Category: News

Starting July 1, 2026, more people in Ontario will be able to start colon cancer screening earlier.

The province is lowering the starting age for publicly funded colon cancer screening from 50 to 45 for people at average risk. People at increased risk may be able to start screening at age 40.

This is good news for many patients. It means some people can start screening sooner, even if they feel completely well.

And that part matters.

Colon cancer does not always cause symptoms in the early stages. Screening can help find signs of cancer before you feel sick. It can also help find changes before they become cancer.

For many people, colon cancer screening starts with a simple at-home test called a FIT.

FIT stands for fecal immunochemical test. The test checks a small stool sample for tiny amounts of blood that you may not be able to see.

You do the test at home, following the instructions in the kit. Then the sample is sent to the lab.

If the result is normal, you will be told when to screen again. If the result is abnormal, it does not always mean cancer. It means more follow-up is needed. For many people, that next step is a colonoscopy.

As of July 1, 2026, you may be eligible for colon cancer screening in Ontario if you are:

Increased risk can include things like a family history of colon cancer or certain bowel conditions. Your health care provider can help you understand what applies to you.

Screening is meant for people who feel well and do not have symptoms.

If you have symptoms, please contact the clinic. These can include:

These symptoms do not always mean something serious is going on. But they are worth checking.

If you are between 45 and 49, you may now be eligible for colon cancer screening starting July 1, 2026.

If you think this change may apply to you, please reach out to Winterberry Family Medical. We can review your age, health history, family history, and any symptoms. From there, we can help arrange the right screening test.

If you are 50 or older and have not been screened, this is also a good time to contact us.

And if you are not sure where you fit? That is exactly the kind of thing we can help sort out.

If you think you may be eligible for colon cancer screening, please contact Winterberry Family Medical. Our team can review your age, health history, and family history, and help arrange the right next step.

Not sure if you qualify? Reach out anyway. We’re happy to help you figure it out.

Call us at 905-575-9004.

May is National Physiotherapy Month — a time to recognize and celebrate the physiotherapists, physiotherapist assistants, students, and clinic teams who help people across Ontario move, recover, strengthen, and return to the activities that matter most.

Each year, the Ontario Physiotherapy Association uses National Physiotherapy Month to raise awareness about the role physiotherapy plays in the health and well-being of people across the province. It is also a chance to shine a light on the dedicated professionals who support patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, long-term care homes, community clinics, private practices, home care settings, and beyond.

Our physiotherapy team is part of the everyday care network that helps patients feel supported, understood, and encouraged as they work toward their goals. Some patients come to physiotherapy after an injury. Others are recovering from surgery, managing pain, improving mobility, rebuilding strength, or trying to stay active and independent. Every patient’s story is different — and that is exactly why the work of physiotherapy matters so much.

National Physiotherapy Month gives us a moment to pause and recognize not only the care patients receive, but also the people behind that care.

Here at Winterberry Physiotherapy, we are grateful for our dedicated team, including Joshua, Joya, and Tani, our physiotherapists, and Abigail, our Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy Assistant. Along with our administrative and reception team, they help create a welcoming, supportive experience for patients from the moment they book an appointment through every step of their care.

Physiotherapy is often associated with recovery, but at its heart, it is also about possibility. It is about helping someone feel more confident going up the stairs. It is about supporting a safe return to work, sport, walking, gardening, travel, or family life. It is about giving patients tools, education, and encouragement so they can take an active role in their health.

That kind of care takes skill, patience, problem-solving, and compassion — and we are proud to celebrate the professionals who provide it.

This month, we extend our appreciation to physiotherapists and physiotherapy teams across Ontario. Thank you for the work you do every day to help people move better, feel stronger, and live more fully.

And to our own Winterberry Physiotherapy team: thank you for bringing your knowledge, kindness, and commitment to our patients and community. We are grateful for the difference you make.

If you would like to learn more about Winterberry Physiotherapy or book an appointment with our team, please call 365-218-0088 or visit our Physiotherapy page.

If you’re curious about research and how you might take part, we’ve created a new space to help you explore your options.

On our Research page, you’ll find:

Participation is always voluntary, and each study has its own criteria. If something feels like a good fit, our team is here to answer your questions and help you decide what’s right for you.

We invite you to explore the page and learn more:

👉 https://www.winterberrymedical.ca/research/

Why did we create a new Research Hub on our website? Research plays an important role in advancing medicine. It helps us better understand conditions, explore new approaches to treatment, and continue improving the care we provide every day. For patients, it can also be an opportunity to contribute to meaningful progress while gaining access to new insights and, in some cases, additional support along the way.

At Winterberry, research is one of the ways we continue to improve care—not just for today, but for the future. Our new Research Hub brings together information about the studies we’re involved in and how you can get involved, if and when it feels like a good fit for you.

At Winterberry, our mission is simple: Helping you live your best life. As our clinic continues to grow and evolve, we believe it’s important to keep our patients and community informed about what we’ve been building, which is why we’re sharing this update.

While our services have expanded, our focus remains steady — providing thoughtful, high-quality care you can rely on. We are proud of our progress and grateful for the trust you place in us. Here are some of the ways Winterberry has grown:

• Added a Full Physiotherapy Clinic
We launched our physiotherapy clinic to support both recovery and prevention. Patients come to us not only after injury or surgery, but also to maintain mobility and address strain before it becomes a larger concern. Offering physiotherapy within Winterberry makes it easier to receive coordinated care in one place.

• Expanded Our Team
We have welcomed additional healthcare providers, research staff, and administrative professionals. Each team member — whether working directly with patients or supporting care behind the scenes — plays an important role in delivering the respectful and attentive service Winterberry is known for.

• Opened a Second Location
We opened a new clinic on Upper Centennial Parkway. This expansion allows us to offer more Hamilton residents access to a family doctor and strengthens our ability to serve the community.

• Increased Research Opportunities
We have expanded research opportunities at Winterberry, allowing more individuals to participate in carefully designed clinical studies. Supporting research within our clinic helps ensure that our care remains informed by current evidence and evolving medical knowledge.

• Celebrated Leadership Achievement
Dr. Steven Zizzo, our Medical Director, received the International Achievement Alumni Award from the University of Sydney in recognition of his contributions to medicine and education. This honour reflects years of dedication to patient care, mentorship, and advancing healthcare. We are proud to see his work recognized.

• Supported Our Community and Team
Our staff organized a food drive to assist individuals and families in need and recognized important milestones and dates on the calendar. We also continue to prioritize team-building activities that strengthen collaboration and connection across the clinic.

• Continued Communication and Team Recognition
Through our monthly newsletter, we share clinic updates, health information, and community news. We also highlight one team member each month through our Team Showcase, recognizing the contributions of both front-line and behind-the-scenes staff who support Winterberry every day.

As Winterberry grows, our focus remains clear: to support prevention as well as recovery, to provide highly skilled, professional, and caring healthcare, and to serve our community through innovation, professionalism, and respect.

We are proud to share that Winterberry Family Medicine’s Medical Director, Dr. Steven V. Zizzo, has been honoured by his alma mater, the University of Sydney, with the 2025 Alumni Award for International Achievement.

This prestigious award, as outlined by the University of Sydney’s official announcement, “recognises alumni who have made outstanding contributions on an international scale through professional achievement, leadership, and community impact.” (University of Sydney Alumni Awards)

According to the University of Sydney, Dr. Zizzo—who completed both his Master of Public Health (2005) and Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (2008) at U of S—has demonstrated remarkable leadership in advancing patient care and system innovation in Canada.

As the founder and Medical Director of Winterberry Family Medicine, he leads one of the country’s largest team-based primary care clinics. The University notes that Winterberry now serves over 30,000 patients, supported by a multidisciplinary team of more than 50 healthcare professionals.

The University’s profile of Dr. Zizzo highlights his exceptional response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his direction, Winterberry coordinated one of Canada’s largest private immunization campaigns, administering more than 35,000 vaccinations since May 2021.

The campaign was later recognised by the City of Hamilton and Mayor Andrea Horwath as the largest private immunization effort in the city—a milestone that reflected not only medical excellence but also deep community service. Additionally, for his work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Zizzo won two Awards of Excellence (Ontario College of Family Physicians and Canadian College of Family Physicians).

As shared in the University’s feature, Dr. Zizzo also contributes extensively to the academic and research community. He serves as an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at McMaster University, is a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and a Principal Investigator in more than 20 clinical research trials focused on obesity and diabetes.

Additionally, Dr. Zizzo is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and an advocate for eliminating bias and discrimination in obesity care—a cause that continues to shape Winterberry’s inclusive, patient-centred philosophy.

The University of Sydney describes Dr. Zizzo as a “leader who combines public health insight with a commitment to accessible, technology-driven primary care.” Those of us at Winterberry have the privilege of seeing that vision in action every day.

We’re proud to work alongside Dr. Zizzo as he continues to advance a model of care that’s grounded in compassion, science, and innovation—one that’s improving lives both locally and globally.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Steven Zizzo on this well-deserved recognition from the University of Sydney. His achievement reflects the impact of visionary leadership and the collective dedication of the entire Winterberry team.

As cooler weather approaches, so does respiratory virus season — and Winterberry is here to help our patients stay protected.
Starting Saturday, October 18, our Winterberry Flu, RSV and Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics will run every Saturday, making it easier than ever for our patients to get vaccinated on a day that fits their schedule.

📅 Saturday Vaccine Clinics Begin: October 18th
📍 Location: Winterberry Family Medicine – Upper Centennial Location Only
📞 To book: Call 905-575-9004 to schedule your appointment

Why Vaccination Matters
Respiratory illnesses such as influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are expected to circulate widely again this fall. Getting vaccinated helps reduce your risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and complications — especially important for older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions.

According to Hamilton Public Health, these viruses spread more easily in cooler months when people spend more time indoors. Vaccines, along with healthy habits like good hand hygiene and staying home when you’re unwell, remain your best defence against severe illness.

Learn more about these vaccines and respiratory illnesses on the City of Hamilton website:
🔗 Respiratory Illnesses – Hamilton Public Health

Stay Well This Fall and Winter
Vaccination is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
If you’re due for a flu shot, RSV vaccine, or COVID-19 booster, we encourage you to book an appointment.

📞 Call us at 905-575-9004 to schedule your Saturday appointment.
Together, we can help keep our community healthy and strong all season long.

With two Winterberry locations, we’re able to accept new patients and better serve our existing patients. Each location is staffed with highly skilled, caring team members ready to help you live your best life.

What can you access at each location? 

Appointments at 325 Winterberry: 

Any appointments related to Winterberry Research

Appointments with certain Nurse Practitioners

Appointments with Physicians

Appointments at 35 Upper Centennial:

Any appointments being conducted by a nurse

Appointments with certain Nurse Practitioners

Appointments with Physicians

What are we doing for you to ensure a smooth transition?

We are working very closely with our online booking team to make sure it’s easy for you to see the provider and which location they are at. Appointment reminders will tell you whether you have a virtual appointment or an in person appointment, and at what location you will be seen at.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns or your appointment reminders are incorrect, please send an email with a screenshot to reception@winterberrymedical.ca with the subject line: ATTN: Krysta 

Important Notice: No More Telephone Appointments

Dear Patients,

To ensure the highest quality of care, we are no longer offering telephone appointments. All visits must be conducted either in person or via virtual visit with video.

This change is important because:

Better Communication: Non-verbal cues play a crucial role in understanding your symptoms and concerns.

More Accurate Assessments: Seeing you allows our healthcare providers to make better clinical decisions.

Improved Care Experience: Virtual visits with video offer a more complete and effective way to connect when an in-person visit isn’t possible.

Please know  that in urgent situations a phone call will continue to be our practice.

We are also asking that you add the following email to their safe sender list:

no-reply@virtualvisit.telushealth.com

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us provide the best care possible. If you have any questions, please contact our office.

Thank you!

Your Winterberry Team

This month we’re checking in with Krysta, our Operations Manager to find out about Winterberry’s second location.

Krysta, I hear there is a new Winterberry Family Medical office. Where is it?

It is located at 35 Upper Centennial Parkway on the second floor. Just 5 minutes from our current location.

That’s great! Why was an additional office added?

In Ontario, 2.3 million people don’t have a family doctor, including over 55,000 in Hamilton. Both numbers are expected to double by 2026, according to the Ontario College of Family Physicians.  At Winterberry we are able to put excellent providers in front of patients to help with this problem.  This allows us to not only grow as a medical office, but also to perform high quality clinical research; which results in life changing/saving treatments.

Everyone at Winterberry must be very excited. Will the staff work at both offices or just one? 

Many staff will have their home base at one office, but there may be times when they work at both offices.

When do you expect the new office to open?

When will patients be able to start booking appointments at the new office?

They can begin booking appointments soon. Stay tuned.

Does having a second office mean that more staff members were added?

Yes, over the last couple months we have added 10 new staff members.  We are looking forward to the continued growth.

Will there be a Grand Opening?

Yes – we will have a Grand Opening day where patients can come see our new space and enjoy some treats.

Treats are nice!, In the meantime, if patients have questions about the new office, who can they contact?

Patients are free to contact either myself or Rachel in HR by calling our Winterberry office.