June 2026

Join Univi’s ParticipACTION Challenge This June

June is a great time to get active and take care of your health. This month, Univi Health Centre is joining the ParticipACTION Community Challenge and inviting everyone to join. 

The challenge is simple. Move your body in ways that work for you. Walking, gardening, stretching, biking, dancing, or exercising at home all count. Every step and every minute of movement matters. 

Being active can help both your body and your mind. Regular movement can lower stress, improve sleep, boost energy, and support heart health. It can also help people feel more connected and confident. 

To encourage people to join, Univi will hold a draw for gift cards at the end of the month for people who take part in the challenge. 

We know that not everyone has exercise equipment or feels comfortable going to a gym. That is why Univi is lending out pedal exercisers for clients who may want them. These small exercise devices can be used while sitting at home. They are a simple and safe way to stay active. 

The ParticipACTION Challenge is open to everyone, no matter your age or fitness level. The goal is not to be perfect. The goal is to move more and build a healthier community together. 

To learn more about the challenge or to request a pedal exerciser, visit: https://univi.ca/participaction/ 

Healthy Aging During Seniors Month

June is Seniors Month. It is a time to thank older adults for all they do in our families and communities. It also reminds us that healthy aging is about more than seeing a medical provider. Small daily habits can help people stay active, connected, and able to care for themselves as they get older. 

Healthy aging includes taking care of both physical and mental well-being. Talking with others, keeping your mind busy, eating good foods, and getting enough sleep can help you stay healthy. Simple activities like reading, doing puzzles, gardening, talking with friends, or joining programs can help a lot. 

Safety is also important for healthy aging. Keeping walkways clear, using good lighting at home, wearing safe shoes, and going to regular medical appointments can help prevent injuries and help people stay independent. 

It is important to ask for help when you need it. Many community services can help older adults with health care, social programs, and daily tasks. Asking for help can make daily life easier for seniors and caregivers. 

At Univi Health Centre, we encourage older adults to stay informed, connected, and involved in their health. Healthy aging means finding simple ways to care for yourself and staying connected to people who can help. 

To learn more about healthy aging, visit the Centre for Studies in Aging & Health reading lists: https://csah.ca/knowledge-sharing/reading-lists/ 

New parent or planning for a new baby?

Welcoming a new baby can be exciting and life changing. For families in smaller or rural communities, this time can bring both rewards and unique challenges. Having good information and knowing where to get help can help parents feel more confident. Whether you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or caring for a new baby, this is an important time to care for the health of both parent and child.

It is important to remember that pregnancy and parenting are not always easy. Some people may be unsure about continuing a pregnancy or may be dealing with personal, money, or health problems. Good information, caring support, and tailored health services can help people make the best decision for themselves.

Before and during pregnancy, regular medical care, healthy food, and healthy habits help the baby grow. Taking prenatal vitamins, staying active, and avoiding alcohol, smoking, and drugs can help protect your baby’s health.

After birth, caring for a new baby can bring both joy and challenges. Having a routine, resting when possible, and getting support from family, friends, or health workers can help a lot. Mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health.

Some parents may feel depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed after having a baby. These feelings are common and do not mean someone is failing. If you or someone you know is struggling, talking to a health care provider or support service can help. Getting help early can make a big difference.

New parents also need to learn about feeding, safe sleep, and regular checkups for their baby. For families in small communities, local and online services can help parents get support when they need it. For more information, visit: https://parenting4me.com/welcome-2/.

Specialized Care Without the Commute

Residents in Sudbury-East rely on Univi Health Centre for primary care and many other health services. But when patients need to see a specialist outside of the region, getting care can become more difficult. Travelling to cities like Sudbury, North Bay, or Ottawa can take a lot of time, cost money, and cause stress. Luckily, many patients can meet with their specialist through Univi’s telemedicine services.

Mrs. Barbara Sheppard knows this from experience. After meeting with her health care provider at Univi, Mrs. Sheppard learned she needed to see a specialist in Toronto.

For her first appointment, Mrs. Sheppard travelled to Toronto in person. She describes the experience as “stressful” and thoroughly “not fun.” For her later appointments, Univi’s Virtual Care Coordinator and Registered Nurse, Josée Bernard, helped her use telemedicine services.

She organized everything so Mrs. Sheppard could attend her appointment at the Univi site in Noëlville, closer to home. On the day of the appointment, Mrs. Sheppard spoke with her specialist using large screens at the health centre.

“The screen is very clear,” says Mrs. Sheppard. “It’s so much like you’re sitting with the specialist.”

At first, Mrs. Sheppard was nervous about using the technology, but she soon realized she did not need to worry. Nurse Josée handled the technology, helped the appointment go smoothly, took notes, and answered questions afterward. Mrs. Sheppard describes her as having “fantastic manners” and making the entire experience comfortable and reassuring.

Like Mrs. Sheppard, all residents can use this free telemedicine service. She encourages others not to worry about using technology. “Even if you’re hesitant,” says, “you’re very well taken care of.”

Anyone interested in telemedicine services can contact the nearest Univi Health Centre to learn more. For many patients, virtual care can make it much easier to get specialized care. In some cases, it can even save lives.