From colds to compresses: The Children's highlights 'joys' of returning to school

Is it the most wonderful time of year? Back to school may be a break for parents but may mean added stress for children. Clinicians at the Montreal Children's Hospital of the MUHC discuss how this season affects your children's health.

The parent-coach
There is no doubt that being active has health benefits, particularly for children. However, some parents may be pushing their progeny too hard. Parents who hope their kids will land lucrative sports scholarships or truly believe their child is the next Wayne Gretzky or Cindy Klassen may be setting their kids up for psychological breakdown. According to Children's Chief of Orthopedic Surgery François Fassier, some parents' and coaches' dreams become children's nightmares, resulting in long-term trauma. Dr. Fassier can comment on this new trend and how to avoid the performance trap.

The depressed teen
Switching from elementary to high school may be a huge step for some children. The change of friends, teachers and environment may be so overwhelming that they become withdrawn and unenthusiastic. When does this normal anxiety become depression? What signs should parents look out for? Director of Child Psychiatry Eric Fombonne has advice for worried parents and can discuss the symptoms and prevalence of adolescent depression.

The infection angle
Change of season means more colds, sore throats or worse. When should children go to the doctor? Do antibiotics work? What types of infections should we anticipate this year? Pediatric infectious disease specialist Caroline Quach can answer these questions and the rise and fall of antibiotic treatment.

These clinicians and others will be participating in this year's Mini-Med School at the Children's. Mini-Med School is offered to anyone interested in pediatrics and provides practical advice on not only how to care for kids but also about the science behind the care. This year's English session is sold out but there are still spaces available for the French sessions, held on Wednesday evenings. Other topics covered include diabetes, congenital heart disease and pain management. Parents, grandparents, young people considering medical careers, budding science journalists, as well as teachers and daycare workers are invited to spend 1.5 hours a week with leading medical specialists from the Montreal Children's Hospital and the McGill Faculty of Medicine. Those interested can enroll today at www.hopitalpourenfants.com.

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