Health and wellness

Group of members of the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’, B.C. Children’s Hospital staff, and the McKenzies’ a patient family joining together in front of the hospital (June 14). Provided by B.C. Children’s Hospital.

VIDEO: B.C. firefighters donate $1M for child burn survivors

$1 million from the B.C. Professional Fire Fighter’s Association improves child burn care treatment

Group of members of the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’, B.C. Children’s Hospital staff, and the McKenzies’ a patient family joining together in front of the hospital (June 14). Provided by B.C. Children’s Hospital.
UBC is set to start construction on a $139.4 million biomedical engineering facility this summer. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

New ‘state-of-the-art’ UBC building aims to boost B.C. healthcare, biotech sectors

A UBC biomedical engineering facility will break ground this summer thanks to a provincial grant

UBC is set to start construction on a $139.4 million biomedical engineering facility this summer. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
Farmers market berries. Photo retrieved from pixabay.com.

Disease prevention starts in the grocery store grabbing nutritional items

Disease prevention starts in the grocery store, says Sandra Gentleman, registered dietitian.

Farmers market berries. Photo retrieved from pixabay.com.
The BC Schizophrenia Society supported more than 1,000 families touched by serious mental illness in 2021. (BC Schizophrenia Society/Facebook)

BC Schizophrenia Society hopes to reach thousands touched by serious mental illness

Non-profit offers resources, peer and group support for those with illness and their loved ones

The BC Schizophrenia Society supported more than 1,000 families touched by serious mental illness in 2021. (BC Schizophrenia Society/Facebook)
A man pauses at a coffin after carrying it during a memorial march to remember victims of overdose deaths in Vancouver on August 15, 2020. Advocates say Health Canada’s announcement to decriminalize personal possession of 2.5 grams will do little to save people’s lives. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

For decriminalization to save lives, users need to be allowed to carry more drugs: B.C. advocates

Health Canada nearly halved requested personal possession amount in approval May 31

A man pauses at a coffin after carrying it during a memorial march to remember victims of overdose deaths in Vancouver on August 15, 2020. Advocates say Health Canada’s announcement to decriminalize personal possession of 2.5 grams will do little to save people’s lives. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Dean Anderson holds up a sign before a march on the first National Day of Action to draw attention to the opioid overdose epidemic, in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, on February 21, 2017. Beginning Jan. 31 2023, adults in B.C. will be allowed to carry up to 2.5 grams of drugs for personal use, Health Canada announced May 31, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. approved to decriminalize possession of small amounts of street drugs as deaths soar

Personal possession of up to 2.5 grams to be allowed for three years beginning Jan. 31, 2023

Dean Anderson holds up a sign before a march on the first National Day of Action to draw attention to the opioid overdose epidemic, in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, on February 21, 2017. Beginning Jan. 31 2023, adults in B.C. will be allowed to carry up to 2.5 grams of drugs for personal use, Health Canada announced May 31, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
This March 2002 file photo shows a deer tick under a microscope in the entomology lab at the University of Rhode Island in South Kingstown, R.I. Lyme disease has settled so deeply into parts of Canada many public health units now just assume if you get bitten by a tick, you should be treated for lyme disease. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Victoria Arocho

Online map tracks B.C.’s high-risk Lyme disease zones

About 1 in 100 ticks carry Lyme disease in B.C.

This March 2002 file photo shows a deer tick under a microscope in the entomology lab at the University of Rhode Island in South Kingstown, R.I. Lyme disease has settled so deeply into parts of Canada many public health units now just assume if you get bitten by a tick, you should be treated for lyme disease. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Victoria Arocho
The makers of Jif peanut butter are recalling some of its products due to potential salmonella contamination. (Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

Some Jif peanut butter products recalled due to potential salmonella contamination

Jars with lot codes 1274425 through 2140425 should be disposed of immediately

The makers of Jif peanut butter are recalling some of its products due to potential salmonella contamination. (Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
Kara Nystrom, a contender for Miss Health and Fitness 2022, is possibly the first transgender woman to enter in the U.S. magazine contest. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

‘A queer, feminine body against the world’ for B.C. woman chasing fitness crown

Kara Nystrom has entered a U.S. magazine ’s Miss Health and Fitness contest, soon open to voting

Kara Nystrom, a contender for Miss Health and Fitness 2022, is possibly the first transgender woman to enter in the U.S. magazine contest. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
A group of students in the UBC Northern Medical Program at UNBC visited Stellat’en Health Centre on April 5. (Photo by Michael Bramadat-Willcock/Omineca Express)

Northern medical students connect with Stellat’en First Nation

Visits like this ‘open up a connection’ and showcase First Nations communities as good places to live and work

A group of students in the UBC Northern Medical Program at UNBC visited Stellat’en Health Centre on April 5. (Photo by Michael Bramadat-Willcock/Omineca Express)
Aurora Leigh (left) launched the Métis Wellness Society in Fort St. James on Feb. 18. (Photo by Ashley Elizabeth)

New Métis Wellness Society founded by Fort St. James woman

Aurora Leigh hopes to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous approaches to health and wellness

Aurora Leigh (left) launched the Métis Wellness Society in Fort St. James on Feb. 18. (Photo by Ashley Elizabeth)
Ami Salmen says her tattoos have helped her to accept her new body, and keep loving herself throughout her breast cancer journey. (Photo by Lexy Parks, courtesy of Ami Salmen)

Power of ink: How tattoos helped a B.C. woman through her breast cancer journey

Ami Salmen’s tattoos helped her throughout her breast cancer journey. She’s now in the running to be on the cover of Inked Magazine

Ami Salmen says her tattoos have helped her to accept her new body, and keep loving herself throughout her breast cancer journey. (Photo by Lexy Parks, courtesy of Ami Salmen)
Ryan Rhodes is a University of Victoria professor and expert in exercise science, studying the psychology behind healthy behaviours. (Photo courtesy of the University of Victoria)

New year’s resolution dying already? B.C. psychologist has the answer

Resolutions are cliche – adopting healthy habits takes time, UVic expert says

Ryan Rhodes is a University of Victoria professor and expert in exercise science, studying the psychology behind healthy behaviours. (Photo courtesy of the University of Victoria)
Signs say ‘Mental Health Matters,’ ‘Gyms are Essential,’ and ‘#FreeBC’ (Iron Energy Gym Instagram)

West Kelowna gym ordered to close and fined $2,300 for disobeying COVID restrictions

Interior Health was escorted by RCMP at Iron Energy Gym

Signs say ‘Mental Health Matters,’ ‘Gyms are Essential,’ and ‘#FreeBC’ (Iron Energy Gym Instagram)
Dr. Rebecca Deyell, pediatric oncologist at BC Children’s Hospital, with Ellie, treated for a rare childhood cancer at BC Children’s Hospital. Thanks to vital donor support, researchers can explore uncharted paths and treatment options for children like Ellie.

Ellie’s journey: Rare condition points to critical research need

BC Children’s Hospital shares need for increased research for childhood cancers

  • Nov 22, 2021
Dr. Rebecca Deyell, pediatric oncologist at BC Children’s Hospital, with Ellie, treated for a rare childhood cancer at BC Children’s Hospital. Thanks to vital donor support, researchers can explore uncharted paths and treatment options for children like Ellie.
Nanaimo top the lists for most polite city and best tippers in Canada in Uber Eats’ third annual ‘Cravings Report.’ (Uber Eats photo)

Canada’s best tippers and most polite takeout customers found in one B.C. town

Uber Eats reports on driver experiences, picky eaters, popular dishes and more

Nanaimo top the lists for most polite city and best tippers in Canada in Uber Eats’ third annual ‘Cravings Report.’ (Uber Eats photo)
Sporting and other indoor events in the Interior Health region are limited to half capacity, while elsewhere in B.C. this COVID-19 safety measure has been lifted. (Photo: Pixabay)

Interior Health remains mum on capacity restrictions

Many businesses in the region are demanding answers from the health authority

Sporting and other indoor events in the Interior Health region are limited to half capacity, while elsewhere in B.C. this COVID-19 safety measure has been lifted. (Photo: Pixabay)
Sue Stewart [left] and Riley Severinski [Right]. Jeff Weddell Photography.

20-year hospital journey inspires a legacy

Riley was just a six-week-old infant when her mom, Sue, was told…

  • Oct 4, 2021
Sue Stewart [left] and Riley Severinski [Right]. Jeff Weddell Photography.
Interior Health's 310-MHSU number connects callers directly to the closest mental health and substance use centre in their community.

How to access local mental health and wellness supports with a single phone number

Mental health and substance use supports are available through Interior Health

  • Aug 9, 2021
Interior Health's 310-MHSU number connects callers directly to the closest mental health and substance use centre in their community.
Interior Health's new 310-MHSU number connects callers directly to the closest mental health and substance use centre in their community.

Access local mental health and wellness services with a single phone number!

Improving access to mental health and substance use services is a key priority for Interior Health

  • Jun 28, 2021
Interior Health's new 310-MHSU number connects callers directly to the closest mental health and substance use centre in their community.