Women’s overall health status is measured in a number of ways, including how women feel about their physical and mental health, life expectancy, disease and illness, and reproductive health. While the majority of women in B.C. rate their general health as very good to excellent, there are still several areas of improvement for women’s physical, mental, and reproductive health.
See Healthy Pregnancies for information on caring for yourself during pregnancy, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), breastfeeding, and depression during pregnancy and following birth (Perinatal Depression ).
The early years set the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviour and health. Fundamental changes occur in childhood and adolescence - cognitive, emotional and physical.
A strong foundation helps children and youth to develop the competence and resilience necessary to participate fully in life, develop healthy lifestyle practices, and develop a strong sense of self. It is estimated that every dollar invested in these early years saves three to nine dollars in future spending on the health, criminal justice and social assistance systems.
Questions about healthy eating, healthy lifestyles or pregnancy and parenting?
Find tips, tools & more to help you raise a healthy family. Visit HealthyFamilies BC.
Visit HealthLink BC for specific topics regarding your health.
Or speak to a nurse, dietitian, pharmacist or health services representative for non-emergency health info and advice by calling the toll free health line, 8-1-1.