Children and Youth Services

Healthy start tips as school year begins

Vancouver Island – Water is the key to a healthy start as we head back to school.

Children should be hydrated and their best defence against bringing home colds and flus is proper hand washing.

“Get your children into the habit of washing their hands frequently. Make it fun. Sing happy birthday twice while they scrub or find a soap scent that appeals to them,” says Dr. Dee Hoyano, Island Health Medical Health Officer. “There is no better way to prevent colds and the spread of germs in schools and daycares than hand washing

Small button batteries pose risk to children

Vancouver Island – Island Health would like to remind parents and guardians to keep button batteries out of children’s reach. These small, coin-size batteries are in many household products, making them accessible to curious children.

“All types of button batteries can be hazardous,” said Dr. Murray Fyfe, Medical Health Officer, Island Health. “Parents need to treat batteries like other dangers – store them out of sight and reach of children.”