News from AboutKidsHealth.ca

Family vacation health tips

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:44:36 EST

From packing to transportation to sunscreen: how to keep the family healthy on vacation.

How can I get my sister’s school to take bullying seriously?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:19:50 EST

My 15-year-old sister is being bullied at school even though we have discussed the problem several times with her teachers and the school principal. I now fear for my sister’s mental health and don’t know what else to do. Please help.

The hazards and benefits of eating dirt

Thu, 30 May 2013 11:27:10 EST

Although good clean dirt poses practically no hazard, a number of hidden threats in soil can harm children's growing brains and bodies.

Son is very distressed after recent hospital stay

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:04:49 EST

Our son is very anxious and distressed after a recent hospital stay and hasn’t been to school in months. How can we help him get his life back?

Teen drinking and driving: a deadly rite of passage

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:45:13 EST

FEATURE: Road accidents remain the leading cause of death among teenagers. Does your child know the dangers of drinking and driving?

Looking good, feeling better: Improving self image in teenage girls with cancer

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:43:05 EST

Teenage girls with cancer suffer appearance-related effects from the disease and its treatment. The Look Good Feel Better program can help them improve their appearance, meet others in similar situations, and become more confident.

Social determinants of health

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:19:04 EST

Why do some people have poor health? The reasons can be deep-rooted in society. Read on about how our health is socially determined.

How to buy good running shoes for your child

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:26:24 EST

Find out what makes a good running shoe and how to find the right fit for your child.

My eight-year-old's best friend is a bad influence: What should I do?

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:05:44 EST

My daughter has a best friend who influences her to lie and steal, and who doesn't want her to have any other friends. How can I help her?

From risk to resilience: Support when a parent has a mental illness

Mon, 06 May 2013 15:06:11 EST

More than one in 10 Canadian children under the age of 12 has a mentally ill parent.

How to entertain child at home

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:26:44 EST

I feel guilty about letting my child watch television while I do things around the house. Can you offer any advice?

In-laws favour one child over another

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:35:46 EST

My in-laws favour one of my children over the other. What can I do about this?

Are we overusing antibiotics?

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:37:34 EST

Overburdening our bodies with antibiotics can have harmful consequences, says one microbiology expert. Find out why and what you can do about it.

Why do I feel depressed at Christmas?

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:36:59 EST

I should feel happy at Christmas time but instead I feel depressed. Why is that and what can I do about it?

Expert voices: Helping children cope with violence in the news

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:52:09 EST

Experts discuss how to help children cope with tragic news such as the deadly school shooting in Connecticut.

Helping daughter set realistic goals

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:38:26 EST

My daughter loves trying new things but gives up when things become too challenging, or too easy. How can I help her to focus and achieve her goals?

How to handle under-age drinking over the holidays

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:40:13 EST

My husband thinks it is ok for our son to have a small glass of wine once in a while, but I don't agree. What do you think?

6 stubborn winter health myths (and 1 fact)

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:21:26 EST

Can cold air give you a cold? And other winter health tales debunked.

How to stop child from stealing

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:41:36 EST

I mind a six-year-old boy who steals from me even though I search him and tell him that stealing is wrong. How can I stop his stealing for good?

How to talk about grandson’s weight with his parents

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:56:30 EST

My 10-year-old grandson weighs 130 lbs. How can I convince his parents that this is a serious problem?

Beware: This device may be hazardous for your health

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 14:12:44 EST

Is too much screen time hurting your health? Find out how zoning out in front of the box can lead to a range of health risks.

Making a list and checking it twice: Organizing a babysitter over the holidays

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:35:35 EST

Don't let childminding dilemmas hinder your holiday plans. Use these tips to choose and prepare the right babysitter for your kids.

Daughter gets very nervous before competitions

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:57:43 EST

My daughter has recently become very nervous before dance competitions, to the point that she throws up. She still loves dancing, though, and wants to keep competing. How can I help her?

Is materialism a coping mechanism for unhappy children?

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 09:56:29 EST

Children who are unhappy are more likely to become materialistic, say researchers. Raising a happier, critically thinking child can help.

Managing your family's health: the role of health literacy

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:30:29 EST

Looking after your family's health requires lots of skills. Read on to learn how health literacy fits in to help you deal with medical information and appointments.

How to help son with regular nightmares

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:58:11 EST

My son has nightmares and sleepwalks about three times a week but seems ok the next day. Will he grow out of this or should I bring him to the doctor?

Patient Safety Week: Communication Counts

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:51:21 EST

Canadian Patient Safety Week runs from October 29 to November 2. Find out how you can help improve patient safety by sharing health information with your child.

Flu season 2012 update: Full-dose flu shot for toddlers

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:50:55 EST

Should you consider vaccinating your toddler this flu season?

How to help daughter deal with bullying from friends

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:58:47 EST

My daughter is in class with two “friends” who are bossy and have bullied her in the past. Should I pull her out of class or leave her there?

Following a vegetarian diet - veggie might?

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:40:14 EST

Are you or your family considering a vegetarian diet? These tips will help make the move to a meat-free diet as healthy as possible.

Psychosis in translation: An interplay of research and art

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:40:18 EST

Artists and mental health researchers collaborate to improve the understanding of teens living with a psychiatric disorder.

Treatment of stuttering in a socio-cultural context

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:59:54 EST

Contrary to popular myth, stuttering can't be caught - but it can be treated.

How to discipline children when parents do not live together

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:59:41 EST

My ex takes our sons every second weekend. How consistent should we be when it comes to punishments?

Autism: A mother's perspective

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:47:05 EST

Brenda's son was diagnosed with autism before the age of 3. She offers some insight into what it's like to parent a child with autism.

Food for thought on school food policy

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:40:08 EST

Learn how you can help improve your child's eating habits at school and at home.

Q&A: Dr. Maryam Rezvani on eyes, checkups, and more

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:58:07 EST

October is Eye Health Month. When was the last time your child received an eye examination?

Twelve-year-old son worries about dying and is always angry

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:00:37 EST

My 12-year-old son worries about dying and is angry. What can I do to help him?

Autism: where do we stand after 65 years of research

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:21:37 EST

Autism is considered one of the most common developmental disorders among children, but we still know very little on this condition. Read on to learn more.

Minding your health on World Mental Health Day

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:48 EST

World Mental Health Day is October 10. Find out - or rediscover - some simple steps to mind your mental health.

Kids, food, and eating: participation payoff

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:40:10 EST

Kids who help prepare food are more likely to eat it. Learn some tips to involve your children in shopping for and preparing family meals.

Something (else) to be thankful for: the mental health benefits of gratitude

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:58:23 EST

Do you make gratitude part of your family's daily routine? Read on to learn what research says about the benefits of being grateful.

Child masturbates in public

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:03:48 EST

My six-year-old daughter keeps stimulating herself in the classroom. How can I convince her to stop?

Terry Fox National School Day Run testimonials

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:07 EST

Students from two Ontario French school boards shed some light on why they participate in the annual event.

Here's to a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:40:13 EST

With Thanksgiving comes the opportunity to enjoy festive food with all the trimmings. Follow these nutrition tips for a happy, and healthy, long weekend with family and friends!

Teamwork pays off for one Toronto school

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:59:59 EST

Collectively, Laure Rièse French Elementary School achieved great things leading up to and during this year's Terry Fox National School Day Run.

What grandparents can tell us about raising children

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:57:07 EST

Canada celebrates National Seniors Day in October. One Mississauga senior shares her personal story about raising her grandson, and compares kids' lifestyle in the old days with that of today.

Get to the heart of the matter for World Heart Day

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:40:15 EST

World Heart Day is September 29. Put your heart into taking some small steps to keep you and your family healthy.

Toddler acts out a lot since starting daycare

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:04:39 EST

My toddler recently started daycare and now is whining a lot and hitting other kids. What can I do about this?

Food for thought: lunch ideas for you and your family

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:40:08 EST

A healthy lunch saves time, money, and concern about portion sizes. Make prepping lunch a family affair with these creative packed lunch ideas.

Self-management skills: teens thriving with chronic conditions

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:51:28 EST

Lindsay Junkin is young, ambitious and lives with a chronic condition. Find out how teens like Lindsay find strength in the setbacks.

Coping with childhood cancer: Dealing with diagnosis, treatment, and emotions

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:57:29 EST

Childhood cancer brings a number of physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Learn how to cope with diagnosis and treatment to ease the cancer journey.

Teenage daughter has severe sleep problems

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:05:16 EST

My teenage daughter has severe sleep problems. How can I help her without resorting to sleeping pills?

Start as you mean to finish: healthy breakfasts for school

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:40:09 EST

A balanced breakfast is one of the best ways to help your child perform well at school. Learn how to make breakfast time easier for the whole family and choose the right foods to fuel your kids for the school day ahead.

Pain management for arthritis: Using medication, movement, and the mind

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:56:37 EST

Arthritis pain can have a major impact on a child's day. Learn how you and your child can use medication, physical approaches, and mental tools to manage pain.

Leukemia: What parents need to know

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:58:53 EST

Learn the essential facts on leukemia, the most common cancer in children and teens.

Child with ill sibling acts out a lot in class

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:06:04 EST

My six-year-old student is acting out in class, perhaps because he has a sibling with muscular dystrophy. How can I help him?

Change of scene, frosh 15: weight gain at university

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:40:06 EST

Why do teens gain weight when they leave home and go to university - and can parents help? Francy the Foodie explains.

Childhood cancer: A rare and mysterious disease

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:41:11 EST

In recognition of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we thought we would uncover some facts about this rare disease. Find out more.

Daughter does not accept arrival of baby brother

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:07:20 EST

My three-year-old daughter starts acting out when we explain that she will soon have a baby brother. How can we help her adjust and stop her tantrums?

Let a little literature into your lives

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:59:28 EST

Today is Read a Book Day. What's on your bookshelf?

Breaking the rules? How family and religion influence young adults' sexual guilt

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:44 EST

Family and religion, more than ethnicity, influence feelings of sexual guilt among young Canadians. Read on to find out more.

Back-to-school brainwave: have your child make their own lunch

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:40:04 EST

Want the best back-to-school advice? Get your kids back in the kitchen to prepare their own school lunch.

Juvenile arthritis: More common than you think

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:58:47 EST

Arthritis affects children and teens as well as the elderly. In honour of National Arthritis Month, we've pulled together some facts and figures.

Anxiety and shyness at school

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:07:58 EST

Dear Dr. Pat: My 10-year-old niece is very shy and anxious at school. She is afraid to speak in class. How can her parents and I help her?

Myths and truths about water and other fluids

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:40:12 EST

If you find yourself drowning in information on healthy fluid intake, read on to discover some common myths and truths about water and other drinks.

Child pees and poos where he’s not supposed to

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:09:19 EST

My five-year-old grandson was easily potty trained but now is peeing on the walls and pooing on the carpet. What can we do about this?

Binge drinking to fit in on campus

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:56:53 EST

Students who binge drink often have higher social status, and they seem to enjoy it. But binge drinking still has negative health and social consequences.

Myths and truths about "healthy" food

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:28:39 EST

There are many "healthy" options on the path to a balanced diet. Find out which ones will lead you to your goal and which will lead you astray.

Advances in pre-natal tests: paving the way for safer and quicker diagnosis

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:28:03 EST

New technologies may allow safer and quicker pre-natal diagnosis.

How do I help my son get over his phobia of car windows?

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:10:52 EST

My eight-year-old son has a phobia about people rolling car windows up and down. How can I help him face his fears safely?

Abracadabra: Easy Summer Meals in a Flash

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:56:24 EST

Summer is a great time to explore the outdoors, so don't let meal time preparation keep you inside. Use these quick and easy meal ideas.

Myths and truths about weight control

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:33:28 EST

All that glitters isn't gold. Look beyond the hype of miracle weight loss diets by rediscovering some myths and truths about weight control.

Drug use among Ontario teens has declined

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:00:21 EST

Ontario students report less drug use, according to a recent report. Learn what types of drug use have declined and the causes behind the healthy trend.

Teens who tan: A deadly habit

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:05 EST

Young people are continuing to use indoor tanning equipment, despite the risks. Why is this happening and how can you help?

Should we beware of non-stick cookware?

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:59:09 EST

The special coating used in non-stick cookware has recently been criticized for alleged links to cancer. Is it harmful? Read on for the whole story.

Parents key to immigrant children's well-being

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 13:53:58 EST

Parental well-being and values are crucial for immigrant children's well-being. Read on to find out the factors that can harm and promote the emotional health of newcomer children.

Parents key to immigrant children's well-being

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:30:27 EST

Parental well-being and values are crucial for immigrant children's well-being. Read on to find out the factors that can harm and promote the emotional health of newcomer children.

Responding to nosiness in son with ADHD

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:11:48 EST

My eight year old son has ADHD and constantly wants to know what others are doing. How can I keep him focused?

How to prevent summer learning loss

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:59:25 EST

All students lose academic skills over the summer months. Here are some activities that will lessen your child's summer learning loss.

Children and racism: the long-term impact on health

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:57:17 EST

Children are sensitive to races and ethnicities. Learn the impact of racism on a child's health and how you can protect a child from discrimination.

Breastfeeding in Canada is gaining ground

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:04:19 EST

When it comes to infant nutrition, breast is best. Recent reports from Health Canada show more mothers are choosing to breast feed their child.

When it comes to baby sleep safety, Google with caution

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:56:44 EST

Many websites have inaccurate information about safe sleep and preventing SIDS, a new study shows.

Daughter has difficulty controlling emotions

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:13:14 EST

My four year old daughter has problems controlling her emotions, which can sometimes be scary. What can we do to help her?

Kids and eating: restriction contradiction

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:20:42 EST

Think putting "bad" foods off limits is a recipe for healthy eating? Think again. Sometimes children want the very things they cannot have.

Myths and truths about nutrients and product labels

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:40:09 EST

Many myths surround the foods we eat every day. Read on to sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to grains, nutrients, and product labels.

Kids and eating: Do as you do, not as you say

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:40:07 EST

Children often mimic their parents' behaviour. So before you dole out healthy eating advice, make sure you're leading by example first.

Cesarean section may increase diabetes risk in children: Study

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:57:11 EST

Canadian researchers find strong link between C-section delivery and the risk of a child developing type 1 diabetes.

Beating the odds: one athlete's triumph over illness

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:56:49 EST

Triathlete Andrew Yorke was faced with a sudden, life-threatening illness at the age of 19. Read more about his journey from tragedy to victory and how determination can lead to success.

Helping a child with learning difficulties

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:13:48 EST

My daughter has learning and social difficulties. How should we talk to her about this to help her feel better about herself?

Mini Olympics for mini athletes

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:59:00 EST

Get your little athletes active and excited for the London 2012 Olympic Games and plan a mini Olympics in your backyard.

Three-year-old son refuses to brush his teeth

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:14:24 EST

My three-year-old son refuses to brush his teeth even though we try to make it a fun activity for the family. Is there anything else we can do?

How to stop nail biting

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:15:11 EST

My seven-year-old daughter keeps biting her nails when she is bored or feeling anxious. How can I convince her to stop?

Summer snack ideas: fun with fruit

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:59:56 EST

Summer is a perfect time to incorporate fruit in your diet. Learn how to make healthy and creative summer snacks for the entire family.

Olympic-style behaviour: put your best food and foot forward

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:03:49 EST

Don't let TV sports viewing turn you into a couch potato. Find out how you can follow in the footsteps of Olympic athletes by choosing the right foods to fuel you and your family.

Organized sports: a winning formula for children

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:59:16 EST

Let your child do more than watch sports from the sidelines, or sofa. Find out the physical, social, and mental benefits of taking part in organized sports.

Better education reduces allergic reactions in babies with food allergies

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:56:52 EST

In the first large-scale study of its kind, researchers pinpoint common mistakes, which worsen food allergic reactions in babies.

Teaching children organizational skills

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 07:00:08 EST

Tired of a messy and chaotic house? Learn how to teach your child organizational skills.

Curiosity: The 'magic ingredient' in learning

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:57:33 EST

Studies show children become less overtly curious as they get older. Learn how you can nurture your child's natural urge to know more.

Drug use among teens spikes during summer: report

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:57:56 EST

'Tis the season to talk with your teen about drugs and alcohol. Find out why.

Fast food salad meals: a fork in the right direction?

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:32:26 EST

Salads are a popular meal item at fast food restaurants. Learn how you can make better choices when eating out.