Contaminated pipes could cause health concerns

Growing awareness of potential lead contamination in older water lines and some household items has generated health concerns. People concerned about lead can learn tips on reducing risk in the winter issue of Health Matters, the quarterly newsletter from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. The feature contains tips for people renovating homes, or those with older water pipes that may contain lead. It also features a listing of household items like costume jewelry, craft supplies and the wicks of low-quality candles that may include lead.

The issue of Health Matters also contains timely information for parents on properly dressing their children for cold weather and some strategies to help preschool children develop healthy eating habits. For smokers, there are tips to keep those New Year's resolutions to quit.

Health Matters focuses on issues of health prevention and promotion of general interest to the local population. It is distributed widely to schools, municipalities, health professionals and other agencies. Pick up a copy of Health Matters at local health unit offices, libraries or information centres. Electronic issues of Health Matters are also available on the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.