Monday, 20 August 2007 02:08
Shaken Baby Syndrome to be Discussed in Local Event
Every year an estimated 3,000 children are
diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome (S-B-S). SBS is a serious traumatic brain injury caused when an
individual shakes a child, usually less than one year of age. The American Academy
of Pediatrics further defines SBS as an act "of shaking/slamming that is
so violent that any competent individuals observing the shaking would recognize
it was dangerous."
Twenty-five percent of these children will die
while 60 percent sustain permanent lifelong disabilities.. A moment of lost control by an adult
caregiver all too often ends in this senseless tragedy for children, families
and society. This week
the Amador Mother’s Club, in conjunction with the Amador County Child Abuse and
Prevention Council, will be holding an event that addresses the issues
surrounding SBS, inclining
its cause and prevention. The event is scheduled on Tuesday, August 21,
6:00 pm. at the United
Methodist Church
in Sutter Creek. This free event is open to the public and will
be presented by guest speaker Robin Valencia from Amador County Child Abuse
Prevention Council. A
seven-minute video and demonstration doll will be used to show the effects of
shaking a young child, plus time for discussion and questions.
Everyone's encouraged to come to this informative event including dads,
grandparents, babysitters, and older siblings. Free childcare is provided and
there will be snacks! Please R.S.V.P. to Leslie Vasquez, Mother’s Club of Amador County Director,
at 296-3750.
