As the festive season approaches, Vancouver Coastal Health wants to remind everyone to plan ahead and make sure the holidays are as healthy and stress free as possible.
Socializing
- You can become infectious before getting sick with symptoms, and spread a virus to others without knowing it. To help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria, get in the practice of coughing into your elbow rather into your hand.
- The best precaution against catching any virus is good hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water. Can’t get to soap and water? Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead.
- If you haven’t had an H1N1 flu shot, now is the time to get one. Book an immunization appointment with your family doctor or call you nearest health unit to make a vaccination appointment. Click on www.immunizebc.ca for more vaccination information.
Medical needs
Check to see that your prescription medication is filled and up to date. By ensuring you have enough prescription medication available to get through the holiday season, you will not need to visit a hospital or drug store during the holiday rush.
Find out when your family doctor’s office or clinic is open, and what arrangements have been made for patient care over the holidays.
Should you need urgent care, Emergency Departments at hospitals throughout Vancouver Coastal Health will be open. Please ensure you have your provincial Care Card with you when you arrive.
Live in or close to the City of Vancouver? Usually the shortest wait time for emergency care can be found at the Urgent Care Centre at UBC Hospital, which is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. It is staffed with emergency-trained doctors and nurses to handle non-life threatening medical emergencies such as broken bones, fevers, minor burns and eye problems.
Unsure of whether your condition warrants a visit to Emergency? Call 8-1-1 to access the HealthLink BC hotline. This free, 24-hour non-emergency telephone service is staffed by trained registered nurses, pharmacists and dieticians who can help answer your healthcare-related questions. You can also find the publicly funded health services and resources you need, closest to where you live. HealthLink BC is also available online,
www.healthlinkbc.ca.
Handling food
Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after handling food.
Store food at the correct temperature and check that it is cooked properly before eating.
Ensure your cooking utensils and food preparation surfaces are cleaned and sanitized after use; consider using a solution of one capful of chlorine bleach in a sink full of warm water.
Thoroughly rinse surfaces, dishes and utensils with hot water after sanitizing -- this is especially important after working with raw meat and poultry. Thaw meat and poultry in the fridge. Improper food handling and preparation can cause gastrointestinal bacteria or viral problems.
Home heating and power outages
Be aware of sources of possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector for enclosed spaces such as homes, garages and boats. Most hardware or home maintenance stores sell these detectors.
There are fire hazards associated with using heating appliances such as wood- burning stoves, fireplaces and space heaters. Keep all potential fuels, such as paper, clothing, bedding and rugs at least three feet away from all heat sources.
Never use an outdoor barbecue indoors.
Space heaters fuelled by methane, propane and other gases can be effective, especially when the power is out. We recommend you carefully read the manufacturer's instructions for use, and note whether your space heater is for outdoor use only.
If at any time you feel dizzy or nauseous after using a gas-powered space heater, leave the room immediately and seek medical attention.
Ice and snow safety
Outfit yourself for safe walking. For stability, choose a pair of lightweight winter boots that have a thick, non-slip tread sole, and wide, low heels. Change into your indoor shoes when you reach your destination.
Make sure your walking surfaces are safe:
Keep driveways and sidewalks free of ice and snow. Report hazards on sidewalks or pathways to your landlord or city.
Carry a small bag of sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter in your purse of pocket to sprinkle when you’re confronted with icy sidewalks, steps etc.
If you’re unsteady on your feet:
Use a walker or cane to help with balance; you may want to attach an ice pick to the end of your cane.
Wear a hip protector. These padded protectors can shield the hips against fractures and give added confidence.
If you find yourself walking on ice:
Slow down and think about your next move.
Spread your feet to more than one-foot apart to provide a base of support.
Take shuffling steps to safety.
If you choose to walk normally, make sure your steps are small and place your whole foot on the ice at once.
Vancouver Coastal Health is responsible for the delivery of $2.8 billion in community, hospital and residential care services to over one million people in communities from Richmond through Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.
Vancouver Coastal Health
Trudi Beutel, Public Affairs Officer
Tel: 604-708-5282 Email: Trudi.Beutel@vch.ca
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