Your on-the-air source for news and feature stories
from around the state aimed directly at Texas listeners.

A Service of Buckalew Media - Austin
CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE
Presented by the TexCare
60 Second Radio Feature   MP3

"Shaken Baby Syndrome"
For the Week of April 15, 2002


There's no such thing as a "good shaking."

Hi, I'm Dr. John Hellerstedt with the Children's Health Minute, presented by this station and TexCare - connecting Texas families with children's health insurance for 18 dollars a month or less.

Shaken Baby Syndrome is caused by shaking an infant by the arms, legs, chest or shoulders. The motion causes young babies' heads to wobble back and forth because of weak neck muscles and can result in broken bones, brain damage, seizures and mental retardation.

Most cases are the result of an adult or older child taking out their frustrations on the baby, perhaps due to constant crying. These situations need to be avoided. The frustrated caretaker should put the child in a safe place and leave the room for a few minutes, or call someone else to help care for the infant.

Symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome include loss of consciousness, pale or bluish skin, vomiting and convulsions. If suspected, go to the emergency room immediately for treatment.

Keep your kids healthy. Call TexCare at 1-800-647-6558 to apply or when it's time to renew your children's health care coverage. That's 1-800-647-6558.

 
Copyright Buckalew Media Inc. 2000
All Rights Reserved