Across North America, more parents are turning to melatonin to help their children fall asleep. It is widely available over the counter and often perceived as “natural” and therefore harmless. However, new high-quality evidence published in JAMA highlights an important reality: for most young children with typical neurological development, there is limited evidence that melatonin provides meaningful long-term benefit, and there are growing safety concerns.
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Avoiding the “Pepto Mix-Up”: A Safety Guide for Parents
At Centrum Pharmacy, we know that when your child is unwell, you want relief fast. However, a common and dangerous mistake is reaching for the wrong bottle of Pepto-Bismol. Regular Pepto-Bismol (Liquid or Original) contains bismuth subsalicylate, an ingredient that must be avoided in children under 12.
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World Cancer Day
At Centrum Pharmacy, we recognize World Cancer Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting those affected by cancer. Access to timely medication, screenings, and pharmacist-guided care can make a real difference in treatment outcomes. We encourage our community to stay informed about cancer prevention strategies, like regular exercise and limiting alcohol intake, to maintain regular check-ups, and to seek guidance from healthcare professionals. Together, we can support patients, families, and caregivers while promoting early detection and healthy living.
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Happy Groundhog Day!
Whether winter decides to linger or spring arrives early, Groundhog Day is a reminder that brighter, longer days are ahead. As families move through the final stretch of winter and begin thinking about spring routines, it’s a natural time to check in on health, refocus on wellness, and make sure care stays on track.
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February is Black History Month
This Black History Month, Centrum Pharmacy honours Black Canadians who have broken barriers in health care and helped shape the Canadian health system. From Dr. Anderson Ruffin Abbott, the first Canadian-born Black physician, to other trailblazers who made space for greater inclusion in medicine, these stories remind us why representation and equity in healthcare matter.
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Ontario’s Family Doctor Shortage Is Growing — How Centrum Pharmacy Is Part of the Solution in Orléans
The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is once again sounding the alarm: Ontario’s family doctor shortage is worsening, with serious implications for patients and the health care system as a whole.
According to OMA President Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, more than 2.5 million Ontarians currently do not have a family doctor—a number projected to rise to 4.4 million in the coming years. The reasons are clear and concerning: a growing number of family physicians are planning to retire, while too few new graduates are entering family medicine.
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Thinking About Buying GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic® or Mounjaro®? Beware of Fake or Unauthorized Products
With growing public interest in GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) for diabetes management and weight loss, Canadians are increasingly encountering these products through online sellers, social media ads, and unauthorized retailers.
Unfortunately, not all GLP-1 products being sold in Canada are legitimate or safe.
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The Real Danger of Tylenol Has Nothing to Do With Autism
Acetaminophen—commonly known by the brand name Tylenol—is one of the most widely used pain and fever medications in the world. Yet despite its long history of safe use when taken correctly, it remains one of the leading causes of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and acute liver failure in North America.
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U.S. FDA Removes Suicide Warnings from Popular GLP-1 Weight-Loss Medications: What Patients Should Know
Recent announcements from U.S. regulators have brought important clarity to patients using — or considering — popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound.
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You’re Probably Not Getting Enough Vitamin D — Here’s What Health Canada’s New Rules Mean for You
As Canadians, we spend a significant portion of the year without sufficient sunlight to naturally produce vitamin D. Health Canada estimates that one in five Canadians does not get enough vitamin D, a deficiency that becomes even more pronounced during the winter months. In response, new federal food fortification rules came into effect at the end of 2025, requiring higher levels of vitamin D in commonly consumed foods such as milk and margarine.
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