London Drugs

Focus On Health

ABCs of Good Nutrition

Colon Cancer

Teach Hand Washing

Heart Disease

If Your Child is Sick

Teens and Osteoporosis

Back to School

Tips & Tasks
Ask any school-age child to name an embarrassing problem, and you’ll be sure to hear, “Warts!”

Although they’re not harmful in any way, warts look yukky. Worse, they are easily spread from one part of the body to another and from person to person.

Now you can get rid of warts quickly and easily with new Duofilm® Gel for Kids. Duofilm® Gel has a low concentration of salicylic acid (11 percent) and begins to destroy the wart as it dries. The product comes in a convenient tube with applicator tip and is available now at London Drugs.

Please note that people with diabetes should not use products that contain salicylic acid without first checking with a doctor.

Street Smarts
Making sure your child is street-wise is an important part of parenthood.

Agree on a secret password and tell your child that, if a friend, relative or neighbour ever tries to pick her up, that this person must know the password.

Tell your child never to give his name or address to, or accept gifts from, people he does not know.

Children should understand that they should not respond to people who ask for directions/help in looking for a lost pet, etc. Responsible adults ask other adults for help - not children.

A Word on Bike Helmets
According to Pediatrics magazine (study authors Gregory W. Parkinson, M.D., FAAP, and Kelly E. Hike, B.A.), while more children are wearing bicycle helmets, most are not wearing them properly. The three main problems are: the helmet rests too high on the forehead; the strap does not fit around the ears in a V-shape, or the helmet is too loose, allowing it to slide backwards and forwards on the head. All of these factors mean that the front of the head is exposed. Since this part of the head is the most frequent site of impact, an improperly fitting helmet could expose your child to serious injury.

Making Their Journey Safe
Almost all parents worry that their child may not make it to and from school in safety. Here are some pointers on how to make your child’s journey a safe and happy one.

If your child walks to school, make sure he is with friends. They should walk on the main sidewalks and not take shortcuts through woods, alleys or empty lots.
If your child rides the bus, tell her to stay in her seat and follow the instructions of the driver.
Make sure your child knows what to do if he misses the bus: return home or to a neighbour’s house, or, if at school, report to a teacher. Reinforce that he should never accept a ride from a stranger.
If it is dark on the way to or from the bus stop, make sure your child is visible. Use reflective tape on her clothing and avoid dark colours.
Explain to your child that he must walk at least three metres (10 feet) away when crossing in front of the bus so the driver can see him.
Teach your child how to cross the street. Make sure he knows to follow the directions of the crossing guard.
Give your child a whistle to blow if she is in danger.
If your child cycles to school, make sure he wears a proper-fitting helmet. Bikers should also wear bright or light coloured clothing with reflective tape if they are out in the dark.
Last, but by no means least, however your child travels to school, teach her never to talk to strangers.