January 16 : Healthy eating in the winter months  

Around this time of year a visit to your local produce aisle may prove to be a disappointment considering the lack of choice and quality available. If you notice that many of the fresh foods you enjoyed during the summer months are no longer being sold, don't despair. It is still possible to include a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.

Tip#1 : Check out the frozen food section. Frozen produce has just as many nutrients as fresh produce, and is easy to store and can also be used in cooking.

Tip #2 : Keep an open mind. Select from the delicious array of Ontario-grown produce that is available throughout the winter. Here are a few examples :

• Leeks : An excellent source of Vitamin C containing iron and fibre as well.
• Squash : Squash is an excellent source of beta carotene, potassium, folacin and a great source of Vitamin C.
• Pears : A good source of fiber and a source of Vitamin C, potassium and folacin.
• Carrots : Carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene, converted in the body to Vitamin A, as well as a source of folacin and fibre.
• Rhubarb : A good source of calcium, potassium and fibre.

For more information about Ontario produce, including recipe suggestions, visit the Foodland Ontario website.

For more information about healthy eating, visit HealthyOntario.com.

The McGuinty government released the results of the hospital infection control audits marking a fundamental step forward in improving patient safety.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has received reports from every Ontario hospital confirming they have done a thorough review of their infection control procedures and have proper infection control measures in place.

"I want to congratulate Ontario's hospitals for the leadership they have demonstrated by auditing their infection control practices and ensuring the highest infection control standards for Ontario patients,” said Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman who requested all Ontario hospitals to perform a thorough audit of their systems and processes for infection control in November 2003.

"In partnership with the Ministry and the Ontario Hospital Association, Ontario hospitals have made tangible improvements to their infection control practices and have done so clearly and transparently,” he said.

A rigorous infection control audit will be built into hospitals' ongoing monitoring and reporting to the Ministry and the public. The Ministry and the Ontario Hospital Association sent an audit tool to all hospitals to guide the review. In addition, hospitals were directed to immediately notify affected patients and the Ministry of any concerns related to infection control and prevention, including equipment sterilization.

To review the report, which summarizes the results of each hospital infection control audit, visit the Health Update section of our website.

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