Research finds splints work well for kids' broken wrists
September 8, 2010 |12:42 | Kids Care By : Team X
Children who break a wrist can heal as well in a splint as a cast, a new study has discovered. The advantage of a splint is that it can be removed occasionally to wash the arm or let it breathe or scratch itchy skin, according to co-author Dr. Kathy Boutis, an emergency room pediatrician at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
One slight drawback: kids can't brandish their plaster of Paris cast-encased arm for the time-honoured tradition of having it signed by friends. The study, published Tuesday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, looked at 92 children aged five to 12 who arrived in the hospital's emergency room between April 2007 and September 2009 with broken wrists.


Whopping cough, which has now taken the shape of a potential epidemic, is now worrying health experts. Six babies have already succumbed to pertussis. Experts also state that irregular vaccination practices may be contributing to dangerous cases of the preventable disease.
Kindergartens are increasing their monitoring of children's health, and the city authorities have urged schools to act quickly if any cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) infection are found.
The benefits to youngsters taking part in physical activity programs, organized sports and structured exercise programs can’t be stressed enough.
The Children’s Health Fair in February was filled with families. Children laughed and squealed during the Miss Judy Show while parents enjoyed activities, free expert advice and gifts.











