Back-to-school is a good time for everyone to brush up on severe allergies and anaphylaxis. In this month’s Team Showcase, one of our highly skilled team members will share information on anaphylaxis and what to do in an emergency. Whether you have a child or family member with severe allergies or not, I hope you read and share the article. As August ends, my whole team and I wish you a happy back to school season.
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Newsletter
August, 2026
Back to School, Ready for Fall
As summer winds down and families get ready for back-to-school, this month we’re focusing on anaphylaxis, severe allergies and helping kids feel safe and prepared. We’re also sharing a few helpful resources for families, teens and older adults as we head toward fall. We hope you find something useful in this edition. From all of us at Winterberry, enjoy the last stretch of summer and have a happy, healthy start to September.
Message from our Medical Director
Helping young children with school anxiety
Back-to-school can be exciting for young children, but it can also bring worries, nerves and some pretty big feelings. New teachers, new classrooms and a change in routine can take a little time to get used to. The Canadian Mental Health Association has some helpful advice for parents and caregivers on easing back-to-school anxiety and helping kids make the transition. Read their tips here.
Message from Patient Liaison Rachel
As back to school season starts, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.
Make the most of late summer activites in Hamilton!
Hamilton EventsHamilton’s free music and arts festival returns to James St
SuperCrawl InformationCAMH resources for back to school
CAMH Back to SchoolFall prevention for older adults
Public Health TipsNews
Anaphylaxis: Life Threatening
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can come on very quickly and can be life-threatening. It can affect both children and adults, with common triggers including food, insect stings and medications. More than 3 million Canadians live with food allergy, including over 600,000 children, so knowing the signs and what to do really matters. Read our Team Showcase below for our Q+A so you know how to help if you’re needed.
Team Spotlight
Kathleen, Physician Assistant
Kathleen is one of our Clinic Experts on anaphylaxis preparedness.
Helping You To Know Us Better
Team Showcase: Meet Kathleen.
What is your role at Winterberry, and what does a typical day look like for you?
As a Physician Assistant and Clinical Educator at Winterberry, a typical day involves supporting the team, developing educational content, and ensuring we are up to date with evolving guidelines, such as recent changes to colon cancer screening in Ontario.
What do you enjoy most about your role and working with Winterberry patients and families?
Prior to joining Winterberry nine years ago, I worked in an acute care setting with brief patient contact. At Winterberry, we are fortunate to support patients and families through many life transitions, over years and even generations.
I value our ability to support our patients and advocate for them. I also really enjoy seeing patients achieve goals that I know will benefit their health long-term, like quitting smoking or improving their diabetes management.
With kids heading back to school, why is this an important time for families managing anaphylaxis to review their plan?
Back to school is an obvious landmark on the calendar to review anaphylaxis management plans and check prescriptions for expiration dates.
Children may be entering a new environment where they, along with their caregivers or educators, need to feel empowered and confident to act in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.
Read the full story by clicking here.
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