The 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play is live! Active outdoor play boosts physical activity, supports emotional well-being, reduces screen time, and improves sleep for children and adults. Explore the full statement: www.outdoorplaycanada.ca/aop10/. #AOP10 #outdoorplay2025

Best before dates are about quality, not safety. If the food has been stored properly and has no signs of spoilage, it is safe to eat. Understanding date labels can help you save on your grocery bill and prevent edible food from being thrown away. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4pKCW8t

The RSV immunization is now available for eligible infants and high-risk children. Learn more and read the full news release: ottawa.ca/en/city-hall... @ottawahospital.on.ca @hopitalmontfort.bsky.social @qchottawa.bsky.social

I'm a big fan of the programs and services @ottawapublichealth.ca offers to new families and mamas. And here's a video to learn all about it, with pictures and videos of babies. Watch now! #collegeward

What do a tick and the Eiffel Tower have in common? They are both Paris sites... Anyways, about ticks: don’t forget to do a tick check on everyone (including pets) after being outside. If you find a tick, remove it ASAP. Learn how here: www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Lyme

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag with festivities culminating on Franco-Ontarian Day. Let’s celebrate this day in green and white to honour and recognize the great contributions made by the Francophone community. Info: https://bit.ly/4nlFwjH

Today is Rowan's Law Day — a time to remember Rowan Stringer and shine a light on concussion awareness. Take part by educating yourself about concussions, promoting concussion safety, and sharing your stories. For more info, visit: parachute.ca/en/injury-to...

Happy Fall folks 🍂 Find inspo for your physical and mental health routine this autumn at OttawaPublicHealth.ca!

Got picky eaters? Leftover dinner scraps can be a usual occurrence with kids, but that doesn’t mean they need to go to waste! Love Food Hate Waste has lots of ideas to help you use up dinner scraps: https://bit.ly/4oft6L1

Not sure what "low sodium" or "high in fibre" really means? Learn how to decode nutrition labels, understand content and health claims, and make more informed food choices at the store. Guide: www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Nutrition-Labelling/Decoding-the-Nutrition-Label-Health-Claims-and-Nu.aspx

Figuring out how to get home at 2am with 5% battery? Definitely not the vibe.

Learn how to protect yourself from mosquito bites by visiting OttawaPublicHealth.ca/WestNileVirus

Getting active doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether it’s online workouts, or using what you have at home, there are plenty of ways to move more without spending more. Check out some tips for exercising on a budget: www.participaction.com/blog/exercise/how-to-exercise-on-a-budget/

Sleep and movement go hand in hand! Not getting enough rest can zap your energy and reduce motivation to be active. But regular movement can improve your sleep quality and help you feel your best. Learn how they’re connected and tips for better rest: www.participaction.com/blog/sleep/t...

Remember to protect yourself from mosquito bites when outdoors. Use insect repellent containing DEET & wear long pants & shirts to prevent bites. More info: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/WestNileVirus

Good afternoon, Ottawa. This is a reminder that your Board of Health meets today at 5pm. You can watch the meeting live here: www.youtube.com/ottawahealthsante/live

A network of helplines across the country answer 9-8-8 calls and texts. Find out more about the amazing organizations behind 9-8-8: 988.ca/about-us #988Canada

As children head back to the classroom, we are reminding families to take precautions to help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases by ensuring their children and youth are up to date with their routine vaccines. Please read the PSA here: www.ottawa.ca/en/city-hall...

We’re proud to welcome Mole Mobile Canada’s first mobile skin cancer screening unit, to Ottawa on September 4, 5, & 6! Get your skin checked by a certified Canadian dermatologist. Free for Canadian residents. Please note this event is first come, first served!

Ottawa Public Health is reporting the first human case of West Nile Virus infection in an Ottawa resident for the 2025 season and has confirmed that a horse recently tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV).

Private well owners should continue testing their well water, especially during dry conditions when water levels are low and the risk of contamination may increase. If your well runs dry, use a safe alternative water source until it recharges and water can be tested.

Ticks are most often found in wooded areas, leaf piles and tall grass, but it is possible to be bitten in other places. If you’ve been bit by a tick, you need to remove it ASAP. Follow these steps to properly remove a tick.

How’s it growin’ Ottawa? 🌱 We want to see how your gardens are doing! Home gardens are a great way to eat more fresh food, get physical activity, and it helps improve mental health. Also, does anyone have a zucchini recipe that doesn’t involve pretending it’s pasta? Asking for a friend.

DYK? Submitting your child's vaccination records online is the easiest way to update us ahead of the school year? Find our new web tool here: secureforms.ottawapublichealth.ca/vaccines/Onl...

DYK? GetaKit offers free, confidential HIV and STI testing through a simple online process. Complete a short assessment, receive lab requisitions or an HIV self-test, and access your results online in just a few days. Learn more at www.GetaKit.ca

Back-to-school season is upon us! Now is the time to make sure your child is up to date on their routine vaccinations. The Kids Come First Vaccinated and Up-to-Date clinics are making it easy for children and youth facing barriers to get vaccinated.

And, baby, that’s show business for you ✨ Full discography at OttawaPublicHealth.ca

If you have a private well and run out of water, it’s important to have your well water tested once water returns. It’s recommended to boil your water once it returns until a safe water test result has been received. For more information, visit: ow.ly/bjem50WH49z

A timely reminder of who may need a measles vaccine. Vaccination is the best protection against measles. You can find more information at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Measles Ps. These graphics are available as a PDF in English, French, Arabic, Simplified Chinese and Somali at the link above.

Ottawa Public Health is investigating the City’s fifth confirmed case of measles in 2025. Please read the PSA here: ottawa.ca/en/city-hall...

The heat warning is now over! On a completely related note we recommend downloading the WeatherCAN app to get local weather alerts directly to your phone. Learn more by visiting: www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/BeatTheHeat

The summer I bookmarked OttawaPublicHealth.ca for all things related to heat, bugs, sun safety, more heat, more pests, and lots of other things.

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. Please read the PSA here: ottawa.ca/en/city-hall...

Looking for places to help you cool down ? Our Beat The Heat webpage has an interactive map of public places to cool off including City pools, splash pads, libraries, shade structures, parks, and more. Find a place near you at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/BeatTheHeat

Certain people are at higher risk of heat-related illness: infants, older adults, pregnant people, outdoor workers, and people with pre-existing conditions. Check on neighbours loved ones, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/BeatTheHeat for more on staying healthy in the heat and places to cool off.

Stay up to date on weather alerts, like today's heat warning, and learn more about how to protect yourself from extreme heat with the WeatherCAN app - download it today: ow.ly/Nh0G50WCmoR

A heat warning has been issued by Environment Canada for the City of Ottawa – this multi-day heat warning will take effect Saturday. More info: weather.gc.ca/en/location/...

Hot days ahead in the Capital! Stay informed with the WeatherCAN app and get tips to stay safe during extreme heat at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/BeatTheHeat

I spy with my little eye, Something tiny sneaking by. Not on a branch, or a leaf up high, But in a place where it likes to lie. It’s dark, it’s small, and may give you the “ick" Can you spot the black legged tick? Once you spot the black legged tick, let us know in the comments!

Do you and your family cycle? It’s a great way to be active and enjoy the outdoors 🚲 If you’re looking for bicycle safety tips, check out Ontario’s Bicycle Safety webpage: www.ontario.ca/page/bicycle-safety

Special Air Quality Statement in effect due to wildfire smoke - poor air quality and reduced visibility expected this afternoon, evening and may continue through the weekend. Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) on the WeatherCAN app OttawaPublicHealth.ca/OutdoorAirPollution

Let's talk about bats…no, not the baseball kind. Unlike other animals, even minor contact with a bat, like it landing on you, can be considered an exposure. Why? Because bat bites can be painless and leave no visible mark.

Dr. Trevor Arnason has officially stepped into the role of Medical Officer of Health for Ottawa! Our new MOH shared his journey in public health and the strategic priorities guiding our work on CTV Ottawa this morning. www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/video/2025/07/31/chatting-with-ottawas-newest-top-doctor

Did you know the average Canadian household throws away $1,300 worth of edible food every year? Reducing food waste at home is easier than you think. We have partnered with Love Food Hate Waste to help you save money and cut down on food waste. For food saving tips and recipes visit: bit.ly/4oft6L1

The heat wave is over but it's still hot outside! Download our factsheet for some tips & tricks on how to beat the heat: www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-he...

Since some people seem to like this heat more than others.... Did you know you can set custom heat alerts in the WeatherCAN app? Stay ahead of the heat by setting personalized notifications for high temperatures and humidex.

A heat warning has been issued by Environment Canada for the City of Ottawa. More info: weather.gc.ca/en/location/...

DYK: Only 1% of fatal drownings occur in #Lifeguard-supervised settings. If you’re planning a day at the water, the safest place to swim is where the lifeguards are. #SaferTogether #NDPW2025 OttawaPublicHealth.ca/WaterSafety/

On International Self Care Day, do one thing that brings you peace. We highly recommend these options, but of course, self-care is all about you! -Unplug for a moment -Try a 5-minute meditation -Step outside -Call someone who lifts you up What's your go-to self-care tip?

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Trevor Arnason, our new Medical Officer of Health. We are so grateful for his continued leadership and dedication to our community. Read the full statement here: ottawa.ca/en/city-hall...