20 Oct 2014

Nominations Open for 100 Great Iowa Nurses of 2015

By Cassie Raasch

Entering its 11th year, the 100 Great Iowa Nurses program is now accepting nominations  

Iowa City, IA (Oct. 15, 2014) - The 100 Great Iowa Nurses program is excited to announce that nominations are officially open for 2015. Each year, this program recognizes 100 nurses across the state whose courage, competence, and commitment to patients and the nursing profession stands out above all others.

Patients, coworkers, friends, and family members are encouraged to nominate an outstanding nurse for recognition. Nominations are being accepted online at www.greatnurses.org

After undergoing a two-part review process, 100 Great Iowa Nurses are honored each year at a ceremony created for the state of Iowa by nurse and community leaders. On May 3, 2015, the 100 Great Iowa Nurses selected for recognition will gather to be honored at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The celebration is an annual prelude to National Nurses Week, which begins on May 6 and ends on May 12 (the birthday of Florence Nightingale).

Nurses selected for this honor represent many sectors of health care, working as nurses in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and offices. They come from all practice areas, including acute care, sub-acute care, school nursing, parish nursing, nurse leaders, and academics.

This statewide event belongs to the people of Iowa, and is made possible through the generous support of sponsors. In addition to recognizing 100 Great Iowa Nurses every year, the program also offers scholarship support to nursing students at all levels of education.

Current and future nurses across Iowa are encouraged to apply for available scholarship opportunities to complete or further their nursing education. Scholarship applications can be found at www.greatnurses.org/scholarships.

About 100 Great Iowa Nurses

100 Great Iowa Nurses is a nonprofit program that honors great nurses in Iowa, and funds scholarships to support the education of Iowa nurses. Established in 2004, the program recognizes qualities that demonstrate efforts beyond those expected of a nurse within his/her normal duties, such as concern for humanity, significant contribution to the profession, and mentoring. For more information, visit www.greatnurses.org.

CONTACT: Cassie Raasch, Communications and Marketing, 100 Great Iowa Nurses, (319) 335-7003, info@greatnurses.org

###

20 Oct 2014

Red Cross blood donation opportunities Nov. 1-15

By Theresa Kuhlmann
PEORIA, Ill. (Oct. 16, 2014) – The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make a point to give blood before the busy holiday season arrives.

Blood donations often decline between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day as people become busy with holiday festivities. Donors are needed in the weeks leading up to the winter holidays to help prevent these seasonal declines. Donors of all blood types, and especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative, are needed now to help maintain a stable blood supply.

Blood donation appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App - a faster, more convenient way to schedule and manage donation appointments, especially for donors on the go. The app also allows users to track donation histories, earn rewards and invite others to join them on a lifesaving team. The app is free and available for download in app stores.

Donors may also visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more about the donation process and to make an appointment.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Carroll

Savanna

11/5/2014: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., West Carroll High School, 500 Cragmoor Drive

_______________

 

Clinton

 

Clinton

11/8/2014: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Prince of Peace Academy Grade School, 312 South 4th Street

_______________

 

Henry

 

Cambridge

11/13/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., St John's Vianney Church, 313 S West Street

 

Geneseo

11/6/2014: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church S Campus Bldg, 302 N. State Street

 

Kewanee

11/12/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St.

 

Woodhull

11/10/2014: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Woodhull Alwood High School, 301 East 5th

_______________

 

Lee

 

Amboy

11/7/2014: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Amboy High School, 11 E. Hawley Street

 

Dixon

11/11/2014: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Borg Warner, 1350 Franklin Grove Road

 

Paw Paw

11/5/2014: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Paw Paw High School, 511 Chapman

_______________

 

Mercer

 

Aledo

11/12/2014: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Genesis Medical Center, 409 N. West 9th Ave.

 

Sherrard

11/14/2014: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Sherrard High School, 4701 176TH

 

Viola

11/3/2014: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Viola Fire Deparment, 1713 13th Street

_______________

 

Scott

 

Davenport

11/11/2014: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Christ's Family Church, 4601 Utica Ridge Road

_______________

 

Whiteside

 

Fulton

11/11/2014: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th Street

 

Prophetstown

11/3/2014: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Prophetstown High School, 310 Riverside

 

Rock Falls

11/2/2014: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Army National Guard, 716 Sixth Ave

11/5/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St.

11/12/2014: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St.

11/15/2014: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St.

 

Tampico

11/13/2014: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Tampico United Methodist Church, 202 Lincoln Ave.

 

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

###

20 Oct 2014

Braley: 'I'm Greatly Concerned the Administration Did Not Act Fast Enough'

By Rick Martin

At hearing on Ebola virus, Congressman stresses need to accelerate vaccine testing, available from Ames, Iowa company

Washington, D.C. - After a second American healthcare worker contracted the Ebola virus, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today at a Congressional hearing sharply questioned the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the failed protocol that led to the new infections and about what can be done to ensure the safety of all Americans moving forward.

"I'm greatly concerned that the Administration did not act fast enough. The Administration needs to be looking at all options available to keep our families safe, and they need to move as quickly and responsibly as possible to make any necessary changes at our airports and hospitals that would prevent this disease from spreading further," Braley said. "Our number one priority in combating this disease must be the protection of Americans."

Panelists at today's hearing of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations included CDC Director Thomas Frieden, Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, Luciana Borio of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Robin Robinson of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), John Wagner of the Department of Homeland Security, and Daniel Varga of Texas Health Resources.

Braley pushed Frieden on what additional steps could be taken in order to prevent those infected with the Ebola virus from entering the country?and how to prevent additional transmission by those already infected.

"We're looking very closely at what might possibly have happened to result in these two exposures," Frieden responded.

Braley also questioned panelists concerning NewLink Genetics, of Ames Iowa, which is currently testing an Ebola vaccine that is involved in clinical trials?but are awaiting the finalizing of contracts that could expedite the process of mass manufacturing. Braley urged panelists from the National Institutes of Health and U.S Food and Drug Administration to expedite the process.

"I had an opportunity to talk to two of (NewLink's) employees yesterday and I know that they are working around the clock trying to help come up with a vaccine," Braley said.

High quality video of Braley at today's hearing is available online HERE.

###

16 Oct 2014

Coast2Coast Rx Card Saves Rock Island County Residents Nearly 6 million on Prescription Costs

By Alexandra Miller

Moline, IL- October 14, 2014 - The Coast2Coast Rx Card program has saved $5,844,553.71 dollars since the launch of the Coast2Coast Rx Card discount prescription program in May 2010 with the endorsement of the Rock Island County Board.

The free discount prescription card program provides residents and their families with a number of benefits that produce immediate discounts on prescriptions as well as dental, vision, veterinary and hearing services.  The discount card also offers discounts on various lab and imaging services; diabetes supplies and equipment as well as pet prescriptions.  Not only does the Coast2Coast Rx program facilitate discounts on healthcare resources for Rock Island County residents and their families -- the program provides a royalty of $1.25 per prescription for Rock Island County public programs.

"We are pleased to work with Rock Island County, which prides itself on providing programs that enrich the lives of its residents, in assisting its families with beneficial discounts on health related needs.  It is of utmost importance to the Rock Island County Board and the Coast2Coast Rx program to help those in need of obtaining prescriptions and other health care related services," said Martin Dettelbach, Chief Marketing Officer of the Coast2Coast Rx program.  He added, " We look forward to continuing and growing our relationship with Rock Island County and maintaining savings on health services for Rock Island County families."

The Coast2Coast Rx card allows all consumers, regardless of income, age, or health status to participate in the program and save on the cost of their medications.  The program has saved cardholders throughout the nation an average of 60% in 2014 on the cost of prescription drugs. The Rx card is distributed free of charge and may be used at all pharmacy chains and most independent pharmacies in Illinois and includes over 60,000 drugs in its formulary. Anyone in Illinois can download a card of their county or any nearby county to use the card at all chain pharmacies and many independent pharmacies.

To print a free card and start saving on prescriptions, Rock Island County residents should visit www.coast2coastrx.com or call 1-800-931-8872 to learn more about the discounts offered.

15 Oct 2014

6 Emergency Complications of Type 2 Diabetes

By Everyday Health

Uncontrolled diabetes can be life-threatening. Help prevent these serious diabetes complications by learning the warning signs.

People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of many serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and amputation. But by keeping your diabetes in check ? that means maintaining good blood sugar control ? and knowing how to recognize a problem and what to do about it should one occur, you can prevent many of these serious complications of diabetes.

Heart Attack

Heart disease and stroke are the top causes of death and disability in people with diabetes. Heart attack symptoms may appear suddenly or be subtle, with only mild pain and discomfort. If you experience any of the following heart attack warning signs, call 911 immediately:

  • Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest, lasting for a short time or going away and returning
  • Pain elsewhere, including the back, jaw, stomach, or neck; or pain in one or both arms
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or lightheadedness

Stroke

If you suddenly experience any of the following stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. As with a heart attack, immediate treatment can be the difference between life and death. Stroke warning signs may include :

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it occurs on one side of the body
  • Feeling confused
  • Difficulty walking and talking and lacking coordination
  • Developing a severe headache for no apparent reason

Nerve Damage

People with diabetes are at increased risk of nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, due to uncontrolled high blood sugar. Nerve damage associated with type 2 diabetes can cause a loss of feeling in your feet, which makes you more vulnerable to injury and infection. You may get a blister or cut on your foot that you don't feel and, unless you check your feet regularly, an infection can develop. Untreated infections can result in gangrene (death of tissue) and ultimately amputation of the affected limb. A recent large study from Sweden of 2,480 patients with diabetic foot ulcers found that certain factors increased the likelihood of amputation, including being male and having had diabetes for longer than 23 years.

Diabetes can also make it more difficult for your body to fight infections, causing skin problems. Various skin conditions are linked to diabetes, and even the most minor cuts or sores can turn serious fast. Any bumps, cuts, or scrapes should be cleaned and treated with an antibiotic cream and monitored carefully.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, see your doctor:

  • Inflammation and tenderness anywhere on your body
  • Red, itchy rash surrounded by small blisters or scales
  • Cuts, sores, or blisters on your feet that are slow to heal and are not as painful as you would expect
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hands or feet, including your fingers and toes
  • Sharp pain that gets worse at night
  • Muscle weakness that makes walking difficult
  • Bladder infections and problems with bladder control
  • Bloating, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women

Kidney Disease

Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy, a condition in which the blood vessels in your kidneys are damaged to the point that they cannot filter out waste properly. If left untreated, dialysis (a treatment to filter out waste products from the blood) and ultimately a kidney transplant may be needed.

Typically, you won't notice symptoms of kidney disease until it has advanced. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor:

  • Swelling in your ankles and legs
  • Leg cramps
  • A need to go to the bathroom more often at night
  • A reduction in your need for insulin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness and paleness
  • Itching

The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes-related kidney problems is to have your urine, blood, and blood pressure monitored regularly and to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control.

Eye Problems

People with type 2 diabetes are at risk of several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy (which affects the blood vessels in the eye), glaucoma, and cataracts. If left untreated, these conditions can cause vision loss.

Call your doctor if you notice any of these warning signs:

  • Blurry vision that lasts for more than two days
  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Floaters, black or gray spots, cobwebs, or strings that move when you move your eyes
  • A sensation of seeing "flashing lights"
  • Pain or pressure in one or both eyes

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia means you have too much sugar in your blood. High blood sugar doesn't always produce symptoms; therefore, it is important to check your blood sugar regularly, as indicated by your doctor. When symptoms of hyperglycemia occur, they may include :

  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme thirst
  • Feeling tired and weak
  • Blurry vision
  • Feeling hungry even after eating

If you frequently have high blood sugar, tell your doctor. He or she may need to make changes to your medication and suggest diet and lifestyle modifications to help you gain and maintain better blood sugar control.

The key to preventing many of the complications of diabetes is to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. To do this, eat right, exercise, monitor your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor, and don't smoke.

Report any unusual signs or symptoms to your doctor. Together you can work to prevent these diabetes-related health complications.

For more diabetes news, follow @diabetesfacts on Twitter from the editors of @EverydayHealth.

14 Oct 2014

Genesis, DaVita Kidney Care Announce Joint Venture

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- October 13, 2014 -- Genesis Health System and DaVita Kidney Care today announced they have entered into a joint venture agreement for the continued operation of the Quad Cities' only hospital campus-based hemodialysis center.

The center provides treatment to patients with kidney failure on an out-patient basis. The agreement calls for patient care services to continue uninterrupted at the recently remodeled and expanded Genesis dialysis center located on the East Rusholme Street campus of Genesis Medical Center, Davenport.

According to Genesis Vice President of Corporate Communications Ken Croken, the decision to enter the joint venture agreement with DaVita Kidney Care was driven largely by the increasing operational complexity and high costs of maintaining a single dialysis center. Specifically, Croken noted that the regulatory demands and technical requirements of hemodialysis have grown more challenging over the years. And, the operation of an independent center in Davenport has become cost-prohibitive because Genesis cannot benefit from the volume discounts on equipment and supplies available to larger, multi-site providers. Moreover, smaller providers cannot provide the highly specialized technical support available within a larger organization focused exclusively on hemodialysis.

"DaVita Kidney Care is a national leader in the innovative care of patients with chronic kidney failure and end-stage renal disease," Croken said. "Today, DaVita Kidney Care operates or manages more than 2,100 dialysis centers across the U.S. The company's commitment to quality care and customer service is evidenced by its nearly 170,000 patients nationwide."

The GHS Board of Directors has determined that DaVita is the right partner to help ensure the stability of this critical patient service in the community. In this way, patients who currently rely on the life-saving care they receive at our state-of-art Genesis out-patient center -- as well as in the hospital - can continue to do so." Genesis provides nearly 20,000 dialysis treatments annually.

"We are pleased to expand our services in the Quad Cities region and honored to partner with Genesis Health System to provide world-class kidney care," said Mark Bratland, Divisional Vice President for DaVita Kidney Care. "I want our new patients as well as the Genesis medical staff to know that we are dedicated to provide a smooth transition and to live by our Mission as the Provider, Partner and Employer of Choice."

About DaVita Kidney Care

DaVita Kidney Care is a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a Fortune 500® company that, through its operating divisions, provides a variety of health care services to patient populations throughout the United States and abroad. A leading provider of dialysis services in the United States, DaVita Kidney Care treats patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita Kidney Care strives to improve patients' quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health management services. As of June 30, 2014, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,119 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 168,000 patients. The company also operated 84 outpatient dialysis centers located in 10 countries outside the United States. DaVita Kidney Care supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The company's leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu. For more information, please visit DaVita.com.

About Genesis Health System

Genesis Health System, its affiliates and partners offer a continuum of health care services for a 12-county region of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Our affiliates include : Acute and tertiary hospital care at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport and DeWitt, Iowa and at Genesis Medical Center, Silvis and Genesis Medical Center, Aledo, Ill.; home health and hospice services through Genesis VNA and Hospice; Genesis Workplace Services, including occupational health, employee assistance program and wellness services for employers and their employees; the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House; senior living facilities offering rehabilitation and long-term care; Genesis Health Group, with nearly 200 primary 

care providers and specialists; the Genesis Quad Cities Family Practice Residency program; Genesis Psychology Associates; three Convenient Care clinics; and Genesis Home Medical Equipment. Partners include Genesis Medical Park, Crow Valley and Spring Street Surgical Center, Davenport and Genesis Imaging Centers. Genesis manages Jackson County Regional Health Center, Maquoketa, Iowa. Genesis is one of the largest employers in the Quad Cities region with more than 5,000 employees. For more information, visit our Web site at www.genesishealth.com.

###

14 Oct 2014

Chiropractors replacing Acupuncturists at the Iowa Veteran's Hospitals

By William Terrell, L.Ac., MSOM
We have a big problem that has come to my attention from various sources.  The Veteran's Administration in Iowa has decided to replace the NCCAOM Licensed Acupuncturists with Doctors of Chiropractic that have acupuncture certification. 

There is some confusion around this issue because the National VA has issued a mandate that all VA hospital systems provide Chiropractic and Acupuncture services by 2016.  While this would seem like a great decision for our profession and the VA patients, it seems that both of the VA hospitals in Iowa (Iowa City and Des Moines) have chosen to cut costs and only hire Chiropractors who have certification in acupuncture.  They have posted and closed three job openings for this position , 2 in Iowa City and 1 in Des Moines.  There is no mention of Acupuncture on their website and I have not been able to contact anyone responsible as yet. 

I was told by Laura Christensen and Rob Weingeist that the Iowa City VA has hired one DC with an NCCAOM diplomate and one DC with only 100 hour state certification (the minimum required in Iowa).  In Des Moines, we were told by an acupuncturist who applied for the Job that she was refused an interview because they were only hiring Chiropractors for the position.  This was very distressful to us given the fact that for the last 10+ years, two local Licensed Acupuncturists, Katherine Chuapoco and Brendan Chuapoco were on staff at the DSM VA providing acupuncture.  We had been told that they were ending their contract, but were unaware of their replacement. 

I am sending out this email for the following purposes:

1. To get more communication and information about this situation.
2. To ask our community to lobby the Iowa Veteran's Hospitals to reinstate the NCCAOM Licensed Acupuncturists positions. 
3. To notify the media of this failure of the VA to hire properly trained medical professionals.
Please take this issue very seriously!  Our profession has spent decades gaining respect and medical validity.  When we let other professions to claim to practice acupuncture, we damage the reputation of acupuncture and put the general public at risk of malpractice.
14 Oct 2014

NAMI RECEIVES GRANTS TO AID OUTREACH EFFORTS

By Caroline Vernon
Equipment Upgrades Help Affiliate Expand its Programs
DAVENPORT, Iowa (October 9, 2014) - The National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Mississippi Valley affiliate (NAMI) has received two grants for equipment upgrades to increase outreach efforts to a six-county area. The Scott County Regional Authority awarded a $3,000grant and the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend awarded $2,500 through its Impact Grant to assist NAMI in purchasing Equipment. The new equipment will aid in its community education and outreach efforts.
NAMI provides free education and support programs to individuals and families living with mental illness. It serves residents within in Muscatine, Clinton, Scott Counties in Iowa and Mercer, Henry, Rock Island Counties in Illinois. NAMI programs are nationally-developed and designed to educate persons about the biology of mental illness, latest research, treatment options, as well as coping and communication skills important for supporting their loved one's recovery.
About NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley
One in10 children and one in four adults experience a mental health disorder in any given year. Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by the age of 14. NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This grassroots organizationcomplements the work of mental health professionals by providing support, education and advocacy to individuals and families living with mental illness. NAMI works cooperatively through the Quad Cities Community Mental Health Initiative, serving residents in Muscatine, Clinton, Scott Counties in Iowa and Mercer, Henry, Rock Island Counties in Illinois. Additional information is available at 563-322-8870 or www.namigmv.org.
###
10 Oct 2014

2nd Annual Worksite Wellness Conference

By Quad City Health Initiative
Join Us November 4, 2014!
The Ultimate Bottom Line:
Sustaining Employee Wellness
At this event, participants will:
Learn how a focus on health and healthy workplaces impacts employee productivity and can improve your bottom line.

 

Discover strategies for engaging employees in wellness and creating a sustainable culture of health in the workplace.

Determine how to measure and evaluate the impact of your wellness programming.
Who should attend?
Human Resources Professionals

Health & Wellness Champions

Senior Organizational Staff & Business Leaders
Questions?
Contact:
Elizabeth Plumb
Quad City Health Initiative
09 Oct 2014

Genesis BirthCenters Train New Parents About Safe Sleep For Babies

By Craig Cooper

New moms at Genesis BirthCenters are discovering a baby's peaceful sleep and peace of mind are attainable. Even for brief moments at the same time.

Since Valentine's Day, babies born at Genesis BirthCenter locations in Davenport and Silvis get a first bath and then are wrapped in a HALO SleepSack wearable blanket. The SleepSack wearable blankets are replacing loose blankets, crib bumpers and stuffed animals in baby sleep spaces.

The idea is to establish a safe, comfortable sleep routine in the hospital with hopes the routine will go home with the baby and parents.

The SleepSacks wearable blankets have a design that swaddles the baby with closeable cloth "wings.'' The baby's arms can be within the blanket or out. A zipper allows easy access for diaper changes.

SleepSacks also allow babies to kick their feet naturally and unrestrained. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has called SleepSacks "hip healthy."

"It allows the babies to have their feet and legs in a frog kick position rather than having them restrained by blankets,'' explained Genesis Health Group pediatrician Curt McClellan, D.O. "The babies seem to sleep more comfortably and soundly.

"A lot of hospitals across the country are now starting to use these in their birth centers.''

Unexplainable Tragedy

What isn't known scientifically yet is whether the wearable blankets further reduce the tragedy of sudden unexplained death in infants. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, remains a mystery because the condition cannot be explained after an autopsy or a review of the infant's clinical history.

Jenny Atzen, nurse midwife with The Group in Davenport, was a Genesis BirthCenter nurse in 2002 when Elizabeth, her 31/2-month-old daughter, died in the home of a care giver. There was no explanation for the death.

"I still miss her like crazy every day,'' Atzen said. "I was a nurse and it happened to me. If this can happen to me, the message is 'wow, this can happen to anyone.' SIDS doesn't only happen to someone else. It happens to people who think they are doing everything right.''

Atzen said she has never placed any blame on anyone. Elizabeth was sleeping in an adult bed with pillows around her and she was sleeping on her stomach.

"She slept on her stomach at home too,'' Atzen said. "We knew about the recommendations for back to sleep but Elizabeth slept better when she was sleeping on her stomach.

"Unfortunately, this is a very common practice by many parents. We paid the worst possible consequence of not following the recommendations.''

The national "Back To Sleep'' campaign recommends that newborns be placed on their backs to sleep. Since the campaign began in 1994, unexplained infant deaths have decreased by more than 3,500 each year.

"That day changed everything for me,'' Atzen said. "I can talk about it now because I think our experience can help educate others. It's very important to educate everyone about the safe sleep of babies.''

Genesis BirthCenter manager Deb Renner said the transition to SleepSacks at Genesis is part of a national trend. Hospitals across the country are creating safer sleep environments for newborns by using the wearable blankets.

"As a Magnet organization, we are very in tune with best practices and using these wearable blankets is certainly a best practice,'' Renner said. "If we can get new parents to experience the safest sleep practices for the baby in the hospital, it is a good start toward them following best sleep practices for baby at home.

"We would like to think SleepSacks could prevent the tragedy that Jenny experienced. Her experience impacted everyone she worked with because at the time we had a lot of nurses who were having babies. It made us all aware that this could happen to anyone.''

Tips For Safe Sleep

While SIDS is still a mystery in many ways, there are standard recommendations for safe sleep for infants.

  • Babies should have their own sleep space, like a crib or bassinet, not an adult bed

  • Babies should be put on their backs to sleep

  • All toys and bedding should be removed from the baby's sleep space

  • Never dress the baby too warmly for sleep

  • Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby at home, or in a car

Renner said the Genesis BirthCenters would like to be able to send the SleepSacks home with babies but the expense doesn't make that possible at this time.

"We'd love for someone to say, 'this sounds like a very good idea' and make a donation through the Genesis foundation,'' Renner said. "We think this is important enough that every baby should go home from Genesis with a SleepSack.''

Gifts to the Genesis Foundation have an impact on the health of the communities served by Genesis Health System. Find out more by calling (563) 421-6865.

###

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.