Health Resources

The Internet can be a great source of health information. Here are some guidelines for finding dependable, accurate health information on the Internet, while recognizing that digital information is a tool, not a diagnosis:

  • Beware of websites that offer a cure-all or quick fix - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid sources that use sensational language, inflammatory rhetoric against "mainstream" medicine, or emotionally manipulative headlines.
  • Use caution when visiting websites that attempt to sell you a product or supplement. Their primary goal is often profit rather than unbiased education.
  • Use caution with recommendations that are not based on scientific studies. Look for references to peer-reviewed studies or clinical guidelines. Avoid relying on personal testimonials or anecdotes.
  • Look at different sites and try to seek a consensus of opinion.
  • Look at the source of the information and try to stick to those that come from a Canadian Government Agency, University, or Health Professional Organization (Health Canada, BC Centre for Disease Control, Canadian Food Inspection Agency).

The Internet should be used for information purposes only and should never be a substitute for a consultation with a health care provider. If you have any health concerns please see your family doctor or visit us at Langara College Student Health Services.

Where to Seek Medical Help
Getting a Long-Term Healthcare Provider

The easiest way to find Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner in your community is to register on the Health Connect Registry. You will be added to a list and matched to a health care provider.

Fair PharmaCare Plan (income based government program to cover prescription costs)

Urgent and Non-Threatening Health Concerns

You can get same-day care for urgent and non-threatening health concerns at an Urgent Primary Care Centre. Examples of why would seek care there include:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Cuts, wounds or skin conditions
  • High fever
  • Nausea, diarrhea and constipation
  • New or worsening pain
  • Mental Health Concerns: low mood, anxiety or depression

For urgent Mental Health and Substance Use services, you can call or go to Access and Assessment Centre (AAC) at Vancouver General Hospital

 

If you are under 24 years of age and need same day virtual mental health and wellness support use Foundry Virtual BC

Non-Urgent Health Concerns

If you need medical care that is non-urgent and do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you can use a walk-in clinic or virtual care service (Langara does not endorse any specific companies, but there are many private companies that provide virtual care). 

Pharmacies in BC can also help assess and treat 21 specific minor ailments, including urinary tract infections, contraception, allergies, and some skin issues. 

HealthLink BC has many knowledgeable Health Care Professionals that can answer your questions, including Nurses. They can be accessed by calling 8-1-1 and will help assess your symptoms to help you determine your next steps.

Virtual Care:

HI-Health Interactive through Dialogue: This virtual health care may be available to you through your extended health plan

Fraser Health Virtual Care (for those living in the Fraser Valley)

Health Information Access:

Health Gateway provides secure and convenient access to your health records in British Columbia.

Community Resources:

Every day, 211 Resource Navigators connect British Columbians to essential support like food programs, mental health supports and financial aid. When you dial 2-1-1 your call is answered by a trained professional who will ask the right questions to find and connect you to the community resources you need. 

International Students

All students are required to have basic health insurance. International students are also required by law to have comprehensive health and accident insurance while staying in BC.

Please visit Langara Global's Health and Medical page for information about insurance and wellness.

After Graduation
Getting a Long-Term Healthcare Provider

The easiest way to find Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner in your community is to register on the Health Connect Registry. You will be added to a list and matched to a health care provider.

Urgent and Non-Threatening Health Concerns

You can get same-day care for urgent and non-threatening health concerns at an Urgent Primary Care Centre. Examples of why would seek care there include:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Cuts, wounds or skin conditions
  • High fever
  • Nausea, diarrhea and constipation
  • New or worsening pain
  • Mental Health Concerns: low mood, anxiety or depression

For urgent Mental Health and Substance Use services, you can call or go to Access and Assessment Centre (AAC) at Vancouver General Hospital

Non-Urgent Health Concerns

If you need medical care that is non-urgent and do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you can use a walk-in clinic or virtual care service (Langara does not endorse any specific companies, but there are many private companies that provide virtual care). 

Pharmacies in BC can also help assess and treat 21 specific minor ailments, including urinary tract infections, contraception, allergies, and some skin issues. 

HealthLink BC has many knowledgeable Health Care Professionals that can answer your questions, including Nurses. They can be accessed by calling 8-1-1 and will help assess your symptoms to help you determine your next steps.

Virtual Care:

Fraser Health Virtual Care (for those living in the Fraser Valley)

Health Information Access:

Health Gateway provides secure and convenient access to your health records in British Columbia.

Community Resources:

Every day, 211 Resource Navigators connect British Columbians to essential support like food programs, mental health supports and financial aid. When you dial 2-1-1 your call is answered by a trained professional who will ask the right questions to find and connect you to the community resources you need.