Tips for staying safe and healthy during the winter season

Preventing injury is an important way to avoid needing medical attention or a trip to the emergency department, and there are several ways to avoid slips, falls and other injuries common during the winter.

The focus of these winter health tips is on prevention and self-care, emphasizing the importance of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, cold weather safety adherence and home management of common winter ailments. The goal is to inspire individuals to proactively maintain their health and reduce unnecessary health-care visits.

Whether facing a minor ailment or a serious condition, receiving the right care at the right place and time is vital. VCH offers a range of health-care access points for medical needs, from non-urgent to critical. Residents should familiarize themselves with these options to ensure they can access the most suitable care setting for their needs.

"As the cold season approaches, there's often an increase in respiratory illness, along with injuries from winter activities and harsh weather,” said Dr. Richard Chan, Emergency Physician at Richmond Hospital and the Medical Director, Richmond City Centre Urgent and Primary Care Centre. "It's important to know when to seek help, but equally important to understand how to maintain our health to avoid getting sick or injured. By taking active measures to care for ourselves, we can greatly decrease the need for medical treatment and stay healthier during the winter."

The below information encompasses preventative strategies, self-care tips and clear guidance on where to access medical care when needed. More information is available at: vch.ca/wintercare.  

Winter Health and Wellness Tips:

• Preventing slips and falls:
  • Beware of icy conditions as everyone is at risk.
  • Walk safely by planning routes, choosing cleared pathways, opting for non-slip footwear, and considering the use of canes or walking aids.
  • Seniors, remember many falls can be prevented. Stay active and adhere to health guidelines to maintain your strength.
  • Learn more about fall prevention at Preventing falls as you age | HealthLink BC
• Staying active and playing safe:
  • Embrace recreational activities for their extensive health benefits.
  • Wear appropriate protective gear, such as helmets and pads, and consider taking lessons for proper instruction.
  • Learn about injuries, risk factors, and safety measures at activesafe.ca
• Ensuring road safety during winter conditions:
  • Budget extra time for travel and be mindful of weather conditions.
  • Remain vigilant to avoid driver fatigue.
  • Equip your vehicle with winter tires and an emergency kit.
• Keeping up with vaccinations:
  • Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone six months and older.
  • COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses are essential for maintaining immunity.
  • Learn about vaccine recommendations via the province's  Get Vaccinated system.
• Practicing good respiratory hygiene:
  • Consider masks for indoor settings and shield coughs/sneezes using your elbow.
  • Regularly clean your hands and avoid face-touching.
  • If feeling unwell, stay home and limit contact, especially with vulnerable individuals.

Health Care Navigation Guide:

This guide presents a general overview of care options for different needs. It is important to note that health-care services and offerings may differ by location. To help identify specific service locations within the VCH region, check out the below resources or visit vch.ca/wintercare.

• Personalized care: Your family doctor or nurse practitioner knows your health needs best. If you don’t have one, register at HealthLinkBC.ca.
• Pharmacy services: Visit SeeYourPharmacist.ca for prescription refills and minor issues. BC pharmacists treat select minor issues like allergies, cold sores, acne, pink eye, and urinary tract infections.
• General health questions: Call 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse any time.
• Mental health concerns: Visit vch.ca/MentalHealth.
• Non-life-threatening health issues: Visit an urgent and primary care centre for same-day care.
• Vaccinations: Book flu or COVID-19 shots at GetVaccinated.gov.bc.ca or 1-833-838-2323.
• Emergencies: Call 9-1-1 or go to the Emergency Department. Check wait times at EDWaitTimes.ca.

Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to delivering exceptional care to 1.25 million people, including the First Nations, Métis and Inuit in our region, within the traditional territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai’xais, Lil’wat, Musqueam, N’Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh, Skatin, Squamish, Tla’amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa’xtsa.

Vancouver Coastal Health 
media@vch.ca 
604.202.2012 (after-hours)