General Health
Covering all things related to general health and well being for the whole family.
The Latest From Nutrition
Is sugar bad for kids?
Sugar is taking a devastating toll on our children’s health. Sugar hijacks the brain. When sugar hits the brain theirs a reward center, it acts in the same way a drug does: it releases a surge of dopamine that makes us feel good initially, but that lift doesn’t last. Over time, we need more and more sugar to get that same boost. This starts the cycle of cravings, and in vulnerable children, addictions are often formed.
What to Eat for Constipation
You may have heard conflicting stories about what to eat, making you remain undecided. Well, this article is here to give you guidelines on how you can remedy the situation. We will focus on the foods to eat for constipation.
How To Boost your Immune System in 6 Easy Steps
How to boost your immune system and your kids’ immune system NATURALLY. BONUS: This has a spillover effect on every area of health, including your mood! And this can make a difference for everyone in your family.
What should you do if your child doesn’t want to eat meat?
I hear from families often that their child has decided they do not want to eat meat. Sometimes it’s picky eating, sometimes it’s a profound concern for eating animals. Many children and adults have nutritious diets with no meat protein. There are certain things to keep in mind when considering a vegetarian or vegan diet, but it can be done safely and healthfully.
How true is the concept of “an apple a day…”
The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” originates from the 19th century. Apples contain many essential compounds for health and disease prevention, including fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
5 Natural Ways to Support Your Kids Immune System
We can further protect ourselves and our kids by maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. Here are five supplements that I commonly recommend to support the immune system, prevent infection, ease symptoms, and shorten a disease’s duration.
The Latest From Recipes
Nut Butter Dip – My Favourite Evening Snack
Nut butter dip is my go-to snack. Every night after the kids go to bed; I have some ‘me’ time. This is one of the easiest snacks recipes you can make. All you have to do is choose your favorite nut butter and make a creamy, lightly sweetened dip in a minute.
Need Breakfast Ideas for Toddlers?
With so many things to do and not enough time, a bowl of cereal or oatmeal seems like the best option for a quick breakfast – but they often end up being unhealthy options. It’s never too early to introduce balanced eating habits to your toddler. This post will help you create healthy breakfast ideas for toddlers, so they can start the day right and stay active.
Healthy Recipe for Oatmeal Cookies
This healthy recipe for oatmeal cookies is an incredible kids’ dessert! We know that fiber and a diet low in sugar play a critical role in kid’s nutrition. Therefore, this kids recipe is prepared with ingredients full of healthy fiber and includes only natural sweeteners.
Crunchy Strawberry Popsicles – Healthy Dessert Ideas!
These refreshingly cold sugar-free popsicles are an alluring 3-layered bite. The creamy strawberry yogurt and banana-flavored popsicle has a fun fruity crunch held in place delectably by the middle layer of white chocolate.
Edible Cookie Dough – a Healthy Snack!
Have you tried the safe edible cookie dough trend yet? Some of the recipes out there are DELICIOUS! Some companies are even making edible cookie dough commercially! But it can be quite expensive.
Baked Veggie Nuggets – a healthy dinner idea!
When kids crave a crispy snack, these Baked Veggie Nuggets are always a hit! These are great when you are looking for easy healthy dinner ideas! This is a fun trick to feed children different seasonal veggies and get them the essential vitamins and minerals they need effortlessly.
The Latest From Dental Health
I Owe My Smile to Dr. B
When I was in grade 8, like so many other kids, I got braces. Thankfully I didn’t have braces for very long, but I didn’t love the experience. I don’t think anyone does. But you know what? I am SO glad I got them. My teeth are straight, and they align well and I can eat all my favorite foods. It may have seemed like a nuisance but was worth it. Thanks Dr. B!
Why Are Kids Still Getting Cavities?
We're So Well Informed, So Why Are Kids Still Getting Cavities? We know more now more than ever about how to prevent cavities. We know we should eat healthy, clean our teeth properly and see our dentist every 6 months. Why is the incidence of cavities is on the rise?...
Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Your Child – Is A Kids Electric Toothbrush Best?
Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Your Child – Is A Kids Electric Toothbrush Best? Once again you find yourself in the Oral Health section of the grocery/pharmacy/superstore staring at row upon row of toothbrushes, feeling exasperated and overwhelmed. Which to choose...
Top 5 Ways To Prevent Tooth Decay
Top 5 Ways To Prevent Tooth Decay What is a cavity? Let’s start at the beginning…what is a cavity? By definition, a cavity is a hole or space inside something. When dentists talk about a tooth having a cavity, we are referring to the destruction of tooth structure by...
What Are Orthodontic Expanders Used For?
What Are Orthodontic Expanders Used For? “My daughter is 9 years old and her adult teeth are already crowded. Her upper back teeth also bite inside her lower back teeth. My orthodontist said this is called a crossbite, and recommended that she get an expander...
How Many Baby Teeth Before You See The Dentist? Just One!
How Many Baby Teeth Before You See The Dentist? Just One! Beyond all the noble goals listed by the AAPD (see my last blog) as reasons to establish a dental home by a child’s first birthday or first tooth, there are really two overriding good reasons to bring your...
The Latest From Your Body
How Much Vitamin D Do You Need? Which Vitamin D Supplement is Best?
How Much Vitamin D Do You Need? The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Pediatric Society say babies and children should get at least 400-600 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day. Most babies, kids, and adults do not get this much vitamin D.
What is Reactive Airway Disease and What Causes Asthma?
When parents hear the term asthma, they are often fearful that their child will have a serious, life-long illness that may lead to frequent hospitalizations and long-term medication use. Most children with reactive airway disease (commonly referred to as asthma) are healthy children with recurrent coughing or wheezing episodes.
What is Baby Eczema? Why Does my Child have Dry Patches of Skin?
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is red, inflamed, and dry skin. Parents usually notice dry patches of skin that become irritated, itchy, and red. Eczema affects 10-20% of children and is the most common skin condition in children. Atopic dermatitis is especially troublesome during dry and cold weather.
What to do for Baby Eczema and Dry Skin
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common condition in babies and children. It causes the skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed. Approximately 10-20% of children have atopic dermatitis in their lifetime. There is no known cure for eczema, but there are many strategies you can take to improve your baby’s dry skin.
Dry patches of skin and baby Eczema
Eczema is dry skin that becomes inflamed. Parents usually describe eczema in their children and babies as dry patches of skin. The skin may be scaly and rough, and the skin becomes red, irritated, and itchy. Eczema is the most common skin problem in kids, affecting 20% of all kids.
Ingrown Fingernails – Everything Parents Need to Know
Ingrown fingernails occur when the nail grows into the layer of skin around it. If the nail appears to be pushing into the skin or curving downward, it may be an ingrown nail. Nails that ingrow can lead to ingrown fingernail swelling and pain. If they persist, they can lead to an ingrown fingernail infection.
The Latest From Healthy Sleep
How to Potty Train at Night – Potty Training Tips for Bedtime
Many parents think that once a child is potty trained in the day and goes without diapers, they will magically hold their urine all night. I do not believe in “night training,” especially in toddlerhood. Your child may have the ability to hold their urine and their stool during the day, but once they sleep, all bets are off.
5 Tips to Get Your Child’s Sleep Schedule Back on Track for School
5 Tips to Get Your Child’s Sleep Schedule Back on Track for School School is fast approaching once again, which means relaxed summer time schedules are coming to an end. Now is a great time to start getting your child back on a regular sleep schedule and routine so...
‘Why Cant I Sleep?’ – Electronic Devices May Be To Blame
‘Why Cant I Sleep?’ – Electronic Devices May Be To Blame Routines are an excellent way to help make the transition from being awake, to falling asleep. For infants and children, a typical bedtime routine should last approximately 20-30 minutes. Don’t be afraid to...
How To Get Good Sleep Over The Holidays
How to Get Good Sleep Over the Holidays With the holiday season quickly approaching, how to get good sleep can be an important factor. With all the special events and visiting that families may partake in, it's not unusual for parents to worry about how to get good...
5 Things To Help You Sleep Soundly Even When Your Toddler Wants To Climb Out Of The Crib
5 Things To Help You Sleep Soundly Even When Your Toddler Wants To Climb Out Of The Crib Many parents are quick to transition their toddlers from crib to bed the minute their little one either attempts or succeeds in climbing out of the crib. Once your toddler...
Lovey Love – Encouraging a Healthy Sleep Transition Object
Lovey Love – Encouraging a Healthy Sleep Transition Object A lovey, or a transitional object, is a blankie, doll or stuffed toy that a child attaches to for comfort. It becomes their beloved companion, and will be dragged everywhere the child goes. Lovies become an...
The Latest From Health Care
What Do We Know About the Kid Vaccine for COVID-19?
Currently, only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved by Health Canada for children 12 years of age and older. Health Canada has not approved the vaccine for children younger than 12 years of age. Clinical trials of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in children aged 6 months to 11 years are currently underway.
What Is Phimosis
What Is Phimosis An uncircumcised penis is covered by a ring of tissue called the foreskin. This tissue is usually loose and is able to slide over the penis to cover and uncover the glans (head of the penis). If the foreskin is too tight, it can close causing...
Flu Shot or Nasal Spray – Which to Choose?
Flu Shot or Nasal Spray - Which to Choose? We can't deny that viral season is upon us. My office and emergency room is filled with children and parents with runny noses, coughs, fevers and fatigue. Many worry it's the dreaded enterovirus-68, with fear over respiratory...
Understanding Developmental Coordination Disorder
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a chronic motor skills disorder that impairs a child's ability to perform everyday tasks. Here's what you ought to know. As a pediatric physiotherapist, I get to spend most of my day cuddling cute babies and playing in a...
Inner Ear Problems? From Ear Wax?
How Can I Get Rid Of Stubborn Ear Wax? In my experience, there are two types of parents in the world: those that could care less about their kid’s waxy ears, and those that despise ear wax and perseverate on the sticky stuff. I am asked at least once a day how to get...
Dyslexia In Adults
What is Dyslexia in Adults As dyslexia is becoming more discussed in the media, you may commonly see dyslexia in adults portrayed in an increasingly positive light. Some of history’s greatest inventors, entrepreneurs, artists, and architects have been dyslexic. At...
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