| COVID-19 | COVID-19 | COVID-19 | C | English | Infectious Diseases | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | Immune system | Conditions and diseases | Adult (19+)
Caregivers | NA | | 2020-03-26T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Landing Page | Learning Hub | <p>Learn about COVID-19 and how to talk to and support your family. Also find resources such as videos and audio meditations to help you cope.</p> | <p>This hub includes resources on COVID-19 and how to help you cope. There are resources on how to support your child's mental health and general wellbeing through physical activity, sleep, nutrition and learning. Also included are videos and audio meditations to help you cope with stressful thoughts and experiences that occur throughout your day.<br></p>
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<p>View Dr. Ronni's chat with Dr. Cheddar above.</p></div>
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">COVID-19 information</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Find information about COVID-19 from AboutKidsHealth.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3872&language=English">Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) </a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/8d9SPC7T6KM">After your child's COVID-19 test - Virtual discharge</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html">Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (Public Health Agency of Canada)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3863&language=English">COVID-19: Information for parents of immunocompromised children and children with chronic medical conditions</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3870&language=English&hub=COVID-19">COVID-19: Information for parents of children with congenital heart disease</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://covid19healthliteracyproject.com/#languages">COVID-19 fact sheets in 34 different languages (Harvard Health Publishing)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-diseases/novel-coronavirus/public-resources">COVID-19 public resources (Public Health Ontario)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.pcmch.on.ca/covid-19-resources-for-children-youth-and-families/">COVID-19 resources for children, youth, and families (Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/the-2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19">The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Caring for Kids)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus">The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Ontario Ministry of Health)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/9Ay4u7OYOhA">6 steps to prevent COVID-19 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Talking to your child about COVID-19</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Helpful resources that provide information about how to explain and talk to your child about COVID-19. </p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3866&language=English">How to talk to your child about COVID-19</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="http://hollandbloorview.ca/services/family-workshops-resources/family-resource-centre/explaining-covid-19-kids">Explaining COVID-19 and Coronavirus to children (Holland Bloorview)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.cps.ca/en/blog-blogue/how-can-we-talk-to-kids-about-covid-19">How can we talk to kids about COVID-19? Be “realistically reassuring” (Canadian Pediatric Society)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus#.XmuZ3QV_gax.twitter">How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus (PBS)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3869&language=English">Supporting your child with a neurodevelopmental disorder through the COVID-19 crisis</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.cmho.org/blog/blog-news/6519918-talking-to-your-anxious-child-about-covid-19">Talking to your anxious child about COVID-19 (Children's Mental Health Ontario)</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Coping</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Information on how to help your child cope with stress during the COVID-19 crisis and how to help them deal with separation from family and friend. </p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3868&language=English">Coping with separation from family and friends during COVID-19</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3882&language=English">COVID-19: Frequently asked questions</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3883&language=English">COVID-19: Well-being and mental health resources</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3888&language=English">Stressed adults and anxious young children: Supporting infants, toddlers and preschoolers through COVID-19</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3867&language=English">Is my child or adolescent feeling stressed about COVID-19?</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/disaster">Helping children and teens cope with stressful public events (Caring for Kids)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.cps.ca/en/blog-blogue/how-to-help-youth-tackle-the-blues-during-covid-19">How to help youth tackle the blues during COVID-19 and #physicaldistancing (Canadian Pediatric Society)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/supporting-individuals-autism-through-uncertain-times">Supporting individuals with autism through uncertain times (Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules)</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Mental health</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Taking care of your mental health during difficult and stressful times is important. Learn more about anxiety and depression.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=18&language=English">Anxiety: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3810&language=English">Anxiety and anxiety disorders</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Anxiety%20Individual%20handout_Eng%2004_03_2020_v2.pdf">CARD: Coping with your own fears and anxiety</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Anxiety%20caregiver%20handout_Eng%2004_03_2020.pdf">CARD: Helping your child cope with anxiety</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=19&language=English">Depression: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19">Mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic (CAMH)</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Parenting</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Find some helpful information on parenting during the COVID-19 crisis. </p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health_information_on_the_internet">A parent’s guide to health information on the Internet (Caring for Kids)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.cps.ca/en/blog-blogue/covid-youth-and-substance-use-critical-messages-for-youth-and-families">COVID, youth, and substance use: Critical messages for youth and families (Canadian Pediatric Society)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.cps.ca/en/blog-blogue/parenting-during-covid-19-a-new-frontier">Parenting during COVID-19: A new frontier (Canadian Pediatric Society)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.sickkids.ca/AboutSickKids/Newsroom/Past-News/2020/joint-statement-school-reopening.html">SickKids - Joint statement on reopening schools</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://hollandbloorview.ca/sites/default/files/2020-07/HB-BackToSchool-Recommendations.pdf">Return to school recommendations for children with special needs (Holland Bloorview)</a></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Learning</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=651&language=English&hub=COVID-19">Reading milestones</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1903&language=English&hub=COVID-19">Reading: How to help early and struggling readers</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3871&language=English&hub=COVID-19">Writing milestones</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1881&language=English&hub=COVID-19">Visual-motor skills: How to foster in children</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=722&language=English&hub=COVID-19">Mathematics milestones</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=721&language=English&hub=COVID-19">Mathematics: How to help your pre-school and school-aged child</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=649&language=English&hub=COVID-19">Spatial reasoning skills: How to foster in children</a></li></ol></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Well-being</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Find out how physical activity, a healthy sleep routine, screen time limits and balanced nutrition can boost your child's mental health and support them to achieve better academic success and help them through difficult times. </p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Handwashing</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1981&language=English">Hand hygiene</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/handwashing">Handwashing for parents and children (Caring for Kids)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=7PKwE1jIuws&feature=emb_title">Protect don’t infect (CHEO)</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Sleep</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=645&language=English">Sleep: Benefits and recommended amounts</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3632&language=English">Sleep and your mental health: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3633&language=English">Sleep and mental health: Sorting out your sleep routine</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=646&language=English">How to help your child get a good night's sleep</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=647&language=English">How to help your teen get a good night's sleep</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Physical activity</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3783&language=English">Physical activity and mental health: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3784&language=English">Physical activity and mental health: Types of physical activity</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=641&language=English">Physical activity: Benefits of exercise for health and wellbeing</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=642&language=English">Physical activity: Guidelines for children and teens</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Nutrition</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3773&language=English">Nutrition and mental health: The basics of a healthy diet</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=639&language=English">How a balanced diet and healthy eating habits can help your child's mental health</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3774&language=English">Nutrition and mental health: Developing positive eating habits</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1464&language=English&hub=COVID-19">Meal ideas for school-aged children, tweens and teens</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=638&language=English">Healthy eating for teens</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Screen time and social media</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=643&language=English">Screen time: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3775&language=English">Screen time for teens: Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=644&language=English">How to help your child set healthy screen time limits</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3776&language=English">Setting limits and staying safe with screen time</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3894&language=English">Supporting healthy and responsible screen use during COVID-19</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Stress and resilience</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3777&language=English">Stress and health</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3778&language=English">How to become more resilient</a></li></ol></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Tools, videos and resources for you and your child</h2></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/8d9SPC7T6KM">After your child's COVID-19 test - Virtual discharge</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Anxiety%20Individual%20handout_Eng%2004_03_2020_v2.pdf">CARD: Coping with your own fears and anxiety</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Anxiety%20caregiver%20handout_Eng%2004_03_2020.pdf">CARD: Helping your child cope with anxiety</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBkA2ZTUnyI&feature=youtu.be">Dr. Cheddar chats with Dr. Ronni from SickKids (video for children)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/nO1L-oYo9TA">Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab (video for children)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r51gYrDzpHQ">Physical distancing (video for children)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=7PKwE1jIuws&feature=emb_title">Protect don’t infect (CHEO)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.brainson.org/shows/2020/03/10/understanding-coronavirus-and-how-germs-spread-for-kids?fbclid=IwAR21Y_n6fsy33QD2s07In2Q892xQoI5OEFMMZ5vcMyVoLdkH8tv4yZjaZsc">Understanding coronavirus and how germs spread (Brains On!)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3889&language=English">Virtual care at SickKids</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/were-here-for-you-during-covid-19-novel-coronavirus/">We’re here for you during COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) (Kids Help Phone)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNinywG7BtY">What is personal protective equipment (PPE) (video for children)</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Videos to support sleep and mindfulness</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Find videos that will help you prepare for sleep and for when you need a moment of peace, to understand your situation more clearly and coping with stressful thoughts and experiences.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Sleep video</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/2fbaoqkY0Qk">Sleep: A bed time story</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Mindfulness videos</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/nQdM_Cku9pA">A moment of peace</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/cFCiUlFKuO4">Two wings to fly</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/jaNAwy3XsfI">Being with all of your experiences</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/0QXmmP4psbA">You are not your thoughts</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/Ty93GRPplJo">Dealing with difficult moments</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/QTsUEOUaWpY">Everyday mindfulness</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/GgBVIZAEQqU">STOP for mindfulness</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYcLfBf-T9c">Stress and thinking: The mind/body connection</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/EWzDHN7Jdg8">Dealing with flares: Controlling the controllables</a></li></ol></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Audio meditations for mindfulness and coping</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Listen to these meditations in a quiet, comfortable spot to practise mindfulness, learn about ways to cope with physical and emotional pain or discomfort and to help you with stress throughout your day.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Mindfulness</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/3cevA6EjCbE">5 senses</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/gqMu6kFfQcE">Dropping the anchor</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/O5F3-Xw2XPE">The mountain</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/84Tr734KXO8">Dilute the yuck</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/YnL-hjXo4EQ">Self-compassion</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/fZdw6wm3A3E">Body scan</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/jc64ap852FU">Circle of gratitude</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/LMu-r-KZ_l8">Tree meditation</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/xcO8IIeV12M">Mindfulness of thought</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Coping with physical and emotional pain</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/84Tr734KXO8">Dilute the yuck</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/3IK7yWuEs3k">Visualize your pain</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/UbTyPgHf8z4">Soften, soothe, allow</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/NN7fz8lMTIM">Ice cube</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/e0JMtabUVvQ">Comfort your pain</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Finding calm/coping with stress</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/RQJNdVtHxlY">Time for rest</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/RpHvQkHYrZ0">Allowing rest</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/gqMu6kFfQcE">Dropping the anchor</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/EnrNtaMskik">Breathing meditation</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/CMcx9tJ70rA">Joy</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/EL_fvAepwv8">Equal breathing</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/QSf0JS0O16Q">Key word guided meditation</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/Tsi2np8xtVY">Bell meditation</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/263e093H5eM">Bell sounds</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/Jqu3SOEKtvE">Progressive muscle relaxation with tension</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/4ilNITE3-fE">Relaxation with imagery</a></li></ol></li></ol></div>
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<p>Above is our COVID-focused playlist. See "Tools, videos and resources for you and your child" in the menu above for more videos or visit the
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Aboutkidshealth">AboutKidHealth YouTube channel</a>.</p></div> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/iStock-1157093074.jpg | COVID-19,COVID19 | COVID-19 | | | | Main | | |
| Mental health | Mental health | Mental health | M | English | Psychiatry | Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Conditions and diseases;Healthy living and prevention | Teen (13-18 years) | NA | | | | | | | | | | | | Landing Page (Overview) | Learning Hub | <p>Learn how to support your mental health and well-being and how to recognize and manage various mental health conditions, with multimedia resources including articles, animations and guided meditations.<br></p> | <p>Learn how to support your mental health and well-being and how to recognize and manage various mental health conditions, with multimedia resources including articles, animations and guided meditations.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/teen_mentalhealth1.jpg | mentalhealth | mentalhealth | | | Learn how to support your teen’s mental health and wellbeing, and how to recognize and manage various mental health conditions. | Teens | | |
| Nasal congestion: How to clear your baby's dry, stuffy nose | Nasal congestion: How to clear your baby's dry, stuffy nose | Nasal congestion: How to clear your baby's dry, stuffy nose | N | English | NA | Newborn (0-28 days);Baby (1-12 months) | Nose | Nose | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Nasal congestion | | 2019-02-04T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 6.30000000000000 | 74.7000000000000 | 1005.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Some newborns are born with a stuffy nose. Learn why and check out some simple tips for parents on how to clear your baby's stuffy nose.</p> | <p>In the first few days of life, a newborn may sound like they have a stuffy nose because in the womb they were surrounded by fluid. Sometimes they sneeze for the first couple of days as they try to get rid of this leftover fluid in their nasal passages. A newborn with a stuffy nose may snort when breathing and sound "snuffly."</p><p>Stuffy nose or nasal congestion in babies happens when the tissues inside the nose swell or produce mucus. If your baby has a stuffy nose they may breathe through their mouth, which can make it harder for them to feed. In rare cases, a stuffy nose can cause breathing problems. Usually, nasal congestion goes away on its own within a week.</p><p>Extremely dry air can cause the sensitive lining of a baby's nose to dry up. The blood vessels inside a dry nose may break and bleed. If your baby's nose has not been injured but it bleeds, it may be because of a dry nose. This dryness may also make it easier for a baby to get a cold.</p><p>Nasal dryness often worsens during cold winter months, when heating makes the air inside the home dry.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Newborns may sound like they have a stuffy nose because of leftover fluid in their nose from the womb.</li><li>Usually, newborn stuffy nose goes away on its own within a few days.</li><li>In babies, nasal congestion or stuffy nose happens when the tissues inside the nose swell.</li><li>Use salt water nasal drops or an infant nasal aspirator or suction bulb to help clear mucus from your baby's nose.</li><li>If your baby has trouble breathing, see your doctor right away.
</li></ul> | | | <h2>What causes stuffy nose in babies?</h2><ul><li>dry air</li><li>irritants such as dust, cigarette smoke, or perfumes</li><li>viral illnesses (such as a cold)</li></ul>
<p>Try the measures below to help your baby's dry or stuffy nose. If your baby keeps having difficulty breathing or feeding, check with your baby's doctor to rule out any infection or condition that may be causing the stuffy nose.</p> | | | <h2>How to soothe your baby's dry nose</h2><p>If a dry or irritated nose seems to be bothering your baby, try these tips:</p><h3>Moisten your baby's nose</h3><p>You can buy salt water (saline) drops at the drug store.</p><ol><li>Lay your child on their back. Place a rolled towel or a small blanket beneath their shoulders or gently press on the tip of the nose to make it easier for the drops to go in.</li><li>Put two or three saline drops into each nostril. Wait 30 to 60 seconds before draining your baby's nose.</li></ol><h3>Run a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer near your baby's crib</h3><p>If your baby has a dry nose they may also have a stuffy nose. Water vapor can help moisten and loosen the mucus inside your baby's nose. Clean out and re-fill the vaporizer every day.</p><h2>How to clear your baby's stuffy nose</h2><p>In addition to running a humidifier or vaporizer near your baby's crib, you can also clear the mucus using saline nose drops.</p><h3>Clearing mucus using saline nose drops</h3><ol><li>Lay your child on their back. Place a rolled towel or a small blanket beneath their shoulders or gently press on the tip of the nose to make it easier for the drops to go in.</li><li>Put two or three saline nose drops into each nostril. Wait 30 to 60 seconds.</li><li>Turn your child onto their stomach to help their nose drain. Catch the mucus outside the nostril with a tissue or swab. Your baby might cough or sneeze the mucus and saline out.</li><li>Roll the swab or tissue around the outside of the nostril to draw the fluid out of the nose. Do not insert a cotton swab into your child's nostrils.</li></ol><h3>Clearing mucus using an infant nasal aspirator or nasal suction bulb</h3><p>If you have trouble removing the mucus, try using an infant nasal aspirator or nasal suction bulb. A nasal aspirator is a tube that is placed in your baby’s nostril, while you inhale through the mouthpiece of the tube to draw out any mucus. The mucus is then caught in a filter. A suction bulb is inserted into your baby’s nostril and acts as a vacuum to remove mucus. Suction bulbs are generally less effective in clearing mucous and secretions.</p><p>How to use a nasal aspirator:</p><ol><li>Before the first use, rinse the aspirator with hot water and dry thoroughly.</li><li>Place a clean filter in the filter chamber and reconnect the aspirator.</li><li>Lay the child on their back with their head tilted to the right. Carefully place one to two saline drops into the nostril. Follow the same procedure in the opposite nostril after turning the child’s head to the left.</li><li>Place the nasal aspirator soft tip at the entrance of the baby’s nostril. Inhale through the mouthpiece to gently draw out the mucus. Mucus will be collected in the hygienic filter and cannot pass through the inhalation tube. Repeat in the other nostril. Gently lift the baby to allow any remaining mucus to drain out or their nose.</li><li>Soak a tissue or cotton ball in saline solution and use it to gently wipe the child’s nostrils.</li><li>After each use, unclip the aspirator at its base, remove and discard the used filter, rinse the nasal aspirator with hot water and dry. Do not sterilize or boil the nasal aspirator. </li></ol><p>How to use a nasal suction bulb: </p><ol><li>Pinch the air out of the bulb.</li><li>Gently place the tip into the nostril, just inside the opening. Do not go too deep or you can cause damage to the inner part of the nose. Let the air come back into the bulb, pulling the mucus out of the nose with it.</li><li>Release the mucus onto a tissue.</li><li>Rinse the bulb well with fresh water before and after each use.</li></ol><div class="asset-video">
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0gQqI2gz0Z4?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div> | | | | <h2>When to see a doctor</h2><p>Call your doctor if your child develops any of the following symptoms.</p><ul><li><a href="/Article?contentid=30&language=English">Fever</a></li><li>Rash</li><li>A stuffy nose together with swelling of the forehead, eyes, side of the nose or cheek</li><li>A stuffy nose that lasts longer than two weeks</li><li>Difficulty breathing or breathing quickly</li><li>Significant trouble feeding or not interested in feeding</li><li>Your baby is extremely fussy or seems to be in pain</li></ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/nasal_congestion.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | congestedbaby | congestedbaby | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/nasal_congestion.jpg | Nasal congestion in babies | | Main | | |
| Reading disabilities: Overview | Reading disabilities: Overview | Reading disabilities: Overview | R | English | Developmental | Preschooler (2-4 years);Pre-teen (9-12 years);School age child (5-8 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Healthy living and prevention | Adult (19+)
Caregivers | NA | | 2020-03-03T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 11.6000000000000 | 39.8000000000000 | 1396.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>A reading disability is when a child with age-appropriate intellectual abilities has significant challenges with reading. Learn about reading disabilities, their symptoms, and how they are diagnosed and treated.</p> | <h2>What is a reading disability?</h2><p>A reading disability is a specific type of
<a href="/Article?contentid=653&language=English">learning disability</a>. Children with reading disabilities have average to above average intellectual abilities but experience a lot of trouble with reading. These difficulties affect how they perform in school, and their achievements fall well below what is expected for children of their age, grade, and intellectual ability.</p><p>Reading disabilities may include problems with:</p><ul><li>Phonological processing—the ability to break up words into sounds</li><li>Reading fluency or speed</li><li>Reading comprehension</li></ul><p>A child with a reading disability has a problem with reading words accurately and/or quickly, or with understanding what they are reading.</p><p>Another general term for reading disabilities is <a href="/Article?contentid=307&language=English">dyslexia</a>. Children with dyslexia may have difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, as well as poor decoding and spelling abilities.</p> | <h2>Types of reading disabilities</h2><p>In general, there are three types of reading disabilities. A person may experience one, two or all three:</p><ul><li>Problems with phonological processing</li><li>Problems with reading fluency</li><li>Problems with reading comprehension</li></ul><h3>Problems with phonological processing</h3><p>Children with problems in phonological processing have difficulty processing the sounds of language. Phonological processing difficulties include problems with <a href="/Article?contentid=1896&language=English">phonological awareness</a> (rhyming, deleting sounds, blending sounds), phonological memory (remembering sounds in words), and rapid word retrieval (coming up with words or naming objects and symbols quickly). Problems with phonological processing can lead to problems with spelling and to a limited vocabulary, which can also affect a child’s reading comprehension.</p><h3>Problems with reading fluency</h3><p>Reading fluency happens when a reader can recognize many words by sight, and quickly decode unfamiliar words. Reading fluency is important because it gives the reader more time to think about the meaning of a passage or story. Some children can decode and recognize words accurately, but have problems with orthographic processing (remembering the rules of letter order and combinations). These children have difficulty recognizing words they already know and rely heavily on sounding out common words. As a result, it takes a longer time for them to read passages or stories, and they tend to read in a choppy and forced way. Because so much effort is put into reading the words, they also struggle with reading comprehension (the overall meaning of what they are reading).</p><h3>Problems with reading comprehension</h3><p>When a child has difficulty understanding what words mean after reading them, it is called a disability in reading comprehension.</p><p>Children who can read fluently but who still have problems with comprehension often have trouble with:</p><ul><li>Grasping the overall meaning of what they are reading</li><li>Monitoring their understanding</li></ul> | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Reading disabilities are learning disabilities that can include problems with phonological processing, reading fluency or speed, and reading comprehension.</li><li>Children who are diagnosed with a reading disability often show early signs of speech and language difficulties.</li><li>Reading disabilities are often diagnosed with a psychoeducational assessment.</li><li>Reading disabilities can lead to problems with spelling and limit a child’s vocabulary.</li></ul> | | <h2>Early signs of reading problems</h2><p>Children who are diagnosed with a reading disability often show early signs, such as:</p><ul><li>Indistinct, garbled speech after three years of age</li><li>Speaking in phrases or sentences later than normal</li><li>Difficulty learning words to songs or nursery rhymes in preschool</li><li>Difficulty learning the alphabet and the sounds of the letters</li></ul><p>However, not all children with these signs develop a reading disability.</p><h2>Signs of a reading disability</h2><p>Once your child reaches school age, signs that they might have a reading disability include:</p><ul><li>Trouble learning colour names</li><li>Trouble learning letter names</li><li>Trouble rhyming or isolating sounds in words</li><li>Trouble blending sounds together</li><li>Difficulty recognizing a word after having seen it many times in many different contexts</li><li>Frequent letter or number reversals by the end of Grade Two</li><li>Consistent omission or reversal of letters in words; for example, "gril" instead of "girl"</li><li>Choppy, slow reading</li><li>A limited sight word vocabulary</li></ul><p>For a list of typical reading milestones achieved by children at different grade levels, see <a href="/Article?contentid=651&language=English">Reading and writing milestones</a>.</p> | | | <h2>Diagnosis of a reading disability</h2><p>If your child’s reading abilities are substantially below the expected level for their age, intellectual abilities and education, they may have a reading disability.</p><p>If you suspect your child might have a reading disability, it is important to share your concerns with your child’s teachers. They will be able to observe your child’s learning, and identify available resources and strategies to help improve your child’s reading skills. If the resources and strategies provided by the school do not help improve your child’s learning, your child might benefit from a formal psychoeducational assessment.</p><p>A psychoeducational assessment can identify your child’s strengths and learning challenges, and diagnose learning, developmental or attention-related disorders, as well as giftedness. The assessment will get to the root cause of your child’s academic issues, and identify a plan for solving them.</p> | <h2>Treatment</h2><p>Reading disabilities can be treated with two main approaches—accommodations and interventions.</p><p>The earlier a child with a reading disability receives an evidence-based reading intervention over a reasonable period of time, the more likely they are to catch up with their peers.</p><h3>Accommodations</h3><p>Accommodations are changes made in the classroom to help students work around their weaknesses. Accommodations can help some children succeed without direct intervention. Accommodations for a reading disability might include:</p><ul><li>Providing lessons and presentations on audio recordings</li><li>Providing a designated reader</li><li>Allowing answers and assignments to be given verbally or dictated to a scribe</li><li>Allowing frequent breaks or more time for tests</li><li>Providing a space with minimal distractions</li></ul><h3>Interventions</h3><p>Interventions help students address their areas of need so that they can overcome them. Interventions teach children <strong>how</strong> to learn, and allows them to succeed as independent learners. Interventions for a reading disability typically include addressing the core learning difficulties (speech, language, phonological deficits) through direct instruction. Direct instruction teaches skills in a targeted, well-organized way. Through drills and repetition, it provides children with opportunities for guided practise and cumulative learning.</p> | <h2>Association with spelling and vocabulary</h2><h3>Spelling problems</h3><p>Spelling is often challenging for children who have a reading disability. Spelling and reading rely on the same underlying knowledge: phonological processing and visual memory. Since many children with reading disabilities struggle with phonological processing, they will also have difficulty breaking down words in order to spell them correctly.</p><h3>Vocabulary problems</h3><p>Vocabulary is important in both learning to read and in reading comprehension. Children develop their reading vocabularies faster when they are reading words more advanced than the words they say when talking. Young children who read well are quickly exposed to all sorts of words that they would not hear when talking to an adult or on television. This exposure helps a child’s reading vocabulary to grow, and it makes it easier for the child to read advanced material.</p><p>Children who struggle with reading lag in vocabulary development because they read less. The feedback between reading vocabulary and comprehension helps to explain why poor readers fall behind in vocabulary and general knowledge. It is important to intervene early, before this performance gap widens.</p> | <h2>How to help your child with a reading disability</h2><p>Below are some suggestions for how to work with your child at home if they have a reading disability:</p><ul><li>Read to your child above their own reading level, ensuring that their vocabulary and knowledge about the world grows.</li><li>Watch documentaries on TV and discuss them with your child.</li><li>Listen to audio books with your child. You can do this in the car too.</li><li>Read and say rhymes and rhythms aloud with your child.</li><li>Read graphic novels or joke books with your child. These are fun and engaging media that include bite-sized segments of text, which are easier for your child to follow.</li><li>Have conversations with your child about things you have recently read, watched on the news, or discussed with others.</li><li>Have you child read media in the world around them, like signs, labels and recipes.</li><li>Foster curiosity. Wondering about the world helps keep a child’s love of learning from being worn down by frustration.</li><li>Help with your child’s schoolwork plan, agenda and online scheduling platform (e.g., Google Classroom). When are projects due? When do they have a test? What evenings will they study?</li><li>Help your child build non-academic skills, such as athletics, hobbies, music, or group activities.</li></ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Reading_disabilities-Overview.jpg | | A reading disability is a specific type of learning disability. Learn about the symptoms of a reading disability, diagnosis and treatment. | Main | | |
| Sexuality: What children should learn and when | Sexuality: What children should learn and when | Sexuality: What children should learn and when | S | English | Adolescent | Toddler (13-24 months);Preschooler (2-4 years);School age child (5-8 years);Pre-teen (9-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Healthy living and prevention | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2019-06-06T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 10.0000000000000 | 52.6000000000000 | 1279.00000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>When you talk to your child about sexuality and reproduction, you want to be sure they understand what you are saying. This guide outlines what children are able to understand at different stages.</p> | <p>Beginning a conversation about sexuality early and continuing that conversation as the child grows is the best sex education strategy. It lets parents avoid giving one big talk when the child reaches adolescence, when they may think they already have the information and won’t be receptive. When talking to your kids about sex, it’s important to explain things in a way that your child can understand, given their age and level of development. <br></p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>When talking to your children about sexuality, make sure you explain things in a way that is developmentally appropriate.</li><li>You do not have to explain everything at once. Younger children tend to be more interested in pregnancy and babies, rather than the act of sex.</li></ul> | <p>Every child is different, but here is a rough guide to what children should be able to understand about sexuality and reproduction at different stages.<br></p><h2>Toddlers: 13 to 24 months<br></h2><p>Toddlers should be able to name all the body parts including the
<a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/body/interactive?module=sex-development">genitals</a>. Using the correct names for body parts will allow them to better communicate any health issues, injuries or sexual abuse. It also helps them understand that these parts are as normal as any others, which promotes self-confidence and a positive body image. </p><p>Most two-year-olds know the difference between male and female, and can usually figure out if a person is male or female. They should have a general understanding that a person’s gender identity is not determined by their genitals and that gender can be expressed in different ways. Caregivers can help by not connecting sexual biology to gender (e.g., say “people with penises” or “people with vaginas”).</p><p>Toddlers should know that their body is private. It is normal for toddlers to explore their bodies, which includes touching their genitals, but they should understand when and where it is appropriate to do so.</p><h2>Preschoolers: Two to four years old</h2><p>Most preschoolers are able to understand the very basics of reproduction: the sperm and the egg join, and the baby grows in the uterus. Depending on their level of understanding and interest, you might tell children about their birth story and let them know that this isn’t the only way families are made. Do not think you have to cover everything at once. Younger kids are interested in pregnancy and babies, rather than the act of sex.</p><p>Children should understand their body is their own and no one can touch their body without their permission. They should know other people can touch them in some ways but not other ways and that no one should be asking to touch their genitals except for their parents or health-care providers. If they know what is appropriate and what is not, they will be more likely to tell you if they experience sexual abuse.</p><p>By this age, children should also learn to ask before they touch someone else (e.g., hugging, tickling) and should start to learn about boundaries (e.g., understanding that when someone takes a step away, your child should respect that person’s signal for space). </p><p>Teach children about privacy around body issues. For example, they should know when it’s appropriate to be naked. </p><p>Children should also learn more about other body parts and body functions. Some children of this age think that girls only have one opening for stool and urine, and many children believe that babies grow in tummies, the same place their food goes.</p><h2>School-age children: Five to eight years old</h2><p>Children should have a basic understanding that some people are heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual, and that there is a range of gender expression; gender is not determined by a person's genitals. They should also know what the role of sexuality is in relationships.<br></p><p>Children should know about the basic social conventions of privacy, nudity and respect for others in relationships. Most children have begun to explore their bodies by this age. They should understand that while it is normal, it is something that should be done in private.</p><p>Teach children how to use the computer and mobile devices safely. Children toward this age span should start learning about privacy, nudity and respect for others in the digital context. They should be aware of rules for talking to strangers and sharing photos online and what to do if they come across something that makes them uncomfortable.</p><p>Children should be taught the basics about puberty toward the end of this age span, as a number of children will experience some pubertal development before age 10. They should not only learn about the changes they will experience, but about other bodies too — boys and girls should not have separate lessons. Children should also know about the importance of hygiene and self-care in puberty. Having these discussions early will prepare them for the changes that will happen during puberty and will reassure them that these changes are normal and healthy. </p><p>Children’s understanding of
<a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/body/interactive?module=genetics/inheritanceintroduction/pages/humanreproduction.aspx">human reproduction</a> should continue. This may include the role of sexual intercourse, but they should also know that there are other means of reproduction. This information could be incorporated into discussions of puberty. </p><h2>Pre-teens: Nine to 12 years old</h2><p>In addition to reinforcing all the things above that they have already learned, pre-teens should be taught about safer sex and contraception and should have basic information about pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They should know that being a teenager does not mean they have to be sexually active.</p><p>Pre-teens should understand what makes a positive relationship and what makes for a bad one.</p><p>Pre-teens should have increased knowledge of internet safety, including bullying and sexting. They should know the risks of sharing nude or sexually explicit photos of themselves or their peers.</p><p>Pre-teens should also understand how the media influences the way people view their bodies and should be able to think critically about how sexuality is portrayed in the media. This means being able to judge whether depictions of sex and sexuality are true or false, realistic or not, and whether they are positive or negative. </p><h2>Teenagers: 13 to 18 years old</h2><p>Teens should receive more detailed information about menstruation and nocturnal emissions (wet dreams) and should know that they are normal and healthy. They should also know more about pregnancy and STIs and about different contraception options and how to use them to practise safer sex.</p><p>Learning how to practise safer sex also means learning how alcohol and drugs impact judgment.</p><p>Teens should continue learning the difference between a healthy relationship and an unhealthy relationship. This includes learning about pressures and dating violence and understanding what consent means in sexual relationships. Teens should be equipped with negotiation and refusal skills and methods for ending a relationship.</p><p>Teens are generally very private people. However, if parents have spoken to their child early about sex, it increases the chance that teens will approach parents when difficult or dangerous things come up later or when they have questions or concerns about their changing bodies and identities.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <p>Alberta Health Services (n.d.).
<em>Information by age: Understanding your child’s development</em>. Retrieved from:
<a href="https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/parents/information-by-age/">https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/parents/information-by-age/</a></p><p>Alberta Health Services (n.d.).
<em>Sexual & gender diversity</em>. Retrieved from:
<a href="https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/parents/information-by-topic/sexual-diversity/">https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/parents/information-by-topic/sexual-diversity/</a></p><p>Alberta Health Services (n.d.).
<em>Understanding consent</em>. Retrieved from:
<a href="https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/parents/information-by-topic/understanding-consent/">https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/parents/information-by-topic/understanding-consent/</a></p><p>Canadian Paediatric Society — Caring for Kids (2017).
<em>How to talk with your teen</em>. Retrieved from:
<a href="https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/talk_with_your_teen">https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/talk_with_your_teen</a></p><p>Canadian Paediatric Society — Caring for Kids (2018).
<em>Gender identity</em>. Retrieved from:
<a href="https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/gender-identity">https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/gender-identity</a><a></a></p>
<a> </a>
<p>Canadian Paediatric Society — Caring for Kids (2018).
<em>Sexual orientation</em>. Retrieved from: <a href="https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/teens_sexual_orientation">https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/teens_sexual_orientation</a></p><p>Planned Parenthood (n.d.).
<em>Get the facts on sexual health</em>. Retrieved from:
<a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn">https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn</a></p> | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/sex_education_what_when.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/sex_education_what_when.jpg | | This guide outlines what children can understand about sexuality and reproduction at different stages. | Main | | |
| Virtual care at SickKids | Virtual care at SickKids | Virtual care at SickKids | V | English | NA | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | NA | Adult (19+)
Caregivers | NA | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/katelyn%20ophthalmology%20resized.png | 2020-09-03T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 10.8000000000000 | 52.6000000000000 | 1500.00000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn about virtual care visits, how to prepare for one and what to expect during a virtual appointment.</p> | <figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/katelyn%20ophthalmology%20resized.png" alt="A virtual eye appointment from the health-care practitioner's perspective" /></figure>
<h2>What is virtual care?</h2><p>Virtual care is a way of providing health care remotely using technology, such as a telephone, computer or other mobile device. A virtual visit with a health-care provider or health-care team can take place over the phone or a video calling platform instead of in-person at the hospital. It provides another option for you to connect with your clinical team when an in-person visit is not available, convenient or safe.</p><p>Virtual care can be a helpful alternative to in-person appointments for non-urgent visits, and during a pandemic such as <a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/COVID-19">COVID-19</a>.
<strong>Virtual appointments should not be used as substitutes for in-person visits in cases where you/your child need to have a minor procedure, certain types of bloodwork or for emergencies.</strong> Your clinical team will work with you to decide whether your appointment needs to be in person or can be done virtually.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Virtual care is a way of providing health care remotely using technology, such as a telephone, computer or other mobile device.</li><li>You will need a space that is quiet, private, well-lit and comfortable, and a reliable internet and/or phone connection, to attend a virtual care visit.</li><li>Virtual visits can reduce travel to the hospital, minimize wait times and allow for physical distancing of non-urgent hospital appointments.</li><li>Virtual appointments cannot be used as substitutes for emergencies or in-person procedures.</li><li>Your child’s clinical team will provide you with instructions on how to join your virtual visit well in advance of your appointment.</li></ul> | <h2>What are the benefits of virtual care?</h2><p>Virtual care can be convenient, timely and safe. Appointments done over the phone, computer or a mobile device reduce the need to travel to the hospital and can minimize the wait time for clinic appointments. They also allow for physical distancing during a pandemic like COVID-19.</p><h2>Is virtual care safe?</h2><p>Your privacy is very important to the clinical team. Similar to any in-person visit, they will make it a priority to ensure that any information you give to them during a virtual appointment is kept confidential and secure. Any personal or health information collected during your virtual appointment is used to provide care for your child in accordance with the <em><a href="https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/04p03">Personal Health Information Protection Act</a></em>.</p><p>While the clinical team will do their best to protect the privacy and security of your health information, electronic communications such as email, Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) and Zoom, are never completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using video or audio communications tools.</p><p>To help the clinical team keep your information safe, it is recommended that you do the following:</p><ul><li>Use your own personal computer or device.</li><li>Use a secure internet connection at home. Avoid using an internet connection in a public area, such as an airport, store, restaurant or library.</li><li>Use your personal e-mail, not a work email address, and make sure the clinical team has your correct email address.</li><li>Choose a private space where your discussions with your provider will not be overheard.</li></ul><p>When participating in virtual care, you will be sharing your child’s personal health information with their clinical team through video or audio communications, which might include email, videoconferencing (Zoom, OTN, etc.) or text messages. If you receive an email or electronic communication and are not sure if it is coming from your child’s clinical team at SickKids, please do not click on any links and contact the clinical team to verify the communication came from SickKids.</p><h2>How much will a virtual visit cost?</h2><p>The hospital does not charge for virtual health-care visits, but your internet or cellular service providers may charge you when you use your own equipment. Contact your internet or cellular service providers to find out if you might incur charges from them.
</p><h2>Before your virtual care visit</h2><p>Your child’s clinical team will provide you with instructions on how to join your virtual appointment. You may need to download an app or online platform. The team will provide you this information well in advance of your appointment. It is also helpful to provide your child’s clinical team with a phone number where you can be contacted in case there are technical difficulties.</p><p>There are a few things you can do before your virtual appointment to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible:</p><h3>Be prepared</h3><ul><li>Think about the goals of the appointment and prepare a list of any questions you may want to ask your child’s clinical team.</li><li>Have a notebook and pen available in case you want to write information down during your child’s appointment.</li><li>Ensure your child has had all of their pre-requisite tests and procedures in advance of your virtual visit, if applicable, such as bloodwork or imaging.</li><li>Have your child’s most recent height and weight measurements available. Depending on the type of visit, your child’s clinical team may ask for other measurements as well.</li></ul><h3>Choose an appropriate environment</h3><ul><li>Choose a space that is quiet, has good lighting and is comfortable for you and your child. Turn off the TV, radio, or other sources of noise in advance so that you and your child’s clinical team can hear each other clearly.</li><li>Make sure the space you choose is private. If there are other people in the room with you and your child, tell your child’s clinical team at the beginning of the appointment.</li><li>You may want to have a table nearby in case you want to take notes during the appointment.</li><li>If your child’s clinical team needs to do an assessment of your child during the visit, make sure the space is set up so that your child can either be sitting or lying down comfortably.</li></ul><h3>Have the right technology and equipment on hand</h3><ul><li>Make sure the space you are using has access to the internet and good telephone reception.</li><li>Use a laptop, desktop or tablet with audio and video. Make sure the speakers and microphone work and the volume can be turned up if needed. You may need to attach external speakers or use headphones/ear buds if the volume on your device is not loud enough.</li><li>If you do not have access to a laptop, desktop or tablet, you can try using your smartphone.</li><li>Download any apps needed to for the appointment (e.g., Zoom, Pexip Infinity Connect, etc.) and test the weblink that was provided to you for the appointment.</li><li>Depending on the type of virtual care visit, your child’s clinical team may ask you to have other tools or equipment on hand as well, such as a measuring tape or ruler.</li><li>Test your equipment and audio before your appointment.</li></ul><h2>During your virtual care visit</h2>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Virtual_care.jpg" alt="A virtual appointment from the patient perspective" /></figure>
<p>What happens during your child’s virtual care appointment will depend on the clinical care department running the appointment and the reason for your child’s visit. Generally, most appointments will include the following:</p><ul><li>Meeting a member/members of your child’s clinical team to discuss the reason for your child’s appointment</li><ul><li>Just like an in-person visit, there may be more than one member of your child’s clinical team attending your virtual visit. They may all call in to the visit from the same physical location (like a conference room at the hospital), or they may call in separately from different locations (like a home office or private workspace within the hospital).</li></ul><li>Taking a health and/or family history of your child</li><li>Conducting a physical and/or psychological assessment of your child</li><li>Discussing the clinical team’s recommendations and next steps</li><li>A time for you to ask questions</li></ul><h3>What if I require an interpreter?</h3><p>If you require an interpreter during your virtual visit your child’s clinical team will arrange for an interpreter to be present during the appointment.</p><h3>What if I encounter technical difficulties?</h3><p>If you experience technical difficulties during your appointment, please call your child’s clinic at the number they gave you in your appointment instructions.</p><p>Your appointment should start at the scheduled time. If you do not join the meeting shortly after its start time, your child’s clinic will call you on the phone number (or alternate number) that you provided to them in case of technical difficulties.</p><p>You can also try searching for a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for the app or online platform you are using for troubleshooting tips.</p><h2>After your virtual care visit</h2><p>After your child’s virtual care appointment is concluded you may receive:</p><ul><li>A summary of the visit, including all of the names of the health-care providers on the call, their recommendations and next steps.</li><li>An appointment date for additional tests and procedures, such as bloodwork or imaging.</li><li>An appointment date for a follow-up visit with the clinical care team.</li></ul><p>After Visit Summaries at SickKids are provided through MyChart, an online patient portal that provides patients and authorized caregivers access to parts of their SickKids’ electronic health record. For more information, or to register for MyChart, visit
<a href="https://www.sickkids.ca/patient-family-resources/mychart/index.html">https://www.sickkids.ca/patient-family-resources/mychart/index.html</a>.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | virtualcare | virtualcare | | | | Main | | |
