Imaging

Fast, accurate and convenient diagnostic imaging—such as MRIs and CT scans—are a vital step in diagnosing many medical conditions. Thanks to St. Mary’s Medical Center’s EOS Ultra Low Dose 2D/3D Imaging System, your child’s imaging experience can be greatly enhanced. The EOS system allows for both full-body and localized imaging done in either a standing or seated position.

We know that having an MRI can be scary for kids. That’s why our team is specially trained to help children get through the necessary imaging tests that will help their doctors determine the best diagnosis and plan of care. We do all we can to make it a relaxed - and maybe even fun - experience, so your child can focus on being a kid and not a patient.

If you have any questions about our diagnostic imaging services, please contact us.

Imaging appointments are available Monday through Friday between 8am and 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday between 8:30am and 12:30pm. To schedule your appointment, call (561) 881-2828.

What Parents Need to Know about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 3,600 babies less than one year old suddenly and unexpectedly die in the United States every year. And although death is a topic most people don’t want to talk about, we thought it’s best to educate parents about the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and its causes so they would also know if there’s anything they can do to prevent these deaths from happening.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

As its name suggests, SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than one year of age. In most cases of SIDS, the baby is believed to be healthy and normal. The deaths are associated with sleep, as they usually happen while the baby is sleeping or when the baby is in the crib. SIDS is sometimes referred to as “crib death.”

Risk Factors

SIDS is more common in male babies than in female babies. The risk for this syndrome peaks from two to four months of age, and cases are known to rise during cold weather. African American babies are two to three times more likely to experience SIDS than Caucasian babies. On the other hand, Native American infants are three times more likely to experience SIDS than Caucasians.

Aside from gender and ethnicity, some other risk factors for SIDS include:

Drinking or drug use during pregnancy
Infant sleeps on his/her stomach
Family history of SIDS
Mother is younger than age 20
Overheating (due to blanket, clothing or room temperature)
Poor or the absence of prenatal care
Premature birth or low birth weight
Smoking during pregnancy or being a second hand smoker
Use of soft bedding and/or loose blankets and pillows

Can Parents and Caregivers Prevent SIDS?

Death is unpredictable, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends creating a safe sleeping environment to help reduce the risk of SIDS. You can do this by:

Placing the baby on his/her back to sleep (supine positioning)
Breastfeeding
Skin-to-skin care for newborns
Dressing the infant for the room temperature (avoid overheating)
Avoiding exposure to smoke, alcohol and drugs
Avoiding bumper pads in cribs that may lead to suffocation or strangulation
Sharing rooms with the baby without sharing beds
Using a firm sleep surface
Routine immunization
Using a pacifier

Final Thoughts

As the leading cause of death in babies between one month and one year of age, it’s good to be aware of sudden infant death syndrome, its risk factors and some of the things you can do to reduce your child’s risk.

If you need to learn what types of immunizations or vaccines are best for your baby or if you want to learn more about SIDS, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians.

All the best!

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Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
KidsHealth
SleepFoundation.org

Diagnostic Imaging