It’s tough when your child has a cold. Most mild infections clear up in a week or two with some at home care. - Offer plenty of fluids - Encourage rest - Try saline drops or a humidifier - Use safe, simple cough soothers - Keep vaccinations up to date Learn more: https://ow.ly/RbUU50Xl2Km

Enjoy your Halloween treats & keep your smile healthy too! Here’s how: - Brush twice a day. - Spit, don’t rinse. After brushing, wait 10-30 minutes before rinsing. - Have treats with meals. Teeth need breaks to recover. - Drink plain water after eating. More simple tips: https://ow.ly/hQbq50Xkyu9

The Campbell River Health Unit now collects donated breast milk for babies in need. Approved donors can drop off frozen milk, which is safely processed and shared with hospitals across BC. Drop-offs are Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find more information at https://ow.ly/M0ex50Xk56k

PLEASE SHARE: #Victoria and #Sooke Overdose Advisory There are options for safer use: Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF To tell us about a toxic drug event/poisoning text OD to 253787.

The new Cowichan Urgent and Primary Care Centre was built with thought and care to support culturally safe services for everyone in the Cowichan Valley. Call 1-833-688-8722 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week, to book an appointment.

The new Cowichan Urgent and Primary Care Centre is now open, bringing health services together in one place for easier access to care. Call 1-833-688-8722 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week, to book an appointment. Learn more: https://ow.ly/NAli50XfXhp [Link in bio]

Fall is a great time to move together in ways that work for your body. That could be walking, wheeling, stretching, seated movement, or gentle play. Every bit counts. Find age-based tips from the Canadian movement guidelines: https://ow.ly/bNEt50Xepxu

Many new parents expect feeding to come naturally. For Sarah, it didn’t—until a public health nurse showed her new techniques and reminded her she wasn’t alone. Get support: https://ow.ly/MsOb50X6ivA @bccbfi.bsky.social‬

Getting the HPV vaccine when you’re young can protect against several types of cancers later in life. It's safe, effective, and now free for all people ages 9-26 in BC. Learn more about the HPV vaccine and how to book an appointment at HealthLinkBC.ca/HPV Future you will thank you.

“The truth, especially from actual survivors, is important. There are many people who don’t believe these things happened. A lot of us lived it and know it and can talk about it. So the truth has to be told so it won’t happen again.” – Wally Samuel Watch the full playlist: ow.ly/TWHc50WZJ77

Right now, we’re building and upgrading hospitals, cancer centres, urgent and primary care centres, and long-term care homes across BC. These aren’t just construction projects—they’re investments in people. In your family. In your community. In a health-care system that works better for everyone.

“Being able to sing and dance the way I do is the biggest blessing I’ve ever had because my great grandma, my grandma, and my mom couldn’t do that.” – Peyton Siah Culture is resilience. Culture is healing. Listen to Indigenous voices and experiences: youtube.com/shorts/t--3lB3AFi8

PLEASE SHARE: #Victoria Overdose Advisory There are options for safer use: Find information on supervised consumption sites, drug-checking services & more: ow.ly/FgyS50PLkLF To tell us about a toxic drug event/poisoning text OD to 253787.

Reconciliation takes all of us. Every small step, every question, and every moment of reflection can create change. Big or small, it all matters. This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, take a step forward. Learn ways you can take action: trw-svr.nctr.ca/lunch-and-learns

Truth and Reconciliation invites us to listen deeply to voices that have been silenced, to reflect, and to consider the actions we can take to create change in our communities, our systems, and across this country. Hear these voices and learn from their stories: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5I_...

People living in and around Ucluelet will soon have better access to primary and community health care. The new health centre will bring together services in one place, making it easier for people to connect with the care they need. Learn more: ow.ly/rC0V50WXOML

Small actions matter. A check-in, a kind word, or simply listening can help someone feel less alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is support. Find resources at ow.ly/erWJ50WUUuP

A new school year is a great time to refresh healthy habits. Do you have kids in your life? Here are 3 things you can do: - Encourage regular handwashing - Support consistent daily routines - Model good hygiene Learn more at: ow.ly/PfN750WUg9B

Wildfire smoke can make your eyes water, nose run, throat sore, or cause coughing, phlegm, wheezing, or headaches. If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat, get medical help or call 8-1-1. Learn more: islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Does your child get the back-to-school jitters? Many families experience this, and small steps at home can make a big difference. Swipe for tips to help your child feel calm and ready for the year ahead, and find more resources: ow.ly/J7Cc50WSjjI

Wildfire smoke and heat are impacting many parts of BC. Reduce time outdoors, close windows when you can, and take steps to stay cool. Seniors, children, pregnant people, and people with preexisting health conditions should take extra precautions. BCCDC.ca/WildfireSmoke

“When he died, I wanted to die,” says Gretchen Brown. “The grief is ongoing, and it’s unbearable.” On Overdose Awareness Day, we remember every life lost, support families, and work to end the stigma together. Read Gretchen’s full story: ow.ly/PXUn50WNUmb @momsstoptheharm.bsky.social

Back-to-school ready? Make sure your child’s vaccines are, too. A simple step today helps protect your child and their classmates. Check vaccines before school starts: islandhealth.ca/immunizations

Packing lunches for kids can feel like a daily battle. Here are a few simple tricks that can make it easier on you (and more fun for them). Share these tips with another parent that’s preparing for back to school! Learn more healthy eating habits at: ow.ly/K5Uc50WKw6B

It's going to be hot in areas across the Island Health region this weekend! Learn how to keep cool and stay safe: islandhealth.ca/heat-safety

People with complex health needs will soon have access to safer care and closer monitoring in Nanaimo. The new unit will support people who need more care than a regular unit provides, but not as much as the intensive care unit. Learn more: ow.ly/QmN250WKyCv @governmentofbc.bsky.social

If you have been affected by the overdose crisis, you are not alone. On August 31: - Find a local event to remember those we’ve lost & connect with others. - Share a memory on the online memorial wall. - Visit a purple chair memorial in your community. More events here: ow.ly/cjOj50WIxgu

Smoke levels are high in Inland Vancouver Island. If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more at islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Wildfire smoke can make your eyes water, nose run, throat sore, or cause coughing, phlegm, wheezing, or headaches. If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat, get medical help or call 8-1-1. Learn more: islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Smoke levels are high in the Comox Valley and East and Inland Vancouver Island. If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more: islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Smoke levels are high in the Comox Valley, East and Inland Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast (north). If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more at islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Smoke levels are high in East and Inland Vancouver Island. If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more at islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Heat warnings have been issued for East Vancouver Island from Duncan to Campbell River and Inland Vancouver Island. Hot weather can be dangerous, and heat illness can happen faster than you think. Learn how to protect yourself and loved ones during hot weather at islandhealth.ca/heat-safety

Heat warnings have been issued for many areas in BC. These areas have temperatures that can pose a risk to health and safety. Take steps to stay cool, and watch for signs of heat-related illness, like dizziness, headaches, nausea and more. gov.bc.ca/ExtremeHeat

Smoke levels are high in #InlandVancouverIsland. If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more at islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Going home after a wildfire? - Wait until local authorities say it’s safe - Wear an N95 mask, gloves & boots - Watch for structural damage & unsafe air - Throw out spoiled or fire-exposed food - Use caution when cleaning - Check drinking water & septic systems Learn more: ow.ly/cunP50WBL5G

Smoke levels are high in East Vancouver Island (central) and Inland Vancouver Island. If you have coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, slow down and get medical advice by calling 8-1-1. Learn more at islandhealth.ca/wildfires

Getting to cancer treatment can be hard, especially if it means traveling far or staying overnight. Get financial support, free flights, rides to treatment, and a place to stay through Canadian Cancer Society. Call 1-888-939-3333 to speak with someone who can help or visit: ow.ly/LwNB50WyfbT

Bacteria levels at some beaches can get too high for safe swimming. Before you head out for a swim, take a quick look at local beach advisories. Send this to someone you’re swimming with this summer! Check advisories before you go at islandhealth.ca/beachreports

There are lot of sunscreen myths out there this summer! Don’t get caught off guard. Sunscreen is your daily shield, use plenty and reapply to stay protected. Heard another sunscreen myth? Drop it in the comments and we’ll tell you if it’s true! Find simple tips at islandhealth.ca/sun-safety

Need care today or tomorrow? You have options. Whether it’s something new or ongoing, there’s support available when you need it. Is it an emergency? Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Start here: islandhealth.ca/same-day-care

If you’re heading to a festival this summer, take time to plan ahead. WILD Collaborative Harm Reduction Services makes it easier to stay safe. Find them at: - Pachena Bay Music Festival - Sunfest Country - Laketown Amphitheatre - Phillips Backyard - Rifflandia Learn more: ow.ly/4VZr50WnYzA

Bike injuries happen fast, but most can be prevented. Safety starts before you get on the road. Wearing the right helmet and following a few easy steps can help prevent injuries. Find easy safety tips at parachute.ca/injury-topics

You can now check estimated wait times at the 8 largest hospital Emergency Departments across the Island Health region. Share this post with friends, family, & neighbours so they know what to expect and where to go when they need help. Visit islandhealth.ca/find-care to explore your care options.

Congratulations to Kalla Shields, a Grade 12 student from Mill Bay, for receiving the 2025 Youth Harm Reduction Award. After using naloxone to save a classmate’s life, Kalla trained over 50 students and staff and helped bring naloxone kits to her school. Learn more: ow.ly/HlbU50WhPIA

Many drownings happen in lakes, rivers and oceans, especially in July and August. It happens fast. Water safety can save lives. Learn more about water safety and drowning prevention: ow.ly/F1tb50WhcMV

CONNECT Saanich Peninsula is a new 26-bed home for people with serious brain injuries to heal — in a place that feels like home. A second home is coming to Parksville in 2026. Thank you CONNECT Communities and Tsawout First Nation for your partnership in care. Learn more: ow.ly/pblf50WfKs3

The Thunderbird Wing at Central Nanaimo UPCC is more than a care space, it’s a reflection of what’s possible when Indigenous voices lead the way. Learn the story of the Thunderbird: youtu.be/vZK4v_z_9yI

Help the people you love stay well — this Father’s Day and beyond. Share this and talk about cancer screening in BC. Learn more: bccancer.bc.ca/screening, talk to your doctor, or call 8-1-1 as a first step.

Concussions aren’t always obvious, but they’re always serious. Parents: do you know the signs? Share this to help keep another kid safe. Learn to spot the signs and when to seek care: parachute.ca/concussion