Every year on June 3rd, the world celebrates World Bicycle Day, recognizing the simple yet powerful impact of the bicycle. More than just a mode of transportation, biking plays a vital role in promoting physical health, improving mental well-being, and even supporting economic development in communities across the globe.
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If you have spent any time on social media recently, you have likely seen warnings about “cortisol face,” 3:00 a.m. wake-ups, and the supposed necessity of expensive supplements to “balance your hormones.” While the internet has labeled cortisol the latest health villain, the clinical reality is far more nuanced. At the Orleans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), we believe in empowering patients with evidence-based information to distinguish between lifestyle stress and clinical endocrine disorders.
Recent findings from the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) reveal a concerning rise in developmental vulnerabilities among kindergarten children across British Columbia. While the data is provincial, the trends mirror what family physicians, pediatricians, and allied health professionals across Canada — including those at OFHC — have been observing since the pandemic.
More than 1 in 3 kindergarten-aged children are now entering school with challenges in at least one core area of development — the highest rate recorded in 24 years.
Mattel’s newest addition to its Fashionista line, autistic Barbie, is being hailed as a step forward in toy inclusivity. Developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), the doll features stimming hands, a slightly averted gaze to mimic some autistic people’s tendency to avoid direct eye contact, a detachable fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones, and a tablet displaying symbol-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps.
The doll wears an A-line dress with short sleeves and flat shoes to reduce fabric-to-skin contact and promote ease of movement. Its facial features were inspired by Mattel employees in India, reflecting an effort to combine neurodiverse and cultural representation.
At Orleans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), our pediatric team—the largest outpatient pediatrician group in Ottawa—is deeply concerned about a growing trend: the use of adult cosmetic products on babies and young children.
Would you spray perfume on your six-month-old? Paint their delicate nails with polish that may contain formaldehyde? Apply bronzer to their cheeks? You might be surprised to learn that many families are doing just that.
We often hear that alcohol is a poison and a carcinogen, harmful even in moderation. Yet, across cultures and centuries, humans have sought it out. Why? New research suggests the answer might lie deep in our evolutionary past—shared with our primate relatives.
As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the importance of family and health. At Orleans Family Health Clinic, our mission is to support you and your loved ones in staying healthy throughout the year. Whether it’s through routine checkups, chronic disease management, or immunizations, we’re here to ensure your family’s well-being. This season is a great opportunity to reflect on the many blessings in life, especially our health, which is often taken for granted. (more…)
We’ve all heard the jokes about “man flu”—a seemingly minor cold or flu that sends men to the couch in a dramatic display of suffering. But what if there was more truth to the humor than we thought? New scientific research suggests that men may actually get sicker from viral infections than women, and it all comes down to a tiny, powerful difference in our biology.
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Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, from heatwaves and floods to wildfires. This World First Aid Day, themed “First Aid and Climate Change,” is a reminder that first aid knowledge is essential for every household.
At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we know that modern parenting often involves navigating a digital world. Many parents try their best to limit screen time around their children, but a growing body of research now suggests that our digital habits — especially our use of social media — may affect our children in more subtle and lasting ways than we realize.