Free seminar for improving your child’s sleep habits

Registered psychologist to share helpful tips and strategies

MEDICINE HAT — Alberta Health Services is providing free monthly sleep seminars to help parents and caregivers learn how to improve their child’s sleep habits, which can affect behaviour, health and well-being.

Crankiness, hyperactivity, inattentiveness and memory or concentration problems are all signs a child may not be getting sufficient sleep.

Parents and caregivers with children over the age of 18 months are invited to learn tips and strategies for improving their child’s sleep from Dr. Jill Ravanello, a registered psychologist with Children’s Health and Development Services, South Zone east.

Topics will address:

• How much sleep children really need
• Causes of common sleep issues.
• Tips for getting your children to fall asleep.
• Strategies for getting children to sleep in their own beds at night.

Parents and caregivers can register for a seminar for any of the following dates: Jan. 5, Feb. 9, Mar. 8, Apr. 5, May 3 or Jun. 7. The Sleep Seminar will run two-and-a-half hours, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Parents living in Bow Island, Brooks and Oyen can also register and participate via Telehealth. To register, please call 403-502-8257; locations will be shared when you register.

* Please note: These seminars are not suitable for children who are functioning at a developmental level of less than 18 months, or who have illnesses that require 24-hour care and adult supervision. For sleep issues with these children, please contact your Public Health Nurse or Family Physician.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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