Children

When summer hits, heat waves are never far behind! If you see the thermometer hovering around 30°C, you know it is time to take extra precautions to avoid heatstroke.

Childhood obesity is a problem that is growing at an alarming rate. To illustrate this point, here are a few rather troubling statistics.

As a mom, you are bound to have a few questions when you start your baby on solid foods. To help you, here is a sample menu for youngsters 9 to 12 months. Remember that the amount your baby eats will vary. Each baby is different. This is only a guide.

The Canadian Paediatric Society, Health Canada and the Dietitians of Canada recommend starting solids when your baby is around 6 months old. While the exact timing may vary from one infant to the next, your baby’s level of development should provide a few clues.

Did you know that the release of growth hormones in children occurs primarily at the night? That’s not all! Read this article to learn more about the benefits of a good night’s sleep for your little ones.

When the body is exposed to cold for an extended period of time, the blood vessels constrict and circulation slows. As a result, the extremities (ears, nose, hands and feet) begin to freeze.

Children are in close contact with many people and objects, making them more susceptible to gastroenteritis (the stomach flu). Due to the dehydration it causes, gastroenteritis can have serious consequences, especially for infants.

You’ve just noticed that your child has head lice? No need to panic! At your drugstore, you’ll find effective products that eliminate lice easily and quickly. Here are the steps involved:

At the start of every new school year, the topic of head lice resurfaces! While we may dread these little critters, they are actually quite harmless. How do you get rid of them once they have invaded your child’s scalp? Pharmacist Charles Milliard has the answer!

The school has just sent you a notice advising you that a head lice outbreak has been reported. Oh joy, oh bliss! Read this article to find out everything you need to know about the spread, prevention and treatment of this dreaded plague.

All of us, at times, feel fidgety or struggle to concentrate or restrain our impulses. Children with an Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity (ADHD), face these problems every day!

Remember that the amount your baby eats will vary. Each baby is different. This is only a guide.

One of the most amazing parts of having a baby is watching him change and grow during the first year. And while you want to give him the world, there are a few things you should hold off on.

Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages from the eyes and the ears.

Did you know that an estimated 90 percent of the population has been in contact with the herpes virus? Given this statistic, one has to wonder whether cold sores can ever be prevented.

For years now and still today, breast milk has been recognized as an excellent, complete and optimal source of nutrition for newborns.

In February 2010, four major professional health associations, including the Canadian Paediatric Society, recommended the use of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) growth charts to adequately monitor children’s growth.

March is Pharmacy Awareness Month. When it comes to medication , pharmacists are THE leading expert on the subject.

The role of the tonsils is to produce antibodies to fight infections. When the tonsils themselves become infected, however, they cannot do their job well. This condition is known as “tonsillitis.” Tonsillitis generally occurs in children between the ages of 3 and 7, because their tonsils are larger.

Once again this year, cold and flu season will soon come knocking at our door. We can never stress this enough: preventing infections is your best defence against illnesses of all kinds, from the most benign to the most unpleasant.

During his latest health segment on “2 filles le matin,” our pharmacist, Charles Milliard, answered a few questions from teenagers.

Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes family. It is also known as “glandular fever” because it leads to swelling of the lymph glands.

Children are born with natural immunity that protects them from certain diseases, but this immunity gradually fades during the first year of life. When children are vaccinated, they receive long-lasting protection against many serious, even life-threatening, illnesses.

With the advent of fall and the return to our regular routine comes flu and cold season. Preventing these viral and bacterial infections is, without a doubt, your best line of defence!

Your child fell and scraped his knee? You cut your finger while chopping vegetables? Even minor injuries need the right bandage. Here are a few tips on using them well.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes disruptions in the normal electric functions of the brain. In Canada, one person out of 100 has epilepsy. It is therefore a relatively prevalent health problem, whose exact causes remain unknown.

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines causing vomiting and diarrhea. It is highly contagious and extremely common, especially among children. Gastroenteritis generally lasts one to three days, but full recovery often takes a bit longer.

The pinworm infection is the most common parasitic ailment to affect North American children. While they rarely cause complications, pinworms are nevertheless difficult to detect. That is why it is important to better understand this parasite in order to recognize and treat it quickly and efficiently.

Infant diaper rash is a common inflammation of the skin causing redness generally located in the lower abdomen, buttocks and genital areas. All diapers – both cloth and disposable – create a warm, moist environment around the area they cover and keep urine and feces in contact with the skin for prolonged periods of time. These conditions can lead to skin irritation. Left untreated, diaper rash can turn into an infection.

An ear infection (otitis) is an inflammation of the ear, which can occur during any time of year. However, some people, such as avid swimmers, can suffer from recurring ear infections…

Synonymous with the everyday expression “bedwetting,” this medical term refers to the fact of unconsciously and involuntarily passing urine during sleep. This form of incontinence mainly affects young children, but can persist right up to adolescence.

Constipation is a frequent problem that is usually minor and temporary. It affects people of all ages, but is more common among children and seniors. In addition, women are three times more likely than men to experience constipation.

Health Canada has recently announced a decision that will require manufacturers to modify the labelling on certain cough and cold medications for children. Until this relabelling takes place, your pharmacist recommends the following.

While there are occasionally fresh outbreaks of declared cases of measles, the disease is much less common today, thanks to immunization. Measles is caused by the 'paramyxovirus,' which spreads through airborne particles (as a result of sneezing or coughing), direct contact (with nose or throat discharge of an infected person) or indirect contact.

A highly contagious and common disease, chickenpox (varicella) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It can be passed on through direct contact with the blisters of an infected person, but also through the respiratory tract (airborne droplets). Chickenpox is often associated with childhood, and with reason. In fact, 90% of those who contract the illness are under the age of 10.