In 2025, Canada has become the epicentre of the largest measles outbreak in North America — a startling development for a country where the disease was once considered eliminated. With over 3,800 cases reported, mostly among infants and unvaccinated children, the outbreak has now surpassed even the United States, despite Canada’s smaller population.

At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we believe this is a wake-up call to ensure our community remains vigilant, informed, and protected.
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Have you ever had a weird dream after indulging in a late-night cheese snack? You’re not alone—and now science is catching up with what many people have long suspected.

A new study from Canadian researchers has found that certain foods, especially dairy and sweets, may contribute to vivid or unsettling dreams, particularly when consumed close to bedtime. For some individuals, especially those with lactose intolerance or food allergies, these nighttime snacks may even contribute to nightmare disorder and disrupted sleep.
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At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we’re seeing more and more young patients—some as young as seven—asking about elaborate skincare routines they’ve seen on TikTok. Our pediatricians are increasingly concerned by the growing “Sephora Kids” trend, which involves children using—and promoting—dozens of pricey skincare products often designed for adult skin.
A new peer-reviewed study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics found that these routines are often complicated, expensive, time-consuming, and—most concerning of all—potentially harmful.
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Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT have become incredibly popular for seeking medical information. They can provide responses that feel empathetic, insightful, and even accurate—but Ontario physicians are sounding the alarm: AI is not a substitute for your family doctor.
At a recent media briefing hosted by the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), leading doctors across specialties warned about the growing trend of patients turning to AI for medical advice. While chatbots may offer quick answers, they often miss critical nuances or provide inaccurate, even dangerous, information.
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“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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At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we understand how frustrating it can be to live with unexplained exhaustion, brain fog, and pain—especially when your symptoms are dismissed or misunderstood.

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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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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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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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