SIDS kills; parents need to be more aware

Tue., Jan. 31, 2006

By Kevin Graman kevingr@spokesman.com

To cut SIDS risk

The Spokane Regional Health District released these updated recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics for reducing the risk of SIDS:

Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night

Place your baby on a firm sleep surface, such as on a safety-approved crib mattress, covered by a fitted sheet.

Keep soft objects, toys and loose bedding out of your baby's sleep area.

Do not allow smoking around your baby.

Keep your baby's sleep area close to, but separate from, where you and others sleep

Consider offering a clean, dry pacifier when placing your baby on his or her back to sleep

Do not let your baby overheat during sleep.

Avoid products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, and do not use home monitors to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Reduce the chance that flat spots will develop on your baby's head by providing "tummy time" when your baby is awake and someone is watching; changing the direction that your baby lies in the crib; and avoiding too much time in car seats and carriers.

For more information on reducing the risk of SIDS, visit http://www.nichd.nih.gov/.

Parents should be particularly cautious in winter in protecting infants from sudden infant death syndrome, according to the Spokane Regional Health District.

In colder months, when extra blankets or clothes are placed in cribs, the number of children who die from SIDS increases. Setting the thermostat too high and exposure to secondhand smoke are also risk factors.

The health district reports that several infants die from SIDS in Spokane each year. Nationally, it is the leading cause of death in infants 1 month to 1 year old and claims the lives of about 2,500 babies a year.

“We can reduce the risk of SIDS with a few simple tips that all parents and caregivers should follow,” said Dr. Kim Thorburn, Spokane County health officer.

An infant should be placed on her back to sleep on a firm mattress with no blankets or fluffy bedding under or over her. If a blanket is used, it should be placed no higher than the baby’s chest and be tucked under the mattress. The health district advises against pillows and stuffed toys.

The best temperature is what feels comfortable to an adult.

Commission members sought

The Washington State Department of Health is accepting applications for appointments to the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

Members will be appointed by the governor to a four-year term beginning July 1 and have the responsibility of making policy, writing opinions and rules, reviewing investigations, participating in disciplinary hearings and providing technical assistance to students and licensees.

The commission meets for one or two days about six times a year. Its members are paid $250 a day, plus travel expenses.

For more information, contact Terry West at (360) 236-4712 or e-mail terry.west@doh.wa.gov.

Cancer center commended

The Providence Cancer Center at Sacred Heart Medical Center has been accredited with commendation by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.

Only 56 percent of the 446 accredited cancer centers nationwide have received commendation for superior quality of care, according to a medical center news release. Holy Family Hospital received commendation in 2004.

Digital mammography accredited

Inland Imaging has been accredited in digital mammography by the American College of Radiology, the center announced.

Benefits of digital mammography include more options in evaluation of the breast, shortened exam time and decreased X-ray exposure. Inland Imaging has six digital mammography machines at three locations: Holy Family Imaging Center, Sacred Heart Imaging Center and Inland Imaging’s Valley location.

Library adds health database

The Spokane County Library District has added the Health and Wellness Resource Center, a popular database of medical information from journals, newspapers, directories and encyclopedias.

County residents with a library card may access the Health and Wellness database and others online at www.scld.org. But consumers are warned that the resource is not a tool for self-diagnosis or intended to replace professional care.

The healing arts

The Johnson & Johnson/Society for Arts in Healthcare recently awarded a $4,000 grant to Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital and the Spokane Art School to promote art in healing.

Combined with $2,000 from a local donor, the grant will help implement Creative Comforts, an art program to reduce stress and promote healing for long-term pediatric patients.

The Spokane recipients were among just 33 selected nationwide for the cash award.

Plan D assistance

Student volunteers from Washington State University’s doctor of pharmacy program continue to offer help through Feb. 28 in reviewing prescription benefit options under Medicare Part D.

So far they have handled more than 200 inquiries from Medicare recipients and health-care providers.

For an appointment, call Cris DuVall at (509) 389-9922 or send e-mail to her at ckduvall@wsu.edu.

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