Born in South Africa, Dr. Jeremy Friedman emigrated to Canada and quickly established himself as one of the leading lights in pediatrics. Now head of pediatric medicine at Sick Kids Hospital and an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s faculty of medicine, we grilled the good doctor about H1N1, obesity and helicopter parenting.

Are parents freaking out more about their kids’ health than previous generations?

There is no doubt the answer is yes.

Why?

It has to do with information overload.… I think that there is a lot of media that is really kind of anxiety provoking.… In five minutes you can read 10 different things that will make you scared to walk out the door in the morning.

What is the most overused medication?

Antibiotics would be, in general, but less maybe than 10 years ago. We’ve become more attuned to how overused they are. Otherwise, over-the-counter stuff in the baby-age group, probably all the different potential treatments for colic, none of which really work.

In the past, if you got the flu it made you stronger. Now we don’t want anyone to get anything. Why?

The proof is in the pudding, and I have to say, in all honesty, up until this year with H1N1, I’d never actually given my own kids the flu shot. Though, I have to say, I always get it, since through my work I’m exposed to people with the flu every day.

So what’s going on?

I think you really can’t generalize.… There are new vaccines that are literally life changing and life-saving, but then again, potentially, there are some that are treating diseases that are not necessarily life-threatening but are more almost there for economic or convenience reasons.

Is the world a more dangerous place now or are we just going too far with helicopter parenting?

That’s a good question actually. I guess, definitely there is a component of us being more aware of the dangers of kids going out to play in the park.… But the Internet has opened up huge potential dangers for particularly the young teenage group who would not have been exposed to that 20 years ago.

Would you let your kids walk to school all alone?

Fortunately, my kids’ school is a little too far, so I don’t have to answer that question. I think I am the kind of parent who wants his kids to live well-balanced, safe but not overly sheltered lives.

Is there anything to trying to up our kids’ brain power when they are younger?

It might sound hokey, and old-fashioned, but in order to maximize brain potential, it boils down to good-quality interaction between parent and child. Putting your child in front of the TV is not going to do it.

When can kids try skiing?

You’re talking to a South African immigrant here. Maybe rugby? [Laughs.] I would say, as soon as they have the motor coordination. I don’t have a problem with it.

How big a problem is childhood obesity?

It is a big problem. The stats show it has tripled in the last 20 years.

Should we get all the junk food out of schools? I think we should get them out of schools. There is absolutely no value. It is a purely economic thing, no justification.

Organic versus conventional food?

Personally, I think the difference is a little exagerrated. Even the definition of organic is a little bit open to interpretation.

Soap or sanitizer?

I think in the home setting there is no difference. The only thing I would say is that, when kids’ hands are visibly dirty, they need to use soap and water.

When is too soon to get your child on an exercise program?

I think it is never too soon to teach them good, active, healthy living habits. We have a responsibility to act as role models and introduce fun and active things the family can do together — swimming, walking, cycling.

Multivitamins, yes or no?

The only vitamin that there is increasing evidence that it might be helpful is vitamin D.