Virtual reality for older adults lessens isolation and depression

2 minutes

Cindy is 86, grew up in Kelowna, and over the years has enjoyed all kinds of outdoor activities like mountain climbing, water sports, and horseback riding. The many things that still bring her comfort and joy are children, music, gardens and, most of all, animals.

Cindy lives in a long-term care facility and, like many, faced the challenges of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clearwater ED closed overnight Friday and Saturday

1 minute

CLEARWATER - Clearwater and area residents are advised of a temporary change to the emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital due to limited staffing availability.

The emergency department will be closed:

  • 6 p.m. Friday, June 24 to 7 a.m. Saturday, June 25
  • 6 p.m. Saturday, June 25 to 7 a.m. Sunday, June 26

Full service will resume on Sunday, June 26 at 7 a.m.

Interior Health reminds you to be prepared for hot weather

4 minutes

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued special weather statements for several parts of the province, with daytime temperatures in the Interior ranging from the low to mid 30s. This is not a heat warning or an extreme heat emergency, but we will experience the first high temperatures of the summer. The warmer weather will also cause rapid snow melt, leading to high rivers and streams throughout the province so please keep water safety in mind this weekend.

Drug poisoning prevention app marks two years of saving lives

2 minutes

A mobile phone app launched two years ago has continued to gain popularity among people who use drugs and those who support them, and is successfully preventing toxic drug deaths in B.C.

“The Lifeguard Digital Health App has a proven track record of keeping people safe and is an important part of our government’s response to the toxic, unpredictable illicit drug supply,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Sheila Malcolmson.

Natural Disaster Champions: Chilcotin adapted during wildfires

2 minutes

Mother Nature is glorious but fickle – we never know what she is going to hand us.

Folks in the Chilcotin are known to be resourceful and resilient, but our mettle was significantly tested during the massive firestorm of 2017, when three major complexes - the Plateau, Hanceville and West Chilcotin - burned 8,193 square kilometres. During the 2021 fire season, this area was under threat again as two significant wildfires at Big Stick Lake and Hotnarko Creek kept people living along the Highway 20 corridor on high alert.