14 Jul

What Your Poop Schedule Says About Your Health: Surprising New Findings

“How often do you poop?”

It might feel like an awkward question, but your answer could offer a valuable window into your overall health.

A groundbreaking study published in Cell Reports Medicine (July 2024) followed 1,425 generally healthy individuals, exploring how their bathroom habits correlated with broader health markers. The results suggest that your regularity — or lack thereof — could play a bigger role in your long-term well-being than previously thought.
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09 Jul

Heart Attacks Are No Longer the Leading Cause of Death in the U.S. — Here’s Why That Matters for You

Over the last 50 years, the United States has seen a dramatic decline in deaths from heart attacks — an almost 90% drop since 1970. Thanks to advancements in medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and improved emergency response, heart attacks are no longer the most common cause of death. However, heart disease as a whole remains the leading killer, and it’s evolving in new ways that affect how we care for our hearts as we age.
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07 Jul

The Link Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s: Why Oral Health Matters

Taking care of your teeth might do more than just prevent cavities—it could help protect your brain. Research suggests a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s, highlighting the importance of good oral hygiene. Learn more about this connection and how you can safeguard your health.
Visit Orleans Family Health Clinic for expert healthcare guidance.
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04 Jul

From Churros to Heart Surgery: How One Sweet Idea Could Transform Cardiac Care

At Orléans Family Health Clinic, we’re always fascinated by the intersection of science, innovation, and everyday life—especially when it comes to improving heart health. A recent breakthrough from right here in Ottawa is capturing international attention, and it all started with something as simple as a churro.

Yes, the fried-dough snack might inspire your taste buds, but for a group of local heart researchers, it also sparked a game-changing idea in coronary artery bypass surgery—one of the most common heart procedures in Canada.
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02 Jul

Alzheimer’s Disease and Empathy: A Surprising Strength in the Face of Decline

At Orléans Family Health Clinic, we understand how challenging a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be—for patients, caregivers, and loved ones alike. While many aspects of cognition and communication can be affected by dementia, recent research offers a hopeful insight: the ability to feel empathy may remain intact, or even increase, in people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
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20 Jun

ADHD Medication Use During Pregnancy and Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children

Is it Safe to Take ADHD Medications During Pregnancy?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting individuals across the lifespan. ADHD medications are among the most frequently prescribed drugs during pregnancy, with approximately 0.8–1% of pregnant women currently using them. While previous studies have largely focused on short-term outcomes such as congenital malformations and delivery complications, long-term effects on child development remain less explored.

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18 Jun

Managing Chronic Pain: Expert Insights and Effective Strategies

Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to frustration and diminished quality of life. In this post, we explore expert strategies for managing chronic pain, including proactive treatments, holistic approaches, and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate discomfort and improve overall well-being.
Managing chronic pain is one of the most challenging tasks both for patients and healthcare providers. Unlike acute pain, which can be managed and healed with proper treatment, chronic pain persists over time and often has no clear end in sight. However, with the right approach, patients can find relief and improve their quality of life.
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13 Jun

6 Things a Physio Wishes People Over 60 Would Stop Doing

As we age, maintaining physical health becomes more important than ever—especially for those over 60. But despite the best intentions, many older adults fall into common traps that can lead to injury, reduced mobility, or declining well-being.

Here are six key habits she wishes people over 60 would stop doing—and what to do instead to stay strong, mobile, and healthy well into your later years.
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