As Canada’s premiers meet to discuss economic and trade matters, healthcare organizations across the country are aligning their voices to ensure that the health of Canadians remains at the forefront of political conversations. Among the most urgent priorities: improving labour mobility for healthcare workers across provincial and territorial borders.
Health Canada has approved Ozempic (semaglutide) for a new use: reducing the risk of kidney deterioration in patients with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
This approval is based on results from the international FLOW trial, which showed that people taking Ozempic had a 24% lower risk of kidney failure, dialysis, or major kidney decline compared to those receiving a placebo.
Pregnancy is a time of joy, hope, and dedication to the well-being of a new life. Expectant parents are naturally motivated to make choices that give their baby the best possible start—whether that means adjusting diet, changing daily routines, or avoiding harmful substances.
However, despite growing medical evidence about its risks, cannabis use during pregnancy remains a concern. Recent data from the Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN), published in JAMA Open, shows that cannabis use in pregnancy in Ontario increased from 1.2% in 2012 to 4.2% in 2022. Other studies suggest underreporting, with actual usage possibly closer to 36% in some groups.
At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we believe that empowered patients lead healthier lives. This World Diabetes Day, we’re focusing on the importance of screening, early diagnosis, and continuous diabetes management — whether you already live with diabetes or may be at risk.
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Every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day shines a global spotlight on one of the most serious and fast-growing health challenges of our time. In Canada, diabetes affects millions—and its impact extends far beyond blood sugar levels. The complications of diabetes influence every aspect of a person’s life: physical health, mental well-being, family stability, finances, mobility, and long-term independence.
At Orleans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), we recognize these challenges and are committed to offering Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, Connected Care to support patients in preventing, managing, and reducing the complications of diabetes.
The challenge of fragmentation in healthcare, as eloquently detailed by pharmacist Jaclyn Katelnikoff, is a systemic issue where providers often work in isolated silos. This isolation compromises care, leads to duplication of effort, and creates unnecessary stress for both patients and clinicians.
At the Orleans Family Health Clinic, we recognize that true patient-centered care requires a unified circle of care. That is precisely why our deep, structural collaboration with Centrum Pharmacy is not just convenient—it is essential to delivering the highest standard of care to our community.
The recent federal budget introduced an important measure for addressing Canada’s chronic healthcare labour shortage: a $97 million investment over five years to establish the Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund.
This initiative aims to support provinces and territories in streamlining the process for recognizing international credentials—a long-standing bottleneck preventing many skilled doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals from contributing to Canada’s health system.
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The digital landscape is increasingly cluttered with misleading health information, driven by highly profitable Direct-to-Consumer drug advertising. A concerning loophole, highlighted by a Harvard study in JAMA Network Open, shows how pharmaceutical companies are exploiting sponsored search results to promote drugs like Ozempic for unapproved, “off-label” uses (e.g., targeting general ‘weight’ terms).
Today, Orleans Family Health Clinic stands alongside Canadians in solemn remembrance of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation with courage, strength, and selflessness.
Remembrance Day is not only a time to look back—it is a call to gratitude and reflection. The peace and freedom we cherish today were secured through the sacrifice of countless Canadians who fought bravely in times of war and peacekeeping missions around the world.
At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we are proud to be part of a compassionate community that values remembrance, unity, and care. We join our patients, families, and neighbors in wearing the poppy and pausing for the moment of silence at 11 a.m.
As we honor their memory, may we also renew our collective commitment to peace, understanding, and kindness—values that strengthen the health and spirit of our community.
Lest we forget.
As family physicians, we are always on the lookout for silent threats to your long-term health. One of these is shingles (also called herpes zoster), a painful and often debilitating condition caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox.
