Trusted information for patients and families
Health Information
Use this hub to find reliable health information by topic. These resources support informed conversations with your care team and do not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For health advice in Ontario, call 811. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988.
Browse by topic
Addictions
Information and community supports for alcohol, cannabis, opioids, tobacco, gambling and other substance-use concerns. Speak with your care team if you need help choosing a service.
Attention Deficit Disorder
Resources for understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, assessment, treatment options and practical support for children and adults.
Child Health and Parenting
Reliable guidance about child development, common illnesses, parenting and when to seek care. Helpful starting points include Caring for Kids, AboutKidsHealth and Parenting in Ottawa.
Chronic Disease Management
Information for living with diabetes, heart or lung disease and other long-term conditions, including medication, monitoring and lifestyle planning.
End-of-Life Planning
Information about advance-care planning, substitute decision-makers, goals of care and discussing personal wishes with family and health-care providers.
Forms and Tools
Patient decision aids can help you understand choices, compare possible outcomes and prepare questions for your appointment. Browse the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute decision-aid library.
High Blood Pressure
Guidance on blood-pressure readings, home monitoring, medicines and lifestyle measures. Bring your home readings and device to an appointment when requested.
Mental Health
Find local mental-health and crisis resources through eMentalHealth.ca. If there is immediate danger, call 911. For suicide-crisis support, call or text 988.
Musculoskeletal Health
Information about back pain, joint pain, injuries, activity and recovery. Seek urgent care for severe injury, sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or other concerning symptoms.
Navigating Nutrition
Practical information about balanced eating, food labels and nutrition needs across different life stages and health conditions.
Obesity
Evidence-informed information about weight, health risks and sustainable treatment options. Care should be individualized and free from stigma.
Personalized Screening Tool
Screening needs vary by age, sex, medical history and individual risk. Discuss the appropriate schedule for cancer and chronic-disease screening with your care team.
Pregnancy and Maternity
Information about planning a pregnancy, prenatal care, medicines, nutrition, infant feeding and postpartum health. First Exposure provides evidence-based information about medication and substance exposures.
Seniors
Resources about healthy aging, falls prevention, memory, medication safety, caregiving and community supports. BrainXchange provides resources related to aging, dementia and brain health.
Sexual Health
Confidential information about contraception, sexually transmitted infections, testing, consent and reproductive health.
Sports and Concussions
Information about recognizing concussion symptoms, safe return to school, work and sport, and when urgent assessment is needed.
Ticks and Lyme Disease
Learn how to prevent tick bites, remove a tick safely and recognize symptoms. See Ottawa Public Health’s Lyme disease information.
Vaccines and Immunizations
Information about routine vaccines for children and adults, seasonal vaccines, travel vaccination and recommended schedules.
Violence, Sexual Assault and Partner Crime
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You can ask the clinic privately for help finding confidential community resources and safety-planning support.
Links are provided for general information. External organizations are responsible for their own content and availability.