Extremely cold temperatures expected this weekend

Frigid Arctic air will be sweeping into the Ottawa region on Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24. Dress warmly, in layers, covering any exposed skin before going outside and seek shelter indoors from the cold.

Residents can find an interactive map of places to warm up online and are encouraged to monitor the weather by downloading the WeatherCAN app.

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Canadians’ Pandemic Drinking Habits Have Stuck — And the Health Impacts Are Growing

A new 2025 report from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) confirms what many healthcare providers across Ontario have been observing firsthand: while fewer Canadians may be drinking overall, those who do consume alcohol are doing so more frequently and in riskier ways than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Orleans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), we see how these patterns intersect with mental health, chronic disease, medication use, and family wellbeing. The findings highlight why primary care access, continuity, and early intervention matter more than ever.

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The Real Cost of No-Shows: Why Missed Appointments Hurt Everyone

At Orleans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), we are committed to delivering timely, accessible healthcare. But one ongoing challenge continues to strain the system for both patients and providers: missed appointments, commonly called no-shows.

Whether it’s a simple check-up or a critical follow-up, missed appointments cause delays, reduce access for others, and cost the system valuable time and resources. In a typical month, dozens of patients at our clinic miss their scheduled visits—many without notice.

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How Nordic Countries Beat the Winter Blues — And What Canadians Can Learn for Better Mental Health

Winter in Canada can feel long, dark, and mentally draining. Short daylight hours, cold temperatures, and disrupted routines can contribute to low mood, fatigue, irritability, and social withdrawal—often referred to as the “winter blues.” For some people, these symptoms can progress to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

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Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Caring for You and Your Family at Every Stage of Life

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and highlight steps we can all take to protect our brain health.

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Think Twice Before Using Cosmetics on Your Child’s Skin: A Warning from Our Pediatricians

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.

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Wishing Our Community a Bright and Peaceful Hanukkah

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, a cherished time of reflection, celebration, and togetherness for many families in our community. As the first candle is lit, we’re reminded of the themes at the heart of the holiday — hope, resilience, light in dark times, and the power of tradition to bring people together across generations.

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