The Local Weekly The heart and soul of our communities with news and information about the Sunshine Coast

British Columbia recruited a record 268 physicians in 2012 from across Canada and internationally as part of efforts to improve access to quality health care for BC families. They represent a 24 per cent increase over 2011, when 218 physicians were successfully placed by Health Match BC. The previous record was in 2010, when 256 ... Read More »

It’s been documented that the most prominent personalities in this world have one main secret in their daily energy — a good and sound sleep. The benefits of sleep impact nearly every area of daily life. While it may be obvious that sleep is beneficial, most people don’t realize how much sleep they need and ... Read More »

Mental abilities don’t necessarily have to go downhill quickly as we age. You can diminish the effects of dementia and memory loss by eating right, being physically active, reducing stress and exercising your brain. Healthy choices can prevent or delay stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Some researchers believe that healthy lifestyle choices can also delay ... Read More »

Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid recently introduced the Emergency and Health Services Amendment Act, 2013, which will enhance the co-ordination of emergency health services in British Columbia. The Emergency and Health Services Commission, which oversees BC Ambulance Service, will become British Columbia Emergency Health Services and be supported by the Provincial Health Services Authority. British Columbia ... Read More »

It takes only a moment, but the damage from scalding hot liquids can last your child a lifetime. Scalds – the most common cause of burns to children – are the focus on the 17th annual Burn Awareness Week. It’s important for parents and caregivers to learn how to prevent scalds and other burns. You ... Read More »

Books from D&M Publishers will find new life on the shelves, with the announcement late yesterday that BC-based Harbour Publishing will buy the bankrupt publisher’s flagship imprint. “I have been admiring Douglas & McIntyre since we started publishing books together 40 years ago,” said Pender Harbour’s Howard White, who owns Harbour with his partner Mary. ... Read More »

Automated external defibrillators give average people a higher chance to save lives of those suffering from a cardiac arrest. A partnership between government of British Columbia and the Heart & Stroke Foundation will provide $2 million to increase public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), helping to save the lives of victims of cardiac arrest. ... Read More »

Minister Rich Coleman announced several changes today that will help support local breweries and distilleries, create new business opportunities and revise current liquor laws in British Columbia. Changes announced today include the following: • Brewers and distillers now can apply to have an on-site consumption area such as a lounge, tasting room or event area. ... Read More »

Some of what people experience when they are depressed is profound melancholy, anxiety, insomnia, despair, isolation, confusion, memory loss, mood swings, antisocial tendencies, lack of purpose and an inability to experience pleasure in life and relationships. Many different factors can cause a depressed state and even living with a loved one that suffers from depression ... Read More »

“There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke…” ~ Barbara Kaminsky ~ CEO, Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon The Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon division, is calling for regulations that would make outdoor patios of bars and restaurants as well as beaches, parks and playgrounds smoke-free. The Society is urging current MLA’s ... Read More »