The parent-coach

There is no doubt that being active has health benefits, particularly for children. However, some parents may be pushing their progeny too hard. Parents who hope their kids will land lucrative sports scholarships or truly belive their child is the next Wayne Gretzsky or Cindy Klaussen, may be setting their kids up for psychological breakdown. According to Children’s Chief of Orthopedic Surgery, Francois Fassier, some parents’ and coachs’ dreams become children’s nightmares, resulting in long term trauma. Dr. Fassier can comment on this new trend and how to avoid the performance trap.

The depressed teen

Switching from elementary to high school may be a huge step for some children. The change of friends, teachers and environment may be so overwhelming that they become withdrawn and unenthusiastic. When does this normal anxiety become depression? What signs should parents look out for? Director of Child Psychiatry, Eric Fombonne, has advice for worried parents and can discuss the symptoms and prevalence of adolescent depression.

The infection angle

Change of season, means more colds, sore throats or worse. When should children go to the doctor? Do antibiotics work? What types of infections should we anticipate this year? Pediatric infectious disease specialist, Caroline Quach, can answer these questions and the rise and fall of antibiotic treatment.

These clinicians and others will be participating in this year’s Mini-Med School at The Children’s. Mini-Med school is offered to anyone interested in pediatrics and provides practical advice on not only how to care for kids but also about the science behind the care. This year’s English session is sold out but there are still spaces available for the French sessions held on Wednesday evenings. Other topics covered include diabetes, congenital heart disease and pain management. Parents, grandparents, young people considering medical careers, budding science journalists, as well as teachers and daycare workers are invited to spend 1.5 hours a week with leading medical specialists from The Montreal Children’s Hospital and the McGill Faculty of Medicine. Those interested can enroll today at www.hopitalpourenfants.com [1]

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For more information please call:
Lisa Dutton, Manager Public Relations and Communications
The Montreal Children’s Hospital of the MUHC
(514) 412-4307