Prince George, B.C. – Northern Health is offering some tips to cut down on unnecessary trips to the hospital, especially with the holiday season approaching.

Here are a few guidelines for handling your health concerns:

• Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 for confidential health information and non-emergency services 24/7. For deaf and hearing-impaired assistance (TTY), call 7-1-1.
• For non-urgent care, use community health services including your family practitioner or walk-in clinics, where available. Be sure to note any changes to holiday clinic hours.
• Note the holiday hours for local pharmacies, and ensure prescriptions are filled accordingly.
• If you have a cold, call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 for advice, or ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms.
• You can still get a flu shot; check immunizebc.ca for clinic dates.
• If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control at 1-800-567-8911.

If at any time you believe you require urgent medical attention, by all means go to the emergency department or call 9-1-1 for transportation.

NH emergency rooms tend to patients who have experienced a sudden and/or unusual change in their health. This includes, but isn’t limited to, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or pain, broken bones, chest pain, overdoses and eye injuries.

Other tips to ensure you have a safe, healthy and enjoyable holiday season include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, and carry an alcohol-based hand rub with you.
• Get regular exercise and avoid overindulging.
• Drink responsibly: visit heretohelp.bc.ca for more info.
• Get enough sleep.
• Keep activities fun and safe.
• Drive and walk with care.