Nico-O-Time challenge survey. Quit, Cut Back, or Don’t Start by February 29th 2012.

Posted: Febraury 14,2012 By: MeganAbell