Dr. Hamm Appointment

A long-time physician and one-time premier has been re-appointed chairman of the Board of Directors of Assisted Human Reproduction Canada. The federal health minister says Dr John Hamm's medical career and his strength in working on complex issues with diverse stakeholders have served the Agency well. Dr Hamm has served on the Board as Chairperson since AHRC began operations in 2007. Assisted Human Reproduction Canada was established in 2006 to administer and enforce the Assisted Human Reproduction Act. Its mandate is to protect and promote the health and safety, dignity and rights of Canadians who use or are born of assisted human reproduction technologies, and to foster ethical principles in relation to assisted human reproduction and other related matters under the Act.

H-1-N-1Vaccine

The province's chief medical officer of health, Doctor Robert Strang, today (October 21st) announced details of Nova Scotia's immunization plan. H1N1 vaccine will be available for free to all Nova Scotians who want it. People in high risk groups for seasonal flu can get both seasonal flu and H1N1 shots at the same time. H1N1 vaccine will be available through community clinics, some doctor offices and workplace clinics. Community clinics will begin across Nova Scotia within the next two weeks. Doctor Strang says he has every confidence in the safety of the H1N1 vaccine and he strongly urges all Nova Scotians to be vaccinated. If Nova Scotians have questions about the vaccination, they can go to www.gov.ns.ca/h1n1 , call their local public health unit or call HealthLink 811. Along with immunization, people are also encouraged to take the following precautions to prevent illness:
-- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after a sneeze or cough. When soap and water are not handy, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an acceptable alternative.
-- Cough and sneeze into elbow or sleeve.
-- If using tissues, dispose of them appropriately and wash hands.
-- Limit touching eyes, nose and mouth.
-- Do not share drinking glasses, water bottles, mouth guards, cosmetics or eating utensils.
-- If concerned that medical advice or care is needed, contact HealthLink 811. Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, visit a doctor or walk-in clinic.

Campaign School

Her first try at politics didn't win her a seat. But it's been a very busy year for Denise Peterson-Rafuse. In 2004, she made an unsuccessful run at a seat on Municipal Council. This year, she ran for the NDP in Chester St. Margaret's, winning the seat and earning a place in cabinet. And she's paying some of that forward. The Minister responsible for the status of women is helping with a campaign school next week trying to encourage more females to enter politics and bring the numbers up from about one in four. The school is being run at Mt St Vincent University this coming weekend. Brochures and application forms are available at www.women.gov.ns.ca or by calling 1-800-565-8662.

Paramedic Awards

A Lunenburg County man will be among 14 paramedics receiving an Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal today. Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis will present the honour to Jay Albert Walker of Hubbards at a ceremony at Province house this afternoon. The lieutenant-governor will be joined by Health Minister Maureen MacDonald. The award honours years of service and for performance above and beyond the call of duty.

Medal recipients are:
--Albert Walker, Hubbards, Lunenburg Co.
--Glen Diggdon, Pubnico, Yarmouth Co.
--Darrell Bardua, Dartmouth
--Mark Turner, Kentville
--Terry Muise, Yarmouth
--Dean Vokey, Bellville, Yarmouth Co.
--Gary Galley, Berwick
--Frank McPhee, Halifax
--Franklin Johnston, Goodwood, Halifax Regional Municipality --Prema Cooper, Whites Lake, Halifax Regional Municipality --Dwayne Semple, Tatamagouche --Steve Connell, Kentville --Brian Joseph Bunch, New Minas --Joseph MacDonald, Inverness

Eat Local

Agriculture Minister John MacDonell is enjoying a day of eating locally produced food as part of his pledge to Eat Atlantic today (September 4th). The minister started his day with a Nova Scotian breakfast of scrambled eggs from his daughter's 4H chicken, locally made toasted bread and a cup of fair trade coffee, along with wild blueberries and a peach. He then visited a farmers' market at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, VG site this morning to pick up some fresh produce for supper. He says health applies to everything when eating local -- health of our communities, our environment, our economy and our people. He is joined by Atlantic ministers from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Almost 2,000 Nova Scotians have made the pledge to Eat Atlantic, more than any other Atlantic province. To sign up for the Eat Atlantic Challenge, visit www.eatatlantic.ca .

Natural Resources Panel

A dozen Nova Scotians have been appointed to guide the development of a new natural resources strategy for the province. The appointments were recommended by a steering panel chaired by former Chief Justice Constance Glube. The four expert panels will soon begin the job of consulting with stakeholders, and their findings will be reported to the steering panel late this fall. Jonathan Porter, of Liverpool, the manage of Forestry and Fibre Resources, Abitibi Bowater has been appointed to the Forestry Panel as has Donna Crossland, the senior park warden of Kejimkujik National Park.