Guelph Family Health Study

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Guelph Family Health Study

The Guelph Family Health Study is a long-term study designed to follow families over many years.

By the age of five or six, your kids will form eating, exercise and sleep habits that can last a lifetime. The Guelph Family Health Study is testing new ways for kids to learn healthy habits early - habits that can significantly lower your child's risk for disease now and in the future.

03/10/2026

Is Social Media Affecting Our Brains?

With platforms becoming an ever-present part of young people’s daily lives, many are asking: Why are these platforms so addictive, and how are they influencing brain development? From the pull of endless scrolling to the phenomenon of “doomscrolling,” we unpack what is really happening behind the screen 📲🧠

To help us navigate these important questions, we are joined by Dr. Emma Duerden, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience & Learning Disorders, and leader of the Developing Brain Lab at Western University. Her research examines how social media and screen time shape brain development, mental health, and learning outcomes in children and adolescents.

Together, we discuss what the science says about social media use, how it may be impacting youth, and what parents, educators, and young people themselves should know.

Listen on all major platforms!

03/06/2026

⏱️ COMING SOON…

New Podcast Episode 🎙️

Is Social Media Affecting Our Brains?

We’re joined by professor and neuroscientist Dr. Emma Duerden to discuss social media use in youth, how it may impact brain development, and practical tips for families to manage screen time📲🧠

📅 Drops Tuesday, March 10th at 10 AM EST.
Stay tuned!

03/03/2026

🍓🌸 Lemon Panna Cotta with berries & granola 🌸🍓

A light, fresh spring recipe for the start of March. Recipe from our Guelph Family Health Study cookbook “Snack Happy, Snack Healthy” perfect for the upcoming warmer days!

Serves 6 II Prep Time: 15 min II Total Time: 3 hrs⏱️

🍋Ingredients
• 2 tsp (10 mL) Gelatin
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) Water
• 1⅔ cup (410 mL) Milk
• 1½ tbsp (45 mL) Maple syrup
• ½ tsp (2 mL) Vanilla extract
• ½ tsp (2 mL) Lemon zest
• 1½ cup (375 mL) Strawberries, diced
• ½ cup (125 mL) Granola

🍓Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix gelatin into cool water and set aside for 5 minutes.
2. Bring milk, maple syrup, and vanilla just to a boil. Whisk in gelatin and reduce to a simmer. Stir in lemon zest and continue cooking while whisking for 2 minutes.
3. Strain and pour mixture evenly into 6 ramekins. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or until set.
4. Serve each ramekin with ¼ cup (60 mL) diced strawberries and 2 tsp (10 mL) granola.

Recipes

02/11/2026

Today, on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women who drive innovation, discovery, and impact at the Guelph Family Health Study.

We continue to be inspired and motivated by our talented women scientists whose dedication strengthens communities and the future of health research. 👩‍🔬✨

02/10/2026

Va**ng. Smoking. Ni****ne.
What’s actually going on with teens today?

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Nicholas Chadi MD, a pediatrician and adolescent medicine expert, for a thoughtful and evidence-based conversation about va**ng and teens. While this topic can feel complicated, it is an important conversation to hear.

We explore how va**ng differs from smoking, why many teens are va**ng, and what harmful effects we are starting to see. Dr. Chadi also shares how parents can start open, supportive conversations with their teens and highlights other ni****ne products we should be aware of.

Dr. Chadi also hosts his own podcast, Healthy Teens, where he explores key issues affecting youth health and well-being. You can find a link to episode 2 in our bio.

🎧You can listen to the episode on all major platform at the "healthy habits happy homes" or via link in bio.

**ng

02/06/2026

Have you ever asked these questions about va**ng?

Our new podcast episode, “Understanding Va**ng in Teens,” answers all of them. We dive deep with expert Dr. Nicholas Chadi, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent and addiction medicine.

🎙️ New episode drops Tuesday, February 10th at 10 AM.
Stay tuned!

**ng

02/03/2026

Introducing Aleesha!

Aleesha is a Masters of Science student working with Dr. Alison Duncan. Read her Q&A below to learn more about her and her work with GFHS.

What is your role in the GFHS and how long have you worked with the study?
👩‍🔬I am a graduate student in the HHS department. My research is with the GFHS, quantifying the plant-based protein intake among the preschool-aged children in the study. I have worked with the GFHS since the fall of 2024, and have loved my time as a part of this group!

What do you like most about your role?
🔬I love the collaboration and sense of community in this group! Attending meetings where researchers share their work is very inspiring, and the wide scope of the study makes it so relevant and interesting. It’s been such a fun experience learning about different areas of research and getting to know everyone involved!

What is your favourite place to eat in Guelph or on campus?
☕My favourite place to eat on campus is The Bullring! Or LA Starbucks, specifically when it's snowing outside.

What is something about Guelph that you really enjoy?
🌱Coming from a very small town, I love that Guelph has a small-town, community feel, with plenty of nature and local activities.

What are you reading or watching right now?
📖I am currently, and always will be, rewatching Gilmore Girls. I am also currently reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

What's your favourite thing to cook or bake?
🧈I love cooking and am always trying new recipes. I enjoy making my own butter, vanilla extract, and other household items from scratch!

01/26/2026

GFHS in the news? More like GFHS on TV 📺

GFHS’ very own co-director, Dr. Jess Haines, was spotted on health series Burps, Butts, & Bones🌱🧬🦴

Watch the full video “Veggie Quest” on TVO kids website or YouTube. Link in bio!

01/20/2026

New episode alert🎧‼️

Join us for this awesome episode all about fibre with none other than the Queen of Fibre herself, Mairlyn Smith👑

Mairlyn is a professional home economist and food writer, and a familiar face on Cityline and Breakfast Television. With a background in acting, she brings humour and warmth to everything she does including this episode.

We dive into what fibre is, why it matters, and share practical, everyday tips for getting more fibre into your diet for you and your family. And of course, we couldn’t miss talking about her world-famous !

You can listen to the episode on all major platforms or via link in our bio!

01/15/2026

We’re kicking off the year with an amazing conversation with none other than the Queen of Fibre and fellow student 👑🌾

In this episode, we dive into all things fibre, from gut health to her famous (and beloved!) trademark fart walks.

🎙️ New Healthy Habits, Happy Homes episode drops Tuesday, January 20 - stay tuned!

newepisod

01/13/2026

We hope you’ve been enjoying Season 8 of Healthy Habits, Happy Homes as much as we have! 🎙️✨

We have had some amazing speakers covering a wide range of hot topics…

This season so far:
🎧 Welcome Episode: Introducing our new co-hosts, Heemani & Manahil
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒A Geriatrician’s Guide to Healthy Aging & Supporting Aging Parents with Dr. Alejandra Villalobos, MD
🤖 ChatGPT & Kids: Impacts on Learning and Development with Dr. Tiffany Munzer, MD
🌱 Food Systems: Why Should We Care? with Dr. Evan Fraser, PhD

And we are just getting started! We are so excited to continue bringing you engaging and relevant episodes.

📅 Our next episode drops January 20th and trust us, you’re not ready for this one 👀🔥

We’re kicking off the year with an amazing guest… can you spot the clues in this image? 🕵️‍♀️✨

Address

Guelph, ON

Telephone

5198244120ext56168

Website

http://www.guelphfamilyhealthstudy.com/

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