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.

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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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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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Alcohol is a part of many social settings, but it’s also important to understand the health risks that come with drinking. Research links alcohol use to liver damage, dementia, and certain cancers, and even moderate consumption can negatively impact long-term health.

With growing awareness around “mindful drinking” and being “sober curious,” many people are starting to think differently about their relationship with alcohol. While choosing to drink or not is a personal decision. Health experts recommend keeping some important guidelines in mind:

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New findings have confirmed what many have feared: microplastics are showing up in nearly every part of the human body — from bones and brain tissue to blood and lungs.

Did you know? A person may ingest tens of thousands of microplastic particles every year — through food, bottled water, air, or even microwaving plastic containers. Studies link microplastic exposure to inflammation, cardiovascular risk, stroke, dementia, and even disrupted drug absorption in cancer patients.

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Health Canada has approved Ozempic (semaglutide) for a new use: reducing the risk of kidney deterioration in patients with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

This approval is based on results from the international FLOW trial, which showed that people taking Ozempic had a 24% lower risk of kidney failure, dialysis, or major kidney decline compared to those receiving a placebo.

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At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we believe that empowered patients lead healthier lives. This World Diabetes Day, we’re focusing on the importance of screening, early diagnosis, and continuous diabetes management — whether you already live with diabetes or may be at risk.
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Every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day shines a global spotlight on one of the most serious and fast-growing health challenges of our time. In Canada, diabetes affects millions—and its impact extends far beyond blood sugar levels. The complications of diabetes influence every aspect of a person’s life: physical health, mental well-being, family stability, finances, mobility, and long-term independence.

At Orleans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), we recognize these challenges and are committed to offering Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, Connected Care to support patients in preventing, managing, and reducing the complications of diabetes.

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As family physicians, we are always on the lookout for silent threats to your long-term health. One of these is shingles (also called herpes zoster), a painful and often debilitating condition caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox.

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A new U.S. report is shedding light on a disturbing trend: death rates from unintentional falls among older adults are rising dramatically—especially for those over age 85.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2003 and 2023:

• Fall-related death rates rose more than 70% for adults aged 65–74
• Increased over 75% for those aged 75–84
• More than doubled for seniors aged 85+

This trend serves as a sobering reminder that falls are not just a normal part of aging—they are a serious and growing public health issue.

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