At At Orleans Family Health Clinic in Ottawa, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a special opportunity to acknowledge the countless contributions women have made to medicine, public health, research, and patient care.
In the world of preventative medicine, we often view vaccines through a single lens: preventing a specific illness. We encourage our older patients to get the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine to avoid the debilitating pain and potential long-term nerve damage (postherpetic neuralgia) associated with the virus. However, emerging research suggests that the benefits of this vaccine may extend deep into our cellular biology.
Recent expert analyses are warning that global trade tensions and tariffs could have very real consequences for patients in Canada. While tariffs are often discussed in terms of inflation and international markets, their effects may ultimately be felt in exam rooms, pharmacies, and hospital wards.
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, we join the global community in observing World Cancer Day, emphasizing the importance of early detection, preventive care, and compassionate support for patients. Our physicians and staff are committed to helping families understand risk factors, schedule screenings, and access care quickly. Maintaining a healthy diet and limiting alcohol intake are key lifestyle steps that can reduce cancer risk, and we encourage patients to learn more about these strategies. Today is a reminder that awareness, education, and community support are key in the fight against cancer — and that every patient’s journey matters.
As the days slowly get longer and warmer weather comes into view, it’s a great reminder of the importance of getting outdoors and staying active—especially as families move through the final stretch of winter.
At Orléans Family Health Clinic, Black History Month is a time to reflect, recognize, and recommit. We honor the profound contributions of Black individuals to medicine, public health, and community care — contributions that continue to save lives and strengthen families.
We believe equitable healthcare begins with respect, understanding, and representation. Our clinic is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to people of all backgrounds, while working toward a more inclusive and just healthcare system.
A newly released national report confirms what patients and physicians have felt for years: Canada’s doctors are spending an extraordinary amount of time on paperwork instead of patient care.
The report, “Losing Doctors to Desk Work,” published this month by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), estimates that physicians across Canada lose approximately 20 million hours every year to unnecessary administrative tasks. That burden is equivalent to nearly 9,000 full-time physicians removed from the health-care system — not due to shortages in training or recruitment, but due to red tape.
Physical fitness is often associated with improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and increased energy levels. However, its benefits extend beyond the physical realm, profoundly impacting mental health. Engaging in regular exercise can lead to significant improvements in mood, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being.
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For years, one of the most common criticisms of GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound® has been the belief that once patients stop these medications, all the lost weight inevitably comes back.
While weight regain does occur for some patients, new real-world data suggest that this outcome is not universal—and that durable weight loss may be achievable for many patients with proper medical support.
