Top 10 posts here

I've been writing this blog for almost a year - covering topics ranging from spelling tricks to dealing with people who are dying. Quite a variety - don't you think? Very many of my visitors come from Internet searches and it's interesting to see what phrases they use to find what they're searching for.

Here are what seem to be the 10 most popular posts. The first one pops up at least once or twice a week, if not more often; I hope it's helpful to those who find it.

Spelling Tricks
Paintball - fun or danger?
Broken hips in the elderly
Cancers below the waist
Someone pull the knife out of my eye please?
Occupational therapy and physiotherapy
Shingles vaccine available
Trampolines - jump or dump?
Emergency room waiting times
Medication errors

Writing this blog is fun. I noticed that my posts are getting shorter - probably because I have a lot less time now than when I started it. But, as long as I'm getting the readers every day, I'll continue. I hope you get as much out of it as I get putting into it.

News for Today:
Drinking water may have little benefit: study

Obesity and pregnancy means more health care needed
Patients prefer to challenge nurses rather than doctors on safety issues
Anemia Increases Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence
Automated External Defibrillators and CPR Are Equally Helpful for Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the Home
Medicines Regulator Approves A New Over-the-counter Medicine For The Treatment Of Period Pain, UK

Paintball - fun or danger?

Hi folks. I took a break yesterday, was quite busy with some writing projects that are due next week.

There’s been quite a bit of interesting news lately; one item coming from here in Montreal. Another boy has sustained a severe eye injury during a paintball game. The Montreal Children’s Hospital is calling for a ban on the popular past-time for children under the age of 16.

I’m torn on the subject. I completely understand the concern and I understand the stand that the MCH is taking. In fact, I was in the ER with one of my kids a few years ago when a boy was brought in with one of these eye injuries. My heart went out to him and his parents. The way I understand it, these injuries usually happen when the goggles get fogged up or as the player leaves the area – they lift the goggles to clear them and that is when the eye injuries happen.

Many paintball places don’t allow children under 12 years, others say that it’s up to the parents’ discretion. I agree with the under 12 ban. I’ve seen the bruises that those paintballs can leave it they make a direct hit on a vulnerable spot. But under 16? I’m really not sure. Then, there’s the issue of kids playing with adults. I do agree that this shouldn’t be the case. There are grown men playing paintball with 13-year-olds – I can see how this could cause problems.

I know that my boys have both gone paintballing, I’ve even provided transportation sometimes. My 20-year-old went many times when he was a young teen, my 15-year-old has gone a few times. I am not thrilled with “sport.” I can see a lot of things wrong with it, but I also know that boys have always wanted to play with guns, be they sticks, their fingers, or toys. I remember that toy guns were banned when I was growing up, for my youngest brother. He still made them out of anything he had handy. So, does paintball allow boys the chance to play within a controlled environment? Or is it just another way that they can be hurt?

As I said, I’m torn on the topic. Severe injuries can happen doing many activities. But, we can drill our teens with rules until we’re blue in the face. Many are still very impulsive and don’t think all decisions through. I just hope the boy who was hurt just recently recovers completely.

Today's News:
Doctors say paintball too dangerous for kids
Birth defect risk low from antidepressants
Brain stimulation may help ward off Alzheimer's: study
Exercise legs on long journeys, WHO advises