Healthy Families Hamilton

Tummy time is when you place your baby on their stomach, while they are awake, supervised and in a safe place on the floor. Tummy time is a perfect time to play with your baby. What are some of the benefits of a baby having tummy time every day? a) Helps baby develop head and neck control... b) Helps baby to eventually learn to roll, sit and crawl c) Helps to prevent baby from developing a flat spot on their head d) All of the above ~Lori Chithalen, RN See more

Is your child giving you a hard time about using their booster seat? Is your child ready to use a seatbelt? If the answer is YES to ALL the following 5 questions, they may be ready to safely make the move to just a seat belt. Click here for the questions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5h6kzWEyTU ... ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Ready for some outdoor fun #HamOnt! Recreation staff will be at select locations handing out activity kits. Check out www.hamilton.ca/frostyfun for more content and information.

From the time they are born, children start communicating. They learn to understand what you are saying and to make sounds of their own. They are beginning to develop speech and language skills that will help them learn to read and succeed in school. Communication skills are important for your child's future success. Read, Speak and Sing with your child every day to help with literacy and language skill development! Did you know that Hamilton has a free preschool speech and language program? Early Words is the free preschool speech and language program offered in Hamilton. You do not need a referral from your doctor to use this service. More information can be found by visiting https://ascy.ca/families/preschool-speech-language/ ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Sometimes we can get into a food rut and run out of snack ideas for our kids. Today I will share with you some super tasty and healthy snack ideas for toddlers and preschoolers that can help give you some inspiration! Please feel free to share your ideas too. ~ Adrienne Bell, RD

Remember that abuse is never ok. There are many resources available if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse and need help: your health care provider, counselor or someone you trust. The Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511 offers a 24-hour telephone and a TTY 1-866-863-7868 crisis line for abused women in Ontario. The service is anonymous and confidential, and the toll-free number won’t show up on your phone bill. Services can be provided in up to 154 langua...ges. Helpline staff can support you in doing additional safety planning, finding space for you in a local women’s shelter, or connecting you with other services in your community. For more information about the services of the Assaulted Women’s Helpline visit: www.awhl.org. If you are concerned about your immediate safety, call 911. For local resources and supports in Hamilton visit: https://www.hnhbhealthline.ca/listservices.aspx For more support and information about safe intimate partner relationships, visit: https://www.canada.ca//promoting-safe-intimate-partner-re/ ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Has your baby started eating solid foods? This is an exciting time for parents and babies as they learn to eat and taste new foods! One question I often get from parents is how much food their baby should eat. And how do they know when their baby is still hungry and when they are full? The answer is: this is different for every baby! There is not one specific amount of food that is recommended because each baby will eat a different amount for their own body. The good news is,... your baby will give you signs of their hunger and fullness, so it’s important to pay attention to your baby and respond in a patient and respectful way. This is called ‘responsive feeding’. Watch this 15-minute video from Toronto Public Health called Trust Me, Trust My Tummy to learn more about babies feeding cues and starting solids https://youtu.be/vQvEIslQLO0. https://www.toronto.ca//feeding-yo/introducing-solid-food/ ~ Adrienne Bell, RD.

Looking for the Dental Bus? Please check regularly for schedule updates by calling 905-546-2489 or visiting www.hamilton.ca/dentalhealthbus. Please note that the Dental health bus will be closed from December 25 January 3, 2021 inclusive. The bus will reopen at Norman Pinky Lewis on Monday January 4, 2021. Operational Hours are 8:30am-4:30pm, closed 12:00-1:00pm.... This service is for low income residents of Hamilton experiencing a dental emergency, who have no other insurance. Come to the location where the bus is parked to be seen by a dentist. No appointment is necessary. Clients are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. Priority is given to people with emergencies. Due to the mandatory mask requirement in Hamilton, we ask that clients arrive wearing a mask. For those who do not have a mask, one will be provided. There will be no public washroom access during the temporary schedule. Social distancing remains one of the most effective ways to stop COVID-19 transmission and we ask all bus clients to observe a 6 ft spacing between each other for everyone’s safety. All clients will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. We continue to operate with a reduced staff for their safety as well as our clients. Until we are fully operational and back to normal service, we appreciate your patience and understanding. ~ Adrienne Bell, RD.

Cleaning your child's mouth even before your child has teeth is important and a good habit to start from a very young age. The goal is to wipe all parts of the gums and teeth. For baby, use a soft baby brush or wrap your finger in a clean, damp washcloth to wipe their gums and teeth. For a young child, use a small soft bristled toothbrush moistened with water. Between 3 and 4 years of age start using a toothpaste with fluoride. Use only a very small amount of toothpaste (amou...nt of a green pea) and make sure your child spits it out. Always supervise your child during brushing and do not allow children to swallow toothpaste. Use of fluoridated toothpaste in children younger than 3 years of age is based on their level of risk for dental decay and this can be determined by your dentist. Speak with your dentist if you have any concerns about your child’s mouth or teeth or call our public health dental information line for advice at 905-546-2424 x5369. ~ Adrienne Bell, RD.

Curious about Grade 7 and 8 vaccines during COVID-19? We’ve got answers for you. www.hamilton.ca/catchupclinics

The Telling Tales Festival runs until December 3rd, so be sure to visit their website for all the details on dates, times & descriptions for their upcoming presentations. Missed a presentation? No worries, you can watch online anytime! https://tellingtales.org/events/. The first 50 families registered for this virtual session will receive a copy of Lorrie Gallant’s book! Please email to sign up at [email protected]. ~Lori Chithalen, RN

It's Fall Prevention Month! Did you know? Falls are the #1 cause of injury related Emergency Room and Hospitalizations in Hamilton children. What do you do to prevent your little one from falling in your home? ~Lori Chithalen, RN

How can you tell if your child is ready to start toilet learning? ~Lori Chithalen, RN

CPNP stands for Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program and 2020 marks 25 years that this amazing program has been offered in Ontario! Locally in Hamilton our CPNP groups are called Welcome Baby and you can find more information about this fun, informative, and supportive program for pregnant people here: https://www.hamilton.ca//prenatal-nutrition-programs-in-ha. CPNP is partially funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. :) ~ Adrienne Bell, RD.

Telling Tales is taking their popular in-person festival online. They are excited to share with families, an all-star line-up of virtual programming, starting on September 20th and running until December 3rd. Telling Tales will be bringing authors, illustrators and storytellers into your home. For further information visit: https://tellingtales.org/ ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Just announced! Online booking is available for COVID-19 testing at www.HamiltonCovidTest.ca. Call Public Health at 905-974-9848 if you dont have online access. Walk-ins at testing centres may be turned away & asked to book an appointment. ... ~ Adrienne Bell, RD

One way to encourage healthy eating habits from a young age is to let children decide which foods to eat and how much to eat from the foods you offer at mealtimes. Allowing your child to make these decisions can help them become more confident and independent with eating. It can also lead to more enjoyable mealtimes and less power struggles at the dinner table. ~ Adrienne Bell, RD

Registration for Fall programs begins today! Some things have changed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with limited capacity and program options. To REGISTER and for more information www.hamilton.ca/recreation #HamiltonReopens ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Praise and encouragement can be used to? a) Guide children through the many small steps it takes to master new skills b) Help them develop a positive self-image c) Provide the motivation they need to stay with a difficult task d) All the above... ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Recreation is back Hamilton! Some things have changed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with limited capacity and program options. To find out more and to browse fall programs (Registration dates September 23 & 24) visit www.hamilton.ca/recreation #HamiltonReopens ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week highlights the importance of ensuring, that all children are properly secured in an appropriate car seat or seatbelt. A childs age, weight, and height can all play a factor when determining proper safety harnesses. Its important to keep up-to-date with all current regulations and suggestions. Do you have questions about your car seat? Visit the Transport Canada website to answer questions about the 4 stages of child safety in vehicles,... tips for proper installation and car seat recalls. https://www.tc.gc.ca//serv/road/child-car-seat-safety.html ~ Lori Chithalen, RN

Many of us are experiencing increased stress as schools re-open and we continue to live with COVID-19. It is important to take care of your mental health. Resources and supports are available: ... bit.ly/3bec5dD For tips on how to support student mental health visit: https://smho-smso.ca/ ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Hey Hamilton Families! Recreation is back and some things have changed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with limited capacity and program options (Registration dates September 23 & 24). To find out more and to browse fall programs visit www.hamilton.ca/recreation #HamiltonReopens ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Healthy Families Hamilton will be closed from Wednesday September 16, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. to Monday September 21, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Staff will not be monitoring the Healthy Families Hamilton page during this time. To speak with a Public Health Nurse, call Health Connections at 905-546-3550, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information on how our page works, please see our Legal Disclaimer. ~Lori Chithalen, RN

How can you tell if your child is ready to start toilet learning? ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Are you or someone you know looking for a family doctor? Check out these resources : ontario.ca/healthcareconnect hamiltondoctors.ca/find-a-doctor/ hamiltonfht.ca/en/index.aspx... #HamOnt ~Lori Chithalen,RN

A free zoom webinar on September 18, 2020 by the Canadian Mental Health Association to support you and your childs mental health when returning to school. ~Jen Yates, RD.

What supported you during the first days, weeks and months of breastfeeding your new baby? ~Jen Yates, RD.

Take care of your mouth by choosing foods that are healthy for your teeth and gums. Limit sticky and sweet foods which can cause cavities and tooth decay. This is important at home and when packing lunches and snacks for kids at school! ~ Adrienne Bell, RD

September 9th...the 9th day of the 9th month of the year where the world will remember that during the 9 months of pregnancy, no alcohol is the safest choice. #FASDay #FASDMonth ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Do you think you could tell if your child is having trouble seeing? ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Do you have questions? weve got answers! We can provide information and support on a variety of topics including: Breastfeeding Child Safety Growth and Development Healthy Eating... Positive Parenting Postpartum depression and anxiety Preparing for a healthy pregnancy Home visiting programs and services in the community Our Public Health Nurses are happy to answer your questions through our Health Connections phone-line at 905-546-3550, Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Healthy Families Hamilton will be closed from Friday September 4, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. to Tuesday September 8, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Staff will not be monitoring the Healthy Families Hamilton page during this time. To speak with a Public Health Nurse, call Health Connections at 905-546-3550, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information on how our page works, please see our Legal Disclaimer. ~Jen Yates, RD.

Whether you are packing school lunch or your kids will be at home for lunch this fall, its helpful to have a plan for simple, healthy lunches. Lets share our ideas! ~Jen Yates, RD.

This year back-to-school will be different. More than ever, students will need the support of caring adults as they head back to class. For tips on how to support student mental health visit: https://smho-smso.ca/ ... ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Is your child feeling worried about going back to school? Talking through worries and stresses can help. Book a free video or phone counselling appointment for your child or teen under 18. https://bit.ly/2Z4HtIX ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Healthy Families Hamilton will be closed from Monday August 31, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. to Wednesday September 2, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Staff will not be monitoring the Healthy Families Hamilton page during this time. To speak with a Public Health Nurse, call Health Connections at 905-546-3550, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information on how our page works, please see our Legal Disclaimer. ~Jen Yates, RD.

While most foods are safe to eat while pregnant, there are a few to limit or avoid. ~Jen Yates, RD.

Subscribe for Canadas Food Guide monthly email updates where you will receive recipes, healthy eating tips, kids in the kitchen information and more! Healthy drinks are being featured in the September newsletter. https://www.canada.ca//se/canada-food-guide/subscribe.html ~Jen Yates, RD.

Enjoying a variety of vegetables and fruit takes time for many kids. They learn this over many years. Consider some of these activities to help them along! ~Jen Yates, RD.

Help prepare kids for school this year: - Practice no touch greetings and mask wearing - Encourage frequent handwashing - Talk to your kids about the changes at school ... For more tips for kids visit: https://www.hamilton.ca//school-re-opening-resources-paren ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Do you know how long breast milk can be stored in the fridge? What about the freezer? Any tips on storing breast milk? Let us know what you think below! ~Lori Chithalen, RN

For free nutrition and healthy eating advice from Registered Dietitians call Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000 or visit UnlockFood.ca ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Check out these Free Zoom Webinars by the Canadian Mental Health Association to support you and your childs mental health when returning to school. ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Healthy Families Hamilton will be closed from Wednesday August 19, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. to Tuesday August 25, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Staff will not be monitoring the Healthy Families Hamilton page during this time. To speak with a Public Health Nurse, call Health Connections at 905-546-3550, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information on how our page works, please see our Legal Disclaimer. ~Lori Chithalen, RN

List a benefit of holding your baby skin to skin ~Lori Chithalen, RN

Keep your kids out of the clean plate club! Putting pressure on our kids to eat more than their bodies tell them to teaches them to ignore their hunger cues that tell them theyve had enough to eat. This could set them up for a lifetime of eating when they are not hungry. It can also lead to power struggles and unhappy mealtimes. ~ Adrienne Bell, RD

Parenting brings excitement as well as challenges. As a parent, you are the most important person in your childs life. It is normal for all parents to have questions about parenting. Have you checked out our Parenting with LOVE videos? They are short & sweet but full of great information. Topics covered include: STOP, LOVE, Self-Compassion, Routines, Self-Regulation, Role Modeling, Temperament and More! If you like what you see, spread the word! https://www.facebook.co...m/watch/HealthyFamiliesHamilton/643176435884704/ ~Lori Chithalen, RN See more