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Tips to help keep you and your family safe, healthy and warm so you can enjoy the cooler weather all winter long.

Know your care options and manage common illnesses

Learn how to prevent and treat common illnesses this winter and how to find the right care option when you need it. Also, be sure to follow any public health guidance and protocols related to preventing the spread of communicable disease.

• COVID-19 and the flu. Use all your defences to protect yourself and your loved ones. Get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccines, wash your hands often and stay home if you’re feeling unwell.
• It is important to choose the right care option to get the help you need. Learn about your care options during the winter months.
• Learn when to treat common childhood illnesses at home and when a doctor’s care may be needed.
• The cold facts on childhood fever. Here's what to look for so you can stay calm and help your child feel better – without rushing to the ER.
• Looking to get your child up to date on routine immunizations? Learn about immunization schedules and where to book an appointment on our Getting Immunized page.

Take care of your mental health during the winter months

The shorter, darker days of winter can get us down. The holidays can also be a difficult time for many people. It’s important to know that you are not alone.

• Dark days can get us down. Staying indoors most of the time can make us feel tired and lower our mood and self-esteem. There are things we can do to help.
• Mental health and substance use supports. Fraser Health has a wide variety of programs to help.
• Get help in different languages. Learn about cross-cultural and multilingual mental health and substance use resources.
• Find out where to call if you’re worried about yourself or someone else and need to talk.
• Additional resources:
• Avoid the holiday blues with these tips from Canadian Mental Health Association.
• Learn about diagnosis and treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder from HealthLinkBC.
• Find tips from HealthLinkBC for dealing with depression and the holidays.
• Watch our video on mental health

Staying physically active even when it's cold

There are plenty of creative ways to embrace the chill and stay active this winter season.

• Make the most of the shorter days and colder temperatures. Find fun ideas for festive family activities when the weather is frosty.
• Find quick tips for staying active in cold weather from HealthLinkBC.
• Learn five social activities to do this winter:

Winter walking safety

Eating and drinking during the holidays

Food and alcohol are often present at many celebrations leading up to, and during the holidays. Read the articles below to help you steer clear of diet culture and, if you choose to consume alcohol this season, create a plan to lower your alcohol risk. 

• Navigating diet culture during the holiday season. Tips from our dietitians to help you avoid the diet culture trap.
• Alcohol consumption during the holiday season. Understand how alcohol may be affecting your health and create a plan to drink thoughtfully throughout the holidays and winter months.
• Learn about the health risks of alcohol and tips for lowering alcohol consumption.

Snow and cold safety - winterize yourself and your home

It’s important to take proper precautions to stay safe and warm to prevent injuries during the winter months.

• Visit our Winter Seasonal Readiness page to learn how to prepare yourself and your home for the winter season. You will find information on emergency preparedness, dressing appropriately, how to safely get around by car or on foot and how to prevent injuries when shovelling snow.
• Darker days means both drivers and pedestrians are at increased risk for collisions and injuries. Read these safety tips for drivers and pedestrians.

Prevent falls and fall-related injuries with winter

Falls can occur at any time of the year, but winter presents some specific hazards with cold and wet weather and longer periods of darkness. Older adults, especially those who are frail, are at particular risk of falling and having serious injuries as a result of a fall.

• Learn about things you can do to prevent falls including exercises, simple changes you can make to your home, and having your vision checked.
• Visit our Seniors’ Community Connector page to find supports for older adults and their caregivers, including connection to physical and social activities, transportation support and food delivery services.
• Find out three exercises you can do for fall prevention.