Children and Youth

257 articles
by Maddi Dellplain

Waging war on our immune systems: Immunologist explains the horrifying toll of measles

Immunologist Samira Jeimy breaks down the horrifying toll that measles takes on our bodies and communities - and what can be done to stop it.

by Sarah Bartnicka

‘Why would I not keep going?’ Month-long sobriety challenges establish healthy habits

Dry January and Sober October could be the start to forming long-term, healthier relationships with alcohol.

by Maria Raveendran

The Discount Code Doctor is in

There are different ways doctors use social media, all of which hinge on the authority that a medical degree provides. But the rise of the physician influencer begs the question: How should doctors present themselves online?

by Anne Borden King Michelle Cohen

Increase in online ADHD diagnoses for kids poses ethical questions

During the pandemic, Ontario swapped out in-clinic ADHD assessment and prescriptions for a virtual care model. Should we continue allowing it for kids?

by Simone Lebeuf

Please leave politicians out of the exam room. Proposed changes to transgender health policies set a dangerous precedent

Government insertion into medical care is a dangerous step for all Canadians. While it may seem limited to a small minority of people, it sets a precedent that health care is subject to the whims of the current political party. Medical decision-making should be left to the patient and the provider.

by Sammy Chown

Canadian universities are fumbling mental health support for student-athletes

Canadian post-secondary institutions need to step up to the plate to improve mental health services for student-athletes. Fear about legal liabilities cannot continue to override action to support psychological well-being.

by Maria Raveendran

Come for the black bears and huskies. Stay to ‘transform how we deliver health care’

"Self-determination doesn't happen when all of your clinicians are flying up from the south, working for a week and then flying home.” Medical resident Maria Raveendran writes on her experience working in the remote northern Ontario community of Moose Factory Island.

by Ayeshah Haque

Toddlers put everything in their mouths: Babies and the risks of microplastics

As the federal government plans its counterattack against opponents of its single-use plastic ban, the battle to reverse the health and environmental hazard posed by microplastics continues globally, and here in Canada.

by Maddi Dellplain

Holiday wishes for our beleaguered health-care system

Health-care workers and experts share their wishes for Canada's health-care system this holiday season.

by Anne Borden King

Middle-school minds in teenage bodies: The post-pandemic crisis in our high schools

During the early years of the pandemic, it was often said that the children would be resilient. But perhaps that was more of a comfortable refrain than a reality. High schoolers are not okay. We need to find solutions to help them thrive.

by Adnan Haider

‘Everything is at stake here’: Startups aim to break addictions to social media

Society depends on our ability to pay sustained attention to what matters – and all of that now hinges on creating a healthier digital environment.

by Megan Werger

Protecting pregnancy in clinical trials poses risks

Historically pregnant people have been largely excluded from clinical trials. But in the long-term, better representation in research will promote maternal and fetal well-being.

by Maddi Dellplain

‘It’s the structures that are sick – it’s not the kids’: Experts stress importance of clean air in schools

How important is air ventilation and filtration in classrooms? Is air quality something that should be a budgetary priority for school boards and provincial and federal governments? This is what the experts had to say.

by Karen Black

National dental program leaves the vulnerable behind, critics say

The federal government is about to embark on the largest investment in oral health in Canadian history. But critics say this landmark investment may not reach the people who need it most.

by Hirut Melaku

‘I unapologetically choose love’: A queer Ethiopian-Jewish woman’s view of the Israeli-Gaza conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is undoubtedly complex, but the path forward is not as convoluted as it may seem. The solution is simple (perhaps too simple for those in power who aim to confuse us): Stop killing children and lead with love for children while upholding their rights under international law.

by Savannah Verhage Jason M. Lo Hog Tian Peter Zhang

Untapped potential: Young leaders have the tools to help address health-care challenges

Global health solutions require creativity, innovation and novel thinking. It is imperative for governments and educators to recognize young leaders and their ideas.

by Humaira Niazi Jamie Thompson Emma Skolnik

Beyond birth control: The benefits of universal contraception don’t end at pregnancy prevention

Contraceptives are a key part of health care for half of Canada's population and their benefits extend beyond family planning alone. It is time to expand universal contraception to the entire country.

by Ediriweera Desapriya Crystal Ma Sarah Yassami Shaluka Manchanayake Kumud Senuri

Enhancing dental care for children with autism spectrum disorder: Simple changes for a positive experience

Children with conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder can carry a higher risk for dental decay due to obstacles with both in-home hygiene practices and dental office visits. But there are ways to enhance dental care for these kids.

by Teagan Gahler

Navigating the digital sea of beauty: Empowering Canadians through media literacy for positive body image and public health

Body-image concerns have soared with the constant exposure to digitally altered and idealized portrayals of beauty. Media literacy is a critical tool in dismantling the harmful impact of such imagery and thoughts.

by Raad Fadaak Katie Birnie Abi Hodson Isabel Jordan

Why not educate the person experiencing pain? Improving opioid prescribing for youth in hospital settings

Youth are rarely educated on safe and effective opioid use when they're discharged from hospital. A new set of educational materials made by Solutions for Kids in Pain is hoping to change that.

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