Aboriginal Health

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Welcome to the Aboriginal Health Channel on BC HealthGuide OnLine. This channel is focused on the health needs of Aboriginal individuals and communities. It provides information to help you and your family manage health concerns and stay healthy. Find information on medical conditions, screening procedures, medications, and more.

• ImmunizeBC - Immunization can save lives. Learn more about common vaccines, who should get them, and why it is so important to get all of your shots on time.
• Immunization Schedule - Immunizations are important for people of all ages. Learn more to help you decide when you and your family need to be immunized.
• HPV Vaccine Grade 6 and 9 Program - The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects girls and women ages 9 to 26 against two types of HPV virus that cause most cervical cancers and two types of HPV that cause most genital warts. Starting in the 2008-2009 school year, the HPV vaccine will be provided free to girls and young women in grades 6 and 9. Learn more.
• Your Baby's Immune System and Vaccines - "Vaccines are an important way to protect your child from certain diseases. Learn more about how vaccines work and why it is important to get each shot on time.
• The Benefits of Vaccinating Your Child - Vaccinating your child can help protect them from diseases that can cause serious illness and even death. Find out more about the benefits of vaccination.
• Childhood Vaccines Are Safe - Concerned about the possible side effects of childhood vaccines? Learn more about vaccine safety.
• Getting Ready for Your Child's Shots - Being prepared in advance can help make getting a vaccine or shot an easier experience for you and your child. Find out more about how to prepare and what to expect when your child has their shots.
• Childhood Vaccines: Questions and Answers - As a parent, you may have some questions about childhood vaccinations. Find out the answers to some common questions about vaccination.
• Mumps - Mumps is a very contagious infection that can cause fever, headaches and swelling of the saliva glands. Find out how mumps is spread and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccine - The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine protects against these diseases. Learn more about who should have this vaccine and how it is given.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Overview - Learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis (TB), an infection that mainly affects the lungs but may also spread to other body areas.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Disease - Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection that can affect the lungs and other areas of the body. Learn more about TB, how it is spread, how it is treated, and how to protect yourself.
• TB Skin Test - Tuberculosis (TB) can be detected using a simple skin test. Find out why, when and where to get tested, and what the test results mean.
• What's New in Canada's Food Guide - First Nations, Inuit and Métis - This version of Canada's Food Guide has been specially designed to reflect the traditions and food choices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Read more to find out about healthy food options.
• Food Allergies - Food allergies are becoming more common. Learn more about food allergies and the impact they can have in a school setting.
• Physical Activity for Children - As your child heads back to school, physical activity is as important as ever. Learn more about how to help your child have an active lifestyle.
• Healthy Eating for Children - Are you concerned about your child's eating habits? Find out more about the causes and risks of poor eating habits, and learn how to help your child eat well.
• Food Poisoning and Safe Food Handling - Want to protect yourself and your family from food poisoning? Learn more about food poisoning symptoms, treatment and prevention, including safe food handling.
• Are You at Risk of a Heart Attack? - Use this simple tool to find out about your heart attack risk in the next 10 years.
• Diabetes: Getting Started - Healthy eating is an important part of living with diabetes. Learn how to plan healthy meals and snacks, and learn more about diabetes.
• Early Disease Detection - Learn more about screening and diagnostic tests that you may need in order to detect and prevent common health problems.
• ActNow BC - Want to make some healthy changes in your lifestyle? The ActNow BC program can help you get started on healthy eating, adding physical activity into your life, reaching a healthy weight, or quitting smoking.
• Quit smoking now - If you smoke and want to quit, click on www.quitnow.ca or call 1-877-455-2233. Get 24/7 free information or support on the web and by phone, with counselling services provided by registered nurses. Translation services available in over 130 languages and TTY services for the hearing impaired.
• Dealing with Emergencies - Knowing what to do in an emergency can help you stay calm. Learn how to handle medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, choking and bleeding.
• Health Advice for Travellers - Learn how to stay safe and healthy while travelling.

If you have any questions, call the BC NurseLine toll-free and speak with a registered nurse available 24 hours every day. A pharmacist is available 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. every day.

Get confidential health information and advice at BC NurseLine. Speak to a nurse to help you understand and manage health concerns, answer your questions about health topics, tests and procedures, and find information on resources in your community. Services are available for those who are deaf or hearing impaired. Translation services are available in 130 languages.

Call BC NurseLine

Call Dial-A-Dietitian

If you have nutrition questions call Dial-A-Dietitian to speak with a registered dietitian available Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. An allergy dietitian is available Wednesday to Friday 9:00am - 4:30pm. Dietitians offer confidential nutrition information and advice, and guide you to nutrition services in your community. TTY available for deaf and hearing-impaired, and translation services available on request in over 130 languages.

Read the First Nations Health Handbook

The BC First Nations Health Handbook (PDF 2746Kb), a companion document to the BC HealthGuide handbook, provides information on unique services available to First Nations, how to access health services in First Nations communities, and other BC health resources. It also includes patients' rights and advice for health care providers serving First Nations. This handbook was a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the First Nations Chiefs' Health Committee.

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