As children return to the classroom this fall, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is urging families to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. With the fall season approaching, the likelihood of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), increases. Ensuring your child’s health and safety is paramount, and OPH has shared crucial information to help keep your family healthy throughout the school year. (more…)

As the school year begins, it’s crucial to focus on providing children with proper nutrition. A well-balanced diet is essential not only for physical health but also for cognitive development, concentration, and overall energy levels. Here are some key strategies to ensure your children are well-nourished and ready for school.

Start the Day with a Balanced Breakfast

Breakfast is a vital meal that can set the tone for the day. A nutritious breakfast provides the energy and nutrients needed to maintain focus and concentration during morning classes. Aim for a combination of protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. For example, oatmeal with fruit and nuts or a smoothie made with yogurt, spinach, and berries can provide sustained energy.

Pack Nutritious Lunches

Lunchtime offers another opportunity to fuel your child’s body and mind. When packing a lunch, include a variety of food groups:

• Lean Proteins: Such as turkey, chicken, or beans
• Whole Grains: Like brown rice or whole-grain bread
• Vegetables and Fruits: For vitamins, minerals, and fiber

Involve your child in the lunch preparation process to make them more interested in their meals.

Choose Healthy Snacks

Healthy snacks can help maintain energy levels between meals. Opt for snacks like fresh fruit, cut vegetables with hummus, or a handful of nuts. These options are nutritious and can keep your child energized without the sugar crash associated with processed snacks.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining concentration and overall well-being. Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day. While occasional juices or milk are fine, water should be the primary beverage. A reusable water bottle can help make drinking water more convenient.

Limit Sugary and Processed Foods

Excessive consumption of sugary and processed foods can lead to energy spikes and crashes, impacting mood and concentration. It’s best to limit these foods and instead focus on whole, unprocessed foods that provide sustained energy and essential nutrients.

Encourage Family Meals

Eating together as a family provides an opportunity to model healthy eating habits and discuss the importance of nutrition. It can also be a time to explore new foods and flavors, making mealtime enjoyable and educational.

At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we believe in the power of nutrition to support healthy development and academic success. Providing children with a nutritious diet helps them thrive in school and in life.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer

As the temperatures rise and the allure of water grows stronger, swimming becomes a favorite pastime for many. Whether you’re planning a day at the pool, beach, or lake, it’s crucial to prioritize safety to ensure a fun and accident-free experience. Here are some essential swimming safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Swim Lessons Save Lives

Learning to swim is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Enroll in swimming lessons if you or your children are not confident swimmers. Knowing basic water survival skills, such as floating and treading water, can be life-saving in emergencies.

2. Constant Supervision is Key

Never leave children unattended around water, even for a moment. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly. Designate a responsible adult as a water watcher who avoids distractions like phones or books. This person should be focused solely on supervising swimmers.

3. Swim in Safe Areas

Always swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. These areas are monitored for safety and potential hazards, such as strong currents, underwater obstacles, and water quality issues. Lifeguards are trained to respond quickly in emergencies.

4. Respect Your Limits

Understand your swimming abilities and do not overestimate your strength or endurance. Avoid swimming in deep or rough waters if you’re not an experienced swimmer. Always swim with a buddy, and inform someone onshore of your plans.

5. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Substances like alcohol and drugs impair your ability to judge distances, coordinate movements, and react quickly. Avoid consuming these substances before or during swimming to reduce the risk of accidents.

6. Use Life Jackets When Necessary

Wearing a life jacket is essential, especially for weak swimmers, children, and when engaging in activities like boating or water sports. Ensure the life jacket fits properly and is U.S. Coast Guard-approved.

7. Stay Aware of the Weather

Weather conditions can change rapidly, turning a pleasant swim into a dangerous situation. Pay attention to weather forecasts and signs of approaching storms. At the first sign of thunder or lightning, leave the water immediately and seek shelter.

At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we are dedicated to promoting safe and healthy lifestyles. Following these swimming safety tips helps prevent accidents and ensures a pleasant experience for everyone. Enjoy the water responsibly, and make safety a priority for you and your loved ones.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer

With the onset of spring, children are spending more time outside engaging in various activities. While some risks are part and parcel of growing up, as reinforced by a recent Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) study, certain outdoor games can lead to severe injuries like bone fractures and sprains.

Two pediatric emergency practitioners shed light on activities they recommend against, based on their professional experience and injury data. (more…)

On April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse is happening, beyond a SHADOW of a doubt. There are plenty of tips on how to protect your eyes during an eclipse. Some of the advice online is pretty SHADY. At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we think that if you want to enjoy the eclipse safely then you have to PLANET.  (more…)

This week, people worldwide observe Navroz (Nowruz), a festival that marks the beginning of a new year and the first day of spring. Navroz signifies a time of renewal and rejuvenation, as well as a spirit of gratitude for blessings and an outlook of hope and optimism. (more…)

For 30 days, Muslims will fast.  Fasting means nothing goes in the mouth – no food, water or medication. But what about those with medical conditions? Should they be taking part in the fast? Here a things you might want to consider this year during Ramadan. (more…)

As Black History Month comes to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to express our
gratitude and appreciation for the rich and impactful contributions that individuals of African
descent have made throughout history. We are immensely thankful for the strength, resilience,
and achievements of individuals of African descent that continue to inspire and shape our world. (more…)

Happy birthday to all the incredible individuals born on the 29th of February! As your extended family at Centrum Pharmacy, we want you to know how special you are to us. The fact that your birthday comes around only once every four years makes it even more significant for us to celebrate you today! (more…)

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 6 Daily Habits to Slash Heart Disease Risk by 80%:

• Embracing a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods every day.
• Ensuring a minimum of 6 hours of sleep per day, with an ideal range of 7 to 9 hours.
• Engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
• Steering clear of tobacco and alcohol consumption (a two-part habit).
• Prioritizing social interactions for overall well-being.

The World Health Organization’s study highlights that approximately 80% of cases involving heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes could potentially be averted by consistently practicing these six daily habits. (more…)