Pediatrics
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Child Passenger Safety
From September 16th to 24th, Canada observes Child Passenger Safety Week, underscoring the significance of children’s safety in vehicles. As we navigate the roads and highways, it becomes paramount to ensure that the smallest passengers in our cars are afforded the utmost protection. Understanding the Risks Children, due to their size and developmental stages, are particularly vulnerable in car accidents. Injuries range from minor scratches to severe traumatic injuries. Some of the common injuries children face as car passengers include: Whiplash: Even in a minor fender-bender, a child’s neck can jerk forward and backward abruptly, leading to injuries. Head Injuries: A child’s head is proportionally larger compared to their body,…
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Recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Every September, the world unites in the gold ribbon movement to raise awareness about childhood cancer. The golden emblem stands as a strong reminder of the youngest members of our society bravely facing one of humanity’s toughest adversaries. As September is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, it provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations across the globe to stand in solidarity with children affected by cancer, their families, and the professionals dedicated to their care. Why the Need for Awareness? Childhood cancer, while relatively rare in comparison to adult cancer, still represents a significant concern. Every year, thousands of children are diagnosed, and the effects ripple across families, communities,…
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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…
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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 –…
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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…
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Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized as a complex neurobiological condition that impacts the function of the immune, endocrine, nervous, hepatic and gastrointestinal systems. In addition, it can also severely impact one’s social interactions and development, causing repeated behavioural patterns. The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder has grown to well over 100% in the last decade. 1 in 68 children have ASD, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed neurobiological conditions in Canada today. Autism Spectrum Disorder is caused by both environmental and genetic factors, though there has not been a definitive determination as to what, exactly, causes ASD. What is known about ASD, however, is that it can…
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Behavioural Disorders in Children
Behavioural and other types of mental health disorders don’t just affect adults. They can affect children, too. A child having the odd temper tantrum here and there, or having the inability to sit still doesn’t necessarily constitute as a behavioural disorder. However, when this type of conduct becomes persistent or worsens over time, then it may be something that needs to be addressed to determine whether or not any type of medical intervention is needed. While it’s uncommon for a child to receive a diagnosis of a behavioural disorder before the age of 5, they may begin to display certain symptoms. The most common behavioural disorders that affect children include…
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Counselling for Children
Growing up in today’s society can be difficult enough as it is, but it’s especially difficult for young children and teenagers thanks to idealizations of what it means to be “perfect” as seen on TV shows (i.e. reality shows) and in the media (such as magazine covers.) Then there’s also the issue of peer pressure. During high school (and sometimes even earlier), it’s not uncommon for teenagers to experiment with things like tobacco use, marijuana and alcohol, leaving their peers feeling as if they have no choice by to try these things in order to fit in and be liked. Aside from this peer pressure and the constant need of…
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ADHD
ADHD, also more commonly known as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children in Canada today. It is characterized by a wide variety of behavioural problems, including impulsiveness, inattention, and in some cases, even hyperactivity. It can also occur in conjecture with other health problems such as dyslexia, insomnia, and issues with anger management. There are three main behavioural changes that parents of young children should watch for. Those are restlessness, distractibility, and as mentioned previously, impulsivity. Children with ADHD are often easily distracted by things they hear, see or think, fidget and cannot sit still for long periods of time, and also tend to…
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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…