The holiday season is the busiest time of the year.
While local residents are making preparations, the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN) is working with its health service partners to ensure the health system is prepared to meet the needs of the community during the holidays.
To ensure a healthy and safe holiday, the WWLHIN has a few tips:
– check prescriptions and medical supplies to make sure there is enough on hand;
– consider receiving the flu shot, if not already done, as soon as possible as it’s the safest and most effective way to prevent getting the flu and spreading it to others;
– know primary care provider availability over the holidays and what walk-in clinics will be open for non-urgent needs;
– Telehealth Ontario is a free service provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-866-797-0000. In an emergency, always call 911 or go to the emergency department; and
– holidays can be stressful, and they are especially difficult for some. Here 24/7 is a Waterloo – Wellington help line available 24/7 for anyone requiring addiction, mental health or crisis services. Call 1-844-437-3247.
“Taking the time to prepare in advance for a healthy and safe holiday can reduce the risk of medical emergencies,” said Dr. Kunuk Rhee, clinical vice president of the Waterloo Wellington LHIN.
“For any non-urgent or urgent medical situations that do occur, there are local health resources in place to meet the needs of the community.”
For information about health services available in Waterloo and Wellington, visit wwhealthline.ca.
