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PostHeaderIcon SPIN Farming – local and healthy food production

By Bev Boyle

There are hundreds of what could be called 'SPIN' farmers (SPIN stands for s-mall p-lot in-tensive) in North America, and all over the world. And the number is growing.

It is changing the face of farming not only for the land, but for the farmers themselves, as it presents a financially viable – even profitable – means of earning an income from food production. Additionally, if operated in urban settings, it beautifies vacant lots, underutilized or unmaintained lawns, and other downtown areas that benefit from increased colour and plant life – all while making local and healthy food production more visible to all demographics, and part of their daily lives. SPIN Farming is a win-win situation, so it makes sense that it is on the rise.

Puddle Produce, SPIN Farming in Williams Lake, BC

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PostHeaderIcon Wood ticks are back in the Cariboo-Chilcotin

Wood ticks in teh Cariboo - know how to protect yourself.Ticks are back -- it’s time to take precautions.

Several locals have reported having found ticks on their clothing, as well as on thier pets already this spring.

Improving weather conditions means many of us are getting out and enjoying the great outdoors. The warm weather also brings out ticks, small bugs that bite and feed on the blood of humans and animals and can sometimes transmit disease. Ticks are most often found in tall grass and wooded areas. Fortunately, there are precautions people can take to prevent illnesses that may be transmitted from tick bites.

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PostHeaderIcon Clean birdfeeders help keep bird populations healthy

040713_birdfeederBird lovers are asked to help protect bird populations and prevent the spread of infectious diseases through the regular cleaning of birdfeeders and birdbaths.

During spring, many small migratory songbirds are returning home from winter retreats to the south. Species such as pine siskins, redpolls and grosbeaks are commonly found in large flocks at this time of year. This can result in high density congregations of birds around birdfeeders and water sources such as birdbaths.

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PostHeaderIcon Dr. Perry Kendall’s statement on H7N9 influenza

040513_H7N9British Columbia’s provincial health officer released the following statement on H7N9 influenza in China:

“BC’s public health officials are working with national and international authorities to keep a close eye on the H7N9 influenza situation in China.

“The level of risk to British Columbia and Canada is currently considered to be low, with reported cases limited to the eastern provinces of China. As well, to date in China, there have been no reported cases of human-to-human transmission.

“The strain of H7N9 avian influenza causing illness in China has also not been identified in birds or humans in Canada.

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PostHeaderIcon Help for victims of crime is just a click away

030813_victim_linkBritish Columbians need to know that if they are a victim of crime, help is just a phone call or click away - all day, every day throughout the province.

That's why a public service awareness campaign will run throughout the month of March to promote VictimLink BC, a confidential and multilingual referral service available by phone or online to all victims of crime.

(Click on the image to view the full size VictimLinkBC brochure online.)

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PostHeaderIcon Funding for community-based programs aimed at providing better quality of life

Funding for health programs in Williams Lake, BCCariboo area patients with chronic disease and those with mental illness and substance use issues will benefit from new or expanded programming announced by the Province today. These programs are community-based and intended to help improve patients’ quality of life and help keep people out of the hospital.

“Providing support at a community level will help us meet the increasing health care demands in areas of mental health and chronic disease,” says Cariboo Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett.

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PostHeaderIcon New online eyewear option for those on assistance

The government is making changes to ensure people receiving income and disability assistance will be able to purchase their eyeglasses online without being out of pocket.

Effective early March, the Ministry of Social Development will be launching a pilot program that will give individuals and families on income and disability assistance the option to purchase eyeglasses online and have the claims submitted to Pacific Blue Cross for payment on behalf of the ministry. Upon the completion of the pilot, the opportunity to participate as a supplier will be extended to other online eyewear companies, provided they meet government criteria for providing services.

020613_eyeglasses

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PostHeaderIcon Influenza increasing across the province

Influenza increasing in BC January 2013The BC Centre for Disease Control monitors influenza closely and issues regular influenza surveillance bulletins during flu season.  The most recent influenza surveillance bulletin shows a sharp increase in influenza activity.

Across the province, indicators showed a spike of influenza activity. More people went to the doctor with flu-like symptoms and the proportion of those who received a flu diagnosis was among the highest seen in the past decade for this time period.

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PostHeaderIcon UPDATE: Job action withdrawn - normal lab services Monday

120912_no_job_actionInterior Health has just received notification that the job action planned for this week by the Health Sciences Professional Bargaining Association (HSPBA) has been withdrawn.

Interior Health will have full Laboratory services at normal staffing levels tomorrow.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work through this evolving situation.

For updated information during labour discussions, please check the Interior Health website at interiorhealth.ca

 

 

 

PostHeaderIcon It’s time to test your home for Radon gas

Health Williams Lake, BCRadon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is a naturally occurring gas found in the ground throughout the world. Most homes that are in contact with the ground will contain some amount of radon gas. Radon becomes more of a concern when it reaches high levels. Radon levels vary across the country. According to Health Canada about seven per cent of the Canadian homes have radon levels that may be putting residents at risk. Here in the B.C. Interior we have some “hot spot” areas with high radon levels in approximately 40 per cent of homes.

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PostHeaderIcon Williams Lake identified for a potential 'Better at Home' program

Better at Home program excellent opportunity for Williams Lake, BC seniors.Better At Home, a program for seniors that offers simple services such as grocery shopping, friendly visits, yard work, home repair, housekeeping, snow removal and transportation to appointments. These are non-medical support services and not a substitute for, nor does it replace, critically-needed home support services provided by community health workers in the health authorities.

Williams Lake is one of 18 communities selected as a Better at Home site in this first round of funding.

The program is aimed to address the specific needs of the area based on direct input from seniors, service groups, local organizations, health providers, and community leaders.

A Community Meeting will be held on December 4th, 2012 at the Williams Lake branch of the Cariboo Regional District Library from 1:00pm-3:00pm to discuss the non-medical needs of seniors in Williams Lake, and how the Better at Home program can support the community. Information gathered will be used to shape the services offered and determine the non-profit agency that will provide the services.

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