Women’s Health

Ottawa Public Health develops and implements strategies with community partners to reduce premature death and to decrease disability from preventable chronic disease, to increase early detection of cancer and to promote access to prevention and health promotion services.

We develop and distribute women’s health resources to better educate women to take charge of their health.

Did you know?

  • 23 per cent of women are overweight.
  • Over half of women report being physically inactive.
  • More than one in five women in Eastern Ontario smoke.
  • Heart disease is the number one killer of Canadian women.
  • The number of deaths from cerebrovascular disease is expected to increase among women until 2015.
  • The incidence of type 2 diabetes is escalating rapidly.
  • Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada.
  • One in nine Ontario women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.
  • Among women aged 20 to 49, cervical cancer ranks second to breast cancer.
  • Tobacco use is responsible for 85 per cent of all new cases of lung cancer.
  • Anyone born today has a one in seven chance of developing skin cancer in her lifetime.

Taking Charge

The “Take Charge of Your Lifestyle” one hour presentation helps to raise awareness and understanding of the risk factors of diseases unique to women. Fortunately, diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes can be prevented. Women attending the Taking Charge presentation will learn about the benefits of becoming physically active, lowering your stress, living smoke free and making healthy food choices.. It also encourages women to take charge of their lifestyles.

  • Risk factors and symptoms unique for women
  • Actions you can take to reduce your risks
  • Practical tips to help you take charge and improve your personal health

This program has been promoting healthy lifestyle changes since 1998. We deliver the message in a fun, and user-friendly presentation. To book the “Taking Charge” presentation, please call 613-580-6744, ext. 23451 to discuss details or set a date.

Woman Alive Program

The Woman Alive/Femme active Program

2010-2011 Woman Alive schedule

The Woman Alive Program provides affordable physical activity programs to women on limited income in order to increase their capacity to care for their own health. The Woman Alive Leader's Manual displays how partnerships between two or more agencies can be an excellent method of pooling resources to offer an effective and affordable program.

The Woman Alive Leader's Manual is available in both English and French [PDF order form] and is designed for community recreation professionals, public health departments, and other organizations working with women on limited incomes.

Come join this unique program at the following locations:

For additional questions or to receive some health promotion resources, call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744.

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