If you are having problems viewing this message, click here Version française, ici
In the last edition of our newsletter Where Kids Come First, we introduced the Ask a Specialist section.
Pediatrician Dr. Richard Haber has taken the time to answer many of the questions send in by parents.
We have also used great technological tools to see what you – parents – are looking for.
Autism seems to be one of the conditions that many of you are wondering about. So that's why we decided
to highlight Autism Awareness Month by sharing Ben's story as well as providing useful information.
We would also like to remind you that very soon, our little gnomes, princesses and witches will be
wandering through the streets and the word that's top of mind is INJURY PREVENTION. And talking
about prevention, Julia Asselstine, our blogger has lots to say about the H1N1 vaccine and flu.
Ben was diagnosed with autism at age two. It was hard for his parents to get the news, but by
knowing what to expect they were able to develop a plan to help Ben grow up to be the best he can be.
Ben just started his second year at school. Read his story.
[+]
What weighs on my mind right now is the H1N1 influenza. To vaccinate or not to vaccinate seems to be
the unspoken question on the hush of the fall wind. So I decided to talk to a professional–someone
I can access directly at the Montreal Children's Hospital (MCH).
[+]
MUHC BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES GET PUMPED UP
As the birth rate in Quebec continues to rise steadily for the sixth year in a row, Mr. Claude
Chagnon has some good news for Montrealers and it could not have come at a better time. Read more.
[+]
LITTLE HERCULES WELCOMES KIDS TO THE MCH
On September 26, Little Hercules was unveiled. The statue was donated by retired dentist Dr.
Harry Rosen, who sculpted Little Hercules and kindly offered him to The Montreal Children's Hospital.
From now on, the little heroes that walk through our doors are welcomed and inspired by this strong
little man.
[+]
ABOUT OUR NEW HOSPITAL
The MUHC redevelopment project continues. In December, there will be a big announcement
concerning the construction of the new Children’s on the Glen Campus (right behind the Vendôme
metro station). The new hospital will allow us to offer our young patients even bretter care!
Learn more about the project.
[+]
Do you have a question of a general nature that you'd like to ask one of our specialists?
If your question is selected, the answer will be published in the next edition of the newsletter.
My little 13-month-old puts her finger in her throat as if she was going to make herself vomit. She seems to find it funny, since she laughs. We find it troubling! Why is she doing that? Carmen - Laval
R :Self-induced vomiting in a toddler or young child is known as
rumination. It is considered as a self-gratifying type of behaviour and is usually harmless. The infants are not sick
and appear to enjoy the vomiting. The literature reports that sometimes rumination is linked to some disturbance in the
mother-child relationship. Read more[+]
The best response will be published in the next issue!
How do you get them to eat their vegetables?
R :I know vegetables have a bad rap, so I do not refer
to them as vegetables. I put different ones on their plate every supper: sometimes the broccoli will be standing like
a tree we just read about in a book, or Mr. Carrott will have a funny orange face. Peas are the funnest as they roll
like bowling balls. This works well as my son will eat them up and I have not made a big issue about it as we talk
about a lot of interesting things while we eat. The next thing we know the plate is empty. Sometimes I'll put
applesauce in a little dish for dipping. All in all, it's a very fun time. There is absolutely no yelling or
forced feeding. Don't make an issue about it and it will be easily accepted. Cat
Is it true that puberty starts earlier now?
True: but Dr. Baltzer of the Adolescent Medicine Clinic at
the MCH clarifies the point: "The average age for the onset of puberty has come down in the past couple of centuries
mainly due to better nutrition. A girl needs to have an average weight of 42kg to be able to menstruate, and in previous
centuries, this happened when a girl was older, that is around 16 years of age. Today, there is increased incidence of
adolescents being overweight, so on average a girl may reach 42kg earlier than in the past. Read more[+]
