Health

HEALTH
Council provides a number of health programs designed to protect and promote public health. It strives to deliver a high standard of service to the community in order to protect the public from disease and improve public health.

Current Issues we are addressing: 

HEATWAVES 
Beat the Heat in Banyule this Summer
The frequency and intensity of heatwaves in Victoria is expected to increase.  Experience shows that heatwaves are known to significantly increase the incidence of illness & death - particularly among vulnerable community members such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women & people with pre-existing medical considitons & people with disabilities.

To help ensure the Banyule Community is better prepared, Council will be implementing a Heatwave Plan this summer.

The aim of this plan is to:

  • Raise awareness about the impact of heatwaves
  • Educate the community about ways to keep cool & what to do to help others
  • Implement actions to minimise the impact of heatwaves on our most vulneralbe community members.

The key messages for the community are:

  1. Keep the home cool
  2. Keep out of the heat
  3. Keep the body cool & hydrated
  4. Help others
  5. What to do if you have a health problem
  6. What to do when others feel unwell

 1.  Keep the home cool

  • Close windows/blinds in the daytime
  • Allow the house to cool down during the eveing (eg. install security doors to facilitate safe cooling of homes in the evening)
  • Consider installing outside blinds, window tinting and/or double glazing
  • Use airconditionding, if available, however remember the power supply may be affected during heatwaves
  • If your home is too hot - consider other cooler places in your area (eg. relatives / friends homes, shopping centres, libraries etc)

2.  Keep out of the heat

  • Never leave anyone in a closed parked car
  • Stay indoors, if possible, in airconditioning
  • Remember it's ok to cancel appointments to reduce exposure to extreme heat
  • If you must be out in the heat
    • Limit outdoor activity to morning or evening hours
    • Protect yourself from the sun & slip, slop, slap by using sunscreen, wearing a hat & covering exposed skin
    • Rest regularly in the shade & drink fluids frequently
  • Stay in the coolest room in the house, especially at night

3.  Keep the body cool & hydrated

  • Drink plenty of water & non-alcoholic fluids. (Note: If your doctor normally limits your fluids or you are on fluid tablets, you may need to check how much to drink while the weather is hot)
  • Limit or avoid alcohol & highly caffeinated drinks
  • Take a cool shower or bath
  • Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing
  • Reduce physical activity
  • Don't rely on fans in temperatures above 35OC, unless there is adequate ventilation
  • Use a wet towel/sponge or footbath to cool yourself

4.  Help others

  • Help anyone at risk to get advice & support
  • Check daily on older, sick & frail people who may need help coping with the heat

5.  What to do if you have a health problem

  • Seek medical advise on how the heat will impact on your medical condition
  • Know the signs & symptoms of excessive heat exposure & know how to respond

6.  What to do when other feel unwell

  • Move them to a cool place as soon as possible
  • Assist them in seeking medical attention

Also ensure your pets have a cool/shaded place with fresh cool water.

See below  direct links for more information on heatwave & dealing with Heat stress.

SWINE FLU
The NEW Swine Flu Vaccine is not available from Council, it is available only from GPs and Hospitals.

WHOOPING COUGH
For all new parents of babies born after 15 June 2009
Parents who have a baby born from 15 June 2009 are eligible for a free Boostrix vaccine this year in order to minimise the spread of pertussis infection to their infant.  This is available at all Council immunisation sessions until 31 December 2009.  If your baby was born prior to 15 June 2009 the vaccine is still available for purchase upon request at $45.  

The council offers a range of services including Food Safety, Hygiene Standards/Health Premises, Immunisation, Headlice, Tobacco, Syringe Disposal, Pollution, Noise, Pests, Septic Tanks and Asbestos.