Health A-Z index

Café-au-lait macules (CALMs)

Café-au-lait macules are flat marks on the skin. Find out how CALMs are diagnosed, how they affect the body and how they are treated.

Caffeine and energy drinks

Caffeine is a stimulant drug found in many drinks, treats and some medicines. Find out its effects on your body and how much of it is OK to consume per day.

Calcium

Discover the role of calcium in the body and how to get enough.

Calcium and vitamin D-rich diet

Calcium-based phosphate binders

Calcium carbonate is used as a phosphate binder in chronic kidney disease (CKD) to bind the ingested phosphate from a meal.

Calorimetry testing

A calorimetry test measures a child's resting metabolic rate. Learn about what happens during a calorimetry test as well as how to prepare your child.

Campomelic dysplasia (CD)

Information about campomelic dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the development of the skeleton and reproductive system.

Canada's Food Guide

Discover the foundation for healthy eating with Canada's Food Guide. Learn about Canada’s Food Guide recommendations and how to apply them to your family’s diet.

Cancer and depression

Feeling sad sometimes is normal, especially during cancer treatment. Learn about the differences between feeling sad and depression and treatment options available.

Cancer and emotions

You may experience a range of emotions when diagnosed with cancer. Learn about some of the emotions you may feel and how you can deal with them.

Cancer and treatment: Resources and support groups

Discover online and community resources and support groups that can help you adjust to life after treatment and cope with any changes you feel or experience.

Cancer and your lifestyle

Listen to what other teens have to say about the impact of cancer on lifestyle and making healthy choices now and in the future.

Cancer programs and resources

Find helpful resources and programs to support you, your child and your family during your child's cancer treatment.

Cancer research

Find out how cancer research works, what clinical trials are and what role you play in research.

Cancer research and your teenager

Learn about ongoing cancer research and your teenager's role in research and clinical trials.

Cancer resources

Discover multimedia resources that can offer you information and support throughout cancer treatment and beyond.

Cancer tests and anaesthetic

Anaesthetic is used to reduce or take away pain. Learn more about anaesthetics, how they are given and why you might need an anaestetic during a procedure.

Cancer treatments and support therapies

Chemotherapy isn't the only treatment available for cancer. Learn about the different types of treatments for cancer including radiation and surgery, and how other teens have coped with their treatments.

Cancer-related fatigue

Cancer, treatments, stress and other factors can cause fatigue. Learn about the symptoms of cancer-related fatigue and how to manage it.

Cancer-related pain in children

Learn about the different types of pain a child with cancer may experience, what causes pain and how long these types of pain last.

Cancer-related pain: Parenting strategies to support the 3Ps

Find out how you can use effective parenting strategies to support the 3Ps of pain management for your child with cancer-related pain.

Canker sores (mouth ulcers)

An overview of the signs, symptoms, treatments and medical options for canker sores.

Cannabis and children

Learn about cannabis, what happens if a child accidentally consumes cannabis and how to prevent unintentional cannabis poisoning.

Cannabis: How to talk with your teen

Learn about how to have an informed conversation with your teen about cannabis.

Car seat safety for infants and children

​Read about how to choose a car seat or booster seat, how to position your child in the seat, and other safety precautions.

Carbohydrates (carbs)

Discover the types of carbohydrates and how they affect the body.

CARD for parents and caregivers

The CARD system provides groups of strategies that can be used before and during vaccination to make the experience a more positive one for you and your child.

Cardiology treatment team

Learn about cardiology treatment teams, which focus on treating children with heart conditions. The specific role of each team member is discussed.

Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy treatment (CPT) for children older than 1 year old

Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy treatment (CPT) is used to clear mucus from the airways. Learn about the benefits of CPT and the different techniques you can learn to help clear your child’s airways.

Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy treatment (CPT) in a baby (0-12 months)

Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy treatment (CPT) is used to clear mucus from the airways. Learn about the benefits of CPT and the different techniques you can learn to help clear your baby’s airways.

Care-by-parent before a child is discharged from hospital

Learn how "care-by-parent" prepares you to care for a child with complex needs when they are discharged from hospital.

Caring for a sick child: Sharing the responsibility

Helpful tips on sharing responsibility when caring for a sick child.

Caring for dental braces while travelling and away from home

Learn how you and your child can care for their dental braces, retainers and invisible aligners while away from home or travelling.

Caring for parents and families in the NICU

Learn about the immediate experience of neonatal intensive care, which is a very emotional, physical and practical challenge for parents and families.

Caring for your child at home after a blood and marrow transplant

Learn about your child's care at home, after a blood and marrow transplant.

Caring for your child at home after brain tumour surgery

In-depth information concerning steps after your child's brain surgery, including going home and medication.

Caring for your child with an ENFit tube or supplies

Learn how to give feeds and medication with ENFit supplies and how to properly clean and care for the supplies.

Caring for your child's hip spica cast

A hip spica cast extends from the chest to below the knees. Learn how to care for your child's hip spica cast.

Caring for yourself when a child has epilepsy

Adjusting to a child’s epilepsy diagnosis can be challenging and parents often put their own needs last. However, it is important for parents to take care of themselves too. Learn about self-care suggestions for parents.

Caring for yourself when you have a child with a brain tumour

Find out how caring for a child with a serious illness can impact the relationship between parents and other family members, and how to support yourself when caring for others.

Caring for yourself when your child has cancer

In order to help the people you love, and meet life’s many obligations, you need to take care of yourself. Ignoring your needs can make you become more irritable, negative, short-tempered or resentful.

Caring for yourself when your child is ill

Read about coping with the challenges of taking care of a child who is ill. These challenges can have a huge impact on the relationship between parents.

Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH)

Information about cartilage-hair hypoplasia, a genetic condition that may cause short stature (height), shorter arms and legs than expected, fine, sparse hair and problems with blood and the immune system.

Cast care: Arm or leg cast

Read about how to take care of your child's arm or leg cast and learn the warning signs of a problem.

Cataract in babies and children

Discover how cataracts develop in children and how they can be treated.

Categorizing brain tumours

A step-by-step introduction to the different types of childhood brain tumors. Answers from Canadian Paediatric Hospitals.

Catheter ablation in the heart catheterization lab

Catheter ablation is a treatment for children with certain types of tachycardia (rapid heart rate). Treatment involves destroying an abnormal circuit.

Catheter drainage for pleural effusion (PleurX drainage system)

A drainage catheter is a soft flexible tube placed into the pleural space around the lung. The tube drains fluid that is compressing the lung and restricting breathing. Learn about the insertion procedure and how to care for the drainage catheter.

Cecostomy tube insertion using image guidance

Find information about what a cecostomy tube (C-tube) is and why it is used. Also learn about how a C-tube is inserted, the risks and how to care for it once it is inserted.

Cecostomy tube: Changing your child’s dressing

Learn how to change your child’s dressing if they have a cecostomy tube (C-tube). Also learn about the retention suture and when it will be cut.