COVID-19 UPDATE
For information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) click this link:
कोरोनावायरस (COVID-19) की जानकारी के लिए इस लिंक पर क्लिक करें:
ਕੋਰੋਨਾਵਾਇਰਸ (ਕੋਵਿਡ -19) ਬਾਰੇ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਲਈ ਇਸ ਲਿੰਕ ਤੇ ਕਲਿੱਕ ਕਰੋ:
Hand Washing: Help Stop the Spread of Germs
ਹੱਥ ਧੋਣਾ: ਰੋਗਾਣੂਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਫੈਲਣ ਤੋਂ ਰੋਕਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਕਰੇ
YOUR WELLNESS DURING COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us and can create additional stress and worry. Here are some resources for our South Asian community members that may help. Some services and supports are available in different languages. Click on the links to find out more.
Roshni Clinic, DIVERSEcity, MOSAIC, Moving Forward Family Services, Fraser Health Crisis Line (1-877-820-7444), One Voice Canada (International students, 1-833-316-6423)
For children: Here to Help BC; Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre at BC Children’s Hospital
FEELING SICK OR WANTING MEDICAL ADVICE?
If you think you have COVID-19, try the new self-assessment tool for symptoms of COVID-19 first, call your doctor/medical clinic before visiting or call 811. For information on self-isolation or testing for COVID-19, check out Fraser Health’s website.
For other health issues or concerns, there are virtual options available. Contact your doctor to see if they offer phone call or virtual appointments. The Emergency Departments at your local hospitals are still available for emergencies. If you are experiencing any emergencies, do not hesitate to visit or call 911. For those needing to stay at hospital, some facilities have technology available to help you stay connected with your family. Please ask the patient’s care team if this is available at the facility.
SOUTH ASIAN HEALTH INSTITUTE | SEHAT PROGRAM
Research has shown that South Asians are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and diabetes ten years earlier in comparison to other ethnic groups.
The SEHAT program works with local Hindu Temples and community partners to improve the health and wellness of the South Asian community. Watch our Apnee Sehat video to learn more.
Together, let’s make healthy choices the easy choice! If you would like to partner with us or have any questions email us at SAHI@fraserhealth.ca
HEALTHY EATING
Download our Health for life booklet, which includes information on healthy eating, reducing sugar intake, reading nutrition labels, nutrient-rich foods and recipes to try at home. Available in English, Punjabi and Hindi. Click here
Balanced Plate
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
Eat protein foods
Choose whole grain foods
Make water your drink of choice
Quick Tips: Reduce the risk of chronic disease for you and your family:
Reduce salt/ sodium intake to lower your risk of high blood pressure
Limit store bought baked goods like muffins, pie, cookies and etc.
Reduce the sugar in your chai
Portion control: share a dessert instead
Reduce intake of saturated fats and added sugars to prevent weight gain. Excess weight gain can increase risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Online Resources
Check out Canada’s food guide for more tips, tricks and recipes.
Healthy Eating Basics from Heart & Stroke
Health Link BC Eating Healthy Tips
If you are looking for health information on specific diseases / illness click here
For Fraser Health Digital Signage – series of short videos on public health, please click here
Downloadable Healthy Eating Information
KEEP YOUR BODY MOVING!
Physical activity has many benefits to your health. It can help you get to and stay at a healthy body weight, reduce the risk of bone fractures if you have osteoporosis, and can reduce the risk of many other illnesses like cancer and heart disease.
Get more information from Health Link BC
Get tips from heart and stroke foundation
Digital tools and apps from healthy living
Join a program at your local recreation centre. Available for various age groups and different activity levels.
OTHER HEALTH AND SUPPORT RESOURCES
FOR EVERYONE ———————————————————————————————————-
Fraser Health Crisis Line 1-877-820-7444 Available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
Free confidential emotional
support, crisis intervention and community resource information. This line for
anything that is causing you concern, worry or distress (for example suicidal
thoughts or feelings, mental health issues, addictions, family violence, abuse,
relationship conflicts, loss, or just loneliness).
Health Link BC 811 Available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
If you are not feeling well or have a minor injury and are not sure what to do. Or if you just have a health question or need advice about a health issue. You can get health advice from a nurse; nutrition information from a dietitian; advice about drugs and pills from a pharmacist; where to find health services in your community. Qualified exercise professionals can answer your physical activity questions and offer advice. Note hours for dietitian Mon-Fri 9-5pm, pharmacist every day 5pm-9am, qualified exercise professional Mon-Fri 9-5pm. When you call, say your language 3 times then wait for an interpreter to come on the call. Email inquiries are also available.
Punjabi translated material click here
Community Services BC 211 Available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
If you need a services and are not sure what it is called or where to find it. One call connects you to an information and referral specialist with numbers for all community, social and government services.
Options Community Services provides social services primarily in Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley. They have programs like family resource program, employment service centre, early years programs (healthiest babies possible, first steps), clubhouse program, newcomer employment support and settlement program, and child care resources and referral.
FOR IMMIGRANTS ——————————————————————————————————
DIVERSEcity is devoted to helping newcomers to Surrey, Delta, Langley and White Rock. They provide specialized services for newcomers, most of which are free of charge. We offer assistance such as free transit tickets and childminding services, as well as subsidies of various kinds. Available in various languages including; English and Hindi.
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) provides programs and services which includes Employment Programs, Settlement Services, Language Services, Social Programs and Housing Services. Our services assist new immigrants, seniors, farm workers, women and youth.
You can reach them by phone or email at 604-596-7722 or email pics@pics.bc.ca.
Options Community Services provides social services primarily in Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley. They have programs like family resource program, employment service centre, early years programs (healthiest babies possible, first steps), clubhouse program, newcomer employment support and settlement program, and child care resources and referral.
MOSAIC, they have many programs for immigrant, refugee, migrant and mainstream communities to help transition to life in Canada.
One Voice Canada offers an international student helpline at 1-833-316-6423. For South Asian and International students helpline have been set up to offer counselling and support.
FOR PARENTS ———————————————————————————————————-
This site provides some translated mental health information and support resources. It highlights ways that parents can communicate and support their children that are dealing with mental health issues.
Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre at BC Children’s Hospital
These resources are aimed for parents. It provides information about your children, how you can support your children, and other various health tools.
The Pacific Post Partum Support Society has provided community support resources and translated information resources aimed towards possible post-pregnancy issues that women may face including post partum depression and anxiety. The website itself can be translated into Punjabi. They can be reached at 604-255-7999.
FOR SENIORS———————————————————————————————————-
Home Help: Better at Home 604-268-131
If you need friendly visiting; transportation to appointments; light yard work; minor home repairs; snow shoveling; light housekeeping; grocery shopping (services vary by community). Some services are free, based on your income.
Home Health: Fraser Health Service Line 1-855-412-2121 Available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
Find out if you qualify for in-home personal care, nursing, rehab, or palliative care; day programs for adults; or respite services for caregivers.
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) provides programs and services which includes Employment Programs, Settlement Services, Language Services, Social Programs and Housing Services. Our services assist new immigrants, seniors, farm workers, women and youth.
You can reach them by phone or email at 604-596-7722 or email pics@pics.bc.ca.
ADDICTION RESOURCES ———————————————————————————————–
The Roshni Clinic, which offers mental health, alcohol and drug use counselling and program support for South Asians, has virtual appointments available by phone or online.
Asra: The Punjabi Alcohol Resource is a starting point for Punjabi families who struggle with alcohol use and are seeking help for themselves or a loved one in lower mainland BC. This resource provides an understanding of what alcohol use disorder is, along with ways to manage alcohol use disorder, and specific resources that can help in its treatment.
The BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions has created translated material to help prevent deaths due to drug overdoses.
Moving Forward Family Services in Surrey provides emotional support by phone in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu and low-cost counselling by calling or texting 778-321-3054, emailing counsellor@movingforwardfamilyservices.com or filling in this application form.
Lakshmi Narayan 
