Routine infant immunizations offered in British Columbia: (updated by the doctors at Bayswater Family Practice April 2016) 2 months DPTaP-Hib (diphtheria, pertusis, tetanus, polio & H. influenza B) & Hepatitis B (INFANRIX hexa) Pneumococcal conjugate (Prevnar) Meningococcal group C conjugate (Menjugate or Neis-Vac-C) oral rotavirus vaccine 4 months DPTaP-Hib (diphtheria, pertusis, tetanus, polio & H. […]
The leading cause of death and disability for Canadian children is injury. The good news is it doesn’t have to be that way. Many injuries can be prevented simply by using car and booster seats, bike helmets or by understanding a child’s abilities. In fact injuries are the leading cause of death for Canadians up […]
For the first 6 months of life, we recommend that you place your infant on his or her back to sleep. Try to place your infants head in a differnet direction on alternate days to avoid getting a flat head on one side. The ideal location for sleeping is in a crib in your room. […]
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life for healthy infants born at term. Breast milk is the optimal food for infants, and breastfeeding (with complementary foods) may continue for up to two years and beyond. Breastfeeding reduces bowel (gastrointestinal) and respiratory infections. For more information and helpful links on breastfeeding see […]
We recommend the following books: Kids are Worth It: Giving Your Child the Gift of Inner Discipline by Barbara Colorosso (2001) Children: the Challenge by Rudolf Dreikers (1992, first printed 1964) Parenting Young Children : Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (Step) of Children Under Six by Don Dinkmeyer Sr. The Parent’s Handbook: Systematic Training for […]
(adapted from Dr. Kirkham’s Pregnancy Planning Guide) start folic acid (0.4-1 mg/day) have your immunity to German measles (rubella) checked by a blood test if you have not had chickenpox as a child, have your immunity to chickenpox (varicella) checked by a blood test some couples should be tested for inherited disorders that could affect […]
The Screening Mammography Program provides free screening mammograms for eligible BC women age 40 and up. While no referral is required, we recommend women between the ages of 40-49 and 75+ come in the the office to discuss the benefits and limitations of screening mammography with their doctors. A referral is required for women under […]
Although foodborne illnesses can affect everyone, pregnant women are more susceptible to certain foodborne bacteria and they can be serious for both a pregnant woman and her baby. Proper food handling and avoiding certain foods can help decrease the risk of foodborne illness during pregnancy. Recommendations for pregnant women include: avoid raw/under-cooked meat & fish […]
When used properly, child safety seats significantly reduce fatalities and serious injuries in a crash. Use of proper child restraints is the law! As children grow the requirements for car seats and proper restraint in a vehicle change. We recommend the following sites for up to date information: ICBC BCAA BC Ministry of Transport Transport […]
Books we recommend for younger children and parents: The New Speaking of Sex: what your children need to know and when they need to know it by Meg Hickling ( a local health educator and winner of many awards) It’s So Amazing: a book about eggs, sperm, birth, babies and families by Robie Harris (for […]
Children’s Health Topics: The Canadian Paediatric Society has information on many topics including nutrition, illness and safety. Immunization Injury Prevention and Safety & Child Car Seats Parenting Resources Sexual Health Educations Resources Information on getting rid of head lice Dental Health About the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre: The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre is […]
Recommended Vaccines: Grade 6: HPV 2 doses (girls only) note: also recommended for boys but currently not funded except for boys at increased risk * Meningococcal C Conjugate Vaccine Chicken pox and Hepatits B vaccine catch ups offered to those not previously fully immunized Grade 9: Tetanus, Diptheria Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine *Note HPV vaccine is […]
Women’s Health Topics: Cervical Cancer screening (Pap tests) Human Papilloma virus (HPV) and HPV Vaccine Breast Cancer Screening (Mammograms) Infertility-coming soon Pregnancy Menopause Osteoporosis Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and other violence against women The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada has a website with a variety of pamphlets on women’s health issues including […]
The PAP test is a screening test for cervical cancer. All woman who have ever had sex should be screened. In BC, it is recommended that women should start having Pap tests at age 21 or 3 years after first sexual contact. Start with a Pap test every year for the first 3 years; then continue […]
The menopauseandu.ca website is a source of information for Canadian women approaching or in menopause or perimenopause. It is one element of a broader Menopause Education and Awareness Program initiated by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). The North American Menopause Society, is a nonprofit scientific organization devoted to promoting women’s health […]
Information on osteoporosis can be found on: Osteoporosis Canada website National Osteoporosis Foundation website Things you can do to reduce bone loss include: make sure you get enough calcium in your diet take a vitamin D supplement avoid smoking get regular weight bearing exercise limit alcohol intake You doctor can help you determine if you […]
Mental Health Resources include: For information on depression and suicide see here For information on anxiety see here For information on eating disorders see here For information on violence and abuse see here For information on counselling and therapy see here For information on addiction and substance use (drugs, alcohol, smoking) see here Here to […]
Resources for people with depression Vancouver Coastal Health Mental Health (VCH) and Substance Use Services VCH has a central intake line for services available for patients. Information about all services available can be found here Here to Help The Here to Help website is developed by a coalition of of seven leading mental health and […]
The Anxiety Disorders Association of British Columbia (AnxietyBC™) is a non profit organization established by a group of concerned individuals, family members, and health professionals that works to increase awareness about anxiety disorders, promote education, and increase access to evidence-based resources and treatments. They have produced over 50 videos on YouTube and actively promote dialogue […]
The National Eating Disorder Information Centre website can be found here. NIH guide: Eating Disorders: About More than Food can be found here. There is a series of seven videos featuring experts from the Provincial Specialized Eating Disorders Program, located BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, giving presentations about the medical assessment, diagnosis and management, various […]
Prostate Hhealth Prostate Cancer Screening (PSA testing) . The BC Cancer Agency website has information on PSA screening found here. The also have a patient information sheet that reviews the pros and cons of screening found here. Healthlink BC has an information sheet on PSA screening Testicular Health Healthlink information sheet on testicular self […]
The Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) includes three toolkits providing training in the recognition, treatment and management of concussion for: 1) Medical Professionals; (2) Parents, Players, and Coaches; and (3) School Professionals.It has some information sheets and videos useful for people who has suffered a concussion.
Visit Seniors BC.ca -a website with resources and info for older adults for living a healthy and active life. You can download the BC Seniors Guide here Vancouver Coastal Health has information to help prevent falls. See here for details and download their ‘Stay on Your Feet” brochure. For information on Representation Agreements,Advanced Directives and […]
Preventive health care is important and at Bayswater Family Practice we work hard to make sure each patient is up to date in terms of recommended evidence-based screening and preventive health care procedure such as immunizations. Annual check ups aren’t always necessary but we do try to see our patients regularly to make sure that […]
Some resources for women experiencing violence: Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW) Rape Crisis Centre website has a crisis line Battered Women’s Support Services website Vancouver Rape Relief & Women’s Shelter website BC Society of Transition Houses website Legal Aid website
Resources for Patients with Breast Cancer We Recommend the book: Intelligent Patient Guide to Breast Cancer by Olivotto, Gelmon, McCready and Kuusk The BC Cancer Agency has a website with information on breast cancer. You can download the Breast Cancer Companion Guide here (and many other resources for breast cancer patients) The Canadian Breast Cancer […]
Treating Head Lice Vancouver Coastal Health provides information on treating head lice and wet combing see here CDC provides the following information The Canadian Paediatric Association information Healthlink BC information Bed Bug Infestations For information on bedbugs see here
We highly recommend Do Bugs Need Drugs? website -a community program for the wise use of antibiotics for information on managing common infections, handwashing and preventing infections and antibiotic resistance.
Dr. Yoni Freedhoff is a family doc, Assistant Prof. at the University of Ottawa, Author of The Diet Fix, and founder of Ottawa’s non-surgical Bariatric Medical Institute – a multi-disciplinary, ethical, evidence-based nutrition and weight management centre. He has an interesting website/blog and is interesting to follow on Twitter if you are interested in nutrition science […]
The BC Cancer Agency Website has information on many types of cancer, testing, treatment and living with cancer. They also provide information on how to access emotional support here. The Canadian Cancer Society provides information about Cancer diagnosis and treatment, connections with fellow cancer patients, support groups, help with accommodation and transportation and camps for […]
BC Cancer Agency information on palliative care and hospice. Also see here for BC cancer Agency information on advanced cancer & palliative care. Vancouver Coastal Health information on palliative care BC Government information on palliative Care BC Hospice and Palliative Care Association
We encourage you to come in and discuss your counselling needs with your doctor so we can help you find the right counsellor or therapist. BC Psychologists Association website Counselling BC website lists many of the counsellors in the lower mainland BC Association of Clinical Counsellors website Changeways Clinic is a psychologist-owned counselling and psychotherapy […]
Resources we recommend: Healthlink information website Individual, family, and small group counselling is available to people of all ages who are directly or indirectly affected by alcohol and other drug use by calling the 24-hour BC Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service. In the Lower Mainland, call 604-660-9382, or call toll-free at 1-800-663-1441 from […]
Check out the award winning video on the benefits of exercise by Dr. Mike Evans Some people find MyFitnessPal app & website a good way to track intake and activity and it will sync with FitBit scales and activity trackers.
Information about Vancouver Coastal Health breastfeeding resources can be found here The Breastfeeding Buddy is a web based app,developed in collaboration with Perinatal Services BC and the Public Health Agency of Canada that has tips, tools and videos to help you with breastfeeding and more, from pregnancy to your baby’s first six months and beyond. It […]
The SkinCareGuide Network of dermatology-related websites was founded by a group of international dermatologists. It provides Skin Care Advice Including: Skin Treatments For Your Skin Rash, Dry Skin, Wrinkles And Learn How To Improve Other Skin Problems Like Acne, Herpes, Skin Cancer, Eczema, Psoriasis, And Other Skin Conditions The Eczema Society of Canada has a […]
Vancouver Coastal Health Dental Program Children: The Canadian Paediatric Society has information on dental care for babies and older children as well as guidelines for fluoride use here Healthlink BC also has information on dental care and fluoride use here Vancouver Coastal Health dental services
For information on high blood pressure (Hypertension): See Healthlink BC or Hypertension Canada’s website The Heart and Stroke Foundations Blood Pressure Action Plan Tracker here See Dr. Macdonalds’s information sheet on diet and hypertension here
The Canadian Diabetes Association has resources for people living with diabetes. See their website here BC Children’s Hospital provides resources for children living wiht diabetes and their families on their website here
We highly recommend the It’s Gets Better Canada Video -LGBT Canadians share their stories for the It Gets Better Project, including Rick Mercer, Rex Harrington, Diane Flacks, Tommy Smythe, Enza Anderson, the cast of MTV’s 1g5g, Joeffer Caoc, David Dixon, Deb Pearce, Peter Fallico and many more LGBT Youthline provides confidential, confidential and informed LGBTT […]
Abortion Healthlink BC information Four abortion clinics in the lower mainland: Everywoman’s Health Centre: 604-322-6692 (surgical abortions up to 13 weeks, 6 days) Elizabeth Bagshaw Women’s Clinic: 604-736-7878 (surgical abortions up to 16 weeks, 6 days) C.A.R.E. Program, BC Women’s Hospital: 604-875-2022 (surgical abortions up to 23 weeks) Willow Women’s Clinic: 604-709-5611 (medical abortions up […]
We strongly recommend the education sessions on osteoporosis provided by the OASIS Program. Visit their website here Worksafe BC has an excellent resource on back pain, You can view and download it here Physiotherapy Association of BC has information to help you find a physio
See the Healthlink BC website The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is a volunteer based, non-profit organization with a Provincial Office and Resource Centres located throughout the province. They provide support services and education programs locally and provincially, and are connected nationally to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Dementia Helpline: 1-800-936-6033; Vancouver: 604-681-8651
Resources: Healthlink BC information on “Is it time to stop driving?” HandyDART is a door-to-door, share ride, custom transportation service. This service is for people who are unable to use the regular transit service some or all of the time due to mobility issues associated with a permanent or temporary physical or cognitive disability.
Burrard Podiatry has information about foot health on their website
The doctors at Bayswater will endevour to keep this page up to date-please check back to this page and the news section regularly for updates. The best source of up-to-date information on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in British Columbia is the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). This document provides answers to additional questions from […]
Updated 2015: In BC, the regular seasonal influenza vaccine is provided free to the following groups of people: PEOPLE AT HIGH RISK OF SERIOUS ILLNESS FROM INFLUENZA: Children 6-59 months of age Pregnant women Seniors 65 years and older Residents of any age living in residential care, assisted living or other group facilities aboriginal peoples […]
Baby Care Information Caring for your newborn Infant Nutrition Immunization Injury Prevention Carseats/Booster seats Safe Sleeping The Canadian Paediatric Society has information on many topics including infant crying and colic, dental care and fluoride use, sun safety We recommend the book Baby’s Best Chance which is available free for pregnant women in British Columbia. An […]
Recommended resources for health information: The BC Health Guide has information on a variety of health topics. The College of Family Physicians of Canada has an excellent selection of patient information brochures on a varity of topics. The American Academy of Family Physicians has an extensive list of patient information brochures. Choosing Wisely Canada– […]
Human papilloma virus (HPV) can infect different parts of the body. There are over 100 strains of the virus, some of which are transmitted sexually. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in British Columbia and 70% of sexually active Canadians will contract it at some time. It is most common in youth and […]
For nutrition information and advice check out the detailed information at HealthLink BC, or call call 8-1-1 toll-free in B.C to speak to a registered dietitian. Translation services are available in over 130 languages upon request for callers. You will find information on recommended diets at all ages and for many conditions. There is also […]
We recommend the book Baby’s Best Chance which is available free for pregnant women in British Columbia. An online copy can be viewed here. The Vancouver Division of Family Practice has a new website with easy-to access information for maternity patients. The St. Paul’s Hospital Primary Care Maternity Service website. The Family Practice maternity Service […]
All pregnant women in BC can choose to have prenatal genetic screening. How far along you are in your pregnancy, your age, health, family history, and whether or not you are carrying more than one baby will influence which screening tests are available to you. The British Columbia Prenatal Genetic Screening Program has an excellent website […]
Advance care planning helps you have a say about the health care you would like to receive if you get very sick and cannot speak for yourself. It is a way for you to reflect on your personal values, wishes and beliefs to make your own future health care decisions. Vancouver Coastal Health has created […]
We recommend this new risk calculator to calculate your “cardiovascular age”. You will need a copy of your most recent lab results to complete your profile-ask us for a copy at your next visit.
We recommend the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada’s (SOGC) website on sexual health issues: sexualityandu.ca for information on contraception, sexually transmitted infections and other sexual health issues The SOGC has developed an online patient questionnaire – itsaplan.ca – which includes 16 questions about contraceptive preferences, desire for pregnancy, medical history, and pregnancy risk […]
An excellent and entertaining video! Worth a watch.
For travel health information: We recommend the Public Health Agency of Canada website for up to date travel information. The Government of Canada provides travel information on its website The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) in the USA also has a comprehensive website The World Health Organization Travel and Health website Healthlink BC […]
New app from Foundry BC provides virtual wellness resources for youth The Foundry BC app, which is powered by BC Children’s Hospital, provides assistance and services to people aged 12-24 in British Columbia. The app includes services such as drop-in and scheduled counselling and peer support. All services on the app are free, and do […]