Spring brings the start of longer days and warmer temperatures. Many of us will spend more time outdoors playing sports, hiking, camping, working in the garden or enjoying walks. Whether you are venturing out into the wilderness or staying close to home, it is important that you know how to take care of yourself and your family.
Asthma and seasonal allergies
During spring, flowers and plants are starting to bloom and grow again. Pollen may trigger allergic reactions. These allergens may also cause asthma attacks. Asthma is a common chronic condition causing swelling and inflammation of the airways. Seasonal allergies may exacerbate or trigger asthma attacks. Asthma may present with one or more respiratory symptoms.
- Understanding asthma
- Allergy shots for asthma
- Exercise-induced asthma
- Allergic rhinitis
- Allergies: Avoiding outdoor triggers
- Allergies: Should I take allergy shots?
- Hay fever and other seasonal allergies
- Over-the-counter medicines for allergies
Physical activity
After months of cold weather, many of us jump at the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the milder weather of spring. Learn about the benefits of physical activity, how to set physical activity goals and how to stay safe.
- Being active
- Health benefits of physical activity
- How to choose safe equipment
- How to move past 5 common physical activity barriers experienced by adults in Canada (ParticipACTION)
- SMART goal setting
Common sports injuries and first aid
Accidents can happen any time. In this section, learn how to prevent and treat common sports and play-related injuries.
- Bruises and blood spots under the skin
- Elbow injuries
- Finger, hand and wrist injuries
- Leg injuries
- Preventing children's injuries from sports and other activities
- Returning to play after a head injury during a sporting event
Plants, insects and wildlife
The more you know about your surroundings, the easier it is to stay safe. Learn about the types of plants and wildlife that might be in your area, and how you can stay safe when venturing into the wilderness.
- Spongy moth spraying (HealthLinkBC File #90a)
- Getting rid of rodents (rats and mice) (HealthLinkBC File #37)
- Health risks in the wilderness (HealthLinkBC File #24)
- Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) (HealthLinkBC File #130c)
- Giant hogweed (HealthLinkBC File #130b)
- Poison ivy, oak and sumac
- Staying healthy around animals
Learn how to avoid insect bites and stings, and what to do in case it happens:
- Allergies to insect stings
- Home remedies for bites and stings
- Insect bites and stings and spider bites
- Insect repellents and DEET (HealthLinkBC File #96)
- Tick bites and disease (HealthLinkBC File #01)
- Toxic reaction to insect or spider venom
Sun safety
The days are getting longer and the sun is getting stronger, which means there is a higher risk of getting a sunburn. Learn how to enjoy the sunny weather while still being sun smart.