20 Philippine Showbiz Today
20 Philippine Showbiz Today
July 8 - 21 , 2017
SURREY – In light of the current public health overdose emergency , Fraser Health is urging people to exercise caution if they choose to consume substances ( including alcohol , cannabis , amphetamines , ecstasy , cocaine , and heroin , etc .) at this summer ’ s festivals .
“ In the last few years , overdoses have been reported at festivals , and people in the Fraser Health region travel across the province to attend these events ,” said Fraser Health medical health officer Dr . Michelle Murti . “ We know that using alcohol or psychoactive substances is associated with these social settings , and we strongly encourage festival-goers to plan ahead and not use alone if they choose to consume .”
Between July and mid-September , at least 15 popular festivals will take place throughout British Columbia , ranging from music festivals , to fireworks shows , to concerts .
Though opioids may not be a person ’ s drug of choice , any substance can cause an overdose or be tainted with other substances . According to the latest report from the BC Coroners Service , the top four illegal drugs associated with fatal overdoses in British
6 Tips to safely enjoy Summer Festivals
Columbia were cocaine , fentanyl , heroin , and methamphetamine / amphetamine . Using combinations of drugs or drugs and alcohol is commonly associated with fatal or near-fatal overdose .
“ While it is important for festival attendees to stay hydrated and keep cool , we also believe there are other very significant concerns when other substances are involved , including overdose . Since we know substances are being cross-contaminated and lethal substances are circulating at the street level , we strongly recommend that people avoid using illegal substances at these events .” said Murti . “ By remembering a few key tips , including the importance of the buddy system , a summer festival can become a lasting positive memory .”
Attending a festival can be the highlight of your summer if you remember these important tips :
1 ) Consume wisely . While the surest way to prevent an overdose is to not use illegal drugs , there are steps you can take to reduce or even prevent an overdose , especially because you can never be sure of what you ’ re actually getting with any street drug . If you consume substances :
-Use with someone or have someone check on you frequently . Never leave your buddy alone in a tent to ‘ sleep it off ’. If using with friends , stagger use or have a designated safe person . - Go slow . - Don ’ t mix alcohol and drugs , or use multiple drugs .
-Know the signs of an overdose and how to respond to one . If you see signs of an overdose , call 9-1-1 immediately and give breaths ( every five seconds ) until help arrives . Helping someone who has overdosed does not lead to an arrest . -Use a drug testing kit if available . - Familiarize yourself with the first aid tent and any harm reduction amenities the organizer may have provided .
- Don ’ t leave your drink unattended , including your water bottle .
2 ) Consent comes before condoms . You always need a ‘ yes ’ for sex . People who are inebriated can ’ t provide consent .
3 ) Stick with a buddy . Make sure your phone is charged , agree on a meeting place in case you get separated , and plan a safe ride home .
4 ) Stay hydrated . Not getting enough water and nutrients can cause muscle cramps and fainting ; severe dehydration can send your body into shock . Alcohol and caffeine-heavy energy drinks can dry you out , so make water every second drink .
5 ) Be sun smart . The more skin you have exposed , the higher your risk of heat stroke and sunburn - even when it ’ s hazy or overcast . Apply sunscreen that is 30 SPF or more . If you are sweating or dipping in the river , remember to reapply . A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses will provide extra coverage .
6 ) Chill out . To prevent exhaustion , avoid the temptation to go non-stop . Pace yourself and take breaks to eat , drink and recharge . If you are feeling weak , dizzy , or nauseous , hit the First Aid tent .
Fraser Health has produced a Tough Rocker Guide to help you stay safe at festivals you attend this summer . Visit news . fraserhealth . ca for a full list of recommendations .
Learn more about how to prevent and respond to an overdose : http :// www2 . gov . bc . ca / gov / content / overdose
●
Work begins on strategy to create exceptional public spaces in Downtown Vancouver
|
Places for People Downtown program invites public to share ideas
The City of Vancouver has launched the Places for People Downtown program , which will lead to a long-term strategy to ensure we have vibrant , exceptional and memorable public spaces in the downtown core .
“ From plazas to parklets , and laneway art to public squares , Downtown Vancouver has tremendous potential to deliver vibrant , inclusive and memorable public spaces ,” says Mayor Gregor Robertson . “ I ’ ve heard clearly that Vancouverites want more and better public spaces across the City ; the Places for People program could transform how residents and visitors alike experience Vancouver . I encourage everyone to participate in the many events , walking tours and workshops over the coming months , and be bold in giving the City new ideas on how we can best plan and deliver amazing public spaces .”
“ While Downtown Vancouver is home to many popular and lively
|
public spaces , we currently don ’ t have a comprehensive strategy to guide the planning and delivery of public spaces into the future ,” says Gil Kelley , General Manager of Planning , Urban Design and Sustainability . “ The Downtown is growing and changing along with the lifestyles of the population that lives , works and plays there . We want to look at the types of spaces people want and need , and develop a more coordinated approach that is centred on people to deliver public space and connect it to walking , cycling and transit .”
Places for People Downtown will focus on public spaces such as those on streets , plazas , laneways , public open areas , and privately owned public spaces that are part of retail or office buildings . The goal is to establish a clear vision , values and principles for downtown public space , and create a strategic framework that will shape a lively network by prioritizing and coordinating the development of public spaces .
The development of a strategy comes at a key point as Downtown
|
Vancouver is experiencing higher demands on its public spaces . Changing demographics , limited available land and competing priorities are some of the issues that will be addressed through a comprehensive strategy that will ensure we have a welcoming and well-connected public space network .
An important component of the Places for People Downtown program will be gaining a better understanding of how people use and move through public spaces , along with their future needs and aspirations .
In late August , the City ’ s first ever Public Space and Public Life Study will assess how people use public space in approximately 20 locations throughout the Downtown . Intercept surveys will be used to gauge the public ’ s level of satisfaction with these spaces . The study will also assess the quality and physical characteristics of the downtown public space network . Staff will be looking for community volunteers to help conduct the study , which will be repeated in early 2018
|
to assess seasonal variations in how people use public spaces .
People will also be asked to share their views on the public spaces they currently enjoy , what they think needs improvement , and their creative ideas for new spaces through upcoming engagement opportunities that will include events , walking tours , workshops , questionnaires and more .
For more information and details on ways to get involved , visit vancouver . ca / placesforpeople
The Places for People Downtown work program will take approximately 18 months and a draft strategy will be presented to City Council for consideration in the second half of 2018 .
The strategy will align with and advance Council policies , including the Greenest City Action Plan , Transportation 2040 , Healthy City Strategy Action Plan , local area plans , and other City initiatives . It will also be informed by existing public space policies and guidelines , and align with ongoing work by the Vancouver Park Board on its Parks and Recreation Master Plan . ●
|