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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
(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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]