The Montreal Children's Hospital Newsletter

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	Gastros, colds, ear infections... these are all illnesses that parents are very familiar with these days. Unfortunately, in real life, where most little kids spend their mornings and afternoons at the daycare or in kindergarten, spreading germs around is difficult to avoid. This month's e-newsletter tells you how best to avoid these illnesses, how to look after your little ones when they're sick, and also offers advice on when you should be more concerned than usual.


			While still in her mom's tummy, Zoe was having trouble with her lungs, to the point that she had to be delivered prematurely in order for doctors to save her life. Read more about Zoe. [+]

Viral Gastroenteritis in Children

Children and earaches

Treating viral respiratory illness in children

Common ailments


			Oh what to do when it is cold outside... "The sun did not shine, it was too wet to play. We sat in the house all that cold, cold wet day..." That Dr. Seuss. Oh how he got it so right. My kids love his stuff, and for me he sheds light. These Canadian winters, they remind of that book. The way my kids stay inside, and give me that look. "Mom I am bored today, I want to have fun! But there is nothing to do, everything has been done." [+]

NEED SOME ANSWERS ABOUT EAR INFECTIONS?

Earaches can really make little kids - and their parents! - suffer. Don't miss our webinar on February 17, 2010, at 8:00 p.m., an opportunity to ask our specialist, Dr. Melvin Schloss for answers to your questions. Register today - spaces are limited! [+]

OUR FAVOURITE SPORTS STARS DROP BY FOR A VISIT

Once more, players from the Montréal Canadiens paid a visit to our patients. Along with mascot Youpi, Carey Price, Scott Gomez, Travis Moen, Andreï Markov and many others brought smiles

and laughter to our patients and their parents as well as many staff members. Anthony Calvillo from the Alouettes also stopped by recently, and brought the Grey Cup with him as he visited patients in our Oncology unit. Check our pictures on our Facebook page. [+]

A YOUNG GIRL'S FACE IS STRETCHED IN INNOVATIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURE

On January 25, Cynthia underwent a newer type of surgery, the first of its kind to be done in Quebec. The surgery, performed by neurosurgeon Dr. Jose Montes and Dr. Gilardino, will essentially allow her mid-face, orbits and forehead to be stretched forward, as much as 21 millimetres. [+]


	Do you have a question of a general nature that you'd like to ask our specialist? If your question is selected, the answer will be published in the next edition of the newsletter. Ask a question [+]

	My little girl who is 18 months old had an infection on her vulva; I applied an antifungal ointment and a cortisone cream prescribed by her doctor (3 days for the cortisone and 3 weeks for the other one). It stopped the infection but from time to time there are little dots that appear. I reapply the antifungal and when there are red spots, the cortisone. Will these go away once she is out of diapers? Am I doing the right thing by reapplying the cream even if I haven't been back to see her doctor? Irina, Blainville R : Diaper rashes are very common in infants wearing diapers. Most of these are caused by the 'burning' effect of stool and urine which together form an acidic mixture. This can lead to erosions of the skin and redness. The diaper area is also warm and humid and an ideal habitat for candida. [+]


	When you need to take your child to the ER, what do you bring with you? Answer the question [+] The best response will be published in the next issue!

	How do you get your child to bed? R : There's nothing like routine. At our house, we start with bath time, followed by glass of milk, and brushing our teeth. After that, we read a story, sometimes two if the first one is short. Then it's time for sleep. We're pretty firm about sleep time - we close the door and leave it closed. [+] Véro - Montreal, mom of two, 2 and 5


	I installed a laser printer on my desk beside my computer. A friend told me that the fumes from the printer could be dangerous for my son - i.e. the cartridge toner. False but...: Toner is usually self-contained and does not represent a great hazard. Prolonged exposure in a poorly ventilated room may result in eye and respiratory irritation but it is highly unlikely that your son would be exposed to high concentrations of the resins and black carbon contained in the toner. Some laser printers may produce a small amount of ozone which can be irritating to the eye, nose and throat. Again, good ventilation and common sense should reduce any significant hazards coming from your laser printer. Remember there is no such thing as something which is completely risk free. We are exposed to many risks in our daily lives and the prudent course is to take sensible precautions where possible and get on with our lives. [+]

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