http://www.apronstudy.ca/, http://www.twitter.com/apronstudy

Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition Study, Child Development Centre/#355, 3820 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB (2025)

11/26/2025

November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Violence against women and girls continues to be one of the most widespread and enduring human rights violations globally.

Around one in three women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their lifetime.

The Government of Canada notes that intersecting inequalities put certain groups - like racialized and Indigenous women, women with disabilities, gender-diverse people, and young women - at an increased risk of experiencing violence.

This fight is not theirs alone - it is all of ours. Together, we can confront and prevent violence against women.

This year, the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign focuses on ending digital violence against women and girls.

Learn more:
United Nations
www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day
www.unwomen.org/en/get-involved/16-days-of-activism
Government of Canada
www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2024/11/international-day-of-eliminating-violence.html

11/21/2025

⭐ Today is National Child Day in Canada—a reminder of our commitment to protecting the rights and wellbeing of every child. 🇨🇦

Let’s continue advocating for safe communities, accessible education, mental-health supports, and equitable opportunities for all young people.

Children aren’t just our future - they are our present. 💙💜

10/14/2025

Did you know we are currently collecting data? Our 15-year follow-up is currently underway with the goal to understand how early life shapes mental health by age 15. We will also explore how these factors influence gene expression and biological underpinnings of early experiences. We are currently offering incentives for our participants who complete the 15-year surveys and the DNA sample that is mailed to your mailing address. Want more information? Check out our website! apronstudy.ca

10/11/2025

October 10 marks World Mental Health Day, a reminder that everyone deserves support and understanding. This year’s theme — “Mental health is a universal human right” — encourages us to create safe, caring spaces for all.

For parents, it’s about finding balance and modelling self-care. For youth, it’s learning to name emotions and reach out for help.

Together, we can honour this day by:

💬 Talking openly about how we’re really feeling

❤️ Checking in on friends and family

🧘 Taking mindful breaks as a family

Mental health is about feeling safe, connected, and valued — whoever you are, wherever you are.

10/09/2025

October is Women’s History Month in Canada.

October is a time to reflect, honour, and celebrate the courage and contributions of women who have shaped history - and to recognize the ongoing efforts for equity, safety, and justice.

Women’s History Month reminds us that behind every milestone are countless women who resisted oppression, uplifted their communities, and transformed society. These women remind us that Women’s History Month is not only about the past - it’s about amplifying the voices of those continuing to work towards equality and justice for women and girls today.

09/29/2025

Back to school is exciting for many but not all. For some youth, particularly sexually and gender diverse youth, it can mean facing bullying, harassment, and violence. The impact on mental health can be significant and lasting. Supportive adults and peers can make a powerful difference.

Looking for ways to prevent bullying and teen dating violence? 💬 PREVNet offers free resources for educators, parents, caregivers, youth & service providers.

📚 Learn about:
✅ Types & signs of bullying
🚩 Dangers & warning signs
📊 Facts & solutions
💻 Cyberbullying
❤️ Teen dating violence

Access training & info at 👉 prevnet.ca

09/17/2025

How do changes in cheek cell composition affect DNA testing in children?

One study used APrON data to look at how age affects cheek swab cell composition, and how this may impact tools used to measure development. It found that cheek cell numbers decreased with age, while immune cells increased, during early childhood but not adolescence. As well, with age, cell makeup became more variable between individuals throughout childhood and adolescence.

These shifts in cell makeup can affect how epigenetic markers are interpreted, so adjusting for them is important to improve the accuracy of predictions.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-55909-8

09/16/2025

It’s consent awareness week! Do you know the 4 Cs of consent?

Consent must be Clear, Continuous, Coercion-free and Conscious. Without ALL of these, you do NOT have consent!

When we understand consent, we don’t just prevent harm - we help dismantle the silence, shame, and stigma that survivors of sexual violence often face.

We can all support survivors by:
✔️ Believing them
✔️ Centering their voices
✔️ Advocating for consent education in schools, workplaces, and communities

09/02/2025

Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in brain function, liver health, and metabolism. It is important during pregnancy and breastfeeding for fetal brain development. Although the body can produce some choline, it is not enough to meet daily needs, so it must be obtained from food.

APrON findings have shown that consuming eggs and milk during pregnancy increased mothers’ likelihood of meeting choline adequate intake recommendations. These findings have contributed to the European Food Safety Authority dietary reference values for choline.

APrON research has influenced changes in guidelines on iron deficiency, choline intake, and perinatal depression screening. Check out our policy impacts page on our website (apronstudy.ca) to learn more!

08/29/2025

Today we hear from one of our APrON participants about their experience in the study. Since 2009, APrON has been following mother-baby pairs in Alberta. Now, these children are teenagers who participate in the study themselves.

If you are an APrON parent or youth looking to reconnect with the study, visit our website: apronstudy.ca.

We are grateful for our incredible participants for their unwavering support and involvement.

08/22/2025

📌📚 It’s back to school season, and while it’s an exciting time of learning and growth, it can also bring stress and anxiety for children and youth. Recognizing the signs—like changes in behavior, difficulty focusing, or frequent physical complaints (like stomachaches or headaches)—is key to supporting them. It’s important to create a safe and open environment where they feel comfortable sharing their feelings.

Here are a few tips to help manage stress and anxiety as the school year progresses:
✨ Maintain a Consistent Routine
✨ Encourage Mindful Breaks
✨ Set Manageable Goals
✨ Keep the Communication Flowing

Together, we can help our children navigate stress and create a positive environment as they continue their school journey.

Resources for parents: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page2542.aspx

08/22/2025

Did you know we are currently collecting data? Our 15-year follow-up is currently underway with the goal to understand how early life shapes mental health by age 15. We will also explore how these factors influence gene expression and biological underpinnings of early experiences. We are currently offering incentives for our participants who complete the 15-year surveys and the DNA sample that is mailed to your mailing address. Want more information? Check out our website!

Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition Study

11/26/2025

11/21/2025

10/14/2025

10/11/2025

10/09/2025

09/29/2025

09/17/2025

09/16/2025

09/02/2025

08/29/2025

08/22/2025

08/22/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category