By Susan Grace, MD
Pediatric Hospitalist, Pediatric Hospitalists of Northwest Ohio
There has been a recent increase in cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in our region. SIDS is the leading cause of death for children under the age of one. These losses are heartbreaking for the families and for communities. While not every infant death has a preventable cause, the majority of them are associated with risk factors, including unsafe sleep. As parents, there are things that can be done to decrease the risk of SIDS.
An infant should always sleep alone, on their back, in a crib. It can be so tempting to snuggle our infants in bed while we sleep or to fall asleep on the couch with the infant on our chest. This is a recipe for disaster. As a pediatrician for over ten years, I have seen these scenarios turn into infant deaths many times. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing but never bed-sharing. The crib should be free of any pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, or loose bedding. These items may make the crib appear more appealing, but they are unnecessary for the baby and can be a means of suffocation.
BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School boys basketball team lost a 76-74 overtime barnburner to Spencerville in a battle of the last two Northwest Conference unbeatens on February 2.
When pandemic germs boosted the need for sanitation supplies at Bluffton schools, the Bluffton Area Ministerial Association stepped with help. The habit has extended into this year's cold and flu season. Ministers Rob Glenn of English Lutheran Church, Mike Noggle of Mt. Cory Church of Faith and Pleasantview Church, and Jeremy Mann of Emmanuel UCC and St. John UCC delivered over $700 worth of tissues to Bluffton's elementary, middle school and high school.
Dr. Roy Couch, associate professor of music, will share, “The Possibilities of the Digital Sound Palette in Music Creation,” during Bluffton University’s spring 2024 Colloquium series.
Et Cetera Shop, Inc. of Bluffton will hold will hold a style show, “Celebrating 50 Years of Fashion” at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 10, at the Bluffton Middle School cafetorium. The show is among the events planned for 2024 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Et Cetera Shop, Inc.
