Mike Dalliday Launches Redesigned Pilates On Demand Website To Honour Late Wife’s Entrepreneurial Vision

Pilates on Demand, an online platform offering Pilates, Yoga, Barre and Meditation classes has launched a redesigned website with upgraded member features to honour the vision and legacy of the company’s founder and former CEO, Jess Dalliday announced on Tuesday.

Jess Dalliday with her daughter. Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster.

At the young age of 32, Dalliday suddenly and tragically passed away during childbirth in April 2021 along with newborn daughter, Angeline.

Her passing left husband Mike, 2-year old daughter, family, friends, and the Peterborough community completely devastated and in shock. Jess was fiercely passionate about changing the fitness landscape to be an inclusive, accepting space, and was dedicated to defying fitness industry norms that suggest exercise is a way to change your body, instead of loving your body right now.

Mike Dalliday with daughter. Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster.

Jess’ husband Mike is honouring his late wife’s vision by becoming the CEO of Pilates on Demand, stepping away from his career as a Physician Assistant. With no entrepreneurial experience taking over Jess’ successful business seemed daunting, but through the Innovation Cluster’s mentorship and expertise Mike has been able to drive Jess’ vision forward, which most recently has involved the launch of a redesigned website and platform.

“We are beyond excited to introduce this all-new experience to our members and to anyone new to our service,” said Mike. “Since losing Jess last spring we’ve been working hard to ensure her legacy is carried forward. We continue to pride ourselves on being an online exercise platform for everyone. We don’t focus on pounds, inches or appearance. Our goal is for our members to feel comfortable and confident in the body they have right now, and we really feel our new design and user experience will help us and our members achieve that goal.”

Pilates on Demand provides hundreds of convenient and safe exercise classes that members can do anywhere, anytime, and at any skill level.

"During the times of the pandemic, Pilates on Demand has seen exponential growth and has been able to pivot their business to focus on the growing demand for virtual exercise,” said President of the Innovation Cluster, John Gillis. “With the launch of the new website, new and existing members will be able to experience a new and convenient way to exercise. POD is not only a place to exercise but also a place to be part of a strong community."

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Trent University Launches Campaign To Encourage Booster Shots

Trent University has launched the “One More Shot” campaign, leveraging the collective energy of the University’s Excalibur athletes, to rally for COVID-19 booster shots.

Photo by AngelaO’Grady.

The campaign is designed to further elevate campus health and safety, and increase peace of mind for students, faculty and staff returning to in-person learning this term.

“The Trent saying goes, ‘Together we are 1Excalibur.’ In support of our shared responsibilities and collective efforts, this ‘One More Shot’ campaign aims to get everyone possible to have their booster,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “We are reviewing our vaccine policies as we do this, and are excited to have our varsity athletes lead the campaign. They will mobilize the Trent community for boosters, in a way which will protect our community as we continue to respond to the challenges of COVID-19.”

The campaign, which will run across the University’s campus and social media accounts in February, amplifies ongoing calls for students, staff and faculty to get their booster: a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The University will hold on-campus booster clinics Feb. 8 and 9 at the Trent Athletics Centre on the Symons Campus. In Durham, members of the Trent community can register for the clinic at the Oshawa Centre, located one block from campus. Vaccines are also available through Ontario’s booking portal and at local pharmacies.

Trent University has also launched a new self-reporting tool now available for students who wish to report a positive result on a PCR or Rapid Antigen Test and have attended in-person classes. The information will be used by the University, out of an abundance of caution, to notify instructors and classes in the case of possible exposure to COVID-19.

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Chief Medical Officer Of Ontario Says COVID-19 Situation Is Improving

Health-care indicators suggest a general improvement in the COVID 19 situation in the province. Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said in a press conference on Thursday.

File Photo.

Although the province reported 75 more deaths related to COVID on Thursday, Dr. Moore said that health-care indicators suggest a general improvement in the COVID 19 situation in the province.

The Ministry of Health said Thursday morning that as of Wednesday there were 2,797 people with COVID-19 in the province's hospitals. That's down from 2,939 the day before and 3,645 at the same time last week.

About 56 per cent of those patients were admitted for COVID-related illnesses. 44 per cent were already in hospital, then tested positive for the virus, according to the ministry.

The number of patients with COVID-19 in intensive care is also declining. There were 541 patients with COVID-19 who required intensive care, down from 555 the day before and 599 the same time last week.

Roughly 83 per cent of the people with COVID-19 in ICUs were admitted for reasons directly related to the virus.

The additional 75 COVID-19 deaths reported Thursday pushes the province's official toll to 11,651.

Dr. Moore’s announcement came after the province loosened many restrictions on Monday.

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Peterborough Public Health Shares Safety Tips To Prevent Opioid Poisonings

Peterborough Public Health issued a reminder to the public about the importance of overdose prevention and not using drugs alone, on Thursday.

File Photo.

“Over the last 12 months, we have seen an unprecedented amount of opioid-related paramedic calls for service and emergency department visits,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott. “This has prompted us to issue a public reminder in hopes of preventing further harms in the community. If you or a loved one uses drugs, practicing harm reduction, planning ahead, and connecting to available supports can help you and your community stay healthy and as safe as possible.”

Dr. Piggott noted that in 2021, there were on average four opioid overdose drug-related deaths every month in the Peterborough area.

“Based on this average, we are losing one person per week, let alone the countless other impacts this is having within communities across our region.”

Local paramedics saw a doubling of calls for service related to opioid poisonings last year, from 262 calls in 2020 to 540 calls in 2021.

“Provincial funding and more local supports for safe consumption of drugs and other harm reduction services are critically important at this juncture in the ongoing opioid crisis,” said Dr. Piggott.

Peterborough Public Health advises if you use substances:

o Don’t use drugs alone

o If you use with a friend, do not use at the exact same time

o Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888- 688-6677

o Carry a naloxone kit, keep it visible and close to you

o Avoid mixing drugs

o Test your drug by using a small amount first

o Call 911 immediately if someone starts to show signs of an overdose and/or cannot be resuscitated

after naloxone is administered

Peterborough Public Health encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:

o Skin is cold and clammy

o Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

o Body is very limp

o Can’t wake the person up

o Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

o Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

o Pupils are very small

If an overdose is witnessed call 911, administer Naloxone and stay with the person until help arrives.

Peterborough Public Health also stressed that under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed will not be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

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Peterborough Public Health Urges Caution As Step 3 Public Health Measures Take Effect

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is emphasizing the importance of residents to continue following COVID-19 prevention measures so the provincial move to Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen can go as scheduled announced Monday.

Photo by Angela O’Grady

“While the easing of some public health measures is welcome news, we can’t let our guard down completely or else any increase in COVID-19 transmission may lead to another step backwards,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Our community is still grappling with the recent surge in infections caused by Omicron, causing the local death rate to increase substantially in recent weeks. This is compounded by the underlying vulnerability of our community with its higher proportion of elderly residents.”

Dr. Piggott reminded residents while COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU admissions are showing modest signs of slowing down, these provincial numbers don’t take into account the staffing shortages many hospitals are facing, including Peterborough Regional Health Centre. In addition, he said local wastewater surveillance demonstrates continued transmission so prudence is required.

The team at Peterborough Public Health is working hard to ensure the new guidelines are easy to find on its website, and staff are reaching out to various sectors to help them understand the new public health guidance for their business and organizations. Highlights of the Step 3 measures that took effect on Monday include:

• Proof of identification and vaccination (showing two doses) will continue to apply in existing settings; businesses must now use the Verify Ontario app and patrons must show enhanced vaccine certificates containing a QR Code.

• Indoor public settings may open, increasing or maintaining capacity limits at 50 per cent, including indoor dining, meeting and event spaces, gyms, and cinemas

• Social gathering limits can increase up to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

• Organized public events can increase capacity to 25 people indoors.

• With very limited exceptions, masks must be worn by everyone while indoors.

Alongside the return to Step 3, Dr. Piggott has released a Letter of Recommendation Monday urging businesses and organizations to continue to have staff to work from home when possible.

As Ontario’s reopening plan progresses, PPH will be monitoring the local situation closely and will escalate this to an enforceable Letter of Instruction under the Reopening Ontario Act if needed.

Step 3 will be in effect for a minimum of 21 days while public health indicators are monitored. Additional measures may be relaxed by the province if favourable trends continue on Feb. 21.

Those with questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

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Peterborough Public Health Issues Sixth Frostbite Alert of the Season

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued its sixth frostbite alert this season as wind chill values are forecast to drop below -27°C from 10:00 p.m. Friday and last at least until 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.

The first frostbite alert for Peterborough was issued on Jan. 7. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and everyone is encouraged to take precautions to stay safe. Extreme cold temperatures can particularly impact the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems and the marginally housed. There are various emergency shelters available overnight in the City of Peterborough.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, Peterborough Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions: 

• Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. 

• Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods. 

• Use caution when shovelling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shovelling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems. 

• Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.

Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keeps you dry and further reduces your risk.

PPH has issued the following tips:

• Dress in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.

• Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and a scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.

• If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.

Cold related illnesses include:

• Hypothermia: Symptoms/signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.

• Frostbite: Symptoms/signs include: white/greyish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness. Increases in other health problems can also be seen especially for those with other chronic medical conditions such as heart conditions.

Further information about the health risks of extreme cold and Peterborough Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found here or by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and searching for “extreme cold.”

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Ontario's Chief Medical Officer Highlights Loosened Restrictions For Monday

Dr. Kieran Moore highlighted the loosened COVID-19 restrictions that will come into play on Monday, during a briefing on Thursday.

Screenshot.

As a result of the additional public health measures enacted on Jan. 5, the province is beginning to see signs of stabilization in key public health and health system indicators.

Some surgeries paused due to a surge in COVID-19 cases will resume on Monday. Non-urgent surgeries were put on hold in early January to preserve hospital capacity, affecting an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 procedures a week.

Also effective as of Monday at 12:01 a.m. :

Ontario will begin the process of gradually easing restrictions, while maintaining protective measures, including but not limited to:

• Increasing social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

• Increasing or maintaining capacity limits at 50 per cent in indoor public settings, including but not limited to:

• Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments without dance facilities;

• Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies)

• Shopping malls;

• Non-spectator areas of sports and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms;

• Cinemas;

• Meeting and event spaces;

• Recreational amenities and amusement parks, including water parks;

• Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos and similar attractions; and

• Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments

• Religious services, rites, or ceremonies.

• Allowing spectator areas of facilities such as sporting events, concert venues and theatres to operate at 50 per cent seated capacity or 500 people, whichever is less.

Enhanced proof of vaccination, and other requirements would continue to apply in existing settings.

The Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that as of Wednesday, there were 3,645 people with COVID-19 in hospitals: down from 4,016 on Tuesday.

About 56 per cent of those patients were admitted for COVID-related illnesses while 44 per cent were already in hospital when they tested positive for the virus, according to the ministry.

There were 599 patients with COVID-19 who required intensive care, a second straight day the overall number has fallen. It's down from 608 the day before but up slightly from the same time last week.

About 82 per cent of patients with COVID-19 in ICUs were admitted for reasons directly related to the virus.

The health ministry also reported another 70 deaths of people with the virus, bringing the official toll in the province to 11,230.

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Surge In Admissions Sees Patient Volume Reach Over 100 Per Cent

As the Omicron Variant continues to spread throughout the community, Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) continues to see sustained patient volumes above 100 per cent of the hospital’s bed capacity. 

Photo courtesy of Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

This recent surge has seen hospital capacity reach as high as 140 per cent.  

In order to provide care for this increased volume of patients, CMH has temporarily converted the day surgery recovery area into acute care beds and plans are in place to convert the ambulatory care clinic to accommodate further acute care patients should the surge in patients continue to grow.

While increasing bed capacity is one challenge, staffing is another, particularity in light of a highly contagious variant that has required many staff to self-isolate.

“Our staff have been at this for nearly two years,” said CMH Interim President/CEO Eric Hanna. “They are exhausted and they continue to give it their all day in and day out. Our part-time and casual workers are putting in full-time hours; our full time staff are coming in on their off days, it’s truly been an all hands on deck effort.”

CMH reminds the community that although the worst of Omicron may be over soon, it is still very active in the community and it is important to follow Public Health advice such as washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask, and getting vaccinated.

“Although we are seeing fully vaccinated patients presenting with COVID-19,” said Hanna, “I will note that the vast majority of severe COVID-19 cases that require admission to the hospital are in people who are not vaccinated. That’s why vaccination is so important, not only to protect you and your loved ones, but also to preserve hospital capacity.”

Community members could also expect to see slightly longer than normal wait times in the Emergency Department and those requiring non-urgent care are encouraged to seek out alternative options such as their family doctor, telehealth, or virtual care clinics.

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Walk In Opportunities Available For COVID-19 Vaccine On Anniversary Of First COVID-19 Vaccine Administered In The Area

To increase access to the COVID-19 vaccine, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is expanding walk-in clinic opportunities to some eligible residents.

File Photo.

As of Wednesday:

• Residents 12 years of age or older who require a first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can walk-in to vaccine clinics designated for residents 12 years of age or older.

• Residents 18 years of age or older who require a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can walk-in to vaccine clinics designated for residents 12 years of age or older.

• Residents ages 5-11 who require a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can walk-in to vaccine clinics designated for residents ages 5-11.

At this time, residents ages 5-11 who require a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are asked to book an appointment at available COVID-19 vaccine clinics.

Available COVID-19 vaccine clinics can be found here.. Appointments are still available for most COVID-19 vaccine clinics and can be booked through the provincial booking system online at www.ontario.ca/covidvaccine or by calling 1- 833-943-3900.

“We are aiming to reduce the barriers to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine by expanding walk-in opportunities for many residents,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Peterborough Public Health will continue to host vaccine clinics in the City of Peterborough and throughout Peterborough County to increase access to the vaccine.”

Today is the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the Peterborough region. On January 26, 2021, Elizabeth Campbell was the first resident in Peterborough to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“In one year, all vaccination partners in our region have been able to administer 321,186 doses of COVID-19 vaccines. I want to thank our vaccinators, administrative support, volunteers, and every partner organization that have supported COVID-19 vaccine efforts across the region,” said Dr. Piggott.

For additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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Peterborough Public Health Provides Guidance to Reduce COVID-19 Spread Schools to Families

Dr. Thomas Piggott, Peterborough Public Health’s (PPH) medical officer of health has outlined the steps he strongly recommends local school families take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools in a letter released Thursday.

Dr. Thomas Piggott (pictured) became Peterborough Public Health’s medical officer of health on Dec. 1. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Public Health.

“This is a difficult time to be a parent and/or caregiver, and the return to in-person learning is a tough decision to make,” said Dr. Piggott. “I want to assure families that PPH, in partnership with district school boards, is working diligently to ensure protective measures are in place for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission in schools.”

The full letter can be read here.

In his letter, Dr. Piggott described the recommendations that were developed for Peterborough County and City schools in consultation with the Provincial Government’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. They focused on the following key areas: 

• Close monitoring of school absenteeism rates, and the results of rapid-antigen tests including those submitted to PPH through this online survey (https://chkmkt.com/RAT21). If indicators demonstrate the spread of COVID-19 exceeds set thresholds, unvaccinated students will be recommended for dismissal for five days to self-isolate. 

• Submitting rapid-antigen test results (positive or negative) to PPH’s confidential online survey at https://chkmkt.com/RAT21

• Getting vaccinated with at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine for students aged 5 - 17 years. Second doses are available 56 days (eight weeks) after the first dose. Appointments are available through the provincial booking system https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by calling for assistance at 1- 833-943-3900.

At all local schools, wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, completing the daily screening tool and not attending school if students or a household member is symptomatic are key public health measures.

Dr. Piggott also encourages parents and caregivers to watch the webinar entitled “ABCs of Back to In-person Learning” he gave last Thursday answering their frequently asked questions about the reopening of schools to in-person learning.

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