It’s that time of year again, flu cases are rising in Ottawa.

Our dashboard is showing flu activity is higher than last week and expected to keep increasing.

Gambling is more common than you think—online games, sports betting, casinos. It can impact anyone. Talking about it matters.

Learn how to start the conversation at Ottawa
https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/have-that-talk-about-gambling.aspx

Tune in to Your Health with Dr. Trevor today:
• 580 CFRA Ottawa Now at around 3:35 p.m.
• CTV News at Six tonight

This week, Dr. Trevor will be answering your questions. Find out when to keep kids home from school, whether they need a flu vaccine, and how OPH manages outbreaks in daycares.

Physical activity is key to preventing falls. 

For more information visit: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/strong-and-steady-free-fall-prevention-program-for-older-adults-in-ottawa.aspx.

Try adding flavour without extra salt or fat.
This guide breaks down which spices work best for different dishes, from sweet to savory, so you can cook with confidence and taste.

Learn more: https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Cooking-Food-Preparation/How-to-cook-with-Spices.aspx

After extensive analysis of the events in Hawkins, (1983–1986), OPH has determined that most of their problems could have been solved with better public health literacy, support for parents, proactive emergency preparedness, and, yes, staying home if you’re coughing up unidentified slimy objects.

Access to food is a basic human right. Food insecurity is more than just being hungry. It can’t be fixed by only providing food.  

For more information on strategies to address this issue, visit: www.ottawapublichealth.ca/foodinsecurity

Have a great public health question?
Dr. Trevor will be answering your questions ton this week’s Your Health segment on CTV News Ottawa and 580 CFRA.
Reply with your questions and tune in to see if we answer yours on air!

Find more information about RSV at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RSV

On November 14, the Mayor, Chair Kitts and Councilor Luloff joined the OPH Dental Team and Dr. Trevor to celebrate the opening of our brand-new dental clinic in Orleans!

This clinic will help improve access to essential dental care for our community.

Learn more at: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Dental

Fun fact: Our routine immunization reporting page is the most popular spot on our site this morning.
Want to be part of the trend? Report your child's routine vaccinations here: https://secureforms.ottawapublichealth.ca/vaccines/Online-Immunization-Record-Submission-EN

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults.  
If you might be at risk for a fall, you can complete the Staying Independent Checklist here: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/resources/Documents/older-adults/Staying-Independent-checklist-FPM-logo-Sept2023.pdf.

Feeling overwhelmed as a new parent? Join our free 9-week virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program. Open to those expecting a baby or who have a baby under 18 months old.

Register now for the January 2026 sessions at ParentingInOttawa.ca/CBT

Our winters are hard on many people. Now's the time to donate any winter clothing you're not using. Don't wait for it to be -20°C, donate now so those who need it can use it right away.

Call 211 to find out where you can donate your clothing.

Wondering if those eggs at the back of the fridge are still fresh?

Gently place the egg in a glass of room temperature water - if it floats to the top, then it is no longer safe to eat. If not, you are good to get cracking! 

Find more tips to make the most of your food: https://bit.ly/4oft6L1

Your sexual health is important. So is your comfort.
www.GetaKit.ca offers free, confidential testing you can access from home. Results are delivered online, with reminders to help you stay informed.

It’s National Addictions Awareness Week, and this year’s theme is “Anchoring Hope.” Together, we can reduce stigma, support substance use health, and build a future where wellness is possible for all.

Find local community supports, resources, and take free naloxone training at StopOverdoseOttawa.ca

Flu, COVID-19, and RSV activity in Ottawa remains similar to last week.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization. Now is the perfect time to get your Flu and COVID-19 vaccines—before respiratory virus activity typically peaks around the holiday season.

Children born in 2020 or 2021 and enrolled in kindergarten can benefit from the Eye See…Eye Learn program. After a free OHIP-covered eye exam with a participating optometrist, eligible children may receive 1 free pair of glasses if needed with this program.

Learn more: https://optom.on.ca/esel

Today, we honour all veterans for their service and sacrifice.

On this Remembrance Day, let's remember with gratitude, and support with compassion.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Help is available: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/mentalhealth

In an era where misinformation spreads faster than ever, and the title "journalist" is too easily claimed, the work of Liz Payne stands as an important reminder of what true journalism looks like - and its power in shaping public understanding of health.

Are you concerned about an older adult in your life?

You can learn more about falls and how to prevent them by completing our free online module.

You can access the course by visiting: #coursepx#course" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/prevent-falls.aspx#course.

Hi Ottawa, we're seeing all three viruses - COVID-19, flu, and RSV - starting to circulate in the community.
We wanted to take a moment to reach out to older adults, individuals who are immunocompromised, and their loved ones: now is the time to get your COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

Tune in to Your Health with Dr. Trevor today:
• 580 CFRA Ottawa Now at around 3:35 p.m.
• CTV News at Six tonight

This week’s segment focuses on respiratory illness symptoms, what to do when illness strikes, and when/where to seek care for you and your family.

Our Board of Health recently voted to endorse the 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play, an essential activity for healthy child development, including physical and mental well-being.

Check it out here: https://www.outdoorplaycanada.ca/aop10/