Kootenay Boundary faces shortage of psychiatrists
The region’s medical shortages continue, despite Castlegar finally having a full contingent of general physicians – the issue now being a shortage of psychiatrists. Cheryl Whittleton, Heath Service Administrator for the Kootenay Boundary, said three local psychiatrists have resigned in the past six months, leaving the region...
Healthy Smiles for Your Child at Halloween
Halloween is almost here, and that means candy and lots of it! We all know that candy can cause cavities, but trick or treating doesn't have to be a scary time for your teeth. Cavities can be prevented with a few simple tips There are many factors involved in tooth decay, but the most important risk factors are how often...
Concern grows over spike in pedestrian crashes
ICBC is launching its annual pedestrian safety campaign with the B.C. Coroners Service, B.C. government and police to urge pedestrians and drivers to do their part to stay safe as crashes involving pedestrians spike at this time of year. Almost two times more pedestrians are injured in crashes from November to January compared...
Interior Health Board announces Mazurkewich as new CEO
Interior Health announced Tuesday that Chris Mazurkewich has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer for Interior Health, effective October 26. Erwin Malzer, Chair of the Interior Health Board of Directors, made the announcement in a media release. “With a wealth of Canadian health system experience, a broad ...
RDI Partners with AKBLG to Host Aging in the Kootenays Learning Event
The Association of Kootenay-Boundary Local Governments (AKBLG) is partnering with the Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute (RDI) to host a learning event focused on regional demographic shifts relating to our region’s aging population. These shifts will create new challenges and opportunities for our region. The event...
BCNU supports call for long term mental health strategy
In a media release, the BC Nurses' Union said it supports the Union of BC Municipalities in calling for the provincial government to create a comprehensive mental health strategy. BCNU President Gayle Duteil said in the release that there is an urgent need for better services. “The mental health care system in BC is in crisis,"...
Sunday's Kidney Walk at Gyro will see Trail staff awarded for exemplary service
Trail's Kidney Walk is all set for this Sunday at 9 a.m. at Gyro Park. Over 500 people in BC are currently on the waitlist for a life-saving organ transplant, and almost 400 of those are waiting for a kidney. Thousands more are on dialysis and may also need a transplant. Sadly, many of these patients will die waiting. That’s...
UPDATED: Cucumbers recall due to Salmonella expanded for include Overwaitea Food Group
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said the Overwaitea Food Group is joining the recall of field cucumbers purchased from Save On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Coopers Foods, Overwaitea, and Freson Brothers due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below. This...
Selkirk College’s Health Care Assistant Program Coming to Kaslo
One of Selkirk College’s most popular programs is extending its reach into smaller West Kootenay communities in an effort to help fill in-demand jobs in regional health care. The Health Care Assistant Program puts graduates on the frontlines of health care assisting clients with personal care, nutrition and mobility. Based ...
UPDATED: Smoky skies advisory continues; Christina Lake, Grand Forks deals with Evacuation Alert
It looks like another day of the smoky skies advisory for the Kootenay/Boundary regions of the province as Environment Canada, in conjuction with Interior Health Authority, to continues the warning. The advisory is due to smoke blowing north across the border from wildfires in Washington State. However, according to the Western...