| Nutrition: How a balanced diet and healthy eating habits can help your child's mental health | Nutrition: How a balanced diet and healthy eating habits can help your child's mental health | Nutrition: How a balanced diet and healthy eating habits can help your child's mental health | N | English | Nutrition | Baby (1-12 months);Toddler (13-24 months);Preschooler (2-4 years);School age child (5-8 years);Pre-teen (9-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Healthy living and prevention | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2016-07-18T04:00:00Z | | Sharon Alexander, BSc, BEd, MEd;Suneeta Monga, MD, FRCPC | | | | 9.30000000000000 | 61.6000000000000 | 1058.00000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Find out which nutrients and routines can help with your child's mental wellbeing.</p> | <p>As a parent, you are in a powerful and unique position to decide how your child eats every day. You also have the power to role model healthy behaviour and attitudes around eating, body image, and lifestyle choices. These are all healthy habits that can serve as a foundation in lifelong health for your child.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Your child should eat regular recommended servings of a variety of whole foods when possible.</li>
<li>Prepare meals together. Kids can take on different roles as they get older. It’s a great way to teach them about where food comes from and valuable cooking skills.</li>
<li>Eat together as a family when you can. Eating as a family can help increase self-esteem and connectedness.</li>
<li>Role model positive body image attitudes and behaviours around healthy eating and living.</li>
<li>Please see your doctor if you have concerns about your child’s behaviours and attitudes around eating and body image.</li>
</ul> | <h2>What does a healthy diet look like?</h2><p>A healthy diet consists of regular, recommended servings of snacks and meals made up of mostly whole foods (foods that have not been highly processed). It is important to consume a balance of macronutrients (<a href="/Article?contentid=1443&language=English">carbohydrates</a>, healthy
<a href="/Article?contentid=1445&language=English">fats</a>, and
<a href="/Article?contentid=1444&language=English">protein</a>) and micronutrients (<a href="/Article?contentid=1453&language=French">vitamins and minerals</a>). Your child should also consume an acceptable range of calories for their growth stage and activity level. </p><p>A balanced diet means that most of your child’s nutrition comes from the four food groups in Canada’s Food Guide:
<a href="/Article?contentid=1437&language=English">vegetables and fruit</a>,
<a href="/Article?contentid=1438&language=English">grain products</a>,
<a href="/Article?contentid=1439&language=English">milk and alternatives</a> and
<a href="/Article?contentid=1440&language=English">meat and alternatives</a>. Together, these foods provide essential nutrients for brain health, including
<a href="/Article?contentid=1449&language=English">folate</a>, <a href="/Article?contentid=1446&language=English">vitamin B12</a>, vitamin C,
<a href="/Article?contentid=1450&language=English">iron</a> and omega 3 fatty acids.</p><h3>The value of whole foods over processed foods</h3><p>The brain and body work best when blood sugar levels remain steady throughout the day. Eliminating highs and lows in blood sugar levels can help eliminate ups and downs in your child’s mood and energy levels. The best way to do this is for your child to eat a diet rich in whole foods such as vegetables, fruit and whole grains. These are great sources of
<a href="/Article?contentid=964&language=English">fibre</a>, which helps to promote feelings of fullness. Highly processed foods, on the other hand, are best viewed as an occasional treat. Their refined sugars can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then fall rapidly. This sudden drop in blood sugar can result in less long-term energy for your busy child. They are also less likely to help your child feel full and could create further cravings for sugary foods and drinks.</p><h2>Meal and snack ideas for a balanced diet</h2><ul><li>
<strong>Breakfast</strong> is a vital meal to fuel your child for the day ahead. If they are not interested in cereal or toast, try giving them breakfast wraps or yogurt and fruit.</li><li>
<strong>Packed lunches</strong> offer a great opportunity to try out a variety of foods. Include small portions of different foods that are easy to pack and not too messy. Paying attention to what comes home at the end of the day will help you understand the foods your child may need to be encouraged to try, or may simply dislike. If you do not have time to pack a lunch some days and are sending your child to school with lunch money, be sure to discuss healthy options for <a href="/Article?contentid=1466&language=English">eating outside the home</a>, for example choosing dishes with lots of vegetables and lean protein such as stir fries, salads, sandwiches or soups.</li><li><strong>Dinner</strong> can be as simple as necessary, once you aim to include vegetables and a source of lean protein. Planning, cooking and eating with your family can make dinnertime a more fulfilling experience.</li><li><strong>Snacks</strong> are important to have on hand for children of all ages. Remember that availability often drives snack selection, so try to stack your cupboard full of nutritious food.</li></ul><p>The AboutKidsHealth Nutrition Resource Centre has a range of sample meal plans for
<a href="/Article?contentid=1460&language=English">toddlers</a>,
<a href="/Article?contentid=1460&language=English">pre-schoolers</a>,
<a href="/Article?contentid=1464&language=English">school-age children</a> and
<a href="/Article?contentid=1464&language=English">teens</a>.</p><h2>Developing positive eating habits</h2><h3>Planning and preparing meals</h3><p>You can help your child appreciate the benefits of a balanced diet by encouraging them to plan, shop and prepare meals with you.
<a href="/Article?contentid=1465&language=English">Involving your kids in mealtime tasks</a> will help them learn to shop smartly, understand
<a href="/article?contentid=1455&language=English">food safety</a> and appreciate the effort that goes into creating family meals. You can also use this opportunity to teach your child about balance. While most of their diet should be rich in nutrients, it is also ok to have some treats now and then. The less control you feel you need to exert over food, the healthier your attitude – and that of your children – towards food.</p><h3>Eating as a family</h3><p>Sharing a meal with those closest to you is a great way to strengthen family bonds. Relaxed and routine
<a href="/article?contentid=1465&language=English">family mealtimes</a> help your child develop good habits at the dinner table and offer a way to share the highs and lows of their day. The opportunity to share laughter and support if needed can give kids a more positive outlook on life, boost their communication skills and improve their self-esteem. These all lead to improved performance in school and lower the incidence of weight issues and substance abuse.</p><h2>Encouraging a healthy body image</h2><p>Children and teens are often exposed to a constant stream of images and messages about physical appearance. With such highly publicised but narrow standards of beauty, it is hard to escape the idea that one should look a certain way. In some cases, the negative feelings associated with not looking the way they “should” can lead a child to develop an eating disorder such as
<a href="/Article?contentid=268&language=English">anorexia</a>,
<a href="/Article?contentid=282&language=English">bulimia</a> or <a href="/Article?contentid=277&language=English">binge eating disorder</a>.</p><p>As a parent, you can help your child
<a href="/Article?contentid=625&language=English">feel good about their body</a> and what they eat by talking about diet trends, false information, peer pressure and media influences. You can also model a good body image yourself, for example by:</p><ul><li>snacking on nuts, vegetables and fruit instead of highly processed foods</li><li>avoiding talk about dieting or comments on your own or others’ weight</li><li>encouraging your child to treat food as fuel for a
<a href="/Article?contentid=642&language=English">healthy, active and strong body</a>.</li></ul><p>If you are concerned about your child’s behaviour and attitude towards eating and their own body image, please speak to your doctor.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Nutrition_how_a_balanced_diet.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Nutrition_how_a_balanced_diet.jpg | Nutrition and mental health | | |
| Reading and writing milestones | Reading and writing milestones | Reading and writing milestones | R | English | Developmental | Preschooler (2-4 years);School age child (5-8 years);Pre-teen (9-12 years) | NA | NA | Healthy living and prevention | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2013-09-24T04:00:00Z | | Janine Flanagan, MD | | | | 7.90000000000000 | 65.1000000000000 | 1296.00000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Find out what reading and writing tasks a child can normally complete at different ages.</p> | <p>Once children start speaking, they move on to develop reading skills and later writing skills. This page describes the typical reading and writing achievements for a child at different grade levels from kindergarten to Grade 3.</p><p>The "milestones" below are a general guide. Not all children learn at the same pace.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Your child will go through a range of steps, or "milestones" as they develop their reading and writing skills. Not all children learn at the same pace.</li>
<li>You can help your child develop their skills by asking them about the ideas they are reading about, sounding out letters in print and reading many different materials together.</li>
<li>Other ways to support your child include praising them for their successes, keeping track of their progress and asking teachers for help if necessary.</li>
</ul> | <h2>Reading skills </h2>
<p>Children are eager learners and can develop their reading skills in a number of ways. You can help your child when they first learn to read and write by talking to them about the ideas they are reading about. This helps them build their comprehension skills and engage more fully with what they are reading. Over time, and with regular practice, your child will develop fluency in reading and learn to think more deeply about the stories or information that they read. </p>
<h3>By the end of Senior Kindergarten (SK)</h3>
<p>By the end of SK, your child should be able to:</p>
<ul>
<li>identify most letters of the alphabet</li>
<li>recognize that words consist of beginning, middle and final sounds</li>
<li>start matching written words to spoken words and seeing relationships between sounds and letters</li>
<li>know most of the basic sound-letter associations</li>
<li>read labels and familiar signs and break up and sound out simple words</li>
<li>use word order and knowledge of sounds to identify and predict the next word in simple text</li>
<li>start experimenting with reading and says words out loud when reading</li>
<li>use pictures on the page or screen to help them understand the meaning of words</li>
<li>ask lots of questions about their world and what they would like to learn.</li>
</ul>
<h3>By the end of Grade 1 (age 6 to 7)</h3>
<p>By the end of Grade 1, your child should be able to:</p>
<ul>
<li>recognize many words</li>
<li>know how to make sense of words</li>
<li>be willing to try reading new things</li>
<li>adapt their reading to different types of reading materials, such as comics, books or emails.</li>
</ul>
<h3>By the end of Grade 3 (age 8 to 9) </h3>
<p>By the end of Grade 3, your child should be able to:</p>
<ul>
<li>use context, a dictionary and phonics (breaking a word into syllables) to figure out unfamiliar words</li>
<li>use punctuation to help understand what they read</li>
<li>tell fact from fiction</li>
<li>read a variety of fiction and non-fiction books</li>
<li>read aloud clearly and with expression</li>
<li>identify and restate the main idea in a story and cite supporting details</li>
<li>identify and describe some elements of stories, such as the plot, central idea, characters and setting</li>
<li>enjoy reading and do it out of choice</li>
<li>predict events in a story</li>
<li>connect ideas and experiences in print to their own knowledge and experience</li>
<li>understand that media are used for different purposes, for example to educate, convey a message or sell something.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Writing skills </h2>
<p>Writing skills fall into two broad categories. The first is the mechanics of writing, such as holding a pencil or making the shapes of letters. The second is written expression, which means using written language to communicate ideas. There is an important difference between the two categories: for example, a child might be able to make letter shapes but still be unable to clearly express ideas in writing.</p>
<p>If your child has any problems with writing, note whether they relate to the mechanics or expression. This will affect the type of help that would most benefit your child.</p>
<h3>By the end of Senior Kindergarten (SK)</h3>
<p>By the end of SK, your child should be able to: </p>
<ul>
<li>show they understand that text is written left to right, words have spaces between them and words have capital and lowercase letters</li>
<li>print most letters of the alphabet</li>
<li>print their own name, names of family members and some short words, for example "cat" and "dad"</li>
<li>use a variety of tools to communicate, including crayons, paper, the computer, chalkboard and markers</li>
<li>contribute words or sentences to a class story written down by the teacher</li>
<li>write messages using a combination of pictures, symbols, letters and phonics (letters to present sounds).</li>
</ul>
<h3>By the end of Grade 1 (age 6 to 7)</h3>
<p>By the end of Grade 1, your child should be able to:</p>
<ul>
<li>use phonics to decode or spell unfamiliar words</li>
<li>write simple but complete sentences</li>
<li>correctly form the plural of single-syllable words</li>
<li>use periods, commas and capitals when writing</li>
<li>correctly spell words that have been identified by the teacher on charts or lists in the room or on individual word lists</li>
<li>use capitals to begin sentences and to distinguish names, days of the week or months of the year</li>
<li>print clearly</li>
<li>leave spaces between words when writing.</li>
</ul>
<h3>By the end of Grade 3 (age 8 to 9)</h3>
<p>By the end of Grade 3, your child should be able to:</p>
<ul>
<li>use correct subject-verb agreement when writing</li>
<li>use nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs correctly</li>
<li>use irregular plurals correctly such as deer, children</li>
<li>use apostrophes in contractions, for example cannot = can't</li>
<li>use exclamations</li>
<li>use phonics (letter sounds) and spelling rules when spelling</li>
<li>use different sources to check how to spell unfamiliar words</li>
<li>divide words into syllables</li>
<li>use prefixes, suffixes and compound words</li>
<li>use titles and subheadings to organize writing</li>
<li>print words clearly and start to use cursive writing (handwriting) instead of printing.</li>
</ul>
<p>If your child is having trouble mastering these skills, talk to their teacher to discuss a plan of action. This might include further evaluation with a psychologist or other support in or beyond the classroom.</p>
<h2>How to help your child with reading and writing </h2>
<h3>Talk to your child from an early age.</h3>
<p>Sound out letters in print, ask your child questions about their ideas and give them time to think of an answer before they reply.</p>
<h3>Get your child into the habit of understanding what they read.</h3>
<p>Ask your child questions about a story you are reading together, for example, "Why is this happening?" or "What might happen next?"</p>
<p>Allow your child time to figure out a word they do not know or to recognize a mistake in their reading. Good tactics include sounding out the word, looking at pictures or re-reading the words before and after the difficult word.</p>
<h3>Read every day.</h3>
<p>Read traffic, store and restaurant signs, food labels, flyers, instructions or advertisements with your child. Write shopping lists and telephone messages, and write the date and time of appointments and activities on a family calendar. You could also read and write greeting cards, thank you notes, letters, emails and text messages together. Having your child practise printing, cursive handwriting or using a keyboard is fine.</p>
<h3>Make it fun, make it matter.</h3>
<p>Talk to your child about the things they would like to read about. Choose different reading materials together, for example fiction and non-fiction books, newspapers, comics, baseball game cards, jokes or even song lyrics. Ask your child why an author might have written a story or if all the characters are represented fairly. This will help your child think more deeply about what they read and apply it to their own experience.</p>
<h2>How to support your child as they develop their reading and writing skills</h2>
<ul>
<li>Praise your child for their successes.</li>
<li>Do not dwell on mistakes.</li>
<li>Encourage your child to ask a teacher for help.</li>
<li>Help your child keep track of how they are doing.</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/reading_writing_milestones.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/reading_writing_milestones.jpg | Family Literacy Day, January 27 | Find out the typical reading and writing milestones. | |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors | Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors | Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors | S | English | NA | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Healthy living and prevention | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2013-07-08T04:00:00Z | | Elly Berger, BA, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, MHPE | | | | 8.00000000000000 | 60.0000000000000 | 842.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Information about buying, installing and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.</p> | <p>In many countries, including Canada, having smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house is the law. The reason is simple: these alarms save lives.</p><h3>Danger of smoke</h3><p>Many house fires occur at night. If there is no smoke detector, those sleeping in the house may not notice the fire and will be overwhelmed by smoke. A working smoke detector can wake the family before it is too late.</p><h3>Danger of carbon monoxide</h3><p>Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odorless gas. It is produced by burning fuels such as gas, wood, oil and coal. Most homes have an appliance that runs on one of these fuels. If the appliance is not vented properly or is not working properly, the house can fill with carbon monoxide.</p><p>At first, carbon monoxide poisoning gives symptoms similar to those of the
<a href="/Article?contentid=763&language=English">flu</a>: fatigue,
<a href="/Article?contentid=29&language=English">headaches</a>, dizziness,
nausea or <a href="/Article?contentid=746&language=English">vomiting</a> and shortness of breath. After a few minutes, carbon monoxide can cause you to black out, resulting in serious, permanent damage to the body. Eventually, carbon monoxide inhalation leads to death. A working carbon monoxide detector can alert you and your family to this danger.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives.</li>
<li>Install a working smoke and carbon monoxide detector outside each bedroom and sleeping area and on each level of your home.</li>
<li>Test and clean your smoke detectors regularly and replace the batteries every six months.</li>
</ul> | <h2>Choosing a detector</h2>
<p>Before buying a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, make sure your country’s safety stamp of approval is on the box. In Canada, the box should read “ULC”, in the USA, “UL”. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are usually sold separately, but detectors that serve both purposes are also available. </p>
<p>Some alarms are battery-operated and some are plug in with a back-up battery.</p>
<h3>Types of smoke detector</h3>
<ul>
<li>An ionization type smoke detector is better at detecting fast, flaming fires. These fires make up nearly three-quarters of home fires. </li>
<li>A photoelectric type smoke detector is better at detecting slow-burning smouldering fires that produce lots of smoke but little flame.</li>
</ul>
<p>Some smoke alarms use both types of detection. </p>
<h3>Types of carbon monoxide detector</h3>
<p>Currently, there is only one general type of carbon monoxide detector. </p>
<h2>Installing an alarm</h2>
<p>Ideally, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed outside each bedroom and sleeping area, and on each level of your home, including the basement. They should be installed high on the wall and away from bathrooms, the kitchen, heating equipment and ceiling fans. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions when you install your smoke detectors. </p>
<h2>Maintenance</h2>
<p>Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors need some maintenance and will eventually need to be replaced. </p>
<h3>Test your alarm</h3>
<p>Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have a test button. You should push it once a month. If the unit does not signal an alarm, you will need to replace the battery and test again. </p>
<h3>Replace the battery</h3>
<p>Replace the battery every six months. A good way to remember this is to put in a fresh battery when clocks are changed in March and October. If you hear a warning beep, change the battery right away. </p>
<h3>Cleaning</h3>
<p>Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors become less effective if they are clogged with dust. Follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning your unit. </p>
<h2>Replace the alarm</h2>
<p>Smoke alarms will not last indefinitely. A general rule is that the unit will have to be replaced every ten years. Write down the date you installed the alarm on the inside of the detector so you know when to replace it. If the alarm is no longer working, replace it right away</p>
<h2>Around the house, sources of danger</h2>
<p>It can be difficult to know if all your fossil fuel-burning appliances, such as the furnace, stove and water heater, are working properly. These appliances should be professionally inspected at least once a year. Chimneys and vent pipes should also be regularly inspected and cleaned out to prevent carbon monoxide build-up and reduce the risk of fires. </p>
<h2> During emergencies</h2>
<p>One of the most dangerous times for house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning is during power outages. When the heat and/or lights go out, people can sometimes use non-traditional methods to heat the house. They may burn things in a fireplace that has not been used or maintained in years. They may light camping stoves and lanterns or they may bring the barbeque inside to heat the house. Some may use a generator to provide power. These are all very dangerous things to do. Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can build up in the house. These items are also a major fire risk. </p>
<h2>When the detector's alarm sounds</h2>
<p>Your family should develop an escape plan in case of fire or carbon monoxide build-up. Practise following the plan and make sure the whole family, including children, understand what to do if the alarm sounds. The escape plan should include an arranged meeting point outside the home.</p>
<h2>More information</h2>
<p>For more information, please read our pages on <a href="/Article?contentid=1116&language=English">Burns: Household safety and prevention</a> and <a href="/Article?contentid=1939&language=English">Burns: Winter safety</a>.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/smoke_carbon_monoxide_detectors.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/smoke_carbon_monoxide_detectors.jpg | | Discover how to protect your family from the dangers of smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. | |
| Winter tips | Winter tips | Winter tips | W | English | NA | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Healthy living and prevention | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2018-01-19T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Landing Page | Learning Hub | <p>Winter is a time of year when we participate in outdoor activities and then gather around a fire. Unfortunately, we may also experience seasonal illnesses. Keep the family healthy during the cold weather with our winter tips.</p> | <p>Winter is a time when we experience cold weather, snow and ice. It is a time of year when we look forward to participating in outdoor activities and then gathering around a warm fire. Unfortunately, we may also experience those annoying seasonal illnesses. Keep the whole family safe, healthy and happy during the cold weather season with our winter tips.</p> | | | <div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
<span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon">
<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Outdoor activity safety</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Playing outside can be fun for your child during the winter. Make sure your child is dressed properly for the cold weather and follow these handy safety tips.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1954&language=English">Outdoor winter safety: Staying safe during winter activities</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1940&language=English">Dressing for the cold</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1912&language=English">Cold weather injuries</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
<span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon">
<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Stay healthy</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>The whole family made it through the summer and fall healthy and safe. Here is some advice on how to keep everyone healthy throughout winter.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1939&language=English">Preventing burns: Winter safety</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=778&language=English">Nasal congestion: How to clear your baby's dry, stuffy nose</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=773&language=English">Eczema (atopic dermatitis)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1114&language=English">Eczema: Seasonal changes</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
<span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon">
<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Winter bugs</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Winter brings everyone indoors and closer together, where we share warmth... and germs. Learn more about colds, the flu and other winter-associated illnesses. Also learn how to avoid them and how to treat them.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=30&language=English">Fever</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=12&language=English">Colds (viral upper respiratory infections)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=765&language=English">Bronchiolitis</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=764&language=English">Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=17&language=English">Croup</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=763&language=English">Influenza (flu): An overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=912&language=English">Influenza (flu): Protecting your family</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1111&language=English">Influenza (flu): The truth about vaccines</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=784&language=English">Pneumonia</a></li></ol></div> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/winter_safety_landing_page.jpg | wintersafety | wintersafety | | Winter safety tips | Keep the whole family safe, healthy and happy during the cold weather season with our winter safety tips. | |
| Mental health | Mental health | Mental health | M | English | Psychiatry | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | NA | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | | | | | | | | | | | Landing Page | Learning Hub | <p>Learn how to support your child’s wellbeing with activity, sleep and nutrition and how to recognize and manage various mental health conditions.<br></p> | <p>This hub includes resources for parents on how to support your child's mental health and general wellbeing through physical activity, sleep and nutrition. It also provides information on the signs, symptoms and treatments of different mental health conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, behavioural disorders, anorexia nervosa and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.<br></p> | | | <div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Wellbeing</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>The everyday pressures of growing up can put a strain on any child's mental wellbeing. Find out how physical activity, a healthy sleep routine, screen time limits and balanced nutrition can boost your child's mental health and support them through difficult times.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h3>Physical Activity</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=642&language=English">Physical activity: Guidelines for children and teens</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=641&language=English">Physical activity: Benefits of exercise for health and wellbeing</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h3>Sleep</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=645&language=English">Sleep: Benefits and recommended amounts</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=646&language=English">How to help your child get a good night's sleep</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=647&language=English">How to help your teen get a good night's sleep</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h3>Screen time</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=643&language=English">Screen time: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=644&language=English">How to help your child set healthy screen time limits</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h3>Nutrition</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=639&language=English">Nutrition: How a balanced diet and healthy eating habits can help your child's mental health</a></li></ol></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Anxiety disorders</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Every child feels anxiety at some point as a natural part of growing up. An anxiety disorder, however, is when anxious feelings interfere with a child's everyday routine. Learn more about the signs, symptoms and range of anxiety disorders and how they are treated.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=18&language=English">Anxiety: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=271&language=English">Anxiety: Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=270&language=English">Types of anxiety disorders</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=701&language=English">Anxiety: Treatment with medications</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=702&language=English">Anxiety: Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Obsessive compulsive disorder</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) occurs when a person suffers from troubling and intrusive thoughts and/or follows repetitive or strict routines to feel less worried. Learn about the causes, signs and impact of this disorder and how you can help your child.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=285&language=English">Obsessive compulsive disorder: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=288&language=English">OCD: Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=286&language=English">How OCD affects your child's life</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=709&language=English">OCD: Psychotherapy and medications</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=287&language=English">OCD: How to help your child at home</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Depression</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Depression is an illness that causes someone to feel deep sadness or a lack of interest in activities that they once enjoyed. Discover how this condition affects a child's mood, sleep, concentration and energy levels, and how it can be treated.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=19&language=English">Depression: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=284&language=English">Depression: Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=707&language=English">Depression: Treatment with medications</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=708&language=English">Depression: Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Bipolar disorder</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>When a person has bipolar disorder, they alternate between low and elevated moods for days, weeks or months at a time. Learn about the bipolar disorder spectrum, the symptoms of manic and depressive episodes and how medications, therapy and lifestyle changes can help.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=279&language=English">Bipolar disorder: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=280&language=English">Bipolar disorder: Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=704&language=English">Bipolar disorder: Treatment with medications</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=705&language=English">Bipolar disorder: Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Suicide and self-harm</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>A child who experiences thoughts of suicide or self-harm is often suffering from overwhelming emotional pain. Find out how to help your child cope with difficult emotions, how to support and protect your child and where to find professional help.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=291&language=English">Suicide in children and teens: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=289&language=English">Self-harm in children and teens: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=290&language=English">Signs and symptoms of suicide risk</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=293&language=English">How to help your child with difficult emotions</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=292&language=English">How to protect your child from harm</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Eating disorders</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>An eating disorder not only risks your child's health but can also disrupt family life. Find out about the symptoms and treatment of anorexia, bulimia, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and binge eating disorder and how you can help your child recover.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h3>Anorexia nervosa</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=268&language=English">Anorexia nervosa: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=269&language=English">Anorexia: Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=267&language=English">Anorexia: Medical complications</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=700&language=English">Anorexia: Treatment options</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=266&language=English">Anorexia: How to help your child at home</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h3>Bulimia nervosa</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=282&language=English">Bulimia nervosa: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=283&language=English">Bulimia: Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=281&language=English">Bulimia: Medical complications</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=706&language=English">Bulimia: Treatment options</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=294&language=English">Bulimia: How to help your child at home</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h3>Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=274&language=English">Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=275&language=English">ARFID: Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=273&language=English">ARFID: Medical complications</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=703&language=English">ARFID: Treatment options</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=272&language=English">ARFID: How to help your child at home</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h3>Binge eating disorder (BED)</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=277&language=English">Binge eating disorder: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=278&language=English">BED: Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=640&language=English">Obesity: Medical complications</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=276&language=English">BED: How to help your child at home</a></li></ol></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) involves difficulties with controlling attention and regulating behaviour. Discover the main symptoms of ADHD in children and teens, how the disorder is diagnosed and how to help your child at home and at school.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1922&language=English">Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1923&language=English">ADHD: Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1997&language=English">ADHD: How to help your child at home</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1999&language=English">ADHD: Communicating with your child's school</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1998&language=English">ADHD: Treatment with medications</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Behavioural disorders</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Behavioural disorders include oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Learn how these disorders differ from typical misbehaviour, how therapy and medications can help and how you can manage problematic behaviour at home.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1924&language=English">Behavioural disorders: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1925&language=English">Behavioural disorders: Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2000&language=English">Behavioural disorders: Treatment with psychotherapy and medications</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2001&language=English">Behavioural disorders: How to help your child at home</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Learn about the main symptoms of PTSD, how the condition is diagnosed and how psychotherapy and medications can help your child.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1927&language=English">Post-traumatic stress disorder: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1928&language=English">PTSD: Signs and symptoms</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2005&language=English">PTSD: Treatment with psychotherapy and medications</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Brain disorders and mental health</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>A brain disorder includes a condition, illness or injury that affects the brain and how it develops before or after birth. Find out how a brain disorder can affect your child's learning, mood and social skills, how its impact on mental health is assessed and how to help your child cope.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1926&language=English">Brain disorders and mental health: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2002&language=English">Brain disorders: Assessing your child for neuropsychological difficulties</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2003&language=English">Brain disorders: How to help your child cope</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2004&language=English">Brain disorders: Common treatments</a></li></ol></div> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Mental_health_landing-page.jpg | mentalhealth | healthyliving | | | | |
