Remembering Rudhro: Family hopes memorial walk will raise asthma awareness
Health Canada releases a report outlining an increase of deaths in Ontario due to respiratory issues.
Where there is smoke: The pros and cons of vaping
First some history For the past decade, e-cigarettes have grown in popularity since they were first introduced in the mid-2000s. As an example of their popularity, the BBC has reported that the number of vapers worldwide rose from seven million in 2011 to 41 million in 2018. The invention of the first e-cigarette dates back to the 1960s. It was...
Advocacy group announces award in Abdi’s name
An advocacy group formed after the July 2016 death of Somali-Canadian Abdirahman Abdi during his arrest by Ottawa Police has announced the creation of a scholarship in his memory.
University of Ottawa lab takes aim at cancer stem cells
Dr. Yannick Benoit is focusing his research on cancer stem cells.
LGBTQ2S project wants to bring students and seniors in Ottawa under the same roof
By connecting mature students with senior citizens, a homesharing pilot project will connect students seeking affordable rooms to rent with seniors living alone.
Meet Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden Ottawa’s ovarian cancer crusader
Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden is working hard to stop ovarian cancer from appearing in the first place.
Students turning to mental health apps as therapeutic tools
Mental health apps are on the rise, and more students are beginning to turn towards them to help with their mental illness.
When doctors get sick: How hospitals respond to physicians with burnout
Although stigma surrounding physician burnout is still prominent, discussion on this topic has increased as hospitals have recognized its negative effects on patient care and physician wellness. Initiatives in the form of committees and counselling sessions have been put in place to promote wellness among staff. Yet despite efforts to support doctors with burnout, these programs are not as accessible...
Life after death: How tragedies increase blood donations
Blood donations tend to spike after a community tragedy such as the OC Transpo bus crash.
Healing the healers: Ottawa agencies helping first responders cope with mental health concerns
The stress faced by first responders can lead to mental health concerns. Meet the groups who are trying to help.
Ottawa’s top food safety violations: What’s behind the numbers
A Capital Current analysis of food safety data revealed food contamination, food temperatures and poorly equipped premises are the most common violations in the city.
Ottawa police issue warning following three overdose deaths
Ottawa police have issued a public health alert following a spike in overdose-related deaths in the city. Over a 14 hour period, first responders treated six people for suspected opioid overdoses across Ottawa. Early testing suggests the overdoses were a result of cocaine laced with fentanyl, police say. Three men were pronounced dead Monday morning following overdoses after extensive resuscitation...
The forgotten faces of death: Ottawa funeral industry workers seek solace in peer support group
People who work in the funeral industry in Ottawa have formed a peer support group to cope with the stress of the job.
Gift from the heart: Maximizing the blood supply in Ottawa
Rain or shine, there are different challenges to maintaining a national blood supply throughout the year. Organizations like Canadian Blood Services and blood distribution organizations are central to ensuring its availability to those in need.
Ottawa woman raises awareness about autoimmune conditions one sock at a time
An Ottawa woman has started an initiative to give out socks to raise awareness of autoimmune diseases.
Experts remain concerned despite small drop in opioid related emergency visits in Ottawa
Recent data shows no increase in emergency department visits for suspected overdoses for 2018, but experts warn the opioid crisis continues.
Vaccination rates still high, despite Ottawa student suspensions
Ottawa vaccination rates for elementary and high school students remain above average according to Ottawa Public Health.
Health Canada warning youth in e-cigarette awareness campaign
According to a federal survey, in 2016-2017 4.6 million Canadians over the age of 15 have tried e-cigarettes.
Ottawa councillor Jeff Leiper suffers a heart attack while shovelling snow
Ottawa Paramedic Services warns of risks and signs of heart attacks after large snowfall Wednesday.
Breaking barriers: New Ottawa study aims to empower those battling addictions and homelessness
People experiencing homelessness are facing barriers entering the workforce. A new study aims to find solutions from within the community.
An Amber Alert for dementia sufferers needed, say caregivers
Six in 10 people diagnosed with Dementia will wander at least once.
Brunt of flu season about to hit Ottawa, says public health
It is not too late to get your flu shot this season, public health officials say. Ottawa Public Health is warning that the flu in the city has not yet peaked and the brunt of the illness is about to hit Ottawa.
Canada’s new guide takes food groups off the table
Canada's Food Guide now emphasizes plant-based proteins and healthy behaviours instead of food groups and serving sizes.
Canadians are wasting food and losing money, study says
The National Zero Waste Council says consumers account for nearly half of all food wasted in Canada, an issue that costs the Canadain economy as much as $100 billion a year.
Public offered a chance to comment on Health Canada regulations for cannabis products
The federal government has laid out its plans to regulate cannabis edibles and other products.
Lyme-related trial delay puts diagnosis discrepancies under the microscope
No Lyme or reason: The first Lyme-related legal suit of its kind has been delayed indefinitely by an Ontario court.
Ottawa deems needle vending machines a success, a year after installation
Ottawa Public Health says its vending machines that dispense clean needles and pipes are a success, a year after their installation. Since their installation, citizens have used the units over 4,000 times. Between September, 2017 and October, 2018, approximately 6,000 needles and 5,900 stems were dispensed at the four units, based on data provided by Ottawa Public Health. Four Harm...
Going meatless: More young Canadians opt for vegetarian fare
A recent study from Dalhousie University found over 6.4 million Canadians have dietary preferences with meat consumption: either consuming it, replacing it, or avoiding it altogether.
Report reveals more Canadians are surviving cancer than ever before
New report reveals quality of cancer care in Canada.
From pipes to pots, Cannabis Expo returns to Ottawa
Legalization of cannabis is driving interest in the second Cannabis and Hemp Expo.
CARP works to implement new model of long-term care for seniors in Ottawa
CARP is spearheading a push to try and implement new models of long-term care in Ottawa.
Toss it: Romaine lettuce contaminated by E. coli, health agency warns
The Public Health Agency is warning Canadians to throw out and not consume products containing Romaine lettuce.
Ottawa Public Health hopes for lighter flu season, more effective vaccine
Public health officials look to Australia to predict our flu season - this year looks like it will be moderate.
Getting the flu shot: The rates are low in Ontario
An American pharmacy is giving coupons to customers who get the flu shot - Ottawa's health care community weighs in. [Photo © Kasey Kirkup]
New Ottawa vegan eatery aims to cut greenhouse gases one meat-free meal at a time
Copper Branch is part of a growing number of plant-based restaurants opening in Ottawa. These businesses are catering to the one-in-10 Canadian diners who consider themselves vegan or vegetarian.
This bites: Cool weather not slowing hungry ticks in Ottawa
Lyme-carrying black-legged ticks creeping closer to the city than ever before. [Photo Courtesy of By Scott Bauer, U.S. Department of Agriculture]
Ottawa health experts applaud as Weight Watchers sheds the ‘weight’
Ottawa health experts weigh-in on the change as part of a trend toward wellness in the health industry.
Halloween has the potential to be a real killer
Halloween can be a dangerous time for those suffering from epilepsy.
Becoming a bee city could be a sweet deal for Ottawa
City staff are looking into what it would take for Ottawa to become a bee-friendly city.
City holding cannabis information nights for parents
The City of Ottawa is offering information sessions on cannabis use this week.
Cannabis can impair driving five hours after consumption: study
A new study suggests that people shouldn't drive after consuming cannabis for six hours.
Carleton bans smoking pot on campus
Carleton joins uOttawa, Saint Paul University and Algonquin College to rule on cannabis use on campus.
Algonquin College campuses now smoke-free zones; Saint Paul University to follow suit
Algonquin College campuses will be smoke-free zones until Jan 1, 2019 following a new interim policy put in place by the school.