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UniVoice – Fall 2025

October 9, 2025

Medical Secretaries

They’re the calm at the front of the clinic. Peek behind the curtain and learn how the work of Univi’s Medical Secretaries makes your visit smooth and stress-free.

If you’ve noticed how calm and comfortable the waiting rooms at Univi Health Centre are, that’s no coincidence—it’s thanks to the expert work of our medical secretaries.

 

When you call to book an appointment, they ask for the reason for your visit. This important step helps them schedule the right amount of time with your health care provider, ensuring your concerns are fully addressed without rushing. “By understanding your needs, we can keep wait times short and appointments on track,” says Courtney Létourneau, Medical Secretary at the St. Charles site.

 

So, while the waiting room may look quiet, every exam room is busy with patients receiving care. Our secretaries’ dedication behind the scenes makes your visit smooth and efficient. Be sure to thank them during your next visit!

Your Best Shot

Flu season is coming! Now’s the time to protect yourself and your community.

With the flu season approaching, immunization remains one of the most effective tools to protect your body against infectious diseases like influenza. Each year, the virus changes and vaccines are updated to match the circulating strains, which is why it is crucial to receive the vaccine annually to ensure optimal protection. Annual vaccines can lower the chances of contracting the illness, hospitalization and complications, particularly in high-risk groups such as older adults, children, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

 

Beyond individual protection, immunization is also to protect the community, reduce the spread, and relieve pressure on healthcare systems. Last year was a heavy season for illnesses and we don’t want to repeat that. So don’t wait—take the step toward a safer, healthier Sudbury-East. Please contact Univi Health Center to book an appointment for your vaccine, or speak with your health care provider.

 

 

Your Circle of Care is an Entire Team

Your health is backed by a full team, from nurse practitioners to system navigators. Learn how Univi coordinates care so you get the right help at the right time.

At Univi Health Centre, our health care team works together to support your health from all angles. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) can assess, diagnose, and prescribe treatments, while Registered Nurses (RNs) provide education, routine care, and support for treatment plans. Both play a vital role in managing chronic conditions and coordinating with other providers.

 

When nutrition is part of your health journey, our Dietitians offer personalized advice for managing issues like diabetes or heart disease. If life’s challenges become overwhelming, our Mental Health Counselors provide emotional support and help connect you with the right supports and community resources.

 

If you are struggling  figuring out community social and health services, our System Navigators will get involved to help you get the support you need.

 

Tying it all together are our secretaries, who ensure smooth communication, book appointments, share information, and make sure you feel welcomed and informed at every visit.

 

With your NP at the helm and by working as a team, we ensure you get the right care, at the right time, from the right provider.

 

A Good Decision

Discover how one move transformed Angele’s life into a whirlwind of activity and connection. From pickleball to art clubs, see how Univi made healthy aging a reality in Sudbury-East.

— Angele Poitras

 

“Don’t move to St. Charles when you retire! You will be bored and you won’t age healthy”, they said.

 

Little did they (or I) know about Univi Health Centre and their mission to support Sudbury-East residents’ health and wellbeing.  All the staff believe this and we, the clients, are the winners.

 

Since moving here, I have never been more active.  These include pickleball, dancing, walking, yoga, drum fit and strength training. There aren’t enough days in the week to take it all!

 

My social and creative needs are met by the Univi Art Club, various social activities and my volunteer work, which  allows me to give back to Univi and my community.

 

Retiring and aging healthy is possible in St. Charles and the Sudbury-East area because of Univi.  So glad I made the move.

 

Angele Poitras moved to St. Charles in 2018 from Naughton where she and her husband raised their 5 children. They purchased a  property in St. Charles following her husband’s retirement.

 

 

An Eye on Diabetes

Diabetes rates in Sudbury-East are higher than average. Here’s how to protect yourself. Small lifestyle changes today can make a big difference in your health tomorrow.

Your body’s main source of energy is glucose—a type of sugar that comes from the carbohydrates in the food you eat. Managing glucose levels is especially important if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it.

 

If you’re taking diabetic medications, combining them with healthy eating can improve how well your treatment works. Knowing what and how much to eat plays a big role in keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Making lifestyle changes like eating balanced meals, being more physically active, and losing even a small amount of weight can help manage your glucose levels and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

 

Even if you’ve been told you have prediabetes, it’s not too late—these changes can still delay or prevent type 2 diabetes from developing. Small steps can lead to lasting health benefits!

 

This is especially important for residents of the Sudbury East region, where diabetes rates are notably higher than the provincial average. According to Public Health Sudbury & Districts, nearly 1 in 10 adults in the area live with diagnosed diabetes—a rate that continues to rise. Taking proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle can make a meaningful difference in our community.

A Healthy Kitchen

Cucumber & Tomato Feta Salad

This simple yet flavourful salad is a great addition to any meal. It can be served as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. The combination of cucumber and tomato provides a boost of hydration and vitamin C, while feta adds a dose of protein and calcium to support strong bones and muscles. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar contribute heart-healthy fats and tangy flavour, making this dish both nourishing and satisfying. With minimal prep and no cooking required, it’s a perfect go-to option for busy days!

 

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup cucumber, sliced thin
  • 1 small tomato, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Directions:

  • In a small bowl, combine the cucumber slices, chopped tomato and crumbled feta.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then toss gently to combine.
  • Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
  • Enjoy!

A Dose of Good Advice

Your pharmacist can do more than fill prescriptions. They can help manage your health. Get some tips on managing your prescriptions.

We are very fortunate to have excellent pharmacists in the Sudbury-East region—and they do more than fill prescriptions. They can also prescribe medications for common conditions like cold sores, allergies, and urinary tract infections.

Your pharmacist can help you manage your treatment so be sure to chat with them and ask any questions you have!

 

Keeping track of all your medications can be confusing, so, when visiting your primary health care provider at Univi Health Centre, always bring all your current medications—including over-the-counter products and supplements. This helps your provider ensure safe and effective treatment.

 

Finally, to avoid running out of medication, remember to book an appointment with your Univi primary health care provider when you pick up your last refill.
So take control and never be shy to ask questions to understand your medication. It can be a lifesaver!

 

Your Search Engine Results!

Not all health advice online is created equal. These Canadian sites are worth bookmarking. Explore reliable, evidence-based health info to guide your wellness journey.

Taking care of your health starts with having access to reliable information you can trust, and with so many websites out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or misled. As part of our commitment to supporting your overall well-being, we’d like to highlight a few trusted websites that can serve as valuable resources for health information. Whether it’s advice on mental wellness, nutrition, chronic conditions, or just everyday healthy living, these Canadian websites offer free, evidence-based information created by health professionals and public health experts. We encourage you to explore these resources to support you and your family’s health journey.

 

  • Telehealth Ontario: health811.ontario.ca. Free, online confidential health advice from registered nurses (phone or chat).
  • Immunize Canada: www.immunize.ca. Trusted info about vaccines, immunization schedules, and travel health recommendations.
  • Dietitians of Canada: www.dietitians.ca. Nutrition facts, meal planning tools, and access to registered dietitians.
  • Canadian Pediatrics Society: caringforkids.cps.ca. Offers reliable, parent-friendly health information for children and youth, written by Canadian pediatricians.

 

 

Some Random Facts!
  • In a human adult, 25% of their bones are in the feet.
  • Over 70% of your immune system is in your gut! A healthy gut can boost mood and reduce inflammation.
  • The scientific name for stomach growls is “borborygmus”.
  • You are taller in the morning than you are at night.