“Many wells in the Pugwash area contain heavy metals such as lead, uranium and arsenic,” said board chairman Peter Lewis. “It’s advisable to test for these metals as well as the usual bacteria. Heavy metals are hazardous to one’s health and their presence should not be taken lightly.”
The County of Cumberland is in the process of developing a water system for the village but some areas will not be covered by this project.
The CHB has prepared a poster with the details of testing for bacteria and testing for mineral content and heavy metals. Sample bottles for bacteria testing can be picked up at the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital in Pugwash. Testing for minerals and heavy metals require different bottles which must be obtained from the water testing lab in Truro. Posters providing testing procedures are available in many Pugwash locations.
In another project, the Pugwash CHB bought five pairs of adult snowshoes complete with poles.
These are available free of charge at the Pugwash Village Hall. They are available during regular office hours, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays or by chance at other hours.
“The CHB Community Health Plan has a physical activity component,” said Lewis. “This project helps to fulfill this part of the Plan. Posters about this project are also available in various locations.”
The Pugwash and Area CHB is in the early stages of preparing its 2016-2019 Community Health Plan.
A survey has been prepared to gather information about the health priorities of local citizens. The survey is a co-operative effort among CHBs in Cumberland, Colchester and East Hants counties. However, Cumberland County CHBs will have their own community health plan.
Hard copies are available from any board member or by contacting Lewis at 902-243-2075 or at [email protected].
An online version is available at http://www.cha.nshealth.ca. When you get to the cha website just click on the survey link at the lower left of your screen. When you get to the survey, you will notice that there is a prize draw for a grocery card.
More information can be obtained from CHB co-ordinator Colleen Dowe at 902-667-3319 or [email protected].
