COVID-19: Balancing risk versus reward when travelling with unvaccinated kids

We recently pulled off our first trip south of the border since “the before,” and with some cautious optimism, it looks like we got lucky. Not everyone in our extended family has been so fortunate recently. The pandemic has redefined what summer vacation means to both Canadians and Americans, as families in both countries eagerly await more information about vaccine availability for small children. Continue reading COVID-19: Balancing risk versus reward when travelling with unvaccinated kids

Two-dose summer, two national identities, and the Delta between them

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since the last time I wrote about this special week during which our family recognizes two national holidays, but here we are again…and so is COVID-19. Canada Day and Independence Day each take on a variety of meanings this year, many of which revolve around safety, history, and privilege. Continue reading Two-dose summer, two national identities, and the Delta between them

photo of Christmas tree with 2020 ornament

COVID-19: The second wave, the new strain, and a holiday season of disaster and miracles

We’ve just been through our first pandemic Christmas as a “cross border” family who, for the first time since immigrating, hasn’t actually crossed that border for an entire year. Canada has been dealing with a second wave of COVID-19 and, as our hospitals reach capacity amidst concern over a new variant of the coronavirus, Ontario has entered into a province-wide shutdown. Continue reading COVID-19: The second wave, the new strain, and a holiday season of disaster and miracles

Independence Day, and a summer that will redefine “twenty-twenty hindsight”

For this family of American ex-pats living in Canada, the end of the school year is always a busy and bombastic time. Canada Day and Independence Day come in close succession, often sharing an extended weekend and marking the beginning of a season of festivals. We’ve had three such kickoffs to our summers now, and while it all blended together a bit before, this year is one of stark contrasts. Continue reading Independence Day, and a summer that will redefine “twenty-twenty hindsight”

COVID-19: Update from Lake Ontario, as Canada’s pandemic response intensifies

Best wishes to everyone as we all face these interesting times together. I hope you and your loved ones are able to stay safe, stay connected, and stay informed…and I will try to occasionally share useful information from here. Good luck, and remember to wash your hands! Continue reading COVID-19: Update from Lake Ontario, as Canada’s pandemic response intensifies

Get connected easily to primary care in Ontario, with Health Care Connect

You can register for Health Care Connect online 24 hours a day, or call them toll free on weekdays during business hours at 1-800-445-1822. You’ll be put in touch with someone from your Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) who will ask you a series of basic questions about the members of your family and their health. Continue reading Get connected easily to primary care in Ontario, with Health Care Connect