Keep your child healthy and safeBlock parent programsBlock Parents are volunteer adults who offer refuge and help to children in times of emergency. All volunteers are screened by the police and have received program training. For more information, contact the B.C. Block Parent Society at 1-888-474-9577, or by e-mail at info@block-parent.bc.ca. Car seatsYour public health unit or community agencies, such as recreation centres, will have information about rental car seats. For information on child restraints, call Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0371 or contact your local ICBC office. The number will be in the white pages of your telephone directory. Residents of B.C. can also contact ICBC by writing to: Public Affairs and Corporate Marketing Or visit the ICBC Web site First aidFor emergency numbers including police, fire, ambulance and poison information centre, look in the front section of your telephone book.The following pages provide information on a variety of health issues. Alcohol, drugs, nicotineAll provinces and territories have programs for people with alcohol and other drug problems. Ask your doctor or public health nurse for help, or check in the Yellow Pages of your telephone book under "Alcohol" or "Drug" information. You can also call the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral line at 1-800-663-1441, or (604) 660-9382 on the Lower Mainland. This line is confidential and toll-free, and offers information about drug and alcohol programs in B.C. Local program information is also available through Native Friendship Centres. There are programs available for smokers who would like help to quit the habit. Contact your local public health unit, Canadian Cancer Society or local lung association for information on programs near you. Children with disabilitiesThere are services available if your child has developmental problems or a disability. Your doctor, public health nurse or social services office can help you find these services. Many communities have an infant development program for children from birth to age three. Staff in this program may help you by providing activities for your child that will encourage development, and getting you in touch with other supports that may help you and your child. A diagnosis of a developmental problem for a young child is difficult for any parent, but there are many other parents and professionals to help you now and as your child grows older. A child with severe disabilities may be eligible for the benefits of the At Home Program, which is available through your social services office. Health resourcesThe BC HealthGuide Program has three components to give you high quality health information to help you manage any health-care condition or concern for you and your family, any time of the day or night.
The BC HealthGuide Program complies with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and collects your personal information only when necessary to provide you with the specific service you request. Medical genetics programThis program is a source of information about genetic or environmental factors that may increase the risk of birth defects in a baby. Discuss this with your doctor if you wish to know more and for referral. Multiple birthsCheck with your doctor or local health unit/department for local support groups, and/or contact:
NutritionYou can get a copy of Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating online or from your health unit. You can also talk with a dietitian on a toll-free nutrition and food safety line at 1-800-667-3438 (Dial-a-Dietitian). |
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