Pediatrics

  • Children’s Safety at Playgrounds

    During the summer months, children of all ages take advantage of the chance to play outside, particularly in playgrounds. Playgrounds are spaces that promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction, but they also present various risks, especially during summer. This article will explore the specific risks that summer brings to playground safety and offer strategies for mitigating these risks to ensure children can play safely and happily in the summer sun. Heat-Related Risks: Overheating and Dehydration: In the summer heat, children can easily become dehydrated or suffer from heat exhaustion. Make sure children take regular breaks to drink water, especially during intense physical activity. Also, watch out for signs of…

  • Childhood Cancer in Canada

    Each year in Canada, an estimated 1,000 children between the ages of 0 to 14 years will be diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is also the leading cause of death in children between that same age group. An estimated 1 out of every 250 adults between the ages of 20 and 39 are survivors of childhood cancer. Leukemia, lymphomas and cancers of the brain and/or the CNS (Central Nervous System) account for the majority of malignant childhood cancers. Unlike certain types of cancers that are found in adults, the cause of childhood cancer is relatively unknown. A definitive link to any specific factors – such as environmental or lifestyle factors –…

  • Whooping Cough

    There are certain medical conditions that can affect children more-so than adults – whopping cough being one of them. While it can impact adults – including those diagnosed with a chronic respiratory illness, or women who are pregnant (especially those in their third trimester) – whooping cough is most commonly seen in infants younger than 6 months of age (who aren’t yet protected by immunizations), or children and teens between aged 11 and 18 with weakened immune systems. Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract that is caused by the bacterium known as Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough typically starts with mild cold-like symptoms (such as…

  • Reducing Back-to-School Anxiety

    For some kids and teenagers, returning to school can also come along with a lot of stress and anxiety. In many cases, that back-to-school anxiety is often associated with things such as being away from parents or other family members (especially for younger children who are starting full-time school for the first time), or having to go to a brand new school (for example, transitioning from elementary school to high school, or moving to a new neighbourhood and having to go to a new school as a result.) There are also cases where children may be bullied in school in the past and might have fears about returning. In addition…