Latest Clinic News:

 

Cape Breton doctor first Patient’s Choice Award recipient

Dartmouth, NS - Sydney family physician, Dr. Mohan Virick, is the winner of the inaugural Doctors Nova Scotia Patient’s Choice Award.

Dr. Virick has dedicated his five-decade career to improving the lives of his patients, most of whom belong to the Mi’kmaq community. Now 80 and semi-retired, Dr. Virick still works three mornings a week at his walk-in clinic.

 

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Doctors accept new

four year contracts

 

The province’s doctors have ratified two four-year contracts with government.

The contracts offer zero per cent, zero per cent, one per cent and 1.5 per cent increases and investments in a few areas most in need, such as hiring new specialists and supporting patient care by telephone. 

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“While physicians accepted the contract and welcomed modest critical investments, they were disappointed that this contract brought little innovation or opportunities to advance patient care,” said Dr. Michelle Dow, President of Doctors Nova Scotia. “With the contract negotiations behind us, we now need to turn our attention to issues that have gone unaddressed for far too long,” she added.

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Top 5 Back-to-School Health Tips for Parents

 

After a long summer break, it's time for the kids to head back to school and focus on classes, sports and other after-school activities. But as you get adjusted to the first month of school, it's a good idea to take a couple of precautionary measures to set them up for a safe, healthy year. Here are the top five back-to-school health tips to consider.

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1. Get vaccinated

You, your partner and your children should all get vaccinated as early as possible in the school year. Many schools require certain vaccinations before children can enroll. Talk to your children's health care provider and your doctor to find out which ones are recommended, and consider getting the flu vaccine, too. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.

 

 

2. Set bedtimes

It's essential for kids (and adults!) to get a healthy amount of sleep each night to stay focused throughout the day. Although sleep requirements vary somewhat among individuals, most adults need about eight hours of sleep each night, and children and adolescents typically need more than eight hours. To get your kids ready to wake up earlier for school, consider making their bedtimes a little earlier each night for a week or two before school starts. Sticking to a routine is important too, so don’t let weekends become late-night free-for-alls.

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4. Stock up on healthy foods

It might be easy to pack your kids' lunches with premade snacks, but a healthy diet is of the utmost importance, and junk foods don't fit into the equation. Make it easier for yourself by stocking up on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole-grain bread and lean protein like turkey. Take a few minutes during the weekend to cut up fruits and vegetables and prepare things like tuna salad or hard-boiled eggs for convenience in the mornings, and buy plenty of containers for nutritious dinner leftovers. Consider getting a small ice pack and an insulated lunch bag to allow more variety.

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5. Manage Stress

Back-to-school season is stressful for kids and parents alike, but too much stress can lead to a variety of health issues, like insomnia and sluggish immune systems. Help manage stress by talking to your children about anything that's bothering them, and take care not to overload anyone's schedule, including your own. Schoolwork and after-school activities are important, but it's also essential to take time to relax, play and spend time as a family.

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With the minor hockey season starting, here is something to think about:

Risks Spike if Young Athletes Specialize too Soon

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Young athletes who specialize in one sport are at added risk of stress, burnout and overuse injuries, says a leading group of U.S. pediatricians.

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In contrast, kids who play several sports are more likely to stay active for the rest of their lives and meet their athletic goals, according to a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 

The analysis of youth sports revealed dramatic changes over the past 40 years.

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"More kids are participating in adult-led organized sports today, and sometimes the goals of the parents and coaches may be different than the young athletes," said lead author Dr. Joel Brenner, past chairman of the academy's Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness.

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"Some are aiming for college scholarships or a professional athletic career, but those opportunities are rare. Children who play multiple sports, who diversify their play, are more likely to enjoy physical activity throughout their lives and (be) more successful in achieving their athletic goals," he added in an academy news release.

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The report, published online Aug. 29, appears in the September issue of the journal Pediatrics.

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