Experts agree the fentanyl crisis in British Columbia is an unprecedented multi-faceted societal catastrophe that’s not going away anytime soon. Those on the frontlines are also united in recognizing that solutions will only be possible through education and conversation. As health care professionals, emergency responders, ...

By Dr. Amanda Chay, ND What is the difference between a cold and flu? Colds and flus are both viral infections that occur yearly during the fall and winter seasons.  The most important step in preventing colds and flus is to wash your hands and cough into your arm, not your hand. Since they are viral infections, it is important...

First, the cannabis news:  as readers of the "Council Matters" column already know, the provincial government is seeking input from municipal governments to help guide provincial policy on the decriminalization of cannabis.  The federal government is preparing to pass Bill C-45 and Bill C-46.  There are questions to be...

In a report release Thursday, the BC Coroners Service said suspected drug overdose deaths increased by almost 80 percent from 2016. “There were 113 suspected drug overdose deaths in August 2017,” the report detailed. “This is a 79% increase over the number of death occurring in August 2016 (63).” The report summarizes all unintentional illicit […]

Universal pharmacare is a hot topic on Parliament Hill these days.  The concept is simple—a single program that would ensure that all Canadians had free access to prescription drugs.  Canada is the only country in the world with universal health care that doesn’t include the cost of drugs in its coverage. And that doesn’t...

The Canadian government is banning plastic microbeads in toiletries. Although designed to clean us, they’re polluting the environment, putting the health of fish, wildlife and people at risk. Manufacturers and consumers ushered plastic microbeads into the marketplace, but when we learned of their dangers, we moved to phase ...

First, I would like to thank the community for welcoming me to this beautiful location.  As many of you already know, Dr. Brenda Gill retired September 1st and I have taken over her practice. All of the patients I have already met have been so kind and I look forward to continue working with them in the future. A ...

To ensure individuals have access to the mental health and substance use (MHSU) services they need, no matter where they live, Interior Health is expanding access to a rural telehealth pilot project. “Unless you’ve struggled with a mental illness, it is nearly impossible to understand the barriers and stigma that people face...

Bigger isn’t always better. Too much of a good thing can be bad. Many anti-environmentalists throw these simple truths to the wind, along with caution. You can see it in the deceitful realm of climate change denial. It’s difficult to keep up with the constantly shifting — and debunked — denier arguments, but one common thread...

A local man, Daniel Papanek,  found something totally unexpected during a hike along the Malde Creek Forest Service Road on Sunday, September 17.  It was lying in a coil, the tip of its tail barely visible and adorned with things that rattle when shaken.  Just to make sure of its identity, the man took a long branch and just...