North Vancouver Island Public Health

03/20/2026

Today is World Oral Health Day

The 4 most common oral health conditions are:
🦷 tooth decay
🦷 gum disease
🦷 tooth loss
🦷 oral cancers

Fortunately, most cases are preventable and can be treated in their early stages.

03/20/2026

03/20/2026

03/16/2026

Having a baby is a life-changing event. This simple fact is true for anyone who embarks on a parenting journey. This experience is different for everyone and often involves mixed emotions: people can feel overjoyed and overwhelmed at the same time. If you are feeling this way, you are not alone!

Understand why you may have the baby blues and what it means to have postpartum depression.

03/14/2026

Whether it’s naptime or nighttime – a baby’s sleep environment is always important.

Creating a safer sleep environment for babies is part of keeping them healthy.

See the Pregnancy & Parent Learning Centre’s Safer Sleep module (link in bio) to explore more ways to make a safer sleep environment for babies:

Please read the agreement below carefully. Once you have reviewed the terms, click "Agree and Continue" to proceed to sign-up.

03/11/2026

As people throughout BC adjust to the province’s final time change, it’s a good reminder of how important healthy sleep is for all of us — including babies.

For babies, supporting healthy sleep means focusing on safer sleep practices that keep them protected and support their healthy development. Simple habits — like placing babies on their backs, using firm sleep surfaces, and keeping the crib clear of hazards like pillows, bumper pads, and toys — help create a safer environment where babies can develop their own sleep rhythm.

These are safe sleep practices that parents, grandparents, babysitters and daycare providers alike can follow to support a baby’s safer sleep — whether it’s day or night.

Learn more about safer sleep practices and baby’s sleep patterns in the Pregnancy & Parent Learning Centre from Perinatal Services BC: https://learningcentre.perinatalservicesbc.ca/course/safer-sleep

03/02/2026

Reaching out for help with alcohol or drug use can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. When you call, a care team member will listen, learn what you need, and help connect you to services.

Call Access Central at 1-888-885-8824 or visit islandhealth.ca/addiction-care

02/24/2026

Research shows that early connection with safe, reliable, and accessible prenatal care is linked to healthier pregnancies, births, and early parenting experiences.
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Call Island Health to talk to a Public Health Nurse about how the free Right From the Start program can support you and your family during pregnancy and early childhood. Visit https://islandhealth.ca/pregnancy.

02/23/2026

Are you looking to change your relationship with alcohol or drugs? One call can connect you to services like detox, counselling, treatment programs, or medication that helps you manage withdrawal or cravings.

Call Access Central at 1-888-885-8824 or visit http://islandhealth.ca/addiction-care

02/03/2026