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THE ERA ■
Thursday, June 21, 2012
■
yorkregion.com
905-853-8888
Report sparks bike helmet debate Law could discourage people from cycling BY JOE FANTAUZZI
jfantauzzi@yrmg.com
STAFF PHOTO/SUSIE KOCKERSCHEIDT
Rylan Micheals, 6, cools down at Riverwalk Commons in Newmarket yesterday.
Prepare for hot summer Spring was warmer, drier than normal BY CHRIS TRABER
ctraber@yrmg.com
If you like warm weather, you’re going to enjoy our summer, but keep an eye on the sky, senior Environment Canada climatologist David Phillips said. York Region’s spring, March through May, was warmer than normal, with 54-per-cent less rain than average, he said. In the same time, we’ve had five smog alert days, compared to just one in 2011. The higher heat and lower precipitation are a source of angst for growers and foreshadow the possibility of severe weather, including strong winds, hail, micro bursts and tornadoes, Mr. Phillips said. “Whether it’s rip roaring or not, no one knows,” he said. “But with warmer weather, typically there’s more lightning and heat generates thunderstorms. We also know York Region gets its share of severe weather.” We’ve still got a while to go before the dog days and he forecasts July and August will be
BEAT THE HEAT Stay cool in Aurora at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, 1400 Wellington St. E., Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, 135 Industrial Pkwy. N., Monday to Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aurora splash pads will operate at Town Park at the corner of Wells and Mosley streets and Ada Johnson Park at the corner of Hartwell Way and Conover Avenue seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
warmer than normal seasonal 24 C highs and 13 C overnight lows. “It shouldn’t be like last summer’s excruciating heat,” he said. “The dryness is an issue and forecasting rain is a bit of a crap shoot.” The promise of consistent high heat and the potential for particularly oppressive nights in the 20 C-plus range present risks and chal-
lenges for everyone, including people with the means to control home environments. The last few days and today have seen our region baking in temperatures topping 35 C, Mr. Phillips said. Humidity makes it feel like we’re in the 40 C zone. As such, York Region has issued a heat advisory and opened cooling stations. Extreme temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses and everyone is at risk. The danger is greatest for older adults, infants and young children, people who work or exercise in the heat and people with chronic illnesses, including breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illnesses. Extra attention should be devoted to neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure they are cool and hydrated. Warning signs of heat-related illness can include dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, weakness and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. If you’re fortunate enough to have air conditioning, comfort comes with a cost. See KEEP, page A10.
A coroner’s review calling for all cyclists to wear helmets in Ontario has been well received in York Region. But simply making everyone wear a helmet while encouraging an increase in bicycle ridership may not be as simple as it seems. The review, headed by Ontario deputy chief coroner of investigations Dr. Dan Cass, examined 129 deaths between Jan. 1, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2010. Among the 14 recommendations were that bicycle helmets, currently not required for cyclists 18 and older, be required for everyone on a bike. The review also recommended placing side guards on heavy trucks to protect cyclists from being pulled underneath. Noting some adults do not want to wear helmets, the coroner’s office also stated an evaluation of the impact of mandatory helmet legislation on cycling in Ontario should accompany any change of the law. That’s because some believe helmet laws scare away potential cyclists, Markham cycling and pedestrian advisory committee vicechairperson Peter Miasek, 64, said. The coroner’s report also notes some critics of mandatory helmet legislation point to the drop in cycling Australia experienced after its helmet law was introduced. Some European jurisdictions have decided to encourage higher See GROUP, page A11.
FATALITIES Cyclists killed in York Region since 2006: 2011: 0 2010: 1 2009: 1
Stroke report card lists hospitals’ strengths, weaknesses BY TERESA LATCHFORD
tlatchford@yrmg.com
Stroke clinics at York Region hospitals are improving patient care, York Central Hospital spokesperson Elizabeth Barnett said. The clinics work with individuals who have been identified as high risk for a first or recurring stroke, using cardiovascular rehab for ongoing prevention and disease management. The clinics and community follow-up have led to more warning of oncoming strokes and lower hospital admission and readmission rates for stroke patients, Ms Barnett said. York Central leads the Central Local Health Integration Network’s stroke-prevention strat-
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egy, meaning other hospitals in the LHIN, including Southlake Regional Health Centre and Markham-Stouffville Hospital, follow its lead. The Ontario Stroke Network released its second annual stroke report card this week, providing information on each of Ontario’s 14 LHINs. The report card uses access, treatment and rehabilitation of people who have had a stroke
— source: York Regional Police
as indicators of the level of care across the province. The information is then used to review the emerging gaps in the system so LHINs and hospitals know where to focus for improvements. The Ontario Stroke Network provides best practices in stroke care and Central LHIN health service providers adopt those practices, Central LHIN chief executive officer Kim Baker said. The stroke report card is a tool for service providers to look for opportunities to make See ONTARIO, page A7.
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2008: 0 2007: 1 2006: 2