Paeds Patrol

09/03/2026

Back to school season is here. Let's take a look and see how we can get kids back to sleep!

https://the.ismaili/ca/en/news/how-much-sleep-does-your-child-really-need

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Quality sleep is essential for children's physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. Learn why sleep matters and how to establish bedtime routines.

07/17/2026

Whether you're spending time on the trails or enjoying your local park, it's important to be aware of ticks and Lyme disease this summer. Here are a few simple ways to help reduce your risk of exposure:

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✅Wear long sleeves and protective clothing when outdoors

✅Use insect repellent that contains DEET

✅Avoid brushing up against trees and bushes

✅If you think you may have been exposed to a tick and need care, connect with your family doctor.

07/16/2026

It’s getting hot in here! Temperatures are hot in Ontario!

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Kids are at high risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke! Cool off by taking a look at these tips to see how you can protect yourself and your children from the heat!

Caring for kids tip sheet - https://caringforkids.cps.ca/ handouts/safety-and-injury-prevention/sun_safety

Gov of Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/ services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/how-protect-yourself.html

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07/10/2026

From classroom schedules to wide-open summer days, the transition can be a big one for kids. Building simple daily habits can help them feel grounded while making the most of their summer:

Keep a consistent wake-up and sleep routine Plan physical and social activities aheadof time.

Set boundaries and monitor screen time.

These small steps can go a long way in supporting kids' well-being, so they can enjoy everything summer has to offer.

AskThePediatrician

06/23/2026

Saving young lives brings endless joy. Pediatric medicine allows you to heal children from babies to teens. It is a truly rewarding career.

Thanks to Aicha Baradine for interviewing me and allowing me to share my story!

06/19/2026

Keeping the Game Fun: Summer Safety Tips for Active Kids

Whether your kids are training for the World Cup in the backyard or just playing tag until the streetlights come on, summer is the peak season for youth sports and outdoor adventures. While we want them to push their limits and have fun, rising temperatures and intense activity also bring a few extra risks.

Fortunately, staying safe doesn't mean slowing down. These simple, proactive steps can keep your little athletes out of the clinic and on the field all season long:

1. Wear the Right Equipment

Proper gear is the first line of defense against preventable injuries.

* **Check the fit:** Ensure helmets, shin guards, and pads fit snugly and haven't been outgrown since last summer.
* **Footwear matters:** Use sport-specific shoes (like cleats for soccer or sturdy sneakers for running) to prevent slips and ankle sprains.
* **Don't forget the sun gear:** Sunglasses with UV protection and a breathable hat are just as important as a helmet.

2. Warm Up and Stretch

Kids might feel invincible, but their muscles need preparation just like a pro athlete's. Skipping a warmup is a fast track to pulled muscles and growing-pain flare-ups.

* **Keep it dynamic:** Before jumping into the game, spend 5 to 10 minutes doing dynamic movements like jumping jacks, high knees, or light jogging.
* **Cool down:** Save the deep, static stretches for *after* the activity to help muscles recover and maintain flexibility.

3. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks Out of the Sun

Heat illness can sneak up quickly on children because their bodies don't cool down as efficiently as adults do.

* **Pre-hydrate:** Don't wait until they are thirsty. Have kids drink water *before* heading outside, and aim for a hydration break every 15 to 20 minutes.
* **Seek the shade:** When the midday sun is at its peak, mandate rest breaks under a tree, tent, or indoors to let their core body temperatures drop.
* **Sunscreen is non-negotiable:** Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out, and reapply every two hours (or after swimming and sweating).

06/11/2026

It’s Allergy Season!!! Let’s chat with Dr. Zhu, a certified Allergist on *What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?*

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The first-line treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine either in forms of an epinpherine autoinjector like an EpiPen or recently an intranasal epinepherine called Neffy. Antihistamines like Benadryl or Reactine is not the main treatment because it does not stop anaphylaxis.

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If you are interested in learning more about allergies and how to do it safely at home, check out Allermix - Where your food allergen journey begins. Dr. Zhu is the cofounder of Allermix, a company that makes allergen introduction simpler.

Please note: Video is not sponsored. Both of us are trying to promote education and advocacy around pediatric topics.

As always, reach out to your family doctor, NP or pediatrician for more information!

06/09/2026

It’s Allergy Season!!! Let’s chat with Dr. Zhu, a certified Allergist on *What is anaphylaxis and why is it dangerous?*

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Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can happen quickly. It affect different body organs like the skin, lung, stomach, blood pressure. However, in babies, anaphylaxis with first exposures to allergens are rare.

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If you are interested in learning more about allergies and how to do it safely at home, check out . Dr. Zhu is the cofounder of Allermix, a company that makes allergen introduction simpler.

Please note: Video is not sponsored. Both of us are trying to promote education and advocacy around pediatric topics.

As always, reach out to your family doctor, NP or pediatrician for more information!

06/03/2026

It’s Allergy Season!!! Let’s chat with Dr. Zhu, a certified Allergist on *Why are we seeing more allergies now than ever before*

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There is likely not one single reason. It is probably a mix of factors like changes in environment, eczema, diet, the microbiome and how the immune system develops early in life. However, we do know that delayed introduction of these allergenic foods is a risk factor to develop food allergies.

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If you are interested in learning more about allergies and how to do it safely at home, check out . Dr. Zhu is the cofounder of Allermix, a company that makes allergen introduction simpler.

Please note: Video is not sponsored. Both of us are trying to promote education and advocacy around pediatric topics.

As always, reach out to your family doctor, NP or pediatrician for more information!

06/01/2026

Sneak peak for an upcoming pediatric video with THP!