Brain Abnormality Linked to SIDS

Infants who die of sudden infant death syndrome have abnormalities in the brain stem - part of the brain that controls heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, temperature and arousal.  Innate differences in a specific part of the brain may place some infants at increased risk for SIDS.

2010 Census - Your Chance to Be Counted

Click here to read a fact sheet about the 2010 census.

Click here to read some history and frequently asked questions about the census.

Click here to find out how $400 billion per year is in our hands.

Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition Community Survey

If you are an Indian River County Florida resident,
fill out our community survey and enter to win a $100 Simon gift card!
Click here to take the survey now!
Indian River Healthy Start Coalition

A Glimpse of Dance

Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition Presents
“A Glimpse of Dance"
Prelude to Dancing with Vero’s Stars

Did you miss last year's wildly popular inaugural Dancing with Vero's Stars?  Are you excited to meet this year's Star Dancers?  Do you like to "cut a rug"?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are invited to attend Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition's "A Glimpse of Dance."

"A Glimpse of Dance" - a prelude dance party to Dancing with Vero's Stars is a special event being held on Thursday, February 4, 2010 from 6:30-9:00 pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church Parish Hall.  Glimpse is a way for people to dance the night away, meet the new 2010 Star Dancers and enjoy professional dance performances from last year.  Hors d' oeuvres will be served along with a cash bar.  Tickets are $40 each or $70 for two.

The Healthy Start Coalition and their community partners have pregnancy and postpartum services that support a healthier future for moms, babies and the families.  Proceeds from this event will benefit Healthy Start Coalition programs and services (TLC Newborn is one!).  For more information and exciting sponsorship opportunities, call 772-563-9118.

Breastfeeding Rocks for Moms

Pregnancy and Oral Health

Did you know the health of your teeth and gums plays an important role in the health and well being of your unborn baby?  Daily brushing and flossing is always important but it is particularly so during pregnancy.  Bacteria from your mouth can actually travel through your bloodstream to the placenta and begin colonizing there.  So put regular flossing and brushing on your daily schedule to protect your health and that of your baby.  Click here to see the complete article.

It's Tax Time and Help is Available!

VITA SERVICE

(Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

What could you do with $5,657?

• If you earned under $43,279 and have three or more qualifying children, OR

• If you earned under $40,295 and have two qualifying children, OR

• If you earned under $35,463 and have one qualifying child, OR

• If you earned under $13,440 and have no qualifying children

get your taxes filed free and claim your EITC and CTC for as far back as 2007

OR

If your income was $49,000 or less in 2009 you can get your taxes filed for free

BY TRAINED, CERTIFIED, VITA TAX PREPARERS HERE IN

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY STARTING JANUARY 19, 2010

VITA SITES:

United Way Indian River County, Mondays & Wednesdays plus Wed. evenings

phone 567-8900 ext.20 for appointment

EOC of IRC (hablan espanol), Tuesdays, phone 569-1030 for appointment

North IRC Library, Sebastian, Tuesdays 9am – 12 noon, plus alt. Tues. 5pm – 8pm

Fellsmere City Hall (hablan espanol), Thursdays 9am – 3pm

RCMA , Fridays 1pm – 4:30pm

Graco Recalls 1.5 Million Strollers

The recall was prompted by a finger amputation risk involving the stroller's canopy hinge. 

This follows a recall of nearly 1 million Maclaren strollers last November for the same problem.  Follow this link for complete information.

Cell Phones and Driving Don't Mix

Whether you are texting, making a call or accepting a call while you are driving you are much more likely to be involved in a wreck.  It's not a coordination thing, it's a brain thing.  People are just not capable of focusing on driving to the degree necessary to remain safe and competent if they are focusing somewhere else.  It's just not possible.  Please follow the link to learn first hand from the people involved in tragic accidents caused by a mere moment of inattention.  See why distracted driving ranks with chemically impaired driving when it comes to likelihood of being involved in an accident.

600,000 Cribs Recalled

20 models of Dorel-Asia cribs with drop side as well as fixed side rails sold through Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Sears and others have been recalled due to the death of a 6 month old child in Iowa. Side rail connecting hardware failed and the baby became entrapped between the mattress and the rail.

Please follow this link to read the full story and learn how you can get the repair kit if you or someone you know is using one of these cribs

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

So you're breastfeeding and have tackled many challenges, including breastfeeding in public... wonderful!  Now it's the holiday season and you're invited to the big family Christmas party at a relative's house.  Breastfeeding with passing strangers is one thing but in a room full of family and friends is quite another.  Do you go with gusto and dare anyone to express their opinion about breastfeeding?  Do you simply pass this year?  How about just making an appearance, planning your visit between feedings?  Don't torment yourself too much, the worry won't change anything.  Make your decision understanding there is no perfect plan.  That said, you can prepare by thinking ahead. 

You decide to pass this year; don't fret about the decision and don't play the martyr:

• Cheerfully ask someone to send you pictures from the event.  That's such an easy request, you'll probably receive more than you ever bargained for!
• Don't feel you have to explain yourself.  Having a new baby in the home is reason enough for anyone to understand without going into too much detail.  'Tis the cold and flu season afterall!
• Everyone doesn't have to stay home.  Send older children, husband, and others off with a kiss and your promise to keep your feet up and just relax with baby.
• Keep your promise!

You decide to go with gusto; realize everyone has a right to an opinion even if their opinion isn't right so:

• Remember your baby above all else.  Added attention, noise, lights, and distractions may disrupt the well maintained rhythm between you and baby and things may not flow as usual.
• Don't take it upon yourself to use this day to change any dissenting opinions in your family in regard to breastfeeding.  Your continued success will speak louder than any momentary verbal skirmish.
• Remember your family isn't against you.  They want you to be a good Mom so just accept their advice and opinion at every baby peep as proof they care.
• Practice nodding and smiling politely while doing what you know is right anyway.

You decide to go show and tell with an exit plan carefully orchestrated between baby's somewhat typical feeding times... but:

• Realize this is family and friends.  Everyone will want to speak to you and baby and this will probably be the day baby decides to change the typical.
• Since you feed on demand, this means the plan is now moot.
• SO be prepared by asking the host either before or on arrival if there's a quiet, discreet place you can retreat to take care of important matters when the need occurs.
• OR at least have a hasty exit strategy planned at early feeding cue signs, even if that means a 180 degree turn upon arrival!  (Practice your princess wave and use it as you pass.)

This time of year can bring enough to fret over so don't make your breastfeeding an issue.  Make your decision and carry forth with the same determination that has gotten you this far, making your adjustments as needed. 

And remember... breastfeeding is a gift you give your baby that will last a lifetime.

FREE! FREE! FREE!

Stork Craft Crib Recall

The Stork Craft website was down when I checked but that may be temporary.  Their listed contact number is (877) 274-0277 for a free repair kit or go HERE for ordering the kit on-line.

Following are some links regarding this serious recall:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission report  from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Article and video from CBS news website, (click the play video button).  Video from CBS the early show.

Please check your crib and take note of all these safety concerns!!

Pregnant Women and the FLU - H1N1 and Seasonal

Visit the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology website to see their latest recommendations for pregnant women and swine flu.  And if you have not already done so, please get vaccinated - the shot, not the mist, is safe for you and your baby during pregnancy.