1. A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet
take action! A for attitude
get your kids off the A happy student
couch and moving! equals better learning
aCtiVE
June 2011
HEaLtHY KiDS
3 THE WISH
TIPS
FOR
OF A LIFETIME
How the Children’s Wish Foundation
ENCOURAGING
HEALTHY gave six-year-old Paige the strength to
DEVELOPMENT
beat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
PhOTO: chILDRen’S WISh FOUnDaTIOn
SUMMER 2011 REGISTER ONLINE NOW!!!
The Sportball Approach
Sportball a leader in non-competitive
sports instruction for children 16 months - 12 years.
Introduce your child to an active & healthy lifestyle through year-round
multi-sport programming, fitness, soccer as well as seasonal and summer camps.
Soccer, Hockey, Football, Volleyball, Baseball, Basketball, Tennis & Golf!
LOCATIONS NEAR YOU!
registration@sportball.ca www.sportball.ca 905.882.4473
2. 2 · june 2011 A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet
CHaLLEnGES TIP
1
THE HEALTH OF
OUR CHILDREN We RecOMMenD
WILL AFFECT
Living on a wish
FUTURE How the children’s
GENERATIONS Wish foundation
gave a little girl the
strength to fight
her illness.
pAge 4
“together, we will
fight this monster, and
together we will win!”
Picky eaters p. 2
take control of meal times
Saving lives p. 7
Why access to Aed’s is vital for our active
children
The time to take action is now—more than ever
before, the focus on our children’s health has serious
implications for generations to come.
Closing the gaps
for Canadian youth
t
his youth-focused re- every one of them, in our aging these issues more visible and en-
port touches on sev- society, to develop to their full- sure that a fair share is invested cHildren’s HeAltH
3rd editiOn, june 2011
eral important issues est potential. There will be fewer in their development – saving
affecting the well- Canadian children to support our considerable social and econom- Responsible for this issue:
Publisher: Brittney Blake
being of Canada’s growing senior population and ic costs down the road. There is brittney.blake@mediaplanet.com
young people. to advance our economic pro- no one in the federal government Designer: Penelope graham
penelope.graham@mediaplanet.com
As the world’s ductivity. In fact, the only grow- with the primary and focused re- Contributors: Diamond Fernandes, David
largest child-focused humani- ing child populations in Canada sponsibility to consider the well- Morley, Indraninnadarajah, David
Shoemaker, Paul St. germain, glenn
tarian and development agency are Aboriginal, Inuit and immi- being of Canada’s seven million Whitehead, VOIce
working in virtually every coun- grant. But guess which children children. There is no Minister for
Managing Director: gustav aspegren
try, UNICEF works everyday, are struggling the most to de- Children, no Children’s Commis- gustav.aspegren@mediaplanet.com
around the world, with govern- velop to their potential? About David Morley sioner, no parliamentary children’s Editorial Manager: Jackie McDermott
president and ceO, jackie.mcdermott@mediaplanet.com
ments, health and education pro- one in ten Canadian kids, on aver- unicef canada
caucus or committee to ensure the Business Developer: Darshan Thomas
fessionals and non-government age, lives in families where low impacts on children are considered darshan.thomas@mediaplanet.com
organizations to help to save income significantly increases MY BeST TIPS as a priority in legislation,policy and Distributed within:
children’s lives and secure their risks to children’s health, safe- ■ Establish a federal advocate for services. Most provincial and terri- Toronto Star, June 2011
This section was created by Mediaplanet
rights to develop and be protect- ty and future prospects. For First children and youth torial governments have child and and did not involve the Toronto Star or its
ed. We also work here in Can- Nations children in reserve com- ■ Provide a detailed account of youth advocates who help to put editorial Departments.
ada, advocating for the rights munities and for immigrant chil- public expenditures on children children higher on the agenda and
and well-being of Canada’s sev- dren, the rate is as high as one with a federal “children’s budget” solve service gaps, so the concept is
en million children, a quarter of in four. What can we do so few- ■ Set a national poverty reduction already working—just not yet at the
our population. Unfortunately, er children are left behind while strategy with specific attention to federal level. Other countries such
FOLLOW US On FaceBOOK anD
according to a recent UNICEF re- raising the bar for the health and children – linked to health, educa- as the UK, Sweden and New Zealand TWITTeR!
port comparing equality in child well-being of all our children? tion,child care,housing,economic have a national children’s advocate. www.facebook.com/MediaplanetCA
www.twitter.com/MediaplanetCA
well-being across 24 of the most The tireless work of parents, edu- goals and other policy areas In Canada, an advocate for children
affluent (OECD) countries, Can- cators, health professionals, and ■ Close the gap between Aborig- and youth would raise awareness
Mediaplanet’s business is to create new
ada has large equality gaps be- not-for-profit organizations is inal and non-Aboriginal children about what’s holding some of our customers for our advertisers by providing
tween children in their levels not enough. The good health pro- with the provision and funding children back and work with prov- readers with high-quality content
that motivates them to act.
of health and family resources. motion programs invested in by of appropriate services including incial or territorial child and youth
The equality gap between kids provincial, territorial and federal health, child protection and edu- advocates and across federal depart-
is wider in Canada than in many governments are not sufficient. cation ments to make our programs, poli-
other industrialized countries. A There is ample evidence that ■ Visit www.unicef.ca to learn cies and services work better for all
strong economy and a healthy so- Canada’s children do not have a more and get involved. children. A Canada more equal for
ciety can only be built on strong first call on the nation’s resour- our children is a Canada that will be
and healthy children. We will in- ces. They need an advocate in stronger and more prosperous for
creasingly depend on each and the federal government to make all.
put picky eating in its place
Congratulations
to our Canadian
Champions and
One of the worst things a par- Don’t complicate the situation, says many honour roll
ent of a picky eater can do is Berall. Yes, your child may be fussy, students!
to feed their child. but remember you are the parent
and stay in charge.
“You are actually interfering with As parents, you are responsible for
the child’s natural development,” the food, the time and the location of
warns Dr. Glenn Berrall, chief of the meal.Children should have three
paediatrics at North York General regular meals; not too much milk or
Hospital. juice and no snacks between meals.
He has had parents confess that And after you have done your bit,
they provide entertainment, spoon you control your anxiety and wait
food into their mouths or cook mul- for the hunger signals to kick in.
tiple meals to tempt their children’s “What you want to do is to have
poor appetites. hunger and developmental curiosity
While the most common age drive their food intake,” he explains.
group for picky eaters tends to be When introducing a child to a
children under six, Berall has treat- new food, persistence is key. Some-
ed a 14-year old who was still being times, the same food might need figure is probably closer to 20 per- food, like choking. It could also in-
spoon-fed. to be introduced between 10 to 12 cent to 30 percent. clude kids who have an extreme sen-
More disturbingly, he has had times before it is accepted. Kids, like There are many reasons why chil- sory sensitivity, and may dislike the
parents wrestle their children to adults, need time to adjust to a new dren become fussy eaters. Some of feel of food on their hands and faces.
the floor and force food down their experience, says Dr Berall. the medical reasons include gastric “This group of children will only
throats. “Parents feel responsible for reflux or developmental or neuro- have very specific foods, like chicken
their children’s nutrition, and they Causes of fussy eating logical issues. nuggets, and even then it has to fit
become more actively involved than Up to 60 percent of parents report The non-medical reasons could in- very specific criteria for them,” says
they should,” he says diplomatically. that cajoling their children to eat is clude children who are just too busy Berall.
a daily occurrence. However, health- having fun, or who may have had a
inDrani naDaraJaH
Keep it simple care professionals estimate that the traumatic incident associated with
editorial@mediaplanet.com
3. A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet june 2011 · 3
SportS For KiDS
Filling the niche for healthy activity
Sportball, the Toronto-based ents are placing an ever greater em-
leader in non-competitive phasis on the value of programs
sports and fitness instruc- such as those offered by Sportball.
tion for children 16 months Other benefits of introducing active
to 12 years, is passionate play at a young age include advanced
about improving the physic- social development and improved
al literacy, activity levels and levels of confidence and self-esteem.
overall health of young
children. The three R’s
The Sportball Methodology ensures
“We have seen the benefits of intro- that programs are age appropriate,
ducing non-competitive sports ac- skills-progressive and focus on re-
tivities in not only our own children fining, rehearsing and repeating the
but in many of the tens of thousands various skills that are taught. The
of children that have gone through eight sports offered include baseball,
our programs over the last 17 years” basketball, football, soccer, volley-
says Carmella Gelgor, co-found- ball,tennis,hockey and golf.Coaches
er and self described head coach at are certified after passing a rigorous
Sportball. Gelgor, along with her training and mentorship program PLAY WITH PASSION
Programs like this encour-
husband Mark, founded Sportball and share the passion of the found- age motor development
in 1994 to address what they saw ers in the benefits of working with and coordination.
as a lack of sports programming in children in this age group. It’s al- PHOTO: SPORTBALL
schools and the community in gen- so important to note that all coach-
eral. “We know from experience that es have cleared vulnerable sector mer Camps, Soccer, Seasonal Clin- new section on their website will introducing non-competitive sports
by introducing young children to checks and are trained in First-Aid ics, Birthday Parties along with cur- feature informative articles that instruction at a young age. For more
our educational methodology that and CPR. riculum based and after school pro- are both topical and relevant to information visit www.sportball.ca.
we can get a jump on gross motor de- Sportball offers a range of pro- grams. Sportball parents and others in At Sportball it’s apparent that
velopment, balance, strength, stam- grams that include Multi-Sport Par- Sportball will be passing on their the Sportball Community. Infor- everyone from the Head Coaches
ina,coordination and timing.” It’s al- ent & Child classes, Multi-Sport for knowledge and experience through mation will be shared by both in- through to the parents and children
so important to note that educators , big Kids, fitness focused FitKids their new online community that is ternal and external contributors all play with passion... and play for
the health care community and par- classes, Sport-Specific Classes, Sum- being launched in mid-July. This who believe in the benefits of fun!!!
Pre-K to Grade 12 Reading Writing Math Grammar Study Skills Homework French
Stay sharp this summer
Studies show that students typically lose 30% of their learning momentum over the summer. This means that students are at an
academic disadvantage when they start school in the fall.
Students who engage their brain over the summer are able to learn, integrate, and understand new material from the first day
of school, which gives them an edge over the students who take a mental vacation in the summer.
Do you have these 5 AT-HOME activities on your child’s to-do list this summer?
READ!
Encourage children to keep reading every day this summer. Frequent reading improves
comprehension skills and develops vocabulary. Give that library card a workout this summer!
WRITE!
Give children a journal or scrapbook and encourage them to write every day. Stumped about
what to write? Keep lists of new words, start a short story, or just summarize the day!
TALK!
Make discussing your day part of your family’s daily routine. Chat about what you did, saw, or
wondered about. This builds memory skills and keeps the mind active and engaged.
PLAY!
Games such as Sudoku, crossword puzzles, board games, or any game with strategy and
planning keep the cognitive wheels turning. Ask questions about strategy and discuss
possible alternative moves and different outcomes.
THINK!
Keep the mind switched on by asking questions about anything and everything! Parents can
help kids by modeling questions. Don’t worry if there are not always answers. An alert mind is
always questioning and thinking.
Book a summer program at Oxford Learning!
Call today, or visit oxfordlearning.com
5th Annual Annual
5th
Saturday, September 10, 2011 in2011 in Toronto
Saturday, September 10, Toronto
Supporting Diabetes Hope Foundation’s community programs
ABOUT THE W ALK PICTURES HERE HELP US SUPPORT
Supporting Diabetes H
Help us Support Kids
5K walk along the Humber River Walk
About the
community programs:
Bring family, friends, pets, walk along the Humber River
• 5K and co-workers. • Scholarship / Mentorship Program
Face Painting, Clowns, Bring Music, Gift pets and co-workers
• Live family, friends, • Diabetes Summer Sports Camp Scholarship/Me
• At-Risk Youth Diabtes Retreat Diabetes Summ
Bags, Games • Face Painting, Clowns, Live Music,
Register Online Today! Medical Assistance Program
• Interim At-Risk Youth D
Gifts Bags, Games
www.DiabetesWalkforHope.com Interim Medica
“Walking together to give kids hope for a healthier tomorrow” www.DiabetesWalkForHope.com
4. 4 · june 2011 A special advertising feature by MediaPlanet
inspiration
Before the age of two, Paige was diagnosed with Acute
Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Despite enduring a harrow-
ing battle at such a young age, the now six-year-old is living a
healthy life—complete with the playhouse of her dreams.
Saving lives with
the power of play
change
treatment. instant response was “Ummmm, no hand and she said ‘Mommy, that’s
Though her mother tried to maintain honey.” Her heart sank as she watched mine. I get that.’” For Paige, her wish
Six-year-old Paige wants to be a a sense of normalcy in Paige’s life, it was the disappointed face in the rearview was the light at the end of the tunnel
cheerleader when she grows up. anything but normal. Her new circle of mirror. Then the “a-ha moment” came, and the reward for getting through
And anyone who witnesses her friends consisted of nurses, oncologists, and her answer quickly became, “Yes, an extraordinarily difficult ordeal.
exuberance and energy will attest surgeons and social workers. It made for a you can have that.” For Michelle, the reward is Paige’s
that there is no reason to doubt very isolated childhood. When Paige’s im- “On that day, our journey took a dif- health and well-being. Today, Paige is
that she will reach that goal. She mune system was so greatly comprom- ferent turn,” remembers Michelle. in remission, happy, healthy and sur-
is fun-loving, happy and full of life. ised, there were no play dates, no visitors The anticipation of its arrival was al- rounded by children who love to play
But before she turned two, Paige
was diagnosed with Acute Lymph-
and she couldn’t even go to the children’s
ward playroom.
“Only most unbearable. Paige counted down
her treatments in the same way that
with her in her playhouse.
Since 1984, The Children’s Wish
oblastic Leukemia. During this time, Michelle met sever- three many kids count down the number Foundation of Canada has granted ex-
As Paige’s mother Michelle recalls the day
al other parents of sick children who in-
formed her that, when Paige turned three,
more of sleeps until summer vacation. She
would tell her doctors, “Only three
ceptional wishes to over 17,000 chil-
dren just like Paige. This year, the
of her diagnosis, the emotions come flood- she would be eligible to receive a wish from pokes more pokes ‘til wish comes!” Michelle Foundation expects to grant more
ing back. She remembers trying to muster
the necessary courage to face the months
The Children’s Wish Foundation of Can-
ada. Michelle remained focused on fight-
‘til wish recalls with gratitude. “As the mom,
who for months,watched as she dread-
than 1,000 new wishes. Each wish
is an individual adventure, careful-
ahead as a nurse took her by the hand and ing the monster, but the wish remained in comes ed her treatment visits, it was so com- ly structured to meet the needs of a
told her that she and Paige were now em-
barking on a new journey. One vision be-
the back of her mind.
true!” forting to see a whole new attitude.”
Then the day came when Paige’s
particular child and family. Thanks
to the hard work and dedication of its
came ever-present in her mind: “Together, The magic moment — Paige long-awaited wish came true. She staff volunteers and donors, Children’s
we will fight this monster, and together, After Paige turned three, she was still waited at the window for what seemed Wish has never refused a wish to an
we will win!” undergoing chemotherapy, and occasion- a very long time until her playhouse eligible child. Visit www.children-
ally, Michelle would talk to Paige about finally came into view, on the back of swish.ca for more information.
A long fight what she might like for her wish, wanting a truck. “Mom! My playhouse is here!”
The journey was a harrowing one con- to make sure that the final choice would be she screamed.
sisting of prolonged hospital stays, chemo- one that would bring her child the greatest Michelle recalls that moment fond- Paul St. Germain
therapy treatments, and what mother and possible joy. Then one day, as they drove by ly, with tears in her eyes. “I will never Director of Communications
daughter called “pokes”—the many nee- a playground covered in snow, Paige asked forget coming around the corner, and Children’s Wish Foundation
dles and injections that were part of her her mother “Can I have that?” Michelle’s she looked at me and grabbed my editorial@mediaplanet.com
5. A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet june 2011 · 5
inSpiration TIP
2
HOPE IS AN DOn’T MISS!
ESSENTIAL
FACTOR IN
25 years
OVERCOMING
ILLNESS
of wishes
After over a quarter cen- if the wish is a trip, then the whole
2
tury and over 17,000 wish- family goes along. These families
es granted, The Children’s have spent months in a dark, scary
Wish Foundation of Canada place, and for them, the wish is
is not resting on its laurels. something positive and hopeful to
look forward to.” The fulfilled wish
Hope in a time of suffering may even be a harbinger of brighter
At a time of despair, The Children’s times ahead.
Wish Foundation of Canada focus-
es on the healing power of wish ful- Not all patients are
fillment. terminally ill
In the Old Testament’s Book of Friedman, who serves on the Chil-
Proverbs, the writer cryptically ob- dren’s Wish medical advisory com-
serves, “Hope deferred makes the mittee,says it is a common miscon-
heart sick, but a longing fulfilled ception that Children’s Wish only
is a tree of life.” This ancient, yet bestows wishes for the terminally
pragmatic, observation has been ill.
backed up by empirical evidence. The most common illness that
Science has shown that the work- the foundation grants wishes for
ing towards a dream can have a is patients with childhood leuk-
very powerful effect on a person, emia. Thirty years ago, that diag-
even when that person is a child nosis was a death sentence, now
suffering a life-threatening illness. the vast majority of such children
Dr. Jeremy Friedman, chief of survive. “But they still have to go
paediatrics at Toronto’s Sick Kids through years of painful treatment
Hospital, says, “What the wish and side-effects,” he adds.
provides really is hope. In addition, Last year, The Children’s Wish
there’s a lot of optimism and joy Foundation of Canada granted
around the planning and the grant- close to 1,100 wishes.
ing of the wish. It is about every-
thing that goes along with the
wish.”
The children’s ability to endure
their ordeal is also strengthened,
BIRTHDAY WISHES Friedman says. This is something
Paige celebrates her sixth inDrani naDaraJaH
birthday in style in front of he has seen repeatedly. “The great
her playhouse. editorial@mediaplanet.com
thing about Children’s Wish is that
PHOTO: CHILDREN’S WISH FOUNDATION
6. 6 · june 2011 A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet
taKinG aCtion TIP
3
PARENTS ARE
RESPONSIBLE DOn’T MISS!
FOR THEIR KIDS’
ACTIVITY
LEVELS
Glenn Whitehead
Oxford learning centres inc.
a for attitude:
the difference
confidence at
school can make
action is needed to
Learning is an important
part of every child’s life. So
is school—that’s why hav-
ing a positive educational
experience is so critical to
get kids up and active
having a balanced, healthy
and happy childhood.
Children spend 10 months a year
in school; their experiences in
there can have a big impact on
dles remain. their outside lives. While social
■ Question: Why does the “it has to become a Schools report that resources, lives are a large part of a child’s
obesity epidemic in canadian priority in our schools space and time in the school day are school experience, academic
children continue to grow?
■ Answer: the reasons vary
and in our lives, just insufficient to ensure the required
level of student physical activity.Con-
struggles can cause serious confi-
dence issues that trickle over to al-
from lack of resources, to not like acquiring sequently, only 14 percent of children most all areas of life.
enough attention paid. but all educational and youth meet appropriate physical At Oxford Learning, we’ve
agree, action must be taken. attainments and education levels. About a third, or 37 been helping students of all ages
skills..” percent of schools in Toronto, report
they lack adequate space; 38 percent
change how they approach the
process of learning. The ultimate
Freda Colbourne
The figures aren’t anything get Active toronto of schools say they need more time in outcome is better grades, but as a
to crow about. According to the school day; and 77 percent need critical piece of that process, their
the third “Get Active Toron- ganization. It is also a very expen- set, from one that sees exercise as more resources. overall confidence and motivation
to” report, nine in 10 Toronto sive burden for strapped nation- a negotiable that can be done after Physical activity is also lowest in to learn improves. This increases
youths are not getting their al budgets to bear: A 2009 Canadian all other responsibilities have been neighbourhoods with few parks, their willingness to try and their
daily quota of exercise to study showed that in 2006, the dir- taken care of, to a mindset that schoolyards and recreational spaces. outlook on the learning process
maintain health. ect cost attributable to overweight views physical health as a first prin- becomes more positive, which in
and obesity in this country was $6 ciple. Parents must be involved turn, makes them better students.
Exercise begins at home billion. Becoming physically active, and Given the challenges that Toronto
The report also revealed that the lev- building it into our daily routine so schools face, it is crucial for parents to Facing the struggle
els of physical activity for boys and Convenient excuses? that it becomes natural, is a learned encourage their children to be phys- Parents initially come to Oxford
girls differ. Only four percent of girls For a country that venerates its behaviour. This requires some plan- ically active. Both the City of Toronto Learning when their children
aged 6-19, compared to nine per- sporting achievements, it is ironic ning,but it is not difficult,says Freda and the YMCA have great cost-effect- are having academic struggles
cent of boys, accumulate the min- that a whopping 62 percent of Can- Colbourne, Get Active Toronto board ive programs that are also a lot of fun, and are generally unhappy with
imum recommendation of 60 min- adian youth’s waking hours are member and spokesperson. “It has but “you have to make the effort to get school. While academic concerns
utes of moderate and physical activ- spent in sedentary activities. But to become a priority in our schools to the venue as those programs aren’t are the primary trigger for parents
ity at least six days a week. The rea- should the blame be heaped on tele- and in our lives, just like acquiring going to come to you,” Colbourne says. to seek academic support,and ma-
sons for this discrepancy are not yet vision programs,computer games or educational attainments and skills Still, there are glimmers of hope jor concern is their child’s attitude
known. even reading? are,” she explains. that the get moving campaign is get- toward school and schoolwork.
Low as they are, these numbers There has to be a shift in mind- However, some undeniable hur- ting through—one in two Toronto- And often, any academic con-
may still not convey an accurate pic- nians (54 percent) now cycle, and the cerns that exist are tied to stress at
ture. The Get Active report, released WhaT IS The WaLKIng SchOOL BUS? Toronto District School Board reports home, causing fights about home-
last month, is based on self-reported an increased level of sports participa- work, or stress about studying.
feedback by participants, who are ■ The goal: at least 60 minutes the load. here, parents take turns tion in schools. After an academic assessment,
known for being generous with of moderately active exercise a walking a group of kids to school. “I think we’re getting the message we build a program that helps the
their estimates. This suggests that day. ■ The why: When physical ac- across but we need to move faster,” ac- student work on his or her indi-
the reality could be bleaker still. ■ The how: If overwhelmed by tivity becomes associated with knowledges Colbourne. vidual academic trouble areas, but
Physical inactivity is the fourth the whole walking to school/ get- friends and is built into a daily rou- built directly into the program is
leading risk factor for global mor- ting-to-work-on-time ritual, rope tine, it becomes a habit that hope- key learning concepts that chil-
inDrani naDaraJaH
tality, reports the World Health Or- in friendly neighbours to share fully stays for life. editorial@mediaplanet.com
dren can begin to use right away,
in every subject.
Listen up—Hearing
What we end up seeing is that
not only do grades improve in
the subject that was of concern;
loss in children must be addressed
grades go up in all subjects. This
of course, does wonders for the
child’s self-confidence and self-
esteem.
Hearing loss is one of the Children, that specializes in provid-
most common birth disor- ing services to deaf and hard of hear- A marked improvement
ders in the developed world. ing children and their families Parents tell us that the surprising
In Ontario, three babies out side effect of improving grades is
of every thousand are born No need for a disadvantage that their child seems happier in
with some degree of perma- A key service available to parents school and out of school, and that
nent hearing loss. is Auditory-Verbal Therapy which their child shows more motiva-
helps parents teach children born tion to learn,and an improvement
But thanks to early infant screening deaf or hard of hearing to use what- in attitude overall. Some parents
programs and access to advanced ever useable hearing they have to ac- even report that the improve-
hearing technologies such as digital quire speech and language, thereby ment in grades and confidence
hearing aids and cochlear implants, enabling them to become fully inte- has helped their family life by re-
94 percent of Ontario children born grated and independent members of moving the stress associated with
with hearing loss today are learning the community. homework, projects, and assign-
to listen and to speak where histor- Statistics Canada reports that just pays for Auditory-Verbal Therapy to children with hearing loss is an- ments.
ically they used sign language. 24 percent of deaf Canadians have help babies, toddlers and preschool- other important concern. Toronto Getting help for academic
The vast majority of these chil- completed high school however a ers learn to listen and to speak how- public and Catholic school boards troubles—even in the summer—
dren will attend their local public 2005 survey showed that 100 percent ever equitable access to this crucial have employed specialized teachers helps both parents and children
school with their friends. Many will of Audiotry-Verbal Therapy had com- therapy to every child with hearing of the deaf who understand the chal- feel supported and alleviates some
go on to college and university and pleted high school and that 50 per- loss in the province, regardless of lenges faced by children who use of the stress that comes with aca-
lead productive lives in their com- cent had completed university or age has still not been achieved, nor hearing technology in the classroom demic struggles, and leads to hap-
munity. college. The other 50 percent were is there a universal infant screening but the province must ensure every pier, more confident students.
But learning your child is deaf or still attending university or college. program across Canada. school board has this expertise.
has a hearing loss is a devastating 10 years ago, advocacy from VOICE Support is needed to advocate the
and traumatic experience. resulted in the province introducing government to provide hearing tests
Thankfully,for more than 45 years, an infant screening program to de- for school-age children in the same
parents in Ontario have been able termine hearing loss in babies. Ad- way it covers vision care for all chil- Glenn WHiteHeaD
DaViD SHOemaKer
vp of Marketing and communications
to turn to, a parent-driven organiz- vocacy also made possible for the In- dren. courtesy of vOice
Oxford learning centres, inc.
ation, VOICE for Hearing Impaired fant Hearing Program which now Supporting classroom success for editorial@mediaplanet.com
editorial@mediaplanet.com
7. A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet june 2011 · 7
inSiGHt
are your active Check out our
upcoming reports!
kids at risk of EMPOWERING WOMEN
cardiovascular
CATCH IT JUNE 29 IN
THE NATIONAL POST
events?
Cardiovascular disease con-
Discover something wonderful
tinues to be the leading “do you have a family this summer... discover you!
cause of death of men and history of sudden
women yet it is also the num-
ber one preventable disease. cardiac death or are
Just because you may ap- concerned about
pear, or are, physically fit it your heart health?”
does not make you immune
to heart disease.
Diamond Fernandes, BSc, ACSM
CES®, CSCS
Regular physical activity has been Founder & Director, heart Fit clinic
shown to be an amazing pill against
all chronic diseases. But can chronic inexpensive device that can save Activity and exercise are safe to
disease effect children or youth? peoples lives. You may never have do and ensuring healthy eating
Heart disease can strike early and to use it but if and when you do it habits along with stress manage-
yes the chances of something oc- will be the best investment you ment practices will help prevent
curring in children or youth are ex- can make. It is insurance and as- heart diseases. The best example
tremely slim,but is it a chance worth surance for your heart health. is the parents. Parents play an im-
taking? Do you have a family history portant role in being an ideal role
Automated External Defibrilla- of sudden cardiac death or are model. If parents are active, eating
tors (AED) can save lives. CPR may you concerned about your heart and keeping stress under control
not be enough. This is where hav- health? During the early stages then children are likely to follow
ACTIVE
ing access to an AED can save a life. of heart disease individuals will suit. It is a conditioning and par-
If youth and children have a heart not feel much in the way of symp- ents have to walk the walk.
condition it will show up more so toms. As the disease progresses The chances of something bad
CHALLENGE
upon exertion. This can happen in some symptoms to be aware of occurring while exercising is very
a sporting event at school or in the are shortness of breath, flutter- minimal but take charge of your
hockey arenas. These heart condi- ing or skipped beats in your chest, heart health and understand your
tions are something children and fainting or pain in the abdomen or risk. Canada’s healthy lifestyle and weight
youth are born with which we call chest region. Talk to your family Diamond Fernandes, BSc, ACSM loss camp for young women.
congenital heart disease or cardio- doctor and take the proper pre- CES®, CSCS is the founder & Direc-
myopathy. cautions. Seeing a cardiologist tor of Heart Fit Clinic in Calgary.
Sometimes the first time you find may be an option and detecting He is a Cardiac Exercise Physiolo-
out about your heart condition may heart conditions can be done by a gists with 15 years experience in http://www.activechallenge.ca
be when you are exerting yourself painless non-invasive ultrasound the cardiac wellness industry. 1-888-453-5099
in activity or sport. An AED is an test called an echocardiogram. www.heartfitclinic.com
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