Take steps to test for radon today

2 minutes

Exposure to radon gas is a preventable health risk. The only way to know the level of radon gas in your indoor environment is to test for it. We encourage residents living, working and playing in the B.C. Interior region to test for radon in your homes, places of work and indoor leisure environments.

What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas without colour or odour. It comes from the ground, and it often enters and stays in buildings with low ventilation. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

New financial incentives launched for health-care staff in Grand Forks

3 minutes

Supports to add more frontline Grand Forks health-care workers are now available through the Ministry of Health and Interior Health (IH) to address ongoing critical staffing challenges.

“Grand Forks faces unique challenges to staffing which require community-based solutions and thinking outside the box,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “These incentives are an important step towards bringing best practices from around the province to Grand Forks and stabilizing local health services people in the area expect and deserve.”

There’s still time to get your influenza vaccine

2 minutes

Public health officials with Interior Health (IH) remind everyone there is still time to get your influenza vaccine (flu shot) and those six months and older are eligible.

It’s easier than ever to get immunity for your community. Influenza vaccinations are free for everyone in B.C. six months of age or older, to best protect themselves, their loved ones, their communities and the health-care system this fall and winter.

Harmonica lessons offer a unique form of lung disease rehab

4 minutes

The sound of a harmonica playing Happy Birthday is heard down the hall of the Kamloops Primary Care Clinic, making those around smile. 

It’s Wednesday, which means a Harmonicas for Health (and Happiness) virtual class is taking place. Participants from across Interior Health are receiving a harmonica lesson and being led through guided breathing exercises. Along with an artistic spirit, the participants share another thing in common; they have a lung disease known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. 

Temporary service interruption tonight at Nicola Valley Hospital emergency department

1 minute

Merritt and area residents are advised of a temporary change to emergency department hours at Nicola Valley Hospital due to unexpected limited staff availability.

Starting at 6 p.m. tonight, Nov. 15, to 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, emergency services will be unavailable in Merritt and patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or Kelowna General Hospital.