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Stay Safe During Heatwave Season: Tips and Resources
As temperatures rise during the summer months, it's important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you from the effects of extreme heat. Follow these tips to stay safe and healthy during heatwaves:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Limit sugary and alcoholic beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.
- Keep cool: Spend time in air-conditioned spaces such as libraries, shopping centres, or community centres during the hottest parts of the day. If air conditioning is unavailable, use fans and take cool showers or baths to help lower your body temperature.
- Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton to help keep your body cool.
- Limit outdoor activities: Whenever possible, plan outdoor activities for the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower. If you need to be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade and avoid strenuous activity during peak heat.
- Check on others: Older adults, young children, and people with chronic health conditions are at greater risk of heat-related illness. Check in regularly to ensure they have access to cool spaces and are staying well hydrated.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply as directed. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and seek shade whenever possible to reduce sun exposure.
For more information on staying safe during extreme heat, including heat-related illness prevention, cooling strategies, and resources, please refer to HealthLink BC's Beat the Heat resource.
Confirm Your Primary Care Provider
Make sure your regular primary care provider information is up to date. You can confirm who you consider to be your regular family doctor or nurse practitioner online or by calling HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.To confirm online, you’ll need to log in using the BC Services Card app. If you have not signed up yet, you’ll need your Personal Health Number (PHN) (found on your BC Services Card or B.C. Driver’s Licence) or two pieces of government-issued identification.
Click here to register and for more information.
Looking for a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner?
- Quick and easy to register
- Available for people without a family doctor or NP
- Includes a QR code for easy access to registration resources
How to use the Pathways website
How to use the search directory:
Are you looking for community services and programs on our website? We have created a short informational video to help you find resources quickly.
Virtual Maternity Hub website
Your local resource for pregnancy and newborn care
This website was created by Fraser Northwest Division maternity care providers (in New Westminster and Tri-Cities BC).Go to maternityhub.ca to check it out!
You can share this poster if you know anyone who might be interested in the new website.
Find a Family Doctor
If you live in New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, or Belcarra you can register for a family doctor by joining the waitlist.
Disability Tax Credit Qualification Guidelines
The Government of Canada outlines specific guidelines which describe whether a person qualifies for a disability tax credit which reduces the amount of income tax they pay.
- For more information about the tax credit, click here.
Note: If you do qualify, you will be required to bring the disability tax credit form to your doctor and pay a fee to fill out and sign the form.
Advanced Care Planning - How well do you know me?
When it comes to planning for your future health care, you need to check in and find out from your family and friends: How well do you know me? These people may need to make health care decisions for you if you cannot. You may be surprised at what they don’t know about you! Use the How Well Do You Know Me questions to get started.
