Health experts urge Ottawans to roll up their sleeves for a flu/COVID-19 double vaccination
This year, many Ottawa residents are rolling up their sleeves to get a flu shot in one arm and an updated COVID-19 vaccine in the other. At Whole Health Pharmacy on Bank Street and Fifth Avenue, owner and pharmacist Renu Pillay says he’s been busy preparing appointments for people getting their COVID-19 and flu vaccines. “[We need to] stem the...
City Builder: Sheena Brady builds ‘something big’ with Tease Wellness and the Founder’s Fund
Sheena Brady is the Founder and CEO of wellness brand Tease Wellness, along with starting the Founder's Fund to support other entrepreneurs.
City Builder: Dr. Christina Romulus works to inspire the next generation of Black doctors
Dr. Romulus is known for her work as a mentor and physician in Ottawa. Her involvement in mentorship and outreach has made her well known in spaces that support women, racialized communities, and small business owners.
City of Ottawa’s new focus on person-centred, long-term care a welcome shift
Francis Dixon says the City of Ottawa’s shift toward person-centred care has enhanced his sense of independence and dignity at Carleton Lodge, a long-term care home by the Rideau River — one of four run by the city. “I can wake up when my body allows, and the staff genuinely care about my needs,” the 87-year-old retired clergyman told Capital...
So far, so good: Person-centred care pilot program in Ottawa long-term care deemed success
Person-centred care is an integrated health-services approach that relies on a variety of factors to strengthen resident comfort and safety.
Ottawa homeowner dismayed to find high levels of radon, a potentially deadly gas
A 2024 Health Canada statistic showed that radon exposure may result in as many as 3,200 deaths annually, more than car accidents (1,898), carbon monoxide (300) and fire (109) deaths combined.
Ottawa set to require new licensing fees for vendors selling vaping products
Ottawa’s Emergency and Protective Services Committee approved a new licence for retailers that sell vapour products on Thursday, Oct. 17, which would impose additional licensing fees on vape shops if adopted by City Council. Staff said licensing fees collected through this new regime will be used to hire more enforcement officers to help reduce youth access to vapour products. According...
Music students have a message: Female classical composers matter
In concert halls around the Western world, classical music remains overwhelmingly male-dominated, but a concert held at the University of Ottawa is a reminder that female composers have also made important contributions to the art and must not be ignored.
New Ottawa poetry project pairs ‘safe space’ with community outreach
The Ottawa-based spoken word poetry event Open Mic Night is now Poets for the People, planning events and partnerships.
Meet some of the Black women pursuing and building community in Ottawa
In the city of Ottawa Black women are working to find and create spaces for engaging in Black sisterhood.
ANCHOR away: Centretown alternative crisis hotline sees high community engagement in first six weeks
The Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response, or ANCHOR, has already responded to over 100 calls, anticipates demand increasing
City Builder: Jennifer Stewart’s mission is to make an impact in business and her community
Jennifer Stewart, CEO of Syntax Strategic has built several thriving businesses. Despite being an "accidental entrepreneur," today she is a "serial entrepreneur."
Innocence Lost: Experts weigh impacts of repurposing beloved characters from childhood classics in campy horror films
When Winnie-the-Pooh starred in the 2018 Disney film Christopher Robin, young families turned out in droves to watch as the beloved bear with the “rumbly tumbly” was reunited with the title character as an adult, and the two rediscovered the joys of childhood wonder in the Hundred Acre Wood. But in the newest films starring Winnie-the-Pooh, the bear is out...
One in 11 people worldwide face hunger: UN report
The global food security has remained stubbornly poor for three straight years, according to a new UN report. Published by five United Nations specialized agencies, the new State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report has found nearly 733 million people faced hunger in 2023, equivalent to one in 11 people on the planet. The total is about...
WHO says low vaccination rate driving measles outbreaks
Global childhood immunization against deadly diseases such as measles declined in 2023, leaving millions of children at risk, according to data published this week by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The data shows low vaccination rate against measles last year left nearly 35 million children with no or partial protection. About 83 per cent of children worldwide received their...
The Mushroom Chronicles: The magic in the mushroom has spawned a spiritual debate
A debate is raging about the spiritual value of magic mushrooms. Some advocate for only a medical application while others believe it should be more widely available.
As many as one in four males in Canada experience a sexual assault: experts say
The number of males who are sexually assaulted is much more than is currently thought, experts believe.
The Mushroom Chronicles: Side effects of psilocybin use offer a cautionary tale
Despite the positive results from some clinical trials, there should be controls over how psilocybin is used in treatment and more widely in society, some experts say.
The Mushroom Chronicles: Psilocybin on the prescription pad
Demand for medical psyilocibin in treatment for mental health disorders is increasing.
The Mushroom Chronicles: Psilocybin sales outlets popping up everywhere
The push to purchase psylocibin is creating a new wave of desire for legalization.
Bytown Museum unveils new exhibition on Ottawa’s healthcare history
The Bytown Museum unveiled a new temporary exhibition celebrating Ottawa's healthcare history on May 17.
New University of Ottawa medical research centre approved by planning committee
Ottawa's Planning and Housing Committee approved a "state of the art" medical building in Alta Vista on Wednesday.
The 25th Hour: Investing in women’s entrepreneurship
There are more Canadian women entrepreneurs than ever before, yet systemic barriers in funding are still getting in the way of good business. Reporter Nehaa Bimal finds out more about these barriers to success.
The 25th Hour: How Housing First works
The CMHA in Ottawa promotes its Housing First strategy as an effective solution to homelessness. Nathan Fung learns more about their condo program.
Advocates urge uOttawa to find new home for campus daycare
UOttawa is about to demolish a building that houses the campus daycare centre. Advocates are frustrated that they can't convince the university to save the centre.
A big bite: Tick populations expected to surge after Ottawa’s mild winter, balmy spring
Warmer winters are causing populations of ticks to expand in the Ottawa area bringing a risk of infection including Lyme disease.
Toxic trouble: More oversight needed on ubiquitous ‘forever’ chemicals, say researchers
Researchers say that everyone has been exposed to toxins at some point in their life. One of the most commonly found sets of toxins are called PFAS, a set of toxins that can be found in nearly every product and the environment.
Skywatchers in Ottawa, across Ontario prepare to (safely) watch total eclipse
People across southern Ontario are gearing up for Monday's solar eclipse.
Impact of toxic politics may deter women from running for office, say experts
Concerns surrounding diversity in elections are rising because of psychological harassment and toxicity rising in municipal governments.
Diabetics welcome the prospect of drugs covered by federal pharmacare plan
For Canadians living with diabetes, new pharmacare legislation could save them thousands.
Ottawa Bluesfest main stage lineup has many asking: Where are the women?
Ottawa's Bluesfest announces its 30th-anniversary lineup featuring predominantly male headliners, sparking controversy and social media outcry over gender representation.
Ottawa group celebrates International Women’s Day through cross-cultural activities
Earlier this month, the Ottawa chapter of the Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI) hosted an event to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD). This event, which was attended by over 150 women from various backgrounds and age groups, included activities such as a group meditation session and a Brazilian dance class.
Ottawa Gallery show explores the intersection of motherhood and artist
Ottawa-based mother-artist collective 44.4 unveiled their first exhibition Nobody Sees a Flower, exploring the complexities of motherhood and art.
Researchers say more regulation would help make technology accessible for seniors
Digitizing essential services creates a digital divide and that puts illiterate people in a disadvantageous situation.
Health-care advocates rally on Parliament Hill as pharmacare deal deadline looms
Healthcare advocates rally on Parliament Hill, urging faster action on Canada's pharmacare plan.
Ottawa’s sporadic winter skating season has some pondering change in business focus
In response to the fluctuating winter conditions in Ottawa, part-time staff adapt to the challenges of working at ice rinks, while businesses, including Capital Skates and Quick Cranks, reconsider their operational approaches.
Senior’s struggle to get a paper phone bill points to barriers for illiterate Canadians
Telecom companies lack protocols for dealing with illiterate seniors, leaving them vulnerable and exposed to abuse.
Many swear by an ice-cold plunge but the health benefits are murky, experts say
As cold plunging has risen in popularity the benefits are being promoted over the risks, but how good for you is the polar plunge after all?
Rise in workplace injuries indicates trouble for healthcare workers in Ontario, WSIB data finds
An analysis of data from the Ontario Workplace Safety Insurance Board obtained through a freedom-of-information request indicates trouble for healthcare workplace safety as the number of accepted workplace compensation claims for healthcare workers jumped more than 60 per cent between 2020 and 2022. This is the most significant increase among all occupations that made claims during the same period.
Expanding services across the city may help ease ByWard Market’s overdose crisis, advocates say
Advocates for local addiction programs have raised concerns that clustered shelters and social services in ByWard Market may pose more harm than good for those living with substance use disorders. Alongside these concerns, they call for the city to spread these facilities more across the municipality to address the current overdose crisis better.
Lights, cameras, people: Independent cinemas being creative to get audiences back
Statistics Canada shows motion picture cinemas returning to profitability in 2022 as the COVID-19 pandemic ended. However, they still face challenges.
An endometriosis rapid detection kit under study by College La Cité could facilitate early diagnosis
College La Cite and SYNG Pharmaceuticals have begun a study to develop a non-invasive endometriosis detection kit meant to help facilitate early diagnosis of a debilitating condition.
CNIB’s new charter aims to create a more inclusive society for the visually impaired
A CNIB Charter of Rights for children who are blind and low vision could make for a fairer, more equitable society.
Ottawa massage therapists work to ensure patients feel empowerment and trust
Patients should be feel empowered. That's the message from Dave Eibner and other Ottawa registered massage therapists.
Beau’s bounty: Unique therapy dog comforts grieving families at Tubman Funeral Homes
A therapy dog named Beau at Ottawa's Tubman Funeral Homes on Richmond Road is helping those who are grieving cope with loss.
Where there’s smoke: Debate over safe drug inhalation sites on a slow burn while overdose deaths rise in Ottawa
The debate over the efficacy of safe drug inhalation sites is raging in Ottawa.
Living under the Taliban: Afghan women call for more international support to fight gender-based violence
Carleton University invited Afghan activists to Richcraft Hall’s resource centre to share their experiences of resistance and resilience as women living under the Taliban. This event marked the 16th day of a global movement to tackle gender-based violence.
Public health data shows food service inspection failures are rising in Ottawa
Ottawa Public Health food inspection data has been showing an increase in food safety infractions throughout the city.
‘The Honest Talk’ podcast created to support women entrepreneurs
The Honest Talk digital platform and podcast is committed to forging female-focused conversations around entrepreneurship.
Budget 2024: Ottawa Fire Services requests more funding to address mental-health needs
The Ottawa Fire Services department is seeking a budget increase to allow the hiring of a mental-health specialist to help firefighters cope with increased workload and the impacts of traumatic incidents they confront.