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.
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