Did you know that 1 in every 5 Canadians are at risk of catching the flu each year? Unlike the common cold, the flu can have severe effects on your health, causing symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, and sore muscles. You can easily protect yourself and your family by getting the flu shot. The flu vaccine is safe for anyone 6 months or older.
Skin-to-skin care for babies
Skin-to-skin care begins immediately after birth when a baby is placed on the parent’s bare chest for at least an hour of close contact.
- Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth can help to stabilize the body temperature, breathing, and heart rate of the baby.
- Skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their parents is crucial for bonding.
Energy drinks and sports drinks
Although sports and caffeinated energy drinks are widely available and popular among Canadian children and youth, they can pose serious health risks. As a parent or caregiver, it’s important that you discuss the risks of using these beverages with your child.
Asthma in children and youth
Health conditions and treatments
About 1 in 10 Canadian children suffer from asthma, and around half of them have mild asthma. However, even children with mild or moderate asthma can experience severe asthma exacerbations, which are commonly called asthma attacks.
Several factors can trigger a serious exacerbation, including:
• Exposure to smoke (including smoked cannabis or vaping as well as tobacco)
• Uncontrolled asthma symptoms
• Relying too much on reliever medications.