Canadian men smoke more pot than women
A recent Stats Canada survey said men are more likely to consume cannabis that females. The National Cannabis Survey, released Thursday, shows 16 per cent of Canadians over the age of 15 years reported using pot in April, May or June. "Males use cannabis more frequently — they are also more likely than females to consume it...
Confirmed case of rabies in B.C.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, has confirmed a rare case of viral rabies infection in a British Columbia resident, who has subsequently died. The adult male was in contact with a bat in mid-May 2019 and developed symptoms compatible with rabies six weeks later. While the exposure in this case was on Vancouver ...
Interior Health: Be prepared for wildfire smoke events
Wildfires are a regular part of summer in British Columbia, and with wildfires comes the potential for wildfire smoke pollution. The best way to protect your health from wildfire smoke pollution is to be prepared with ways to reduce your exposure to smoke. Here are seven steps that you can take to prepare for wildfire smoke...
CBT HELPS INCREASE ACCESS TO LOCALLY GROWN FOOD
Residents in Rossland, Trail, and Nelson can benefit from the farmers’ markets coupon program Farmers’ markets are an important way of connecting residents with the products of local farmers. Columbia Basin Trust is increasing access to fresh, healthy food locally by providing even more funding to the BC Farmers’ Market...
HIV tests now part of most Emergency Department blood work
June 27 is National HIV Testing Day – an opportunity to remind everyone it is easier than ever to know your HIV status. Since December 2018, when people come in to Interior Health emergency departments and require diagnostic blood work, an HIV test may be included. Provincial testing guidelines encourage primary care providers...
IHA on Disaster stress: four tips for coping with wildfires, smoky skies
Smoke, evacuations, loss, worry – B.C.’s wildfires affect us all. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you are not alone. The fear of having to flee your home, leave possessions behind and relocate can cause distress, fear and anxiety for you and your loved ones. Even the prospect of living with smoky skies during wildfire...
Seniors Advocate: Home Support Falling Short
A report submitted by the office of the Seniors Advocate: British Columbia’s Home Support program is unaffordable for most seniors, offers too little service for high-need clients and has created a workforce where 75 per cent of staff are casual or part-time, says B.C. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie. In a comprehensive...
Overdose deaths would be at least twice as high without emergency harm reduction and treatment response
The rapid expansion of harm reduction services in response to B.C.’s overdose crisis prevented more than 3,000 possible overdose deaths during a 20-month period, suggests new research led by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). The study estimates that without access to and rapid scale up of harm reduction and treatment...
Blood donation waiting period for men who have sex with men reduced to three months
Health Canada has approved Canadian Blood Services’ request to reduce the blood donation waiting period for men who have sex with men from one year to three months. The change will take effect across the country on June 3, 2019. Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, Québec’s blood operator, will make the change at the same...
Why Words Matter When We Talk About Addiction
Ed. note: The following is a press release issued by Toward The Heart, the harm reduction arm of the BC Centre for Disease Control: Words and language matter – especially for people who use substances. The terms we use to describe people who use drugs and the conditions associated with drug use can play either a supportive ...
