Asking kids how they feel
New paediatric cancer care research shows that to reduce symptom burden its best to regularly ask kids with cancer to share their feelings. Using an interactive screening tool and web app, speedy symptom resolution was measured. Symptome like feeling sad, worried, having physical discomforts, nausea or constipation were tracked to successfully empower parents and children to make informed care decisions.
Source: Hospital for Sick Children
Ask a dentist
Q) How can I break my baby’s habit of going to bed with a bottle of milk?
A)Water in a bottle is the only safe liquid for teeth at nap or bed time. Gradually dilute the formula until there is only water in the bottle.
Source: Healthy Smiles
Reducing ableism in paediatric care
Recognizing that ableism or discrimination towards children with disabilities led two bereaved mums of children with complex medical conditions to develop a series of five virtual parent led academic Grand Rounds. Designed to tackle disability bias in care for kids and teenagers, the Family Led Grand Academic Rounds (FLAG) will start in 2025 linked to curriculum for medical trainees, doctors, nurses and social workers.
Source: thebluebirdway.org
Heart healthy eating barriers
The cost of fresh produce isn’t the only factor that researchers have identified as a challenge for low resourced clients. Recommendations for a more equitable approach include simplified education tools, use of culturally relevant foods in dietary plans, access to community gardens and policies that offer subsidies on healthy foods.
Source: The Conversation
1 in 4 denied daycare
One in ten parents of children with disabilities say they’ve been refused childcare for their son or daughter as a result of their condition. It rose to 1 in 4 for parents of children living with physical or emotional disabilities.
Source: Statcan
Can video games help?
Specifically ‘gamified’ digital mental health interventions have been shown to moderately benefit kids with anxiety, depression and ADHD, according to a new study by doctors at Johns Hopkins. Gaming also releases feel good chemicals which can help with depression and anxiety.
Concerned about housing?
Nine out of ten Canadians surveyed are worried about housing costs. And, more than half of young Canadians between the ages of eighteen and thirty-four who would have liked to have children have delayed or forgone their plans due to our national housing crisis says recent national research.
Source: Canadian Real Estate Association/Abacus
Images: CanStock
