Medical cannabis doesn’t work for everyone

Parents who fear that kids in organized sport spend less time on just-for-fun activities can take heart in a new study by researchers at McMaster University and the University of Toronto.

Not only did the study find those kids embraced free play, it found they generally engaged in more physical activity on their own than those who were not in organized sport.

Lead author John Cairney, a professor at U of T’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, says the findings debunk commonly held fears that structured sport comes at the expense of free play.

He suspects that’s because children who are naturally inclined to enjoy organized sport are simply active kids.

But he says it could also be because organized sport teaches the fundamental motor, psychological and social skills that kids need for unsupervised activities such as a pickup game of basketball or playing tag after school.

The study followed 2,278 children from Grades 4 to 8. Researchers also looked at whether age, sex and socio-economic status played a role.

Cairney admits he was by the findings.

“Common sense would perhaps suggest that a child who was maybe really busy with sports, the last thing they want to do is come home and play more sport or more physical activity with their friends but it actually was the opposite.”

The sports involved included dance and martial arts as well as team sports, he says. Researchers did not look at the possible impact of non-sport activities like music class or academic clubs.

Cairney says free play is crucial in giving kids a chance to be creative and learn to relate to each other without the help of adults.

“They’re organizing, they’re leading, they’re interacting socially with other children, they’re practising decision-making, conflict resolution,” he says. “Free surprised

A Stratford youngster was among those who took part in the recent War Amps 2018 Atlantic Child Amputee (Champ) seminar in Dartmouth, N.S.

The seminar also marked the 100th anniversary of the War Amps.

Mara Duncan, six, is a right foot amputee and, as a ‘Champ’, is eligible to receive financial help for the cost of artificial limbs and recreational devices. By attending seminars, Champs and parents learn about the latest in artificial limbs, dealing with teasing and bullying and parenting an John Cairney, a professor at U of T’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, poses in this undated handout photo. Parents who fear that kids in organized sport spend less time in free play can take heart in a new study by researchers at McMaster University and the University of Toronto. Not only did the study find those kids embraced free play, it found that kids in organized sport actually engaged in more free play than those who were not in organized sport.

play really allows them to practice being an independent adult on their own terms.”

Contrary to what some may think, children do not naturally acquire many of these skills on their own, he adds.

And if they are not confident in their physical ability, they will be less likely to explore and try a wide range of activities.

“Sometimes we think that if we sort of push them out of the house, away from the TV... that they’ll just be active, it’s just what kids do. And what we’ve found is that’s true for some kids, for certain, but for a lot of kids it isn’t and they need that extra support and encouragement,” he says.

“It’s possible that what’s happening amputee child.

The War Amps was started by amputee veterans returning from the First World War to help each other adapt to their new reality and advocate for seriously disabled veterans.

With a philosophy of amputees helping amputees, they welcomed the next generation of war amputees following the Second World War and established the key tag service to gain meaningful employment and provide a service to the public. Later, programs were developed to serve all amputees, including children. here is kids are getting those skills from their experiences in sport and organized play and they’re actually practising and they’re using them, they’re engaging them on their own. And that’s a good thing.”

Still, there are negative experiences in structured sport, Cairney

acknowledges.

He encourages parents considering an organized sport for their child to ask questions first: Is the focus on competition, or having fun and making friends? Will they learn skills in a way that’s nonthreatening?

Kids who enjoy sports tend to identify two reasons — that it’s fun and they can make friends, he says.

Parents should also let kids gravitate to what they’re interested in, and understand that they may switch interests over time, he says.

The study is available online and will be published in the September edition of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Mara Duncan, 6, of Stratford was among those who attended a recent seminar in Nova Scotia put on by the War Amps.

Is marijuana as good as its reputation for treating painful conditions?

Many years ago, I suffered a neck injury in Japan which resulted in chronic pain. So I decided to try medical marijuana as painkillers, acupuncture, chiropractic treatment and massage have had no effect. So, what has happened?

During my first visit to the marijuana clinic I was surprised when asked to provide a urine specimen to prove I was not taking illegal drugs. I’m 94, a doctor, have lots of gray hair, walk with a cane and was tired after fighting Toronto traffic. So, I asked the receptionist, “Do I really look like an addict?” This tack didn’t work. I did as I was told. But what a waste of taxpayer’s money because some people are dishonest. It’s costing millions.

I advised the doctor I was not interested in THC type marijuana that produces an emotional high. I just wanted pain relief from the CBD type. Nor did I want to smoke marijuana. So, I was started on a marijuana oral oil to be taken twice a day. The result? Nothing. I may as well have been drinking water.

I was told not to worry. Patients, the doctor said, are always started on a low dose. This is a sensible precaution. So, for several weeks I used a larger dose, thinking that my marijuana receptors would finally react. But in the end, a rum and diet coke before dinner brought the usual slight relief from the pain. After all, better some relief than no relief.

Again, I was told not worry. My doctor advised that in some patients it was necessary to add a small amount of THC to the CBD to obtain relief of pain. I admit I did not like the idea, but when you’re in pain even snake oil is acceptable. So now what happened? Not even one per cent relief. So, I decided on my own to increase the dose. Again, no effect. On informing the doctor what I’d done I learned I was one of those cases in which marijuana would not work. So, this time I decided on a glass of chardonnay with dinner. It helped.

After several weeks a contact informed me that he knew another company that manufactured a high potency CBD. So, this time I thought I’d hit the jackpot. I would be providing my marijuana receptors with both the oral oil, plus a marijuana cream for the affected area. So? Zero relief of pain.

Again, I was told not to worry. There was another stronger oil and marijuana cream. I tried them for several weeks. What happened? I had to buy another bottle of wine.

So, could alcohol be the answer for me? I’m not telling tales out of school. It’s known that the former Queen Mother Elizabeth enjoyed a drink of gin. During a TV interview one of her aristocratic friends was asked, “Have you ever seen her drunk?” The reply? “No, but I’ve never seen her completely sober either.”

Why this story? Because the former Queen Mother was well loved and led a long and productive life. So, if a little gin helped her, why not me? But a few glasses of