Health and Safety
Canadian Paediatric Society Recommends Risky Play for Kids
The Canadian Paediatric Society has released a new recommendation regarding the importance of risky play in a child’s development—and the statement may surprise parents and caregivers. The recommendation says that unstructured play, particularly outdoor risky play, has a crucial role in the physical, mental, and social development of children. Here’s how you can keep children protected and safe during “risky play”.
Buying second-hand products?
These Health Canada resources will help you avoid dangerous second-hand items.
Summer Safety
Here are some important reminders for keeping children safe during the hot summer months, while promoting the healthy benefits of outdoor play!
Heatstroke Prevention Safety Tips
Did you know that heatstroke can be deadly and requires immediate medical attention? An average of 38 children die each year in hot cars, so it's important to be prepared and take action. This Heatstroke Prevention Safety Tips poster can help.
Fun No-Equipment Outdoor Game Ideas
Here are some tried-and-true outdoor game ideas that don't require any equipment. The list includes traditional games, fun variations on old-time favourites, and some new activities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor games for a big group or just a few, this list is a great go-to guide for fun active outdoor games that you can set up on the spur of the moment, no gear or equipment necessary!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
When children experiencing emotional distress receive support from caring adults in their lives, they’re better able to build a strong foundation for emotional well-being. For Mental Health Awareness Month, Sesame Workshop has launched a new set of resources to support children experiencing emotional distress. The new resources include animated videos, Sesame Street Muppet videos, printables, a digital storybook, and more.
The Newcomer Health Hub
Although Canada is a global leader in refugee resettlement, we still have room to improve in meeting the unique and complex health challenges experienced by newcomers. To raise awareness about the unique health and social challenges at a local and national level, three medical students at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry have started an online resource centre that provides culturally-specific health information for newcomers and refugees to Canada. The Newcomer Health Hub is a resource for community members and frontline healthcare workers looking to treat, advocate for, and empower newcomers to Canada. It provides evidence-based, culturally competent resources to promote impactful interactions between newcomer patient populations and the health care system.
May is Food Allergy Awareness Month
May is Food Allergy Awareness Month in Canada and there are many exciting things we have planned this month to increase awareness and education of food allergy across the country. Food allergy is one of the leading causes of potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and a public health concern in Canada, especially among children. This year’s theme is debunking myths and misinformation about asthma and allergies, including what causes them and how to treat them. Kids with Food Allergies has resources and tools you can use to spread awareness during May and all year long.
Hazards in a Childcare Centre
Keeping children and caregivers safe is a key responsibility of any early years program. It involves education, supervision, and safe-proofing the environment! It is simply impossible to watch all children all the time, so hazard identification and elimination becomes a key part of the strategy. Here is a guide to help you identify the common and not so common hazards so you can make your program safer for everyone.
Our Kids’ Health is a Website for Diverse Parents
Our Kids' Health shares evidence-based health information that is translated and adapted to help diverse parents and caregivers make the right decisions for the health of their families. It's a great resource for you to encourage newcomer parents to explore to support their children's well-being. Topics include nutrition, mental health, all in one place!