What do we know? Molluscum contagiosum is the name of a virus that causes a distinctive skin rash. The rash consists of individual bumps on the skin that are flesh coloured and raised. What makes them unique is that each bump, or lesion, has a dimple in the center like a belly button. These lesions are called umbilicated. They are usually tiny, 1-2 mm in diameter, although they can be larger. The virus is found only on the skin surface, and so there are no symptoms of coughing, bowel changes, headaches or other problems that occur with most viruses. As[Read more...]
Moms, Grandmothers, Step Moms, Aunties, Foster Moms, Neighbourhood Moms, so many different Mom-figures in the lives of our children and teens. THANK YOU! You are the foundation and touchstone in the lives of all of us – your children that live with you, and the ones that live away. If you have lost a child, your grief may be especially strong today, but we honour you and the love and care you gave. The love of mom is one of the greatest gifts a child can receive. We hope you are spoiled in ways large and small today, by your[Read more...]
I wanted to do so much more with these Johnathon diaries, I had big dreams. But it’s not all bad I didn’t, we were just busy, you know, living life. And now instead of moving forward with the Johnathon diaries, it’s time to end them. Three weeks ago today to be exact, Johnathon passed away, after a long 7 week hospital stay, 6 of them being in the ICU . I knew one day he would have to leave me. I thought I would know when, and how, and how I would be after. Never in all my thinking was he only[Read more...]
Hi, everyone. I’m Allison. (“Hi, Allison!”) I’m here today because I have a problem. I have “Mom guilt”. And I need help. I’ve always prided myself on being a laid-back, easygoing person. Definitely not your Type A personality. My shoes and boots aren’t in perfect pairs inside my front door. I have no less than 3 novels on the go at one time. I squeeze the toothpaste tube from the middle. Every. Time. And “guilt” was NOT previously a word in my personal vocabulary. Then I became a mother. Twice. At first, I thought I was being irrational due[Read more...]
The warm weather is finally here! Here’s your quick refresher on what you need to remember about sunshine and sunscreen for your children and teens: 1. Choose an SPF between 15 and 50, and make sure it says “broad-spectrum” on the label. Anything higher than “SPF 50+” can tempt you to stay in the sun too long, suppressing sunburn while other harmful skin damage continues. Stick to SPF 15-50 with UVA and UVB protection. 2. Apply sunscreen liberally and frequently. Reapply after swimming and vigorous exercise. Sunscreen chemicals break apart in the sun, wash off, and rub off on fabric.[Read more...]
What is pink eye and conjunctivitis? Pink eye and conjunctivitis refer to the same thing – infection or inflammation of the thin, clear membrane around your eye that covers the white part of your eye, or your eyeball. Tiny blood vessels in this membrane become inflamed, which causes the pink colour in the white of the eye. What are the different types of pink eye? Pink eye can be categorized in two groups: highly contagious, and non-contagious. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious. It is spread by hand-to-eye contact, when hands come into contact with the infection by touching[Read more...]
What do we know? Every year, the common cold is one of the main (some say the main) reasons that children miss school and adults miss work. There are more than 200 viruses that cause colds. The most common is rhinovirus, which was first discovered in 1956 . There are more than 100 strains of rhinovirus! Viruses are simple microorganisms that infect cells, multiply within the cells, and cause disease. Other viruses responsible for the common cold include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza viruses and metapneumoviruses. How do you catch a cold? In order for a cold virus to spread, it must[Read more...]
What are cold sores? Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are a very common childhood illness that is caused by a viral infection. The virus causes the sores that appear as small raised, red blisters that develop on and around the mouth and lips. The blisters can be filled with fluid that may break open and leak, which then crusts over resulting in the sore. The blisters appear grouped or develop in patches. The virus that causes cold sores is very contagious, and is easily spread from person to person though direct contact, such as kissing. Unfortunately there is no[Read more...]
Today, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day – a day when people come together to share stories and help spread awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When we talk about spreading awareness, we’re talking about helping to educate and inform others about ASD, which in turn helps to make our communities more inclusive for both people on the spectrum and the families that love them. Here are a few quick autism facts: ASD can affect a person’s communicate, socialize, and engage with their environment. When people refer to the “spectrum” they refer to the fact that a person with autism can demonstrate[Read more...]
Reye syndrome is a very rare, but serious condition that was first discovered by an Australian pathologist named R. Douglas Reye, who came across the illness in 1963. It is characterized by sudden brain and liver damage after the administration of aspirin to children and teenagers who are infected with a viral illness. While it can affect all organs of the body it seems to injury the liver and brain most severely. Reye syndrome is most commonly seen in children and teenagers aged 4 to 14 years old, although it can occur at any age. Cases of Reye syndrome have become[Read more...]
