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How drug decriminalization in BC could help save lives

Published: June 10, 2022

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Latest stories in Health

What is the impact of the Roe vs Wade draft decision? A ‘cruel and devastating blow’ for women, UBC Allard law experts say

Here’s what it could mean for reproductive rights in the US and the security of women’s access to abortion in Canada

A person's hand holding rice grains to show world hunger

‘Too many people, not enough food’ isn’t the cause of world hunger and food insecurity

Inequity and armed conflict play a large role in world hunger

Photo of smoke from a forest fire near Pearchland British Columbia Canada

Why protecting air quality in BC matters to your health — not just during wildfire season

Vancouver has some of the best air quality in the world. Here’s why we need to fight for it.

A collection of images depicting what effects affect air quality

What exactly is air quality, and what affects it in BC?

Learn about air pollution sources and how weather and location affect air quality in BC

Is it time to move on from Wordle? How crossword puzzles can help train your brain

Trying a variety of puzzles can help keep you mentally sharp

Conversations about consent need to start early, and parents need to get comfortable with it

Teaching children about boundaries can help shift our culture around interpersonal trauma

Woman in striped shirt and tights exercising on yoga mat while looking at tablet.

How to get motivated to start exercising at home

App-based workouts can help combat depression and boost mental health. Here are 7 tips to get moving

Four young people sharing glasses of wine and exchanging gifts

Spread cheer, not COVID: Tips for staying safe this holiday season

Here’s how to reduce the risk of COVID infection during gatherings at home and when flying for the holidays

Photo of a football on a dark background with moisture surrounding it

The fault in our stars: Aaron Rodgers reminds us why celebrity shouldn’t trump science

Celebrities can amplify dangerous and disproven myths about the COVID-19 vaccine, says UBC’s Dr. Eric Cadesky

The doctor won’t see you now: Why access to care is in critical condition

More support for doctors will increase access to timely health care for Canadians

Smoke stack

COP26: Strong carbon-trading rules could help the world avoid dangerous levels of global warming

An international emissions-trading system being discussed at COP26 could bring an end to the production of coal-fired electricity

How to make yourself a hard target for communicable diseases

Practices that help slow the spread of COVID-19 can also reduce your risk of the flu, colds and other illnesses

person on grey background wearing a mask and holding hands on temples

Flu season is coming and it could be ugly: What you need to know

UBC’s Dr. Michael Curry weighs in on how to reduce your risk of getting sick

Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose

Knowing what to look for and how to use a take-home naloxone kit can save a life, says the Executive Director of the BC Centre on Substance Use

People gathered in discussion about mental health.

Why addressing stigma around substance use matters

UBC experts say we need to normalize the conversation, as we’ve done with other health conditions

Kids too young for a COVID-19 vaccine? How to keep them safe

UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Dr. Ran Goldman offers tips for parents to protect children who are not yet immunized against COVID-19 in Canada

A doctor and a senior patient look at the patient's personalized genomic sequencing results on a tablet in a doctors office

How genomics is changing health care

DNA sequencing is creating a new age of health and medicine that is more personalized and targeted than ever before

Smoke from wildfires descends on Vancouver

10 tips for coping with wildfire smoke, from a public health expert

Protect yourself from the risks of hazardous wildfire smoke

A photo illustration of several neon "Open" signs alight in the dark to signify re-opening of society after COVID-19

Re-entry anxiety: How to adjust to a new, uncertain routine

As the pandemic eases and society opens up, UBC clinical psychologist Dr. Lynn Alden offers tips to help you cope

A bottle of prescription pills to treat a chronic disease.

3 lessons the COVID-19 pandemic can teach us about preventing chronic diseases

Learnings from COVID-19 can improve the prevention of heart disease, diabetes and mood disorders in our communities

A medical professional gives a COVID-19 vaccination to a senior

Protection provided by COVID-19 vaccination

UBC vaccine expert Anna Blakney addresses the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and choosing among them

An illustration showing life after the COVID-19 vaccine, including children visiting with grandparents and a plane leaving for a vacation destination

Life after COVID-19 vaccination

Vaccine researcher Anna Blakney answers questions about travel and transmission after vaccination

Illustration showing population groups that are not yet approved for the COVID-19 vaccine, including children and pregnant women

COVID-19 vaccinations, pregnancy and kids

A UBC vaccine expert explains why there’s no vaccine for these groups yet

A medical professional gives a COVID-19 vaccine to an adult

How vaccines work

UBC vaccine expert Anna Blakney explains how vaccines work and what to consider when deciding whether to get vaccinated

A person does an exercise workout by using water bottles as weights

How to work “exercise snacks” into your day

Research shows that “fitness snacking” adds up and even small bites of exercise are good for you

Young adults unfairly blamed for COVID-19 spread

Young adults, unfairly blamed for COVID-19 spread, now face stress and uncertain futures

Stigma leads to social, health and economic distress