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Ottawa Public Health

@ottawapublichealth.ca
2.1K followers 152 following 696 posts

Ottawa’s source for health information, programs & services. Building a healthy community through prevention, protection & promotion. FR: @santepubliqueottawa.ca‬ www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca Français = @ottawasante.bsky.social

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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 11h
Join us on Wednesday, October 7, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (102 Greenview Avenue) for the 2026 Aging Well in Ottawa Fall Health Fair.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 02/10/2026
We know many of you are starting to think about respiratory illness season, so we're back with weekly updates to share what we're seeing. Our Respiratory Illness Dashboard provides up-to-date information on local influenza, COVID-19 and RSV activity trends in our community.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 29/09/2026
Tomorrow, on September 30th, we honour the Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families, communities and stories.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 28/09/2026
A lot of us might be sharing misinformation and not knowing it. We're asking people to pause and reflect before sharing information they see online." - Dr. Trevor Arnason As misinformation and disinformation continue to spread and evolve, identifying credible information can be challenging.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 26/09/2026
Want fewer blacklegged ticks around your home? You may not be able to get rid of ticks completely, but you can lower the risk in your yard. Keep your grass short, clear away brush and fallen leaves, and store firewood neatly off the ground and away from your home.
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Reposted by Ottawa Public Health
Ville d'Ottawa @fr.ottawa.ca · 25/09/2026
Bonnes célébrations du Jour des Franco-Ontariens et des Franco-Ontariennes! Célébrons, honorons et soulignons les contributions des francophones. À cette occasion, nous avons parlé avec trois membres du personnel d’#OttVille de ce que le français représente pour eux. Info : bit.ly/4ykZmRG
Collage composé de portraits de trois membres du personnel de la Ville, au-dessus d’une image représentant le drapeau franco-ontarien.
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Reposted by Ottawa Public Health
City of Ottawa @en.ottawa.ca · 25/09/2026
Happy Franco-Ontarian Day! Let’s celebrate, honour and recognize the many contributions made by the Francophone community. To mark the occasion, we spoke with three #OttCity employees about what French means to them. More: bit.ly/4hPtYE3
Collage featuring portraits of three City employees above a Franco-Ontarian flag graphic.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 25/09/2026
It's been 1 year since Outdoor Play Canada launched the 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play. Active outdoor play supports children’s physical, mental and social well-being by encouraging movement and providing opportunities to explore and learn through play.
outdoorplaycanada.ca
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 24/09/2026
DYK: Vaccinations given by your child’s health care provider are not automatically shared with us. Parents and caregivers need to update us after vaccinations are given. You can update us online by visiting: www.ParentingInOttawa.ca/ReportingImmunizations
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Reposted by Ottawa Public Health
WOCRC-CRCOO @wocrc-crcoo.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Free Dental Screening Clinic Coming to Richmond! @ottawapublichealth.ca, in partnership with the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, is offering a free dental screening clinic for residents of all ages on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 22/09/2026
Environmental Public Health Week has officially been proclaimed in Ottawa! We are proud to recognize the dedicated professionals whose work helps protect our community through science, prevention, and public health expertise.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 17/09/2026
We are asking families to ensure their children and youth are up to date with their routine vaccines. Read the full PSA here: ottawa.ca/en/city-hall...
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Keeping your child's vaccinations up to date is one of the most effective ways to protect them from serious illnesses, reduce disruptions to learning, and help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable-disease in schools and the community.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 16/09/2026
Are you an older adult, caregiver, or family member looking for local supports? Join us at the 2026 Aging Well in Ottawa Fall Health Fair to connect with community organizations, learn about available resources, and support healthy aging. OttawaPublicHealth.ca/FallFair
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 15/09/2026
The internet is full of nutrition advice, but it’s important to know which sources you can trust. Nutrition misinformation can spread quickly, leading to confusion around making healthier food choices.
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Reposted by Ottawa Public Health
Timothy Caulfield @caulfieldtim.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Ottawa Public Health countering health misinformation vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic... @ottawapublichealth.ca: Misinformation "represent an increasingly significant risk to public understanding of health issues, confidence in public health guidance, & informed health decision making."
vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca
Ottawa Public Health looking to counter health disinformation online
Ottawa Public Health is implementing a communications campaign to mitigate the impacts of health misinformation and disinformation online, including sophisticated artificial intelligence content, warn...
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Reposted by Ottawa Public Health
ImmunizeCanada @immunizecanada.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
It’s #MythbustingMonday! Let’s tackle some misinformation. www.immunize.ca/sites/defau... #pertussis #WhoopingCough #VaccinesWork #VaccinesSaveLives #GetImmunized
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 14/09/2026
Do you have school-age children? Don’t forget to update OPH with your child’s vaccinations! It's quick and easy. Learn how by visiting: www.parentinginottawa.ca/en/reporti…
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 11/09/2026
Back-to-school season means new experiences, new friends, and new choices! Now is a great time to have THAT talk about substance use. Open, honest conversations can help make informed decisions.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 10/09/2026
On September 10 we honour World Suicide Prevention Day. A day to remember that every life matters. Suicide is preventable. Talking openly about it and raising awareness can create meaningful change.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 09/09/2026
Ottawa Public Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in an Ottawa resident this season. We encourage residents to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection. Learn more at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/WestNileVirus
ottawapublichealth.ca
West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus
West Nile virus (WNV) is an infection spread by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need water to breed. Help eliminate mosquitoes around your property by reducing or eliminating areas or objects that can accumulate or retain water.
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Reposted by Ottawa Public Health
City of Ottawa @en.ottawa.ca · 09/09/2026
Looking to get a head start on your community involvement hours? High school students can earn volunteer hours by registering for this fall’s Cleaning the Capital campaign! Grab a classmate and help keep #OttCity clean, green and litter-free. Learn more here: bit.ly/47qDwkk
Two people collecting garbage in a grass field.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 09/09/2026
We invite you to stop by and connect with us in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day. Thursday, September 10 11:30am-1:30pm 100 Constellation Drive, Building Entrance We encourage everyone to stop by, learn more, and help us promote awareness, hope and connection in our community.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 08/09/2026
Is your baby starting to eat solid foods? Improve your little one's iron absorption with these tips! -Offer foods high in vitamin C (peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, kiwi & cantaloupe) with each meal to help increase iron absorption. -Add hemp seeds to sauces, baked goods, yogurt and on toast.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 02/09/2026
The back‑to‑school transition can be exciting, overwhelming, or somewhere in-between. As kids get ready to head back to the classroom, every family feels that shift differently. What helps your child feel ready for school, and what tips would you share with other parents?
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 01/09/2026
Being hopeful helps us imagine a better future for ourselves, our loved ones, and the planet. Young people need hope and support from trusted adults to shape their future and well-being. Here are some ideas to nurture hope in young people.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 31/08/2026
On this International Overdose Awareness Day and every day, we honour individuals, families and communities affected by overdose. Learn about available supports and sign up for the Stop Overdose Ottawa Alert System at StopOverdoseOttawa.ca. #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay #25YearsOnStillNeeded
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Reposted by Ottawa Public Health
Timothy Caulfield @caulfieldtim.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Solid advice: 10 Practical Tips for Verifying Scientific Claims gijn.org/resource/tip... For example: ✅ Don’t Treat Peer Review as a Guarantee ✅ Read the Study or Paper with an Investigative Journalist’s Perspective ✅ Investigate Funding & COI ✅ Compare the Finding With Earlier Research
gijn.org
10 Practical Tips for Verifying Scientific Claims
A paper published in a scientific journal can be a promising lead for an investigation. But reporters should follow these best practices before turning any academic claim into a news story.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 27/08/2026
Recent stories in the media may be difficult or overwhelming for many parents. Remember that your mental health matters. Be gentle with yourself, take time for self-care, and reach out for support if things feel heavier than usual. www.parentinginottawa.ca/en/becoming-...
parentinginottawa.ca
Mental Health in Pregnancy and After Birth
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 27/08/2026
Need help finding a family doctor or nurse practitioner? Health Care Connect can help connect you with a local health care provider who is accepting new patients. Sign up with a valid Ontario health card and an up-to-date mailing address at ontario.ca/healthcareconnect or call 1-800-445-1822
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 25/08/2026
Yesterday, we raised the Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag. Every day, our teams work to advance health equity and build healthier communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we help create spaces where people can feel respected, supported, and connected.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 24/08/2026
What is U=U?  In this video, OPH Nurse Practitioner & University of Ottawa Professor, Dr. Patrick O'Byrne explains how people living with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV to a partner.   Undetectable = Untransmittable.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 21/08/2026
Did you know that in Ontario, anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear a certified helmet while riding a bicycle. Wearing a properly fitted helmet is an important piece of safety equipment for people of all ages and all abilities.
Photograph showing an adult helping a child learn to ride a red bicycle on a paved path surrounded by green grass and foliage.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 20/08/2026
Today is World Mosquito Day, a time to recognize the ongoing work to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
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Reposted by Ottawa Public Health
City of Ottawa @en.ottawa.ca · 18/08/2026
Here are tips to reduce food waste and make the most of your groceries. - Ripen peaches and nectarines on the counter, then refrigerate once ripe - Keep cherries in the fridge with airflow - Store ripe stone fruit away from bananas and tomatoes to prevent overripening More: bit.ly/4ggR3yr
Shuffle them from counter to fridge. Keep away from other ripe fruits. Give them lots of air flow.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 17/08/2026
GetaKit, MAX Ottawa and OPH have partnered to make STI testing free, accessible and discreet. Pick up throat and rectal self-swab kits at MAX Ottawa. No appointment needed. Learn more: maxottawa.ca/programs-and-services/…
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 14/08/2026
DYK City of Ottawa (@en.ottawa.ca) supervised beaches offer free lifejacket loans. From noon to 7 pm, when lifeguards are on duty, lifejackets in child, youth and adult sizes will be available at Britannia, Mooney’s Bay, Petrie Island and Westboro.
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Reposted by Ottawa Public Health
Parachute Canada @parachute.ca · 13/08/2026
Using the right car seat in the right way can reduce the risk of injury by up to 82% and risk of death by up to 71%. Check out our #carseats page to learn how to keep your child safe while travelling: parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/car-se… #TurnSafetyOn
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 13/08/2026
Did you know that most injuries in infants and toddlers happen at home? Here are some things you can do to prevent a fall at home: ✔️ Place furniture such as beds, cribs, dressers and chairs away from the windows and balcony door handles
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Reposted by Ottawa Public Health
CTV News Ottawa @ctvnewsottawa.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Health unit reminds Ottawa parents to update vaccination records
bit.ly
Health unit reminds Ottawa parents to update vaccination records
Ottawa Public Health is reminding parents to add vaccinations for children to the back-to-school to do list.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 12/08/2026
Certain vaccines are required for school attendance such as vaccines against measles, polio, tetanus, and pertussis. If you have a child starting kindergarten this fall, now is a good time to make sure their vaccination records are updated with us!
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 11/08/2026
Not sure what to do after coming into direct contact with a wild animal?  Whether you’ve been bitten, scratched or are concerned about possible rabies exposure, our website has information to help you understand your risk and learn about the next steps to take: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Rabies
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 10/08/2026
Recently, our Public Health Inspectors and students joined researchers from the University of Ottawa’s School of Epidemiology and Public Health in a local green space to perform a “tick drag”, a surveillance method used to sample, monitor and assess tick populations.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 05/08/2026
The return to work after maternity/parental leave is a quiet shift - and it’s okay if it felt heavy, complicated, or unexpectedly beautiful. For more resources please visit: www.parentinginottawa.ca/en/becomin…
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 04/08/2026
Move. Sleep. Connect. Physical activity and sleep are well-known behaviours that are good for us, but did you know just hanging out with family and friends and your community can benefit your health too? Learn more : www.socialconnectionguidelines.org/en
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 02/08/2026
Some helpful tips from our friends at the City with the rain on the way.
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 31/07/2026
We are reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Routine mosquito trapping and testing for West Nile Virus have confirmed a positive mosquito pool in Ottawa.
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City of Ottawa @en.ottawa.ca · 30/07/2026
On the latest episode of OttaTalk, we’re getting ready for a night out, party or #OttCity event. We sit down with @ottawapublichealth.ca to talk about partying safely – and why it’s so important. Listen now for tips that everyone should know to party safer: bit.ly/3S8Od6B
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Ottawa Public Health @ottawapublichealth.ca · 30/07/2026
Did you know that perishable food should only be left outside for 1 hour or less on hot summer days?☀️ Check out these tips to keep your food safe outdoors this summer: -Thaw meat in the fridge instead of the counter. -Use a cooler with ice packs and avoid opening it as much as possible
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Reposted by Ottawa Public Health
City of Ottawa @en.ottawa.ca · 28/07/2026
Colonel By Day is coming up on Monday, August 3 and some #OttCity services will be impacted. Curbside green bin, recycling and garbage will be delayed by one day next week. See the upcoming holiday schedule changes here: bit.ly/4yPxPso
Statue of Colonel By under a blue sky. "Holiday schedule changes" in the middle.
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Reposted by Ottawa Public Health
City of Ottawa @en.ottawa.ca · 28/07/2026
With significant rainfall expected, take a few moments and prepare for the weather ahead: - Point downspouts away from house - Backflow valve and sump pump are working - Ensure your eavestroughs are clear - Clear your neighbourhood catch basin of debris bit.ly/3G3a8BR
Catch basin being flooded with water.
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