What happens after you fill out an APrON survey? Once you submit your survey, our researchers dive in, analyzing responses to uncover important insights. Every survey completed is a vital piece of the puzzle. Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact! 💚
#LetourneauCHILDLab
We’re in the midst of our 15-year follow-up, exploring how early life experiences shape risk & resilience in adolescent mental health. By combining surveys & DNA kit collection, we’re uncovering new insights to support youth & families facing depression.
#LetourneauCHILDLab
Thank you to our participants for sharing your journeys and helping us turn research into real-world impact.
Together, we’re shaping a healthier future for all.
#APrONStudy #LetourneauCHILDLab
Did you know connection supports your brain? 🧠💛
Time with friends, family, and loved ones can boost mood and help your brain move out of stress mode.
#APrONStudy #BrainHealth #ConnectionMatters #LetourneauCHILDLab
Balanced nutrition supports energy, focus, and development. Research from the APrON study has helped inform policies and recommendations around key nutrients like iron and choline during pregnancy, helping support healthier outcomes for families.
#LetourneauCHILDLab
To our APrON participants: you are part of something bigger. 💚 Your participation helps researchers understand maternal health and child development, inform health guidelines, and improve care for families.
#LetourneauCHILDLab
Why do long-term studies matter? Because development happens over time. APrON has followed families since 2009. Long-term research allows us to track growth, connect early experiences to later outcomes, and uncover patterns that shorter studies can’t see.
#LetourneauCHILDLab
Not all relationship behaviours are the same. Some are 🚩 red flags, while others are 🌱 green flags that support healthy connections.
Swipe through to see examples of red flags vs. green flags in relationships ➡️
#LetourneauCHILDLab
Sleep matters! 🌙 APrON research shows that sleep is linked to risk of preterm birth & postpartum depression. Our findings also suggest that mothers’ childhood experiences can influence their children’s sleep.
Healthy sleep supports both moms and kids.
#LetourneauCHILDLab
It’s #NutritionMonth! A balanced diet fuels your brain, boosts energy, and supports mood, sleep, and growth. Carbs, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and water all matter.
What’s your favourite healthy meal? Share below! 👇
#BrainBites #LetourneauCHILDLab
To our APrON participants: you are part of something bigger. 💚 Your participation helps researchers understand maternal health and child development, inform health guidelines, and improve care for families.
#LetourneauCHILDLab
Today is #PinkShirtDay! 💗 Let’s unite to stand up against bullying and create safe, caring spaces for everyone. Wear pink, share your story, and inspire others to choose kindness—at school, at work, and in our communities.
#LetourneauCHILDLab
Did you know a mother's childhood experiences can shape her child's sleep in unexpected ways? 💤 APrON found more maternal ACEs link to depressive symptoms and kids' sleep issues. #LetourneauCHILDLab
Happy Holidays from all of us at APrON! ✨
As we wrap up 2025, we’re feeling grateful for our amazing community. Thank you for being part of our journey - wishing you a season full of warmth, joy, and new beginnings in 2026.
Healthy relationships start with respect, open communication, and clear boundaries. For youth, it's important to know what feels safe and comfortable physically, emotionally, and socially.
This #16DaysOfActivism, let's empower youth to build supportive and safe relationships.
Understanding how early adversity shapes child development reminds us why preventing violence and supporting safe, nurturing families is crucial. During the 16 Days of Activism, we encourage you to learn, listen, and take action to end violence.
#16DaysofActivism
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.
This fight is not theirs alone - it is all of ours. Together, we can prevent violence against women.
⭐ 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.
#WorldMentalHealthDay reminds us that everyone deserves care & support.
💬 Talk openly
❤️ Check in on others
🧘 Take mindful breaks
October is Women's History Month in Canada - 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.
Back to school is exciting for many but not all. For some, particularly sexually and gender diverse youth, it can mean facing bullying, harassment, & violence.
💬 PREVNet offers free resources for educators, parents, caregivers, youth & service providers.
Access training & info at 👉 prevnet.ca
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.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
It's consent awareness week! Do you know the 4 Cs of consent?
Consent must be Clear, Continuous, Coercion-free and Conscious.
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.
APrON findings have shown that consuming eggs & milk during pregnancy increased mothers’ likelihood of meeting choline intake recommendations. These findings have contributed to the European Food Safety Authority dietary reference values.
Check out apronstudy.ca/policy-impac... for more!
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. If you are an APrON parent or youth looking to reconnect with the study, visit our website: apronstudy.ca.
📌📚 The school year is in full swing, 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 is key to supporting them.
Our 15-year follow-up is currently underway with the goal to understand how early life shapes mental health by age 15. We are currently offering incentives for our participants who complete the 15-year data collection. Want more information? Check out our website!
Have you had a chance to read the newest APrON paper? This study examined the associations between maternal exposure to certain chemicals (trace elements & PFAS), and alterations in the HPA axis during pregnancy.
Read the full paper:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
We want your feedback! Our APrON participants are invited to complete our feedback survey to share about their experience in our study! Participants who complete this feedback survey may receive a $25 gift card.
Find it on our Get Involved page or the link below: apronstudy.ca/apron-partic...
GIVEAWAY TIME! We will be giving away another iPad!
1. Follow our page (1 entry)
2. Like this photo (1 entry)
3. Tag a friend in the comments! (each additional comment counts as an extra entry)
4. Follow us on our other platforms
This giveaway will close on September 6, 2025!
