Health and wellness

Cameron Bulger was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 6 and passed away 2 1/2 years later. While BC Children’s Hospital is home to experts leading the way in treating the most aggressive cancers, a devastating 20 per cent of children who are diagnosed with cancer will not survive the next five years.

A childhood story of love, loss and hope

Supporting the fight to conquer childhood illnesses

  • Dec 21, 2020
Cameron Bulger was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 6 and passed away 2 1/2 years later. While BC Children’s Hospital is home to experts leading the way in treating the most aggressive cancers, a devastating 20 per cent of children who are diagnosed with cancer will not survive the next five years.
The 211 helpline is available 24 hours a day, every day in more than 150 languages.

BC 211 expects calls for support to increase as second wave continues across BC

Helpline is available 24 hours a day, every day

  • Dec 14, 2020
The 211 helpline is available 24 hours a day, every day in more than 150 languages.
After living with cystic fibrosis his entire life, Nick Kanaan required a double-lung transplant. Today, he honours Dr. John Yee and the medical team at VGH who helped save his life.

Double-lung transplant saves father after lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis

This holiday season Angel donations will help fund the most urgent health care needs

  • Dec 14, 2020
After living with cystic fibrosis his entire life, Nick Kanaan required a double-lung transplant. Today, he honours Dr. John Yee and the medical team at VGH who helped save his life.
Public washrooms are now open in West Kelowna. (City of West Kelowna)

QUINN’S QUIPS: When nature calls, where do you go when you’re homeless?

When you’ve gotta go, where do you go?

Public washrooms are now open in West Kelowna. (City of West Kelowna)
Cameron Bulger was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 6 and passed away 2 1/2 years later. While BC Children’s Hospital is home to experts leading the way in treating the most aggressive cancers, a devastating 20 per cent of children who are diagnosed with cancer will not survive the next five years.

A childhood story of love, loss and hope

Supporting the fight to conquer childhood illnesses

  • Nov 23, 2020
Cameron Bulger was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 6 and passed away 2 1/2 years later. While BC Children’s Hospital is home to experts leading the way in treating the most aggressive cancers, a devastating 20 per cent of children who are diagnosed with cancer will not survive the next five years.
Eternity Medical Equipment co-founder Jeff Wang (left) and Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum stand in Eternity mask production room. (Eternity Medical Equipment photo)

B.C. company to start making N95-equivalent medical masks

Eternity Medical Equipment expected to start production in Surrey next month

Eternity Medical Equipment co-founder Jeff Wang (left) and Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum stand in Eternity mask production room. (Eternity Medical Equipment photo)
Orange and green seem to be the colours of the season in autumn. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)

ACTIVE LIVING: Harvest the colours of autumn for your plate

Orange and dark green vegetables are important to include all year round in your diet

  • Nov 4, 2020
Orange and green seem to be the colours of the season in autumn. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)
Lizz Moffat, with the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, helps launch “High Fives for Health Care,” a five-week fundraising campaign to help spread cheer and inspire donations for the most urgent needs of their hospitals and health care centres.

High Fives for Health Care spreading gratitude and raising vital funds for B.C. health care

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation campaign spreads much-needed positivity and raises essential funds

  • Oct 19, 2020
Lizz Moffat, with the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, helps launch “High Fives for Health Care,” a five-week fundraising campaign to help spread cheer and inspire donations for the most urgent needs of their hospitals and health care centres.
Ava Carriere clears debris from the kale bed at the ADSS garden. A French Immersion student in Grade 10, she and fellow student Austin Thomas have been volunteering in the garden with teachers in order to practice conversational French as well as help the garden grow. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

ACTIVE LIVING: Gardening plants the seed for a healthy future

Sandra Gentleman, RD, is a Port Alberni-based registered dietitian

  • Oct 8, 2020
Ava Carriere clears debris from the kale bed at the ADSS garden. A French Immersion student in Grade 10, she and fellow student Austin Thomas have been volunteering in the garden with teachers in order to practice conversational French as well as help the garden grow. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
Close-to-home care for challenging vision conditions

Close-to-home care for challenging vision conditions

Port Alberni optometrist shares passion for treating difficult vision puzzles

  • Oct 5, 2020
Close-to-home care for challenging vision conditions
The Power of Your Will

The Power of Your Will

A gift in your Will shows remarkable foresight for your community

  • Oct 5, 2020
The Power of Your Will
Cynthia Fowler, a Licenced Practical Nurse (LPN) at Westhaven Long Term Care, demonstrates the new Alenti bath chair that arrived recently at the Port Alberni seniors’ care facility. Westhaven was able to replace their 25-year-old chair with a donation from the WCGH Foundation. (PHOTO SUBMITTED)

Port Alberni long-term care home gets new bath chair

Westhaven residents say thanks to WCGH Foundation for donation

Cynthia Fowler, a Licenced Practical Nurse (LPN) at Westhaven Long Term Care, demonstrates the new Alenti bath chair that arrived recently at the Port Alberni seniors’ care facility. Westhaven was able to replace their 25-year-old chair with a donation from the WCGH Foundation. (PHOTO SUBMITTED)
Sandra Gentleman is a registered dietitian working in Port Alberni, B.C. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

ACTIVE LIVING: Uncover your triggers for mindless eating

Port Alberni registered dietitian Sandra Gentleman writes about health issues

  • Sep 9, 2020
Sandra Gentleman is a registered dietitian working in Port Alberni, B.C. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
New facility brings sunshine and healing to BC kids

New facility brings sunshine and healing to BC kids

Brand new Sunny Hill Health Centre launches the next chapter for rehabilitation at BC children’s

  • Sep 7, 2020
New facility brings sunshine and healing to BC kids
Lisa Duncan, front left, and Brooke Pighin, right, carry off an outdoor boot camp fundraiser at Bob Dailey Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020. (DARRAN CHAISSON PHOTOGRAPHY)

Port Alberni ‘Fitness FUNdraiser’ collects nearly $1,000 for frontline workers mental health

Lisa Duncan and Brooke Pighin created a “boot camp” event to raise funds for Legacy Place Society

  • Aug 18, 2020
Lisa Duncan, front left, and Brooke Pighin, right, carry off an outdoor boot camp fundraiser at Bob Dailey Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020. (DARRAN CHAISSON PHOTOGRAPHY)
Healthy eating will help maintain a good immune system through autumn’s cold season, says Port Alberni dietitian Sandra Gentleman. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

ACTIVE LIVING: Eating well builds a healthy immune system

Port Alberni registered dietitian Sandra Gentleman writes about health issues

Healthy eating will help maintain a good immune system through autumn’s cold season, says Port Alberni dietitian Sandra Gentleman. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
Canada’s top doctor says new mothers should continue breastfeeding even if they have COVID-19. Photo Paul Henderson/Chilliwack Progress

New mothers with COVID-19 should still breastfeed: Canada’s top doctor

Dr. Theresa Tam made the recommendation during World Breastfeeding Awareness Week

Canada’s top doctor says new mothers should continue breastfeeding even if they have COVID-19. Photo Paul Henderson/Chilliwack Progress
Support of collaborative research vital to our future

Support of collaborative research vital to our future

Through strong partnerships, philanthropy is accelerating the fight against COVID-19 here in B.C.

  • Jun 1, 2020
Support of collaborative research vital to our future
Groundbreaking clinical trial saves B.C. woman’s life

Groundbreaking clinical trial saves B.C. woman’s life

BC Cancer Foundation donors essential for current and future research

  • May 18, 2020
Groundbreaking clinical trial saves B.C. woman’s life
Mother’s Day sweetened by daughter’s cancer-free results

Mother’s Day sweetened by daughter’s cancer-free results

Help change outcomes for patients with blood cancers like Morgan

  • May 4, 2020
Mother’s Day sweetened by daughter’s cancer-free results