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Public Health
Healthiest Residence
British Columbians are among Canada's healthiest residents:
- Life expectancy (health adjusted) in BC is the third highest in the country
- BC’s infant mortality rate is below the Canadian average
- Death rates for heart disease, stroke and cancer have dropped
- BC has the lowest proportion of smokers of any province
Specific populations in BC also show improvements in health:
- Seniors are living longer, eating healthy diets, and more physically active
- Aboriginal peoples have lower infant mortality rates, longer life expectancy, and fewer premature deaths
Improved Aboriginal health is a government priority in BC. Life expectancy for Status Indians is about eight years less than for other British Columbians. Positive trends indicate that rates for infant mortality and low birth weight are only slightly higher for Status Indians than BC’s overall population.
Health Related Links
- Aboriginal Health Resources: Resources that focus on Aboriginal health
- HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS and Substance Misuse Prevention works to prevent alcohol and drug misuse, HIV disease and other blood borne pathogens.
- Mental Health and Addictions: Services focus on health promotion, prevention, treatment and recovery, and support individuals' and families' resiliency and self-care.
- Office of the Provincial Health Officer: Find research, reports and advice on public health topics, such as the health of British Columbians
- Health Protection Planning: responsible for the development and implementation of legislation, policies and programs in the areas of Environmental Health Protection, Community Care Facilities, and Emergency Preparedness
- Prevention and Wellness Planning: Information and programs on health promotion, illness prevention and related resources like ActNow BC
- Seniors' Health: Information for seniors including a guide to programs and benefits in BC
- Women's Health: Health strategy, handbook and other resources on women’s health in BC
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