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Immune System Support for Children

baby, EAT, FAM, health, kids By February 29, 2016 Tags: , , , , No Comments

Many parents are asking how to strengthen their child’s immune system this fall, to help prevent catching colds and also the flu.  The immune system is basically a bunch of different types of cells that together fight bacteria and viruses that cause infection.   Many children get sick in the fall as they return to school and daycare where they are exposed to a variety of bugs.  Their immune systems are still growing and developing, so they are more likely to get sick than adults.  There are several factors that can influence how healthy and robust a child’s immune system is.  Follow these steps to boost your child’s immune system and help them stay healthy through this cold and flu season

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Free Flu Shots and Diabetes Checks

FAM, health By November 7, 2012 Tags: , , , , , No Comments

At this time of year we get a bit run down and our health can take a beating.  Here’s a chance for you to get Free Flu Shots and Diabetes Checks.  So convenient!  Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacies in certain Canadian regions are offering free flu shots that you can book online.

The Canadian Diabetes Association is collaborating once again with Loblaw Companies Limited and its grocery stores and their in-store pharmacies across Canada to recognize Diabetes Awareness Month with special events and information sessions offered throughout the month of November.

Be well!

 

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Signs Your Child Might have Allergies

Signs Your Child Might have Allergies

FAM, health By May 9, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , 3 Comments

Are you apprehensive about those springtime sniffles? Wondering about that slight wheeze your child exhibits? Is it the common cold or something more? From peanuts to pets, eggs to airborne culprits, allergens cause trouble for millions of children each year.  Before we get to the signs that your child might have allergies, let’s discuss exactly what allergies are.

What Are Allergies?

In basic terms, an allergy is when the immune system overreacts to matter that is normally harmless to humans. When a person with an allergy comes in contact with the particular matter, the immune system reacts like that substance is an intruder. This can lead to symptoms that start at merely annoying and range to extremely harmful for the allergic person.

The immune system will then produce antibodies in an effort to guard the body. Chemicals are released throughout the body via the bloodstream to shield away the intruders, creating the allergic reactions such as itchy eyes, sniffling noses, coughing and wheezing.

Signs of Allergies in Children

1)     One of the first signs that your child might have allergies is their gene pool. If either parent has allergies, there is a good chance that a child will develop allergies, too. There is no rhyme or reason as to which allergies your child will have or when they will develop them, though. The fact that a parent has allergies basically means that it is probable that their child will have allergies, too.

But, this doesn’t eliminate children with parents who do not have allergies. For some reason, even children with parents who do not exhibit allergies can be allergic to different types of matter. In addition, there is a good chance that if a child is allergic to one thing, they can have other allergies, too

2)     If your child experiences abdominal pain and/or vomiting directly after eating, it could be a sure sign of food allergies.  Food allergies tend to occur rather rapidly, sometimes within minutes of consumption of the food. Symptoms can also include a rash and diarrhea. Be sure to document which foods your child has eaten (and possible ingredients) prior to getting sick.

3)     Another sign of allergies is the more obvious shortness of breath, wheezing and labored breathing. A persistent cough that is accompanied by cold-like symptoms can also be an indication that your child has allergies or asthma. Although the above warning signs can be a precursor, you will want to discuss these symptoms with your child’s pediatrician and keep a journal that documents when and where the issues pop up. This will help to both diagnose and treat your child accurately.

4)     Eczema, a scaly, dry and itchy rash on the skin, can signify that your child has allergies and is quite often the result of a food allergy. A skin test at the pediatrician’s office can reveal more information about the pesky rash.

As mentioned above, if you suspect that your child has an allergic reaction or shows persistent or recurring signs or allergies, a trip to the pediatrician may be in store. Be sure to bring any journals that you have kept and pertinent information that can help your child’s pediatrician diagnose and treat the problem.

– BC

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Boiron for Cold and Flu

FAM, health By February 11, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

AAAH-CHOO!  I hab a cold in my node.  And I just raided the kid’s medicine cabinet to fix it!  I always used Boiron’s Camilia for the teething pain, so was thrilled to hear that they’ve developed natural medicines for children’s cough, cold and flu.  Boiron’s Stodal for coughs is specifically formulated for children 1 year and older, tastes like honey, is toxin-, dextromethorphan- and guaifenesin-free and boasts no alcohol, no artificial colorings or flavorings.  MMMM.  www.boiron.ca

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