Health and wellness

A man pauses at a coffin after carrying it during a memorial march to remember victims of overdose deaths in Vancouver on August 15, 2020. Advocates say Health Canada’s announcement to decriminalize personal possession of 2.5 grams will do little to save people’s lives. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

For decriminalization to save lives, users need to be allowed to carry more drugs: B.C. advocates

Health Canada nearly halved requested personal possession amount in approval May 31

A man pauses at a coffin after carrying it during a memorial march to remember victims of overdose deaths in Vancouver on August 15, 2020. Advocates say Health Canada’s announcement to decriminalize personal possession of 2.5 grams will do little to save people’s lives. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Dean Anderson holds up a sign before a march on the first National Day of Action to draw attention to the opioid overdose epidemic, in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, on February 21, 2017. Beginning Jan. 31 2023, adults in B.C. will be allowed to carry up to 2.5 grams of drugs for personal use, Health Canada announced May 31, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. approved to decriminalize possession of small amounts of street drugs as deaths soar

Personal possession of up to 2.5 grams to be allowed for three years beginning Jan. 31, 2023

Dean Anderson holds up a sign before a march on the first National Day of Action to draw attention to the opioid overdose epidemic, in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, on February 21, 2017. Beginning Jan. 31 2023, adults in B.C. will be allowed to carry up to 2.5 grams of drugs for personal use, Health Canada announced May 31, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
This March 2002 file photo shows a deer tick under a microscope in the entomology lab at the University of Rhode Island in South Kingstown, R.I. Lyme disease has settled so deeply into parts of Canada many public health units now just assume if you get bitten by a tick, you should be treated for lyme disease. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Victoria Arocho

Online map tracks B.C.’s high-risk Lyme disease zones

About 1 in 100 ticks carry Lyme disease in B.C.

This March 2002 file photo shows a deer tick under a microscope in the entomology lab at the University of Rhode Island in South Kingstown, R.I. Lyme disease has settled so deeply into parts of Canada many public health units now just assume if you get bitten by a tick, you should be treated for lyme disease. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Victoria Arocho
The makers of Jif peanut butter are recalling some of its products due to potential salmonella contamination. (Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

Some Jif peanut butter products recalled due to potential salmonella contamination

Jars with lot codes 1274425 through 2140425 should be disposed of immediately

The makers of Jif peanut butter are recalling some of its products due to potential salmonella contamination. (Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
GoByBike BC Society envisions a future where everyone can experience the joy of cycling – for transportation, for play, for well-being, for the planet. Take part in Spring GoByBike Week May 30 to June 5!

This spring, return to cycling for a fresh start

More than just a bike ride — GoByBike for health, for the planet and for prizes!

  • May 9, 2022
GoByBike BC Society envisions a future where everyone can experience the joy of cycling – for transportation, for play, for well-being, for the planet. Take part in Spring GoByBike Week May 30 to June 5!
Michelle Gray, owner and pharmacist at Gray’s Compounding Pharmacy in Kimberley.

The gut-brain connection: How digestive health affects our bodies

Stress, IBS and reducing toxicity to find a better balance

  • Apr 25, 2022
Michelle Gray, owner and pharmacist at Gray’s Compounding Pharmacy in Kimberley.
Jim Mitchell is sharing his experience living with dementia to raise awareness as part of the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.

Kamloops resident shares his story to bring more visibility to dementia

Jim Mitchell immigrated from England to Canada with his wife Margaret and…

  • Apr 18, 2022
Jim Mitchell is sharing his experience living with dementia to raise awareness as part of the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.
Kara Nystrom, a contender for Miss Health and Fitness 2022, is possibly the first transgender woman to enter in the U.S. magazine contest. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

‘A queer, feminine body against the world’ for B.C. woman chasing fitness crown

Kara Nystrom has entered a U.S. magazine ’s Miss Health and Fitness contest, soon open to voting

Kara Nystrom, a contender for Miss Health and Fitness 2022, is possibly the first transgender woman to enter in the U.S. magazine contest. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
Lei Lei Wu, pharmacist at Gray’s Compounding Pharmacy. The pharmacy offers medication reviews to reduce strain on kidney function and ensure overall health.

4 facts to help kidneys stay healthy

Nutrition and medication can put unnecessary strain on kidney function

  • Mar 21, 2022
Lei Lei Wu, pharmacist at Gray’s Compounding Pharmacy. The pharmacy offers medication reviews to reduce strain on kidney function and ensure overall health.
Registered Pharmacist and C4 Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialist Michelle Gray of Gray’s Compounding Pharmacy in Kimberley. Nicole Leclair Photography.

Finding balance: Boost your mood, cognition and more with a hormone review

Pharmacist and certified hormone specialist says more of us should seek to understand our hormones

  • Feb 21, 2022
Registered Pharmacist and C4 Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialist Michelle Gray of Gray’s Compounding Pharmacy in Kimberley. Nicole Leclair Photography.
Michelle Gray

Fatigue, anxiety, weight gain? It might be your thyroid

Understanding the thyroid, and how it affects our body’s function

  • Jan 24, 2022
Michelle Gray
Ryan Rhodes is a University of Victoria professor and expert in exercise science, studying the psychology behind healthy behaviours. (Photo courtesy of the University of Victoria)

New year’s resolution dying already? B.C. psychologist has the answer

Resolutions are cliche – adopting healthy habits takes time, UVic expert says

Ryan Rhodes is a University of Victoria professor and expert in exercise science, studying the psychology behind healthy behaviours. (Photo courtesy of the University of Victoria)
Signs say ‘Mental Health Matters,’ ‘Gyms are Essential,’ and ‘#FreeBC’ (Iron Energy Gym Instagram)

West Kelowna gym ordered to close and fined $2,300 for disobeying COVID restrictions

Interior Health was escorted by RCMP at Iron Energy Gym

Signs say ‘Mental Health Matters,’ ‘Gyms are Essential,’ and ‘#FreeBC’ (Iron Energy Gym Instagram)
Pharmacist Michelle Gray offers one-on-one theraputic nutrition coaching to help clients find healthier ways to fuel their bodies. Learn more at Gray's Compounding Pharmacy in Kimberley.

Start the new year with a safe, supported nutrition refresh

Kimberley pharmacy is hosting a 10 day program starting January 15

  • Dec 27, 2021
Pharmacist Michelle Gray offers one-on-one theraputic nutrition coaching to help clients find healthier ways to fuel their bodies. Learn more at Gray's Compounding Pharmacy in Kimberley.
The team at Gray's Compounding Pharmacy Remedy's RX in Kimberley can talk to you about the advantages of partnering with them in using the "spencer" automated and interactive pill dispensing machine. Photo by Nicole Koran

A better way to track medication, for you or those you love

Spencer is an at-home medication dispensing device that helps keep health on track

  • Nov 29, 2021
The team at Gray's Compounding Pharmacy Remedy's RX in Kimberley can talk to you about the advantages of partnering with them in using the "spencer" automated and interactive pill dispensing machine. Photo by Nicole Koran
Dr. Rebecca Deyell, pediatric oncologist at BC Children’s Hospital, with Ellie, treated for a rare childhood cancer at BC Children’s Hospital. Thanks to vital donor support, researchers can explore uncharted paths and treatment options for children like Ellie.

Ellie’s journey: Rare condition points to critical research need

BC Children’s Hospital shares need for increased research for childhood cancers

  • Nov 29, 2021
Dr. Rebecca Deyell, pediatric oncologist at BC Children’s Hospital, with Ellie, treated for a rare childhood cancer at BC Children’s Hospital. Thanks to vital donor support, researchers can explore uncharted paths and treatment options for children like Ellie.
Nanaimo top the lists for most polite city and best tippers in Canada in Uber Eats’ third annual ‘Cravings Report.’ (Uber Eats photo)

Canada’s best tippers and most polite takeout customers found in one B.C. town

Uber Eats reports on driver experiences, picky eaters, popular dishes and more

Nanaimo top the lists for most polite city and best tippers in Canada in Uber Eats’ third annual ‘Cravings Report.’ (Uber Eats photo)
Sporting and other indoor events in the Interior Health region are limited to half capacity, while elsewhere in B.C. this COVID-19 safety measure has been lifted. (Photo: Pixabay)

Interior Health remains mum on capacity restrictions

Many businesses in the region are demanding answers from the health authority

Sporting and other indoor events in the Interior Health region are limited to half capacity, while elsewhere in B.C. this COVID-19 safety measure has been lifted. (Photo: Pixabay)
Michelle Gray and Lei Lei Wu, pharmacists at Gray's Compounding Pharmacy. The store is being renovated this summer, to enhance their in-depth clinical care model.

Arm yourself for flu season with a shot in the arm!

Flu shots and Rapid COVID-19 Antigen tests now available at Kimberley pharmacy

  • Oct 25, 2021
Michelle Gray and Lei Lei Wu, pharmacists at Gray's Compounding Pharmacy. The store is being renovated this summer, to enhance their in-depth clinical care model.
Sue Stewart (left) and Riley Severinski. Jeff Weddell Photography.

20-year hospital journey inspires a legacy

Riley was just a six-week-old infant when her mom, Sue, was told…

  • Oct 11, 2021
Sue Stewart (left) and Riley Severinski. Jeff Weddell Photography.