The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

economist suntribune community events thursday feb28z002 17 maple syrup festi maple syrup tours are coming soon to conservation area near you the toronto and region conserva tion authoritys sugarbush maple syrup festival begins march 2 at the kortright centre for conservation on pine valley drive in woodbridge and at bruces mill conservation area on stouffville road in whitchurch- stouffville more information on the festival is available at 4166676299 sugar bush tours will be offered at sheppards bush conservation area a property of the lake simcoe region conservation authority on industry street in aurora on the weekdays from march 18 to 28 to arrange a tour call al leach at 8951281 ext 233 annual cottagefest show kicks off at fairgrounds a kids fishing tournament and guest speakers highlighting the wild animals whp populate cottage country are among the highlights of this years cottagefest show taking place friday through sunday at the markham fairgrounds on mccowan road five fairground buildings are being used for this years show which pro ducers claim is the largest in its seven- year history the bassmasters casting kids tournament makes its debut at cottagefest its one of a number of tournaments held across canada encouraging chil- dren to try fishing wildlife experts jody and dale gienbw are discussing cottage country wildlife and will have some living examples exhibitors include cottage country realtors and retailers selling atvs fire places art solar products boat shel ters docks and spas as well wildlife painter angus spencer will be on hand plus wood- burning artist sarah spencer show hours are 1 pm to 9 pm friday 10 ani to 6 pm saturday and 10 am to 6 pm sunday admission is 7 and children 12 and younger are free seniors are admitted free on friday markham 33 stouffvflle v ski hospital w fgiaxbsmithkline markham stouffville hospital department of paediatrics presents ask dr bear a season for wheezin dear dr bear my doctor just told me my little one has bronchiolitis what is it that is a very good and timely question bronchiolitis is a medical condition which causes lower airway lung congestion and narrowing in children usually younger than 2yrs of age it com monly occurs during the fall and winter months octoberapril and is usually caused by an infec tion known as rsv respiratory syncytial vifus there are other winter viruses capable of producing very similar symptoms due to the narrowing of these smaller airways chil dren often present with wheezing a whistling sound best heard on exhaling other symptoms include fever cough and runny nose the younger the child the more distressed they can become some children may be so distressed that they become hypoxic lower than normal blood oxygen and short of breath breathing is labored and as a result they may become dehydrated these children may require hospitalization for rehydration and support ive care including oxygen to help them breath more comfortably how long does it last bronchiolitis usually jasts between 10 to 12 days and affected individuals can be contagious for up to 1 0 days after acquiring the virus is there any treatment bronchodilatoras airway openers are often used to relieve narrowing but unfortunately there are no effective antiviral medications brohchodilators are available in many forms including puffers liquids and solutions for nebulizer air compressor your pediatrician or family doctor will help you decide which formula best suits your childs needs how contagious is this and can i prevent it rsv bronchiolitis is very contagious and is often spread via air airborne or by contact with objects shared by childrenindividuals infected with rsv good hand washing arid preventing children from sharing toysobjects is an effective way of prevent ing further spread babjes born significantly prematurely as well as other children with inherent lung diseases and who acquire rsv are at higher risk for hospitalization and complications anew rsv vaccine has been developed and is presently being recommended by the hospital for sick children arid other medical- groups advocating for children- ask your pediatri cian or family doctor if your child qualifies for this vaccine dr lee joined the msh paediatric department in 1998 he graduated from the university of toronto school of medjcine in 1989 he continued his training at the hospital for sick children with a special interest in neurology he joined the medical staff at centenary health centre dr lee practices in unionyille with his associate dr helen tsiiimd dr kevin lee please mail fax or email your questions to v julie ponsford child life specialist markham stouffville hospital 381 church street po box 1800 1 markham ontario l3p 7p3 fax9054727564 email jponsformshonca visit our websiteat wwwimshonca