As a heat wave sweeps across southern Ontario, many of us are looking to local beaches for a much-needed escape. While these public spaces offer vital relief from the heat, recent advisories about elevated bacteria levels at some popular beaches serve as an important reminder to prioritize water safety.
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A recent salmonella outbreak in Canada has triggered a nationwide recall of several pistachio brands and pistachio-containing products. While the recall targets specific brands, experts warn that the safest choice may be to avoid pistachios altogether until the outbreak is declared over.
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At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we’ve built our reputation on Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, and Connected Care — but even we admit we’re not always the best role models when it comes to certain habits.

Case in point? Our caffeine intake.

A new U.K. survey by Pressat has confirmed what most of us in scrubs already suspected: Healthcare workers are among the biggest coffee drinkers in the workforce. The average? A whopping 3.6 cups per day — second only to journalists, who narrowly edged us out with 3.62 cups.
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Could that refreshing smoothie be sparking your irregular heartbeat? New research says yes—for some.

As temperatures rise, it’s natural to reach for a cold drink, ice cream cone, or slushie. But if you have atrial fibrillation (AF)—or are at risk—you might want to think twice before guzzling that icy refreshment.
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Recent research from Australia published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific has found significant links between common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy and increased risks of serious birth complications—including preterm birth, stillbirth, and babies born small for their gestational age.

The study, which analyzed nearly 60,000 singleton births from 2005 to 2020 in Australia’s Northern Territory, found alarming associations between maternal infections and neonatal outcomes:
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A recent study from Carleton University has revealed troubling evidence that antibiotics used in livestock—not just those considered important for human medicine—may still pose a serious threat to public health.
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OFHC celebrates the science and the sniffer dogs leading the way
At Orléans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), we are always inspired by research that pushes the boundaries of early detection and compassionate care — and this time, the heroes aren’t just scientists. They’re dogs.
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We’ve all heard that walking 10,000 steps a day is the gold standard for good health. But for many Canadians, especially those juggling work, family, or mobility challenges, that number can feel overwhelming or unrealistic. Fortunately, new research suggests that you don’t need to hit 10,000 steps a day to reap major health benefits—in fact, 7,000 steps might be the sweet spot.
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GLP-1 medications — including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) — are changing the landscape of weight management and type 2 diabetes care. But with millions now taking these injections, physicians want patients to understand: these drugs aren’t magic — they’re a tool that works best with the right support, guidance, and lifestyle changes.
Here’s what doctors at OFHC want you to know before you start:
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Thanks to advancements in care, Canadians with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. But despite this progress, many still face serious health risks and a significantly shorter life expectancy than the general population.

A recent study found that as of 2020, there were 22,367 people living with Down syndrome in Canada, and 30% were age 40 or older. While this reflects tremendous strides in healthcare, life expectancy for people with Down syndrome remains around 60 years—compared to 82 years for the average Canadian.
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