The WAITING ROOM is OPEN.

After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, Allison went on to pursue postgraduate studies in Pediatrics at Downstate Medical Centre in Brooklyn, New York before returning home in 2005 to complete a fellowship in Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children. As a Pediatrician, her main interests are working with newborns, children and adolescents to achieve the highest level of medical care. Allison recently completed clinical practice at the Hospital for Sick Children in the Department of Emergency Medicine. She is delighted to share her passion for pediatrics with the Region of Peel.

1. Vision / Hearing

Fall is a time for children to focus on returning to school. It is also a time to remember to make sure that your child has the best start possible for academic success with a routine eye exam and hearing test.

Eyes and ears are the gateways to learning. Did you know that more than 80 percent of learning is visual? The earlier vision is corrected, the greater your child's chance of succeeding in school and beyond. Remember to book an appointment with your optometrist. If a hearing loss goes unnoticed, delays in speech and language learning can occur. The first few years are particularly critical to development. (www.opto.ca, www.chs.ca)

2. Dressing in Winter

Winter is a time to enjoy the snow and all of its beauty. It is also a time to remember to dress warmly and safely when going outside. Always make sure to wear a hat, heavy coat, scarf, mittens and boots to ensure that you do not get frostbite. During extreme cold alerts, keep your child indoors. It only takes a few seconds to freeze your ears, nose, fingers and toes. Be prepared! (www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handout/frostbite)

3. Cold / Flu

Many children commonly get a cold with runny nose, cough and fever. Be prepared with fever reducers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen). If your child is sick, get them evaluated by a doctor. Remember, hand washing is IMPORTANT to protect you and your child.

Influenza or the flu is a common respiratory illness. It is highly contagious and spreads rapidly from person to person. The flu affects 5 to 15 percent of Canadians each year. Combined with regular hand washing and proper sneeze/cough etiquette, the flu shot is the best way to protect your child, yourself and others from the flu. The flu shot can be given as early as 6 months of age. Preventing the flu is everyone’s responsibility. (www.fightflu.ca)

4. Asthma

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, and many are hospitalized as a resuIt. It is a disease that causes the airways of the lungs to tighten making it difficult to breathe. Triggers can be allergic (dust, mold) or non-allergic (changes in weather, a common cold). An attack may include wheezing, chest pain and chest tightness or continuous coughing. Education is the best prevention. Make sure your child has all the needed prescriptions. Don't be caught off guard! (www.asthma.ca, www.asthmakids.ca)