Screens are everywhere! The temptation to log in, to quickly check that email, and to look at the latest post or best deal, distracts us all. And when we use screens, our children notice and become interested. Studies suggest: 76% of preschool children exceed the recommendations for screen time exposure. increased exposure to screen time… Continue reading Screen time and preschool children
Author: Toronto Public Health
Toronto Public Health (TPH) is responsible for the health and well being of all 2.9 million residents. TPH has focused on protecting and promoting the health of Toronto residents since 1883. Learn more at toronto.ca/health
New Year’s Resolution: Leave weight out of the equation!
Is this the year you and your partner are planning to have a baby? You may be thinking about the healthier choices you need to make to improve your chances of getting pregnant. I say skip the diet and keep weight out of the equation. Instead trust other signs to guide you to a healthier… Continue reading New Year’s Resolution: Leave weight out of the equation!
First words: The power of play time
Before having my own children, I didn’t enjoy the winter. However, I quickly realized that once you dress warmly, it's fun to get outside and play like a child again. And…there is so much to talk about! You can make a difference in the way that your child learns their first words. As a Speech-Language… Continue reading First words: The power of play time
7 Tips to add fibre into your diet
As a Public Health Dietitian working in the field for many years I make sure I keep up with all the new information about nutrition. Working with students is a perfect opportunity to reach this goal. Have a look at what Rim Mouhaffel has summarized after her 12 week nutrition care rotation with counselling pregnant… Continue reading 7 Tips to add fibre into your diet
When children speak more than one language
As a Speech-Language Pathologist, living in a multicultural society like Toronto, it is my role to support parents and encourage them to keep their home language. Parents often ask if it’s ok to expose their child to more than one language when the child has a language delay. The answer- YES! Research shows that babies… Continue reading When children speak more than one language
Top 5 tips for following a Vegan diet during pregnancy & breastfeeding
Following a vegan diet has become more popular among pregnant & breastfeeding individuals. Have a look at what Cristina Benea, Master of Public Health student, has summarized for this blog. What is a vegan diet? A vegan diet is a type of vegetarian diet that only includes vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. A… Continue reading Top 5 tips for following a Vegan diet during pregnancy & breastfeeding
Is your child ready for kindergarten?
Getting your child ready for kindergarten can be an exciting and stressful time for parents. There are many things to consider to help your child have a healthy start to school. Common questions asked are: What are the expectations for my child's speech and language skills? If I have concerns, what should I do or… Continue reading Is your child ready for kindergarten?
Do I need to avoid foods that cause allergies when I’m pregnant?
The answer is no. The only time you need to avoid any common food allergens is if you have a known food allergy. Health Canada identifies the following 11 foods as common allergens: Eggs Milk Mustard Peanuts Crustaceans Fish Molluscs Soy Sulphites Wheat Tree Nuts Sesame Seeds It's common in pregnancy to develop an intolerance… Continue reading Do I need to avoid foods that cause allergies when I’m pregnant?
Toilet Training – 4 P’s to success!
As a Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Public Health Nurse, parents often tell me they are worried about toilet training. I have always thought that "toilet training" should be called "toilet learning". Training implies parents have control over their child's toileting when our kid's bodies are in control! Your child's success with bladder and bowel control… Continue reading Toilet Training – 4 P’s to success!
Child development: Don’t wait and see
The rapid changes children undergo in the early years of life can leave parents wondering how best to care for them at each stage. As May is Speech, Hearing and Vision month, we’d like to make sure you are aware of some important ways to support the child in your world. When one or more… Continue reading Child development: Don’t wait and see