Speaker: Dr. Ryan Sommers was the speaker for the day. Dr. Sommers is Medical Officer of Health for Northern Nova Scotia. A family doctor in our area since 2008, Dr. Sommers as appointed to the role of Medical Officer in 2017. He and his wife (also a Doctor) make their home in the area.
it was explained that Nova Scotia’s medical officers of health focus on the health of populations, leading and helping support collaborative efforts to both maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of our communities. The big picture. They work with health care providers, other government departments and community groups to address major issues impacting health.
Dr. Sommers than gave a very interesting update on Ticks and Lyme Disease in Nova Scotia.
From only a few cases a decade ago that were largely confined to the south shore, Ticks and the occurrence of Lyme Disease have spread all across mainland Nova Scotia. There were over 500 confirmed case last year in the province and he expects even more this year.
After a detailed description of the life cycle of the tick and the parasite that infects it, Dr. Sommers described the symptoms of what Lyme Disease looks like, strategies for reducing the risk and treatments if someone does get bitten.
He concluded that it appears the climate change in largely responsible for the rapid spread of the disease northward. It comes in on birds and is spread by deer and other animals. These animals do not get the disease but are responsible for it's spread.
While increasing populations of deer does mean the guicker spread, reducing the deer population will not eliminate Lyme disease. It is something we will need to be aware of and learn to live with. Preventing bites by "tick checking" everytime you come indoors is the first time of defense.
Practice Tick Safety.
There was significant interest from members on the topic and after questions, Dr. Sommers was thanked by Wayne Gillis.
Happy Mug: The following Rotarians were happy:
- Christine because of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games that have started and for an upcoming vacation to Scotland with her grandson.
- Alana for a great Pride Parade and also for upcoming vacation.
- Jim Goit who had gotten an email from Youwei who was in China on business. He sends his regards to the members of the club. He can read the bulletin to keep up with our activities but can't access the website or social media behind the country's firewall.
- Jim Harman was happy to have completed a building project in the back yard and both he and Kyle survived.
50/50: Jim Gould had the lucky ticket and the gamblers touch as he found the joker and took the $40 pot home. Congratulations.
There will be a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary as well as sharpen you leadership skills at the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) that will be held this fall in Truro.
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