Healthy Kids

The environment affects all of us, but children are more vulnerable than adults. Because their organs and bodily systems are not yet mature, children are more likely to be harmed by toxic substances, poor air quality and other contaminants. Kids also spend time crawling on the floor and putting things in their mouths, which increases their exposure.

Environmental contaminants have been linked to a long list of health problems, including preterm delivery, birth defects, developmental delays and behavioural problems. Many Canadian children also spend long periods indoors, where they may be exposed to airborne moulds, pet dander, tobacco smoke and other substances that contribute to asthma, which is now the most common chronic illness of childhood.

The effects of environmental contaminants are difficult to measure, and the research takes time and money. But the payoff will come in the form healthier kids and a safer society for all Canadians.

Today’s Parent’s Healthy Kids 2009 program will focus on how we can all help make the environment healthier for Canadian kids.

Healthy Kids 2009: Environment & Health

How healthy is your family's environment?
Take our quiz and learn how to keep your kids safe from enviromental hazards

Green living
Three families share their tips for taking eco-friendly living to the next level

Our partners

	Safe Kids Canada is the national injury prevention program of The Hospital for Sick Children, working to translate research into best practices that will reduce the number of children hurt or killed by preventable injuries.
	Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada operates in more than 700 locations across the country, offering programs to about 200,000 children and youth each year to help boost their healthy physical, educational and social development.
	Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only free, 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous phone and online counseling service for children and youth. Professional counsellors provide support and hope to young people across the country.
	Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health & Environment is an alliance of organizations working to protect kids’ health from environmental contaminants. The partners believe all children have the right to a clean, safe, healthy environment.
	Arts for Children & Youth of Toronto provides unique, hands-on arts programming for children and youth from underserved communities in the Greater Toronto Area.
	The YMCA encourages children and youth to embrace healthy habits that can become a lifelong practice through education and fun activities. The YMCA in Canada currently serves 713,000 children and youth in more than 250 communities from coast to coast.
	The Canadian Women’s Foundation is Canada’s only national public foundation dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. CWF researches, shares and funds the best approaches to ending violence against women, moving low-income women out of poverty, and building strong, resilient girls.
	The Girls’ Growth Fund IPO At the Canadian Women's Foundation, we want every girl in Canada to know that she matters. Through the Girls' Growth Fund IPO (Immediate Public Opportunity), we're raising funds to support programs for girls across Canada by selling 'shares' in the fund at $100 each. Your donation will help more than 3,000 girls to find the confidence, courage and potential in themselves, and to realize that they matter.
	Fire Prevention Canada's mission is to increase the awareness of fire prevention and safety through direct education of the public. The organization’s goal is to reduce the number of mostly preventable residential fires across this country, many of which are fatal.
	Spark Together for Healthy Kids: Today's Parent is a proud supporter of the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Spark Together for Healthy Kids
	At My Best is a school-based children's wellness program, which was developed by AstraZeneca Canada and Physical and Health Education Canada. The program was created for students in kindergarten to grade three and aims to motivate children and their families develop lifelong healthy habits. At My Best focuses on three key areas of wellness: physical, nutritional and emotional health.
	Reaching for the Top: A Report by the Advisor on Healthy Children & Youth

Keeping your kids healthy

Getting the Lead Out
You’ve tossed the recalled toys; here’s how to protect your kids from other lead hazards

Toy safety checklist
Everything you need to know to keep your family safe

All about allergies
Allergies are a serious matter, especially if your child is afflicted.

Home Safe Home
Test your childproofing prowess

Poison patrol
How do you keep toxics out of the mouths of your babes? Test your knowledge with this quiz

Safeguard Your Backyard
Make the most of your outdoor living space with these kid-friendly safety tips

Asthma update
New medications and preventions can help kids breathe easier