July 2026

Enjoying Summer Safely

Summer is a great time to get outside, stay active, and enjoy everything our communities have to offer. Whether you are gardening, spending time at the lake, attending local events, or playing with your children or grandchildren, it is important to stay safe while enjoying the warm weather.

 

Hot weather can be harder on older adults, young children, people who work outdoors, and those living with health conditions. When temperatures rise, our bodies have to work harder to stay cool. Drinking water throughout the day, taking breaks in the shade, and checking in on family, friends, and neighbours can help prevent heat-related illnesses. 

 

July is also UV Safety Month, which is a good reminder to protect your skin from the sun. Spending time outdoors can be good for your health, but too much sun can damage your skin over time. Wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses can help protect you while you enjoy outdoor activities. 

 

For many families in Northern Ontario, summer also means spending time on or near the water. Lakes, rivers, and pools are great places to have fun and stay active. 

 

National Drowning Prevention Week, taking place July 19 to 25, 2026, reminds us of the importance of water safety. Wearing a life jacket, keeping a close eye on children, and swimming with a friend are simple ways to stay safe around the water. 

 

Univi Health Centre believes that healthy communities are built through prevention, education, and caring for one another. This summer, enjoy the outdoors and make choices that help keep you, your family, and your community safe and healthy. 

Tick Season Is Here: Protect Yourself and Your Family

As the weather gets warmer, many of us spend more time outdoors enjoying nature, gardening, hiking, and other activities. While spending time outside is good for our health, it is also important to be aware of ticks and the illnesses they can carry. 

 

In Ontario, blacklegged ticks can spread Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Ticks are often found in wooded areas, tall grass, leaf piles, and shrubs. They cannot jump or fly, but they can attach to people and pets as they brush past. 

 

There are simple steps you can take to help prevent tick bites. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes when spending time outdoors. Light-coloured clothing can make ticks easier to see. Using insect repellent and staying on marked trails can also help lower your risk. 

 

After spending time outside, check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks. Be sure to look carefully behind the knees, around the waist, under the arms, around the ears, and along the hairline. Taking a shower after coming indoors may also help remove ticks before they attach. 

 

If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull straight up with steady pressure. After removing the tick, wash the area and your hands with soap and water. Contact a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms such as a rash, fever, tiredness, or muscle aches after a tick bite. 

 

The team at Univi Health Centre encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors safely. Taking a few simple steps to prevent tick bites can help protect your health and keep you active all season long. 

 

For more information about ticks, Lyme disease, and tick bite prevention, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts website: Remember to do a tick check! 

 

Children can also learn about tick safety through the interactive resource Ticks: Little Bugs, Big Problems!. The site includes games, videos, and activities that help children learn how to prevent tick bites and stay safe while enjoying the outdoors. 

Univi Health Centre Returns to Camp Soleil This Summer

This summer, Univi Health Centre is excited to partner with Camp Soleil, an overnight summer camp for Francophone youth aged 8 to 13, to bring fun and interactive wellness activities to campers. Together, we share a goal of helping children stay active, learn healthy habits, and enjoy a positive summer experience. 

 

Every Wednesday morning, Univi’s summer students, Addison and Audrey, along with members of the Health Centre’s interdisciplinary team, will visit Camp Soleil to lead games and activities for campers. Through hands-on activities and group games, campers will have the chance to learn, move, and have fun with their friends. 

 

This project is especially meaningful for Addison and Audrey because both attended Camp Soleil for many years while growing up. They have many happy memories of their time at camp and are excited to return in a new role. Being able to give back to a place that was such an important part of their childhood makes this experience even more special. 

 

“It’s exciting to come back to Camp Soleil and help make summer fun for the next generation of campers”, says Addison. 

 

Camp Soleil has been an important part of our community for many years. It gives children a safe and welcoming place to make friends, try new activities, and build confidence. The camp creates lasting memories and provides experiences that many campers carry with them long after summer ends. 

 

We would also like to recognize the members of Univi’s interdisciplinary team who are helping make this project possible. Their support, creativity, and enthusiasm will help create activities that are fun, engaging, and enjoyable for campers throughout the summer.

 

Campers can look forward to a variety of games and activities that encourage teamwork, movement, learning, and fun. Most importantly, the goal is to create positive experiences and great memories for everyone involved. 

 

Univi Health Centre is proud to work alongside Camp Soleil and looks forward to spending time with campers this summer. Together, they hope to make this a season filled with learning, laughter, friendship, and fun. 

Supporting Healthy Communities Through the Good Food Market

For several years, Univi Health Centre has been proud to support the Good Food Market in partnership with local organizations across our region. 

 

The Good Food Market is a mobile produce market that helps bring fresh fruits and vegetables to communities where access to healthy food may be limited. By offering quality produce at affordable prices, the Market helps make healthy eating easier for individuals and families. 

 

Access to healthy food is an important part of overall health and well-being. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide the nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy, active, and strong. Through the Good Food Market, community members can purchase fresh produce closer to home while supporting a program that focuses on affordability and accessibility. 

 

The Good Food Market is made possible through the support of many community partners, volunteers, and organizations working together toward a common goal. Their dedication helps ensure that residents across our region have access to healthy food options throughout the season. 

 

Univi Health Centre is committed to supporting programs that help build healthier communities. The team is grateful to everyone who contributes to the success of the Good Food Market and the positive impact it has on local families. 

 

You are invited to visit a Good Food Market location near you and discover the benefits of fresh, healthy, and affordable food. 

 

Good Food Market Schedule (Starting July 2nd) 

• Alban
  • Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Centre de santé Univi Health Centre 
• Noëlville
  • Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
  • Noëlville Arena 
• St. Charles
  • Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • 1 King Street East Municipal Site 
• Warren
  • Thursdays, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Markstay-Warren Community Centre & Arena 
• Markstay
  • Thursdays, 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Riverside Community Church