Time for flu shots across the territory.
With the start of flu season comes the Government of Nunavut's campaign to ensure Nunavummiut remain in good health.
Health Minister George Hickes launches the start of the government's flu shot campaign by taking a needle in the arm from nurse Margot Suttis Oct. 24 at the legislative assembly in Iqaluit.
Minister of Health George Hickes launched the flu vaccine campaign by getting his shot Oct. 24 at a small clinic set up at the legislative assembly in Iqaluit.
The vaccine is free and is available at every health centre in the territory.
"Each year, many Canadians get very ill or die from influenza. Getting a yearly influenza vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community," stated deputy chief medical officer of health Mike Patterson.
The health department also notes the flu is highly contagious.
"The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing or nasal fluids. Flu symptoms include fever, chills, cough, runny eyes, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle ache, extreme weakness and tiredness. The flu can last two to 10 days in most adults. If you experience any of these signs, please go to your nearest health centre," stated the department.
Flu season typically runs from November to May, peaking in January.
Other preventative measures include washing hands frequently with warm water and soap, covering coughs, and staying home from work or school in the event a person has a respiratory illness.
In the capital, starting Oct. 24, Iqalungmiut can visit Iqaluit Public Health near the old airport terminal Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Weekend clinics are also available on Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sealskin parka-making project draws 90 interested
Kangiqtugaapik/Clyde River
Lizzie Palituq is launching a sealskin parka making project in Clyde River beginning Oct. 29.
"A total of 90 people put in their names," said Palituq. "We had a draw."
The project will run for four weeks in two separate sessions every day during the week – one from 1 to 4 p.m. with four students, and one from 6 to 9 p.m. with another four students.
"There are two instructors for the afternoon and two for evening, so a total of four," said Palituq, who applied for the funding from the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.
The project takes place at Qimiqpik Niuvirbik, and all materials and sewing supplies will be provided.
Seamstresses will either have their own pattern, get help from instructors on making one, or use one instructors already have on hand.
Head to the high Arctic for Halloween chills, says travel article
Alert
Alert, Nunavut, has been noted as a goosebump-inducing location to spend Halloween, according to an article on expedia.ca
"What's the last place that gave you goosebumps," asks the Expedia article's author Jennifer Cuellar.
"This is the question we asked 1,200 Canadians as part of our Travel Sensations series. Some answers called out specific points of interest, others noted certain regions, and we saw a healthy mix of thrilling, scary, cold, and breathtakingly beautiful places."
Alert wasn't chosen for its thrills.
"Alert is such an extreme destination, both for its location and its temperatures. When narrowing down places to find freezing weather that will leave you with goosebumps, we absolutely had to include Alert on the list," stated Cuellar.
Other locations include haunted places and trains in Ontario and Saskatchewan; scary adventure-climbing on sheer cliffs in the Northwest Territories; Canada's loneliest road, the Trans-Labrador Highway; and the Haunted Montreal Ghost Tours.