Today's top news stories for parents
Today is a bit of a big day on the H1N1 story. Sadly, a 13-year-old boy has been confirmed to have succumbed to complications of swine flu.
If you're wondering where to find a clinic in your area, go to our swine flu page and look under "Swine flu Info Links" on the left. Absenteeism from H1N1 is now on the rise in Ontario schools, which is an important indicator of influenza spread.
We've also got an update for pregnant moms. Canada will import 200,000 adjuvant-free H1N1 shots from Australia, rather than wait for our version to make it through our regulatory system. Pregnant women are four times as likely to develop severe complications from swine flu.
Other major news stories you'll want to read:
The 10 least nutritious breakfast cereals Note, they're all the type marketed to kids.
Teenagers at risk for heart disease are on the rise. A two-decade study of teens in the Niagara region of Ontario found that the number with risk factors for heart disease - obesity and high cholesterol - had risen to 21 per cent of all kids in Grade 9.
Price tag for all-day kindergarten rises by $500 million The Ontario government has decided to ignore the Pascal Report's suggestion of using early childhood educators to round out the kindergarten day, and instead put teacher's in charge for the full day. Follow this story on our Early Learning page.
School boards' backers blast 'achievement reform' They say a bill that would amend the Ontario Education Act would limit the powers of school boards to set education priorities, making those second-fiddle to standardized test results.
New column on women's issues Former environment reporter Catherine Porter has launched a new column. Today she share a little about the juggle between motherhood and work.
A couple of things from yesterday when I was off sick:
Disney will be refunding money to Canadians who purchased Baby Einstein DVDs. That's because it turned out to be such a crock that any form of screen time is good for baby brain development. Talk about a fall from the mom-preneur pedestal for creator Julie Aigner-Clark.
Curriculum examines what puts kids on the street York University has developed lessons plans - including gritty skits performed by students - aimed at busting stereotypes and misconceptions about homelessness.
Some fun diversions:
Parentcentral's Halloween Guide
Fun-filled family events for this week
The Star's Halloween page
As a Montreal medical journalist I've followed your swine flu stories closely. My 13-year-old daughter has been home for 3 days with the same symptoms that killed Evan Frustaglio - but her doctor says it's nothing to worry about. Still, as an asthma sufferer, I find it hard not to worry. I've done some research on things asthma sufferers can do to boost their lung health during flu season. Take a look at 3 new posts on my blog at http://katejohnsonmednews.wordpress.com/
Kate Johnson
Medical Journalist
Montreal
kkatejohnson@aol.com
http://katejohnsonmednews.wordpress.com/
http://twitter.com/kjohnsonmed
Posted by: Kate Johnson | October 28, 2009 at 10:53 PM