Links

 

Here are some useful and interesting links for foster parents:

 

 

  

Health Canada Guidelines

 

Health Canada advises parents and caregivers to follow these important guidelines:

 

  • Do not use these over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children under 6 years of age.
  • With children older than 6, always follow all the instructions carefully, which includes the dosing and length-of-use directions, and use the dosing device if one is included.
  • Do not give children medications labelled only for adults.
  • Do not give more than one kind of cough and cold medicine to a child. Cough and cold medications often contain multiple ingredients. Combining products with the same ingredient(s) could cause an overdose that may result in harm to a child.
  • Talk to your health care practitioner (doctor, pharmacist, nurse, etc.) if you have questions about the proper use of over-the counter cough and cold medicines.
  • The common cold is a viral infection for which there is no cure. Cough and cold medicines offer only temporary relief of symptoms such as runny nose, cough, or nasal congestion.
  • Symptoms can also be managed using a variety of non-medicinal measures such as adequate rest, increased fluid intake and a comfortable environment with adequate humidity.
  • For babies and young children, it is important to rule out serious illnesses that have cold-like signs and symptoms (for example, pneumonia, ear ache or other infections). This is especially important if symptoms do not improve, or if the child's condition worsens.
  • If you are concerned about the child's health (such as if symptoms worsen, last for more than a week, or are accompanied by a fever higher than 38 C or the production of thick phlegm), consult a health care practitioner for a medical evaluation.

 

For more information about Health Canada's decision and the use of cough and cold products in children consult the Health Canada Web site <http://www.healthcanada.gc.ca/coughandcold> or call toll free at
1-866-558-2946.

 

 

Recalls and more Recalls! 

 

It seems like every day there's another recall of some food or product.  Here's the Health Canada website where you can find out the latest news on that new crib, bath toy, or favorite food you bought last week.  While you're browsing the site, take advantage of the electronic-news sign-up lists so you can get alerts sent directly to your personal email. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/index-eng.php

 

 

Aboriginal and Metis Sites

 

 

www.AnxietyBC.com - The Anxiety Disorders Association of BC site is an excellent resource for caregivers and includes specific techniques.

 

BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations

 

Casey Family Programs - This site provides resources to help prepare youths for living on their own

 

Child Seat Info line 1-877-247-5551 - www.childseatinfo.ca and www.icbc.com/roadsafety

 

Federation of BC Youth in Care Network

 

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - a listing of resources in BC

 

Foster Parent Support Services Society - The Support To Family Care network service provider for Vancouver Island

 

Government of British Columbia - Ministry of Children and Family Development

 

Harewood Community Schools - this website has a variety of free activities that might spark an interest for our foster families and their children in care.  There are dance, yoga, bridge, garden club and sports activities offered on this website so please feel free to check it out and join in.

 

Health Canada - a great resource for childhood illness, nutrition and healthy living

 

Health Supports for Children in Care and Youth Agreements Guide - September 2007 - A new Children In Care resource guide - which provides information about health and developmental supports and services for Children In Care

 

Nanaimo Youth Services

 

Parent Support Services of BC - this site has an excellent 43 page resource booklet for grandparents raising grandchildren. 

 

Power Pages - The Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks (FBCYICN) presents POWER PAGES - a magazine for and about youth who are in, or from, care.  This is a great read for youth and anyone involved in the lives of youth who are either in or from care.  Find the POWER PAGES (under Newsletters) and lots more at www.fbcyicn.ca.