At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we know that conversations about women’s health extend far beyond physical checkups. Increasingly, research highlights the connection between burnout and depression—especially among women, who often juggle overlapping responsibilities at work, at home, and in caregiving roles.
International Women’s Day is a time to recognize the achievements of women while also reflecting on the health challenges women continue to face—many of which remain underdiagnosed, undertreated, or misunderstood.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and at Orleans Family Health Clinic, we believe that awareness without access to care is incomplete. Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth in Canada — an estimated 1 million Canadians — yet the average time from symptom onset to confirmed diagnosis remains over five years. That delay is not inevitable. With better education, earlier recognition, and a trusted primary care relationship, we can close that gap together.
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.
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.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 1 in 10 Canadian women, yet more than half of those affected are undiagnosed. At Orleans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), we believe it’s time to change that.
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects ovarian function, menstrual cycles, and fertility. But its impact goes far beyond reproductive health. PCOS is linked to higher risks of pregnancy complications, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.
Pregnancy is a time of joy, hope, and dedication to the well-being of a new life. Expectant parents are naturally motivated to make choices that give their baby the best possible start—whether that means adjusting diet, changing daily routines, or avoiding harmful substances.
However, despite growing medical evidence about its risks, cannabis use during pregnancy remains a concern. Recent data from the Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN), published in JAMA Open, shows that cannabis use in pregnancy in Ontario increased from 1.2% in 2012 to 4.2% in 2022. Other studies suggest underreporting, with actual usage possibly closer to 36% in some groups.
In recent years, headlines in the media have sparked concerns among expectant parents regarding the safety of over-the-counter medications, particularly acetaminophen (often known by brand names like Tylenol) during pregnancy. Reports have suggested a possible, though unproven, link between acetaminophen use and conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
At Orleans Family Health Clinic, our priority is ensuring safe, evidence-based care for mothers and their babies. Recent comments by the President of the United States suggested a link between acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy and autism. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence and risk causing confusion and harm if pregnant women turn instead to unsafe alternatives like Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen).
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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