MDmama

07/08/2025

I see Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) several times a month as an ER doctor in heavy cannabis users both young and old. It is a miserable condition, prevented and cured by reducing or stopping cannabis use.

05/28/2025

VCH Public Health has seen a rise in whooping cough (pertussis) cases in Pemberton. This infection can be very serious for certain populations—especially for babies under 1 year and pregnant persons in their third trimester.

Thankfully there is a pertussis vaccine that can prevent infection and severe disease in infants.

Pemberton area residents and visitors, especially families with young children, are asked to be aware of symptoms of pertussis, and seek testing and treatment as needed.

Watch for symptoms like severe coughing fits.

Free vaccines are now available for:

✅Kids who are behind on their shots or have not started their immunizations
✅Pregnant people (ideally 27–32 weeks)
✅Parents/household contacts of babies under 1 years old
✅Adults unsure of their vaccine history

Protect yourself and your community.
For more information visit: https://www.vch.ca/en/news/pertussis-cases-increasing-pemberton-area

05/23/2025

Itchy kids? Read on to find out what you should (and should not!) give them.

Diphenhydramine (trade name Benadryl) is an older, first generation antihistamine which has significant and common side effects including sedation, cognitive impairment, poor sleep quality, dry mouth, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Even at appropriate doses, diphenhydramine can cause a paradoxic...

04/18/2025

It’s picnic season!! Brush up on your allergy & anaphylaxis IQ!

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild (isolated hives, irritated skin, etc.) to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Q: What is anaphylaxis? A: Think A,B,C. If your child has Airway compromise (lip/tongue/throat swelling), Breathing difficulties, or Circulation collapse (low blood pressure o...

03/18/2025

Button batteries can cause serious injury if swallowed or ingested. Do you know what to do if this happens to your child?

◾ Call 9-1-1 or the BC Drug and Poison Info Centre, or go to the nearest emergency department
◾ On the way to emergency or waiting for help to arrive, use honey to reduce the risk of injury if the child is over 1-year-old
◾ DO NOT cause the child to throw up
◾ DO NOT let the child eat or drink

03/16/2025

Helpful post about head lice from VCH

Worried that an itchy scalp might be more than just dry skin? Our team gets a lot of questions about head lice, so here’s what you need to know about these personal-boundary-breaking bugs.

For more info, visit https://www.vch.ca/en/health-topics/head-lice

1️⃣ Head lice are tiny, wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed that live on the human scalp. They lay eggs, known as nits, which stick to hair strands close to the scalp. While they don't spread diseases, common symptoms include an itchy scalp, a crawling or tickling sensation and red bumps or scratch marks.

2️⃣ Lice aren’t a sign of poor hygiene. They’re common and can happen to anyone.

3️⃣ Lice treatment options:
🛁 Wet combing: Apply conditioner and use a fine-toothed comb to remove lice and nits (details below).
🛍️ Head lice products: Over-the-counter sprays or shampoos are available, make sure to speak with a pharmacist and follow the product instructions carefully.

4️⃣ How to wet comb and check for lice:
💡 Find a well-lit area.
🧼 Wash and condition the hair, leaving the conditioner in.
💈 Use a fine-toothed lice comb to examine the hair, especially behind the ears, at the back of the neck, and on the top of the head.
🔍 After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel and inspect for lice or nits.

5️⃣ Sharing may be caring, but not when it comes to lice. Lice are spread with direct contact, so avoid sharing personal items like combs, hats, headphones and pillows. If your child has longer hair, put it in a braid or tie it up. And don’t forget to regularly check your child’s hair, especially if there’s a known case at school.

(Sorry if reading this made you feel itchy.)

02/22/2025

Should you wake your sleeping child up to give them Tylenol or Advil? Read my fever FAQ resource to find out...

https://www.mdmama.ca/post/fever-faq

01/06/2025

Hospital overcrowding is leading to unacceptable and unsafe delays to treatment for patients who need it the most. We need long-term solutions, not campaign promises, and healthcare administrators who are accountable to patients.

‘Families shouldn’t have to wait 14 hours for care, especially when young children are involved,’ mother tells health minister

01/06/2025

Hospital overcrowding is leading to unacceptable and unsafe delays in receiving emergency care. We need long-term solutions, not campaign promises, and healthcare administrators who are accountable to patients.

‘Families shouldn’t have to wait 14 hours for care, especially when young children are involved,’ mother tells health minister

01/06/2025

Hospital overcrowding and strained public resources are resulting in unacceptable and unsafe delays to treatment for those who really need it. This is the result of chronic failures of health administration and politicians. We need long-term solutions and leaders who are accountable to patients.

‘Families shouldn’t have to wait 14 hours for care, especially when young children are involved,’ mother tells health minister

11/13/2024

Cold & flu season is in full swing! Boost your fever IQ with my Fever FAQ post:

Your child has been cranky all evening and doesn't want to eat. You check their temperature and you hear an ominous long beeping sound accompanied by an alarming flashing red screen. You try not to panic, but your mind starts to race... How high is too high? Do they need antibiotics? Is their brain....

11/05/2024

Diarrhea & vomiting? Skip the pharmacy and stock up on laundry soap and apple juice instead...

In general, viral gastroenteritis (the stomach flu) resolves on it's own with diligent oral rehydration. Diligent rehydration means frequent small sips of fluids, for example 10mL every 5-10 minutes, and several loads of laundry. If you let your child drink or eat a large amount at once when they ha...