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Is it an emergency?

If you, or someone in your care, has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be life-threatening.

Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately. If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now, at 1-800-567-8911

Senior's Health

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Welcome to the Senior's Health Channel on BC HealthGuide OnLine.Your senior years are a time of change. This easy-to-use channel is designed to help you access the information you need to improve your health and quality of life.

This Month's Theme: Influenza (the Flu)

The flu shot is provided free to seniors in BC, and it's a great way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Learn more about how you can choose to be healthy this flu season, the possible complications of the flu, and when to call a doctor.

Why Seniors Should Get Influenza (Flu) Vaccinations - In BC, the influenza vaccine or flu shot is recommended and provided free to seniors. Find out why seniors should receive the vaccine.
Facts About Influenza (the Flu) - Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. Learn more here.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine - Find information on the influenza (flu) vaccine and who should get it.
Influenza (Flu) Immunization: Myths and Facts - Find information on myths and facts about influenza immunization.
ImmunizeBC - Use the flu clinic locator to find out where to get your free flu shot.
Influenza: Topic Overview - Learn about influenza, its symptoms, and ways to prevent and treat this illness.
Influenza: Prevention - Learn ways to reduce the risk of getting influenza and developing complications.
Influenza: Home Treatment - Home treatment for influenza can help relieve symptoms.
Handwashing - Learn about hand washing to help stop the spread of germs that cause influenza and other illnesses.
When to Call a Doctor - Contact your doctor or health professional if you have any concerns that you are not getting better or that symptoms are caused by something other than the flu.
Fever, Age 4 and Older - Find out how to evaluate how serious a child's fever is and what you should do.
Complications of Influenza - The flu can sometimes lead to other conditions. Learn about them here.
Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older - Find out how to identify and respond to respiratory problems in adults and older children.
Pneumonia - Find information on pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia is one of the serious complications of influenza.

Common Health Concerns

Facts About Influenza (the Flu) - Learn more about influenza (the flu) and how to stay healthy this flu season.
ImmunizeBC - Getting a flu shot is a safe, effective way to protect yourself and those you care about from the flu. Learn more about the flu and find a flu shot clinic near you.
Seasonal Affective Disorder - Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects people in the fall and winter months. Learn more about SAD and how to manage it.
Managing Stress - Everyone experiences stress at times. Find information on how you can take charge and manage stress well.
Preventing Falls - Falls can cause serious injuries, especially for seniors and people with health conditions such as multiple sclerosis or osteoporosis. Find out how to prevent falls at home and outdoors.
Osteoarthritis - Learn more about osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, and what you can do to manage it.
Should I Have Cataract Surgery? - If you have cataracts, is it worth having them surgically removed? Make an informed decision.
What is Alzheimer's disease? - Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of mental decline, or dementia, in older adults. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Cancer Screening and Early Detection - Some kinds of cancer can be caught early – saving lives. Learn about screening tests and early detection here.
Quit smoking now - If you smoke and want to quit, click on www.quitnow.ca or call 1-877-455-2233. Get 24/7 free information or support on the web and by phone, with counselling services provided by registered nurses. Translation services available in over 130 languages and TTY services for the hearing impaired.
ActNow BC - Want to make some healthy changes in your lifestyle? The ActNow BC program can help you get started on healthy eating, adding physical activity into your life, reaching a healthy weight, or quitting smoking.
What's New in Canada's Food Guide? - A new version of Canada's Food Guide is now available, providing more information on portion sizes and food choices from diverse cultures. It also has tools to help you read food labels and plan healthy meals. Learn more about what the new food guide has to offer.
Disasters and Public Health Threats - Natural disasters and disease outbreaks are often in the news and can be a cause for concern. Find out what you can do to be prepared.
Dealing with Emergencies - Knowing what to do in an emergency can help you stay calm. Learn how to handle medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, choking, and bleeding.

Still have Questions?

If you have any questions, call the BC NurseLine toll-free and speak with a registered nurse available 24 hours every day. A pharmacist is available 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. every day.

Get confidential health information and advice at BC NurseLine. Speak to a nurse to help you understand and manage health concerns, answer your questions about health topics, tests and procedures, and find information on resources in your community. Services are available for those who are deaf or hearing impaired. Translation services are available in 130 languages.

Call BC NurseLine

Toll-free in BC:		1-866-215-4700
In Greater Vancouver:		604-215-4700
Deaf and hearing-impaired:		1-866-889-4700

Call Dial-A-Dietitian

If you have nutrition questions call Dial-A-Dietitian to speak with a registered dietitian available Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. An allergy dietitian is available Wednesday to Friday 9:00am - 4:30pm. Dietitians offer confidential nutrition information and advice, and guide you to nutrition services in your community. TTY available for deaf and hearing-impaired, and translation services available on request in over 130 languages.

In Greater Vancouver, call:	604-732-9191
Toll-free elsewhere in BC call:	1-800-667-3438
TTY for deaf and hearing impaired:	1-866-889-4700

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Link to British Columbia Medical Association

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Link to Registered Nurses Association of British Columbia

Link to College of Pharmacists of British Columbia