Stay healthy through the warm summer months
As temperatures rise in spring and summer, it's important to take care of your health and well-being. Recognizing when to seek medical assistance is essential, but it's equally important to know how to care for yourself and avoid the need for medical care where possible. In this section, you'll find resources to stay healthy during the warm summer months.
Heat and health
B.C. is experiencing higher annual summer temperatures and more extremely hot days due to climate change. Western Canada is already on average one to two degrees warmer than it was in the 1940s (source: Canada in a Changing Climate; Government of Canada). This trend increases the likelihood for heat events, making it more critical for people to understand the risk, prepare for these conditions, and know where to access support.
As temperatures rise, pay attention to VCH.ca, the media, Environment Canada and EmergencyInfoBC.
B.C.'s Heat Alert Response System
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Heat Warning
Take usual steps to stay cool. During a heat warning, daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than seasonal norms and holding steady.
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Extreme Heat Emergency
Activate your emergency plan. During a heat emergency, daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than seasonal norms and getting hotter every day.
Heat and health resources
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Extreme heat
Extreme heat can be very dangerous. Learn the symptoms of heat stroke, heat exh…
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Wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke events are becoming more frequent and severe as the climate chan…
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Outdoor air quality
Outdoor air pollution can take various forms. Regional sources and neighbourhoo…
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Indoor air quality
Canadians spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, so our indoor environm…
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Pools and beaches
Our pools, lakes and marine beaches - the water where we swim, play or boat - g…
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VCH Travel Clinic
Getting ready for your trip is easy with the VCH Travel Vaccination Clinic.
Smart choices to stay safe and healthy
Protecting your skin
Excessive exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer.
Rethink your drink
Drinking less alcohol is better. Even a small amount can damage your health.
Children and window safety
As temperatures increase, it's important for families to be aware of the dangers associated with small children near windows and balconies
Drowning prevention
Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death for Canadians, and it often happens quickly and silently. Learn about the simple things you can do to keep you and your family safe.
Learn about the simple things you can do to keep you and your family safe on Parachute
Rabies prevention
Rabies is a serious zoonotic (from animals) infection caused by a rhabdovirus. In B.C., it’s only transmitted through direct contact with an infected bat, usually from a scratch or bite, and infects the brain and nervous system. If not treated in time, a rabies infection is almost always fatal.
Norovirus
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as the “stomach flu.”
Know where to go for the right care
Before your summer's adventures, learn where to go for the right care.
Learn more