If you thought occupational therapy was just rehabilitation programs and exercises for adults in recovery from workplace or sports injuries, then think again. Occupational therapy (or OT for short) is a catch-all term for treatment strategies to help people of all ages overcome challenges, (physical or mental) to live as independently as possible. But did…
For some reason, getting kids to eat vegetables can be a challenge. Maybe it's because we want them to do it so badly. I know many parents have come up with ways to sneak the veggies in. Here is a great recipe for Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins from Vancouver-based Registered Dietician and mother, Lindsay Pleskot.…
Many kids will experience strong emotions of fear, sadness, worry, and loneliness from time to time. These strong emotions may appear at different times during their development as a result of both biological and environmental factors. Although these feelings are completely normal to experience throughout our lives, we also need to be aware whether these…
The chances are that when you were a kid, some well-meaning adult probably convinced you that eating carrots would help you to see in the dark. While you might not hear that fictitious fact too often anymore, - cos’ let’s face it, carrots won’t give you night googles any more than eating blueberries will turn…
How cavities form Plaque begins growing on teeth as soon as they start to erupt at about 6 months of age. Plaque is the soft yellow film that sticks to teeth. it is made up mainly of bacteria. It takes more time and effort than most of us give to keep our teeth free from…
The year is now one-quarter complete and those New Year’s resolution are long in the past, life coach and author Dannie De Novo has a few tips to help people succeed year-round with daily rituals. Dannie, the author of Get in a Good Mood & Stay There, says “Your good mood New Year’s resolution success will live and…
February marks Psychology Month in British Columbia, and the BC Psychological Association (BCPA) is putting on 15 free public presentations throughout the Lower Mainland in the month of February to help raise awareness of the role psychology and mental health plays in our lives. The BCPA has partnered with local libraries and the Centre for…
Starting as early as 1942, Canada's Food Guides have been part of our society working towards improving Canadians Health and Wellness. As the years went on our food guide has taken different directions to reflect the changes. This year, possibly being one of the biggest changes to that food guide format. Other Food Guide Changes No longer,…
With the dark days of winter looming upon us, it can only mean one thing: tis’ the season to get sick. And as anyone with a family knows, when flu season hits and your children are unwell, getting kids proper medical care in a timely and efficient fashion can be a real challenge. We’ve all…
It’s easy to spot a bruise on your child’s elbow or a scrape on the knee, but what about an injury inside their head? Brain injuries, such as concussion, are often referred to as “invisible” injuries because they don’t show on the outside. Even though you might not see the injury, your child will still…
As we start to settle into September and prepare for the new school year, here are my top five foods for brain health to help your kids do their best this year. 1 Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, anchovies, and trout. Fishy tasting fish might not be your child’s first choice when it…
Eye contact: Some people with autism struggle with making eye contact. This does not mean the person is not listening or attentive. Use your senses: people with autism often communicate in nonverbal ways. Some use pictures, exchange boards, or other ways. So observe and listen. Take time: Give the person a moment to process. Keep…
Preventing bullying begins at home when children are young, long before they go to school. Under the age of eight, a child’s mind is like a sponge because they don’t have the critical mind filter that adults have developed to determine what beliefs are acceptable or not. What they see, hear and feel goes straight…
Informed consent is one of those hot-button issues…but what does it mean in real terms and how does it differ from just giving permission? Consider the following real-life example: Christie was in labor with her first child when she entered a Lower Mainland hospital, birth plan in hand. The labor was progressing normally but she…
All parents want their children to thrive. From the minute they’re born, we guide them through a million milestones - and then we send them off to school. Most kids just get it - they breeze through the A, B, C’s, math equations, and general school structure without a backward glance. But every so often,…
As an orthodontist, I often come across two types of parents: one who assumes their kid's experience will be the same as theirs and another type of parent who doesn’t have the experience or knowledge they need to get the process started. No matter where you stand, I hope to ease your questions and concerns…
Trying to get a child to eat when they’re a picky eater can be stressful. When you add a food restriction to the mix, like gluten-free, feeding your child can seem like an impossible task; however, it doesn’t need to be. Kristen Yarker, a dietitian and child-feeding expert, shares practical strategies below to help you…
Last week, my teenager spilled a milkshake on his MacBook Air and I’m convinced it was on purpose. You see, he’s been lobbying for a PC because my current ability to satellite parent requires the household to be on Apple, lest I will have to come up with different parental controls. Parenting has always been…
Move More to Learn More: The Connection between exercising and education As parents, we’re all well aware that the mind and body are undeniably linked. Any new mother who has endured a sleepless night thanks to her newborn may have issues instantly recalling her breakfast from the previous day or that upcoming doctor’s appointment next Friday.…
5 Ways to Raise a Healthy & Adventurous Eater Raising an adventurous eater is all about instilling healthy eating habits and a spirit of curiosity and exploration in your child at an early age. Adventurous eaters typically have an open mind and are willing to try new things. Here are five tips for parents on…
So many parents today complain that their kids are always inside and plugged into their electronics, and never play outside with their friends like we used to when we were growing up. They are worried their young children are addicted to their Ipad and cell phone and wonder what to do. They have every right…
Getting chiropractic help for your child I did not grow up in a “chiropractic family”. I don’t think I even really thought twice about the word or profession until I was part way through my Kinesiology degree, and a student from a chiropractic college came to speak to our SFU Pre-Med group. Her description of…
Organize your electronics for a happier and healthier home If you spent 2016 lost in your electronics you’re not alone. It’s said that two thirds of Canadians own a smartphone and children average more than seven hours a day looking at screens. As 2017 starts, Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) say it is time to…
In many ways, parents are the coaches of a young child’s Brain Fitness Regimen! Like professional coaches, it is important for parents to employ physical exercises and activity which encourages and stimulates both sides of the brain. Movement and visual exercises, which cross the mid-line of the brain and systematically work both left and right hemispheres, are very important to promoting the development of…
