Baby Burns to Death Inside an Incubator in Zamboanga

Baby Burns to Death Inside an Incubator in Zamboanga

 Tuesday, October 23, 2012

October 23, 2012

A four-day-old baby died on Monday allegedy after suffering from burns inside an improvised incubator at a hospital in Zamboanga City.

The victim's father, Mario Libron, said doctors at the Zamboanga City Medical Center placed his baby inside an incubator with an attached bulb since the hospital does not have a regular incubator. Part of the baby's body bore burns supposedly sustained from the intense heat produced by the bulb.

Libron said doctors subjected the baby to an X-ray test because the latter was unusually small. He, however, believes his baby was healthy. Libron has already filed a complaint against the hospital before the Zamboanga City Police. He said he and his wife decided that the latter give birth in Zamboanga City. They were from Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Update

Meanwhile, an official of Zamboanga City Medical Center has denied that the baby died because of the hospital incubator.

Dr. Romeo Ong, medical director of the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), said he has ordered an investigation as to what happened to the baby who was allegedly burned to death inside the hospital's incubator.

Ong said he spoke to the baby's neonatologist, Dr. Jeffrey Masilungan, who has denied the incident. "The baby was delivered prematurely, 1.4 kilos lang. As of now what we know is that the baby had culminal sepsis, a very severe type of infection, and also suffered from jaundice," he said.

Ong explained that the effect of culminal sepsis is that the skin will develop blisters. “Parang nasunog nga talaga. It's part of the effect of the infection,” he said. Ong also said their incubator could not have burned the baby as the temperature is controlled and if something goes wrong it will set off an alarm that will alert the nurses and doctors.

He also added that they do not have enough incubators and that there was reportedly another baby in the incubator with the baby who was allegedly burned. "Kung dalawa yun, dapat dalawa yung nasunog,” he said. However, Ong said he is open to possibilities like negligence or equipment failure, which is why he is having the incident investigated.

October 3, 2010 Incident

A premature baby was slightly burned at Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) when the fluorescent lamp inside an incubator exploded. The incubator is consisting of a box designed to maintain a constant temperature by the use of a thermostat; used for premature infants.

Reports said the baby sustained second degree burns to the face and neck when the incubator's fluorescent lamp suddenly exploded. According to the report, the lamp's shattered glass hit the baby's face and neck. The baby was given immediate medical attention.

It was learned from a local media report, the premature baby was placed inside an incubator last week at the said hospital. The report said there was a black out in the hospital and the lamp exploded due to the surge of power when electricity was restored.

It said the baby is now in stable condition. But the hospital physician blamed the accident to the rotating blackout in the city. Although the doctor admitted to local reporters that it is no longer safe to use their old and improvised incubators, sources said.

Sources: ABS-CBN News and Zamboanga Today Online

Read more: http://everythinginbudget.blogspot.com/2012/10/baby-burns-to-death-inside-incubator-in.html#ixzz2FkdM0aLM

Grandmother of Traffic Jams

Grandmother of Traffic JamsWednesday, December 5, 2012 

Sunday showed a super-massive traffic held up as far as 200km on a highway in Russia somewhere between St.Petersburg and Moscow. The M-10 highway is the major highway connecting these two big cities of Russia and days of heavy snows finally reached three feet high and halted traffic on many roads. The worst was at the M-10. Reports said motorists trapped on the highway for about 72 hours while creeping along at maximum speed of 10km/h. Walking is much faster than that I think. 200km in three days, what a way to travel. To make it worse, most vehicles ran out of petrol as more fuel were consumed to let the engines run in order for the heating system to work. Petrol station also ran out of fuel stock and most shop owners along the highway took advantage of the situation by jacking up prices.

That same 200km distance is equal to the distance from Malaysia's capital KL to Ipoh on PLUS expressway, the country's major north-south linkage. On normal days with normal traffic, it would take an obedient driver about 2 hours or less to go the entire stretch. On major festive seasons however, that duration will easily increase threefold with numbers of stop-and-go along the way. Those people who are going to East Coast would probably be experiencing a more challenging traffic but the worst I heard from a friend was 18 hours. And that covers about 450km in total distance between KL and Kota Bharu. Nothing thus far that can beat this mother to the mother of traffic congestions in Mother Russia.

Winter won't be happening in Malaysia because of its geographical location nearby the equator. All the woeful traffic we have now each day in the capital KL are caused by either road accidents, stalled vehicles, or bad road conditions due to rain or poor maintenance that force motorists to lower down their speed or even stopping. Currently, with 23 million registered vehicles in the country and maybe one-third of them are in Klang Valley, I'm feeling miserable, very unhappy on most days including weekends when driving is involved. What to expect in 5 years to come then?

http://sekupang.net/kromosomz/post/2012/12/05/Grandmother-of-Traffic-Jams.aspx

Baby Spoon

Gratitude Quotes

Gratitude Quotes 1. "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Marcel Proust 2."We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." - Thornton Wilder 3.As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John F. Kennedy 4.At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Albert Schweitzer 5.The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.
-- WIlliam James 6."Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."
-- Oprah Winfrey 7.He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." - Epictetus

Toxic suds in Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo

Toxic suds in Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Tuesday, November 01, 2011 Two chemicals considered harmful to babies remain in Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo sold in the U.S. and some other countries, even though the company already makes versions without them, according to an international coalition of health and environmental groups. Now the coalition is urging consumers to boycott Johnson & Johnson baby products until the company agrees to remove the chemicals from its baby products sold around the world, including in China and the U.K. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has unsuccessfully been urging the world's largest health care company for 2 1/2 years to remove the trace amounts of potentially cancer-causing chemicals — dioxane and a substance called quaternium-15 that releases formaldehyde — from Johnson's Baby Shampoo, one of its signature products. Johnson & Johnson has said it is reducing or gradually phasing out the chemicals. "Johnson & Johnson clearly can make safer baby shampoo in all the markets around the world, but it's not doing it," said Lisa Archer, director of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. The campaign's new report, "Baby's Tub is Still Toxic," is set to be released Tuesday, when the group was launching the boycott via its Web site, http://www.safecosmetics.org. The updated report was based on an examination of label ingredients for Johnson & Johnson baby products in 13 countries. On Monday, the campaign sent Johnson & Johnson a letter, signed by about 25 environmental, medical and other groups representing about 3.5 million people in the U.S. and other countries. It urges the company to publicly commit by Nov. 15 to removing the chemicals from all personal care products worldwide. In response, Johnson & Johnson said in a statement that formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are safe and approved by regulators in the U.S. and other countries, but that it is gradually phasing them out of its baby products. It said it is also reformulating baby products to reduce the level of dioxane below detectable levels. But it did not say whether it would respond to or meet the campaign's full demands. The letter, addressed to CEO William Weldon, was signed by groups including the Breast Cancer Fund, Environmental Working Group, Friends of the Earth, American Nurses Association, Physicians for Social Responsibility and Green America. According to the report, obtained by The Associated Press, one of the suspect chemicals, quaternium-15, is a preservative that kills bacteria by releasing formaldehyde. Formaldehyde, used as a disinfectant and embalming fluid, was declared a known human carcinogen this past June by the U.S. National Toxicology Program. Formaldehyde also is a skin, eye and respiratory irritant. Quaternium-15 is still an ingredient on Johnson & Johnson's Baby Shampoo sold in the U.S., Canada, China, Indonesia and Australia, but the campaign's research this summer found it's not in the same product sold in at least eight other countries, from the U.K. and Denmark to Japan and South Africa. The second chemical, 1,4-dioxane, is considered a likely carcinogen. It's a byproduct of a process for making chemicals more soluble and gentler on the skin. The campaign's May 2009 report, called "No More Toxic Tub," stated that studies by an independent laboratory it hired, Analytical Sciences LLC, found that 1,4-dioxane was contained in Johnson & Johnson's Baby Shampoo, Oatmeal Baby Wash, Moisture Care Baby Wash and Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash. According to the report, the company has since launched a baby shampoo called Johnson's Naturals, sold in the U.S., that does not include 1,4-dioxane. But original Johnson's baby shampoo, which costs about half as much, has not been reformulated for the U.S. market, according to the campaign. Analytical Sciences tested multiple J&J baby product samples from the U.S. for the first report, finding low levels of the chemicals. After that, according to Archer, consumer groups in South Africa, Sweden and Japan contacted her group to note that quaternium-15 was not being used in products in their countries. Archer noted that some of the countries where the products did not contain the harsh chemicals had bans on them in personal care products, but others didn't. http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-11-01/news/30347901_1_baby-products-johnson-s-baby-shampoo-johnson-johnson

Kid Clay Arts

So cute ...

Safety on polymer clay

People new to polymer clay are often confused about its level of safety. This is understandable, because there do seem to be pieces of conflicting evidence, or at least conflicting points of view.

The general consensus is that polymer clay is non-toxic, but that it is advisable to take certain precautions, "just in case". However, take all of these precautions with a grain of salt. Honestly, chances are that the Double Whopper with cheese you ate for lunch is more of a health risk than polymer clay. Practice safe claying, but don't let safety concerns take all the fun out of clay, and certainly don't let fear keep you from giving it a try.

Here's a list of guidelines for the safest use of polymer clay:

1. Don't eat it.

Though polymer clay is certified "to contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans, including children, or to cause acute or chronic health problems, even if ingested," it is wise to keep it out of the reach of young children or pets who might try to eat it.

For the same reason, it is important to carefully wash your hands after handling raw clay. And you should never let raw clay come into contact with food or drink.

2. Don't eat off of it, either.

Dishes made from polymer clay are not suitable for eating from, and cured polymer clay should not come into contact with food, in general. Cured polymer clay is too porous to be sufficiently cleaned after contact with food. These pores can act as a breeding ground for bacteria and other nasty things that you wouldn't want to mingle with your next meal off of that polymer clay plate. So just don't do it. Reserve your polymer clay pottery for display or other uses that don't involve food.

3. Use clay-dedicated tools.

There are many tools in our kitchens that work wonderfully with polymer clay, and it is very temping to "borrow" from your kitchen. It's fine to use a kitchen tool with clay, but once you've used it with clay, it should be dedicated for use with clay only. So if you use that meat mallet to texturize your clay, don't use it to pound the steak for supper. Pasta machines, food processors, knives, graters, peelers, and so on-- if you've used it with clay, it's gotta stay… out of the kitchen, that is.

Note:  Tools made of metal or glass and with no nooks and crannies for clay to hide in can probably be cleaned well enough to go back to food use, but most clayers agree that it's best not to tempt fate. Besides, it's just a lot easier to have one tool you leave in the kitchen and another for your box of clay tools.

4. Don't let it burn (obviously).

As long as clay is baked at the correct temperature, there are no unusual "fumes" to worry about. You may notice a slight smell, but this is normal. If it bothers you, or if you do a lot of curing, you may want to cure out of doors or use a vented oven. If nothing else, you can open windows while you bake.

It is when clay is cured at excessive temperatures that it burns and releases those "toxic fumes" you've probably heard of. These fumes are hydrochloride gas (or "hydrochloric acid gas"), and while that sounds scary--  and they're certainly not something you want to produce when curing clay--  the fact is that it has no chronic effect. The gas can irritate mucus membranes, causing stinging eyes, nose, and throat, but once you've turned off the oven and cleared the area of people and pets (until the gases have dissipated), you should begin to feel better and have no lasting ill-effects.

And if you are careful, you should never have to worry about "toxic fumes" at all.

1. To avoid burning clay, it is crucial that you get an oven thermometer. The thermostats of most home ovens and toaster ovens are "off"-some by fifty degrees (Fahrenheit) or more. As anyone who bakes can tell you, no two ovens are exactly the same, so it is important that you know how your own oven(s) work. Carefully gauge the temperature to avoid burnt clay.
2. If your oven has an exposed heating element, try to keep your clay away from it. When the heating element comes on, the temperature inside the oven can spike-especially right next to the element.
3. Be sure to notice if any cured clay has been left in the oven or fallen to the bottom of the oven. If it has, remove it immediately, before you forget that it's there. This is especially important if you use your oven for other things and will be baking at higher temperatures, later on.

Common Concerns

Should I use a special "clay-only" oven?
Some people worry about curing clay in the same oven that they use for baking food. There doesn't seem to be any reason for concern. If you regularly clean your oven, it should be fine to cure clay and bake food in the same oven-- though probably it's best not to do both at the same time.

However, if you frequently cure clay in an oven, it may have a "baking-clay" smell whenever you heat it, even if there's a casserole inside instead of more clay.  If this bothers you, or if you simply wish to take extra precautions, you may want to purchase a clay-dedicated oven or seal your clay projects while you cure them. If you use a clay-dedicated lidded dish or simply cover the pan/cookie sheet with aluminum foil (which you can "seal" by crimping under the edges of the cookie sheet), you should greatly reduce the smell of baking clay.
Do I need to wear gloves?
Most people notice no adverse effect from touching clay with bare hands. Highly pigmented clays in some brands may temporarily tint your skin, but that's usually easily washed away. There's no safety-related reason to wear gloves when you work with clay unless you've noticed that your skin reacts adversely to it. Some people seem to be allergic to something in the clay. If you do develop a rash, you may wish to contact a physician for personalized advice, but wearing gloves will probably solve the problem.

As for what type of gloves to wear, most people wear cheap latex or vinyl gloves, but some prefer to pay a little more for nitrile gloves. Some of these people are allergic to latex; others worry that prolonged contact with latex might lead them to develop a latex allergy. Again, unless you have an allergic reaction to the clay itself (which is unlikely), there's no reason why you have to wear gloves at all, though many do find that wearing gloves cuts down on fingerprints in the clay.
Whether or not you wear gloves, remain conscious of what you do with your hands when you've been handling polymer clay.  Avoid touching your eyes and face.  As much as possible, try not to touch anything that you wouldn't want "contaminated" with clay (nice furniture, fabrics, electronics, etc.) until you've had a chance to remove your gloves and/or wash your hands. 

http://www.polymerclayweb.com/AboutPolymerClay/TheBasics/SafetyIssues.aspx

Kiss means

actually read the whole thing cause its nice!
+ Kiss on the stomach = I'm ready
+ Kiss on the Forehead = I hope we're together forever
+ Kiss on the Ear = Your my everything
+ Kiss on the Cheek = We're friends
+ Kiss on the Hand = I adore you
+ Kiss on the Neck = We belong together
+ Kiss on the Shoulder = I want you
+ Kiss on the Lips = I love you
What the gesture means...
+ Holding Hands = We definitely love each other
+ Slap on the Butt = That's mine
+ Holding on tight = I don't want to let go
+ Looking into each other's Eyes = I just plain love you
+ Playing with Hair = Tell me you love me
+ Arms around the Waist = I love you too much to let go

+Laughing while Kissing = I am completely comfortable with you
--ADVICE!--
+ Dont ask for a kiss, take one.
+If you were thinking about someone while reading this,
you're definitely in Love

Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive Teeth

Many of us say we have "sensitive teeth." We usually mean that we feel twinges of pain or discomfort in our teeth in certain situations. These may include:

• Drinking or eating cold things
• Drinking or eating hot things
• Eating sweets
• Touching the teeth with other teeth or the tongue

There are two types of tooth sensitivity:Dentinal sensitivity occurs when the dentin (middle layer) of a tooth is exposed. Normally, the dentin is covered by enamel above the gumline and by cementum below the gumline. Dentin contains tiny openings called tubules. Inside each tubule lies a nerve branch that comes from the tooth's pulp (the nerve center of the tooth). When the dentin is exposed, cold or hot temperature or pressure can affect these nerve branches. This causes sensitivity.Dentin becomes exposed when the outer protective layers of enamel or cementum wear away. This can affect one or more teeth. Some causes of dentin exposure include:

• Brushing your teeth too hard. This can wear away the enamel layer.
• Poor oral hygiene. This may allow tartar to build up at the gum line.
• Long-term tooth wear
• Untreated cavities
• An old filling with a crack or leak
• Receding gums that expose the tooth's roots. Receding gums often are caused by periodontal diseases or by brushing too hard.
• Gum surgery that exposes a tooth's roots
• Tooth whitening in people who have tooth roots that already are exposed
• Frequently eating acidic foods or drinking acidic liquids

Pulpal sensitivity is a reaction of the tooth's pulp. The pulp is a mass of blood vessels and nerves in the center of each tooth. Pulpal sensitivity tends to affect only a single tooth. Causes include:

• Decay or infection
• A recent filling
• Excessive pressure from clenching or grinding
• A cracked or broken tooth

If you feel a sharp pain upon biting, you may have a broken or cracked filling. Pain when you release a bite is a sign of a cracked tooth.

Symptoms

Both dentinal and pulpal sensitivity usually involve reactions to temperature or pressure. Sensitivity to cold drinks or foods is the most common symptom. Less often, the teeth are sensitive to hot temperatures. If a single tooth becomes sensitive to heat, the tooth's nerve is dying. In this case, root canal treatment is necessary.

Diagnosis

Your dentist will look at your dental history and will examine your mouth. You also will need X-rays to show if there is decay or a problem with the nerve. The dentist will ask about your oral habits. Grinding or clenching your teeth can contribute to sensitivity. Your dentist also will look for decay, deep fillings and exposed root surfaces. He or she may use an explorer — a metal instrument with a sharp point— to test teeth for sensitivity. A tooth may be sensitive to cold for several weeks after you get a filling. The metals in amalgam (silver) conduct the cold very well, transmitting it to the pulp. Bonded (tooth-colored) fillings require etching the tooth with acid before the filling is placed. In some cases, this etching removes enough enamel to make the tooth sensitive. However, advances in bonding now make it less likely to cause tooth sensitivity.
Your dentist or endodontist can do tests to see if you need root canal treatment.

Expected Duration

If your tooth becomes sensitive after a deep filling is placed, the problem may go away in several weeks. Sometimes the filling is too high. That puts too much pressure on the tooth when you bite down. Your dentist can reduce the height of the filling. If the sensitivity does not go away over time, the tooth probably needs a root canal. Sensitivity in more than one tooth may disappear in a short time or it may continue. It depends on the cause of sensitivity. Every case is different. Some people have sensitive teeth for only a month or two. Others have the condition for years.

Prevention

Dentinal sensitivity — You might be able to reduce your chances of dentinal sensitivity by:

• Brushing twice a day and flossing daily
• Using a soft or ultrasoft toothbrush and brushing gently up and down, rather than side to side
• Using a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse
• Using a toothpaste that provides protection against sensitivity
• Getting treatment for grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism)

Pulpal sensitivity — If a tooth needs root canal treatment, there is no good way to prevent pulpal sensitivity other than to get the needed treatment. Delaying root canal treatment is not recommended. It may result in further problems.

Treatment

Dentinal sensitivity is quite treatable, whatever the cause. Your dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth. If your teeth are too sensitive to be cleaned, your dentist may use a local anesthetic or nitrous oxide before the cleaning.
After a cleaning, your dentist may apply a fluoride varnish to protect your teeth. This temporarily reduces sensitivity. It also strengthens your teeth. Your dentist may apply an in-office treatment for sensitivity. These products block the openings (tubules) in dentin and reduce sensitivity. A newer approach is to use a dental laser. The laser treatment also alters the tubules to reduce sensitivity. Using fluoride toothpastes and fluoride mouth rinses at home will help to reduce sensitivity. You also can buy toothpastes just for sensitive teeth. Talk to your dentist about which fluoride rinses you should use. Some over-the-counter rinses are acidic. Others are not. You should choose a fluoride mouth rinse that uses neutral sodium fluoride. Pulpal sensitivity will be treated with a root canal if the tooth's nerve is damaged or dying. Your dentist will remove the nerve and place a non-reactive substance (gutta percha) in the space where the nerve was. The tooth no longer will have a continuous barrier of enamel to protect it. Therefore, it will be restored with either a composite filling or a crown. To reduce pain due to grinding or clenching, the dentist will make a plastic night guard. Use the guard while you sleep.

http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.==/st.31937/t.28119/pr.3.html

A Friend For Life - Navigating The World Of Soft Toys

There's no denying that, when chosen correctly, a soft toy can remain an important part of a child's life right up and throughout their adult years. Some soft toys, in fact, will end up being passed on through families and into new generations. So it makes sense that you spend a little longer choosing which soft toy is right for the person you're buying it for, as it will almost definitely be around for a very long time.

First things first, make sure that the soft toy you choose is safe for small children. You need to look out for a mark of certified quality, as well as check out the workmanship – all eyes, noses and parts must be securely fastened, seams must be sewn tightly shut. It wouldn't do to have your soft toy disintegrating on the first hug now, would it?
 Secondly, think carefully about which soft toy character you want to buy. Is it going to be something as timeless as a teddy-bear, as simple as a sock puppet or something bang up-to-date, such as a Moshi Monster? Whichever you decide to choose, be aware that it'll be sticking around for a good while – do you really think the latest craze will last the sands of time?
 Thirdly, do you want a simple soft toy, or do you want your plush toy to pack some extra punch? Plenty of soft toys available now offer everything from sound effects (everybody loves a chatterbox!) to scent-sations (it isn't a teddy-bear unless it smells like strawberries!), so you can get a hi-tech softy or an old classic.

Fourthly, think about the person you are buying the soft toy for. Is it a new-born baby, looking for a simple comforter? Then you'll be better off with a traditional bear. Is it an older baby, learning to walk and talk? Then try an interactive soft toy to help stimulate their learning and help them through their development. Older children will probably have a strong idea of what they want for themselves, whereas adults usually prefer a soft toy with sentimental value – think retro and think simple.
 When chosen correctly, soft toys can have a hugely beneficial effect. Hugging a plush toy releases the "attachment hormone" oxytocin, which helps to slow the heart rate, soothe breathing, lower blood pressure and reduce the effects of stress. Result! That makes the cuddly creation a bona fide soothing agent. What could be better than that?

http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/a-friend-for-life-navigating-the-world-of-soft-toys-6123756.html

What's So Great About Kissing?

What's So Great About Kissing?

A serious, tongue-tangling kiss triggers a whole spectrum of physiological processes that can boost your immunity and generally spruce up that body you work so hard to keep attractive.

By Jeanie Lerche Davis

Face it -- a great kiss makes the world dissolve, makes us dizzy with desire.

"Kissing is passion and romance and what keeps people together," says Michael Cane, author of The Art of Kissing, who "lectures" on kissing at colleges around the country.

"Women say they can tell if a relationship is going to work after the first kiss, after the first night of kissing," he says. "They just get a feeling, an intuition."

And while kissing may feel oh-so-good, it also has health benefits, too. It triggers a whole spectrum of physiological processes that boost your immunity and generally spruce up that body you work so hard to keep attractive.

Kiss Me, You Fool

Among the benefits of a good wet one: That extra saliva washes bacteria off your teeth, which can help break down oral plaque, says Mathew Messina, DDS, a private practice dentist in Fairview Park, Ohio, and consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. "Still, I would not go around advocating kissing after meals instead of brushing," he says.

A serious, tongue-tangling French kiss exercises all the underlying muscles of the face -- which some say could keep you looking younger, and certainly looking happier.

Kissing might even help you lose weight, says Bryant Stamford, PhD, professor and director of the health promotion center at the University of Louisville. "During a really, really passionate kiss, you might burn two calories a minute -- double your metabolic rate," he says. (This compares to 11.2 calories per minute you burn jogging on a treadmill.)

When you give sugar, you actually burn sugar. Sex sparks a good calorie burn, Stamford says, especially "if you're passionately involved, thrashing around. If things were really hot and heavy, you might be looking at a caloric expenditure similar to a brisk walk."

But don't confuse great sex with a cardiovascular workout, he says.

"People tend to have the misconception that anything that raises your heart rate has the same effect as jogging, so it must be good for fitness. Not true," he says. "Anything can get your heart racing ... that's just adrenaline."

Tension relief -- that's what good lovin' brings, says Stamford. "Sex and love are probably the Rodney Dangerfield of stress management. Because of all the negative energy we take in during the day, it's a very positive benefit."

All in all, kissing and everything it engenders keeps us going strong, living long, says Stamford. "The process of being active -- and that can include kissing, sex, and any other whole-body activities -- that's what keeps you healthy."

Sex, sensuality, and sensual touch have profound effects on well-being, says Joy Davidson, PhD, psychologist and clinical sexologist in Seattle, and former columnist for an online column called "Underwire."

"Kissing is an exciting excursion into the sensual," Davidson tells WebMD. "If we happen to be connecting with someone we care about, it produces a sense of well-being and a kind of full-bodied pleasure."

Kissing is also "a sensual meditation," she says. "It stops the buzz in your mind, it quells anxiety, and it heightens the experience of being present in the moment. It actually produces a lot of the physiological changes that meditation produces."

And while kissing may be nature's way of "opening the door to the sexual experience," she says, "it also has all that lusciousness that we need to pull us out of the mundane and the ordinary and take us into moments of the extraordinary."

Birds, Bees, and More

Birds do it -- tap their bills together, that is.

"We don't know if bees do it," says Helen Fisher, PhD, professor of anthropology at Rutgers University in Newark, N.J., and author of several books, including The Sex Contract and Anatomy of Love. Romantic love is her research specialty.

"All kinds of animals kiss," says Fisher. "Insects will stroke each other with a leg, or stroke another's abdomen. Even turtles, moles, and cats rub noses. Dogs lick each other's faces. Elephants put their trunks in another elephant's mouth."

When chimpanzees kiss, "it's with a deep French kiss," she says. "They do it for all kinds of reasons -- there's social kissing, kissing to relieve tension, to express friendship, to make up after an argument. Two males will kiss, two females will kiss, a mother and child will kiss on the lips. They don't choose mates; it's whomever they're interacting with."

Kissing is a very investigatory process, Fisher explains.

"By the time you're kissing someone, you're right up next to them, you are in their personal space," she says. "That in itself means you have trusted them. You're also learning quite a bit about them -- you touch them, smell them, taste them, see the expressions on their face, learn something about their health status, learn a great deal about their intentions."

The brain contains "a huge amount of receptors devoted to picking sensations from the lips," Fisher says. "When people have been stabbed in the back, they often don't know it. They think someone has pounded them with their fist, because there aren't many receptor sites for nerve endings."

Why? All these sensors aid our survival. They direct a baby toward milk; they helped our ancestors -- for millions of years -- to discern whether their food was poisonous or not. "The mouth is absolutely essential to survival -- everything passes through there, and if it's the wrong thing, you're cooked," she says.

"The receptors on the lips are incredible," she tells WebMD. "I've heard hookers say they would rather copulate with somebody than kiss them because the intensity of kissing somebody is so meaningful. There's tremendous intimacy. ... Even the genitals do not have the sensitivity that the lips have."

http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/kissing-benefits?page=3

The Bonding Power of Locking Lips

For man and animals, kissing is a bonding behavior, she says. "There are all kinds of social reasons that humans and animals kiss, and they don't all have to do with sex. Most cultures in the world do kiss sexually. [But some] peoples in South America, some in the Himalaya Mountains, do not kiss. They find it revolting to exchange saliva."

Kissing also engenders touch, often called "the mother of the senses, because of its power," says Fisher. "We know that massaging someone produces increased levels of oxytocin, which is a calming hormone. So there's every reason to think kissing is extremely calming, if you know the person well, or extremely stimulating if you are in love with somebody."

Studies of rodents -- voles, specifically -- have shown that oxytocin makes a mother vole become attached to its offspring, says Larry Young, PhD, professor of psychiatry in the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience at Emory University Medical School in Atlanta.

Whether a guy vole sticks around "afterward" seems to be driven by oxytocin, Young tells WebMD.

Prairie voles are the only vole species that mate for life; their genetic makeup drives them to produce satisfying amounts of oxytocin. On the other hand, mountain voles are loners and breed promiscuously; they produce virtually no oxytocin.

In humans, this translates into the bonding benefits of kissing, foreplay, every bit of touching you do.

Here's a tip: "One of most powerful releases of oxytocin is stimulation of the nipples," Young tells WebMD. It's the same biological mechanism that triggers milk flow during nursing. Sucking triggers oxytocin release, and thus the bond is created.

Humans, interestingly enough, are the only species that includes nipple stimulation in lovemaking, he adds.

Romance, Love -- or Lust?

That rush that sweeps through your body, during those particularly great kisses? Fisher knows it well.

"Kissing is contextual," she says. "A kiss can be wildly sexual, wildly romantic, or it can be deeply gratifying because it's an affirmation of attachment. Kissing somebody for the first time, rather than the 200th or 2,000th time, creates a situation of incredible novelty."

That rush you feel is probably from two natural stimulants -- dopamine and norepinephrine, Fisher says. "They tend to be activated when you get into a novel situation."

Fisher says there are three different stages one typically goes through:

• lust -- the craving for sexual gratification
• romantic love -- the feeling of giddiness, euphoria, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite when you meet a new love
• attachment -- that sense of security you find with a with long-term partner.

"Each of these is associated with different chemical systems in the brain," says Fisher. Sex drive and lust are triggered by testosterone, in both men and women. Dopamine and norepinephrine kick in when romance begins. Oxytocin is a factor in at the attachment phase, bringing the sense of calm and peace you find with "the one."

If you're in the midst of a "mad love affair, it's quite possible you simply feel levels of dopamine, that zing of romantic infatuation," Fisher tells WebMD. "If all you're doing is having a sexual fling with someone you like very well -- but are not in love with and don't feel attached to -- then all you may feel is sex drive, the effects of testosterone."

Unless you're kissing the wrong person, kissing quite likely is good for us, says Fisher.

"I've often thought it would boost the immune system," she says. "If you're sharing your germs with somebody, you're adding to your internal defense system."

Kissing also stimulates the brain, and when the experience is a positive one, "you notice it," she says. "That translates into the euphoria, or the sex drive, or the sense of calm and peace.

"Kissing helps your state of mind," she adds. "Infatuation can be perfectly divine. If you're madly in love with somebody, it's perfectly wonderful to kiss them. It creates incredible intimacy. It boosts self-esteem. It's wonderful to be kissed by somebody."

5 ways to recycle plastic milk bottle tops

October 8, 2011
Here it is! The definitive guide to recycling your milk bottle tops in the UK.
Some of these ways support charity so it’s a win-win: you’re turning your rubbish into a resource that benefits others AND you’re keeping plastic out of landfill.
Most local authorities recycle plastic milk bottles, but not all will take the plastic tops. Some local authorities ask you to put them on the bottle when recycling, others ask you to remove the tops and recycle them separately and others say to landfill the tops!

CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE

GHS will collect and recycle milk bottle tops for the charity of your choice. There is a minimum payment amount of 500 kgs but they will keep track of the amount you send in if you just want to post a small pack at a time.
Why not set up a collection point at your workplace or children’s school?

LOCAL SCRAPSTORE

Compost Woman told me about the Worcester Scrapstore who will take washed milk bottle tops.
The Children’s Scrapstore are a charity that collects safe waste from business which can re-used as a low cost creative resource by their member groups. They stock all sorts of things people need for creative play such as paper and card, foam, plastic pots, tubes and tubs and fabric. Members can fill a trolley to the brim for around £13. So it really is a case of one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
Why not find your nearest children’s scrapstorebranch and see if they can use your plastic milk bottle tops?

HS4B

Ian runs HS4B (Help & Support for Bankrupt People); a charity for helping bankrupt people. HS4B provide a non judgemental environment both on and offline for people that have been made bankrupt.
As well as plastic milk bottle tops, Ian accepts margarine pot lids, plastic lids from jars like coffee jars etc and the bulky plastic tops you get on fabric softener bottles.

Mental Health Collection

Michelle from Eco Centricity contacted me this week to tell me about her new collection for plastic milk bottle tops to support local mental health charity, Solent Mind.
Donations of 1-5 bags can be collected from in and around the new forest area, larger donations will need to be dropped off in store due to transport limitations.
For every 500kg of milk bottle Eco-Centricity can collect, £25 will go directly to Solent mind. Meanwhile the milk bottle tops will be upcycled into children’s slides!

Melt Down pet bowls

Louise Beams produces Meltdown Eco Pet Bowls. When she found out her local authority didn’t collect plastic milk bottle tops she decided to make this valuable resource into something instead of throwing it away and her Eco friendly pet bowls were born!
The milk bottle tops are granulated into small pieces by a granulator machine. These smaller pieces are then melted down and pushed through mesh to turn them into small pellets which can be used for injection moulding into brand new products.

http://myzerowaste.com/2011/10/5-ways-to-recycle-plastic-milk-bottle-tops/

The Stranger

The Stranger
A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town.. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on. As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey.
But the stranger... he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies. If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future!

He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind. Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home - not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our long time visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush.

My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol but the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.. I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked ...

And NEVER asked to leave. More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?.... We just call him 'TV.'

(Note: This should be required reading for every household!)

 He has a wife now....we call her 'Computer.'

Their first child is "Cell Phone".

Second child "I Pod "

And JUST BORN THIS YEAR WAS a

Grandchild: IPAD

Warning Signs of Abuse

Warning Signs of Abuse

Abuse can be inflicted in many ways, in many places, and by a range of people who have power over their victim for a variety of reasons. This can make abuse difficult to identify, but this article tells some warning signs of abuse you can be aware of. Abuse can range from out-of-bounds demands on a worker by an employer to verbal, physical, psychological, or sexual mistreatment in venues that range from home to work to school.

Abuse can be inflicted by family members, so-called friends, teachers, employers, bullies, and romantic partners. Because abuse is so varied in its type, perpetrator, locale, and effects, the signs can be very different in different case, making abuse difficult to identify. Here is some information that may help you to pick up on warning signs of abuse. It's good to be aware that a single sign may have explanations other than abuse, so while being careful not to jump to conclusions, if you notice these signs, you should seriously consider the best course of action.

Talking About It . . . or Not In cases of abuse in which the abusive conduct is not criminal but definitely out of bounds, (for instance, a boss expecting an employee to do personal errands for him or her or a person making unreasonable demands on a spouse, child, or other family member), the person who is subject to the abuse is likely to complain about the situation.

Even though the mistreated person may not confront the abuser, he or she may be quite vocal with friends and family or even with colleagues. So complaining can be a sign of abuse.

This type of abuse can grow insidiously and slowly take over the victim's life. Because the encroachment is slow, the victim of this type of abuse may need a reminder from outside to recognize how outrageous the situation has become. When the situation is more dire, victims may speak out at either the first instance of abuse or if something changes in a way that makes things insupportable.

For example, a woman may put up with an abusive husband, but leave if she perceives her child to be in danger from him. However, in many cases, abuse is not discussed. Often, the person being abused is the victim of criminal acts, ranging from assault and battery to rape, and is too afraid, embarrassed, guilty, or ashamed to tell. An abuser may threaten a victim, making him or her afraid to tell. In addition, a victim may feel that the abuse reflects poorly on him or her, making the victim ashamed or embarrassed to tell. If the victim was warned against the abuser, then he or she may feel guilty for having gotten involved with him or her.

When this approach is taken, warning signs may include secretiveness, rather than complaints.

Now You See It; Now You Don't

Physical injuries occurring with no reasonable explanation or occurring frequently may be another sign of abuse. The victim may try to cover these up with long-sleeved clothing, make-up, scarves, or other means.

Another thing you may not see in cases of abuse is the victim. Especially if they live in the same household, the abuser may want to control the victim to the extent that the victim is rarely allowed to leave the house, no longer allowed to be in contact with friends and family, etc.

 If someone you know is not only out of touch, but either doesn't answer the phone or has to end calls suddenly, as if fearful that innocent conversations are unacceptable, the source could be abuse.

Children Who Are Being Abused

The signs of child abuse may be more obvious because children are likely not to be as skilled at covering them up, but many of them may not point directly to abuse, but could be the product of a variety of issues or even, in some cases, just one of those moments in normal development.

These warning signs that may not prove abuse, but may point to other issues that should be followed up) include:

trouble sleeping, whether difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep or nightmares or not wanting to go to bed or fear of the dark mood swings or depression and withdrawal loss of appetite on the one hand or food addiction on the other seeming inattentiveness or daydreaming regressive behavior that would be within the normal range for a younger child anxiety injuries that do not have reasonable explanations substance abuse change in behaviors like hugging or kissing parents goodnight truancy running away self-injury suicide attempts or ideation secretive behavior
Changes in toileting behavior, including pain, knowledge of sexual activity or vocabulary that is not age-appropriate, or sudden strong negative reaction to be touched are signs that are less equivocal.

If you suspect someone may be being abused, but the signs are not clear, seek the advice of a trusted professional, either a licensed health care worker, a social worker, or a minister, priest, or rabbi. If you are afraid there is serious abuse taking place now or a crisis, it may be wise to call a crisis hotline or the police.

http://www.troubledteen101.com/articles69.html

Breast feeding

Childhood physical and sexual abuse may increase risk of early or late onset menarche

Childhood physical and sexual abuse may increase risk of early or late onset menarche

Published on July 28, 2012 Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found an association between childhood physical and sexual abuse and age at menarche. The findings are published online in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Researchers led by corresponding author, Ren-e Boynton-Jarrett, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at BUSM, found a 49 percent increase in risk for early onset menarche (menstrual periods prior to age 11 years) among women who reported childhood sexual abuse compared to those who were not abused. In addition, there was a 50 percent increase in risk for late onset menarche (menstrual periods after age 15 years) among women who reported severe physical abuse in childhood. The participants in the study included 68,505 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study II, a prospective cohort study.

"In our study child abuse was associated with both accelerated and delayed age at menarche and importantly, these associations vary by type of abuse, which suggest that child abuse does not have a homogenous effect on health outcomes," said Boynton-Jarrett. "There is a need for future research to explore characteristics of child abuse that may influence health outcomes including type, timing and severity of abuse, as well as the social context in which the abuse occurs."

Child abuse is associated with a significant health burden over the life course. Early menarche has been associated with risks such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, cancer and depression, while late menarche has been associated with lower bone mineral density and depression. "We need to work toward better understanding how child abuse influences health and translate these research findings into clinical practice and public health strategies to improve the well-being of survivors of child abuse," added Boynton-Jarrett.

Source: Boston University Medical Center http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120728/Childhood-physical-and-sexual-abuse-may-increase-risk-of-early-or-late-onset-menarche.aspx

Simple, five minute saliva test to determine baby's risk for more than 100 life-threatening genetic diseases

Simple, five minute saliva test to determine baby's risk for more than 100 life-threatening genetic diseases

Published on January 22, 2010

Genetic diseases like those seen in the new Harrison Ford movie "Extraordinary Measures" can now be prevented with a simple saliva test which is free with insurance for more than 100 million Americans. The movie centers on the real-life efforts of the Crowleys, a family trying to find a cure for a rare genetic disease affecting two of the family’s three children.

The condition wasn’t detected until after their children were born. Now, couples can take a Universal Genetic Test before pregnancy to determine whether their baby is at risk for more than 100 life-threatening genetic diseases. At-risk couples may then use a well-understood procedure called IVF/PGD to protect their child from genetic disease and ensure a healthy pregnancy. This Universal Genetic Test was invented by scientists and social entrepreneurs from Stanford and Harvard and brought to the public via a Stanford startup named Counsyl (counsyl.com).

As Newsweek recently reported: “What is the secret to improving public health while cutting costs? The question has consumed Washington, but it's being answered elsewhere, by doctors offering a new test for more than 100 rare recessive genes, some of which cause fatal diseases. The test, [offered by] Counsyl, lets potential parents assess their genomes to see if their future kids are at risk. ... This is as preventive as medicine gets: the test could eliminate all single-recessive-gene diseases.”

The test is now offered by physicians at more than 100 prestigious medical centers across the United States, including Yale Fertility Center (see counsyl.com/map), and has attracted the support of prominent academics, bioethicists, religious leaders, families with genetic disease, and doctors from America’s largest hospitals. Broad Support among Prominent Physicians for Universal Genetic Testing Dr. Steven Ory, Past President of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine: "

After 30 years in reproductive medicine, I am more optimistic about this development in genetic disease prevention than I've ever been before. The vast majority of babies born with genetic disease have no family history. That's why it's so critically important for all parents to get the Universal Genetic Test before pregnancy." Dr. Pasquale Patrizio, Director of the Yale Fertility Center: "Every adult of reproductive age needs the Counsyl test. It is unusual in that it benefits all three parts of the health care triad: patients, doctors, and insurers.

A child stricken by preventable genetic disease often dies in infancy and costs the bereaved parents millions in medical bills. A five minute saliva test that prevents this is a money saver, a time saver, and most importantly a life saver; it really is a no-brainer."

Dr. Thomas Walsh, Director of the Male Fertility Laboratory at the University of Washington: "Genetic testing has been recommended for all adults before pregnancy since 2001, but like many topics related to planning a pregnancy, awareness of this issue continues to lag. This test covers several key genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, sickle cell, Tay-Sachs, and many others. The results of testing enable couples to make an informed decision before conceiving a child.”

Dr. John Marshall, Former Chairman of Ob/Gyn at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center: "Because the test can be taken in the privacy of one's home as well as in a clinical setting, it reminds me of the first 'at home pregnancy test'. This 'at home carrier test' is very similar in that the healthy adults who take it generally test negative, with those who test positive referred for medical followup. It thus completely reshapes the debate over so-called direct-to-consumer or 'DTC' testing. Offering this test over the web as well as in a clinical setting is simply a moral imperative, as it is the only way to get needed care to people in rural areas who may be far away from large hospitals."

Dr. Michael Levy, Clinical Professor of Ob/Gyn at Georgetown & Director of IVF at Shady Grove Fertility, America's largest IVF center: "Parents who know their carrier status before pregnancy can take preventive measures to have a healthy child. Because new techniques like PGD are used before pregnancy, they avoid the ethical dilemma of termination that was previously a roadblock to wider adoption of carrier testing." The New Standard of Care at the Nation's Largest Fertility Centers Dr. Angeline Beltsos, Medical Director of the Fertility Centers of Illinois: "Every doctor and patient wants to avoid a high-risk pregnancy. Yet many people don't know that single gene disorders now account for more than 10% of infant deaths. The Universal Genetic Test is the next ultrasound: a non-invasive early warning system for couples to know if their baby is at risk."

Dr. Arthur Wisot, Medical Director of Reproductive Partners Medical Group in Los Angeles: "The Counsyl test is appropriate for everyone trying to conceive because it is the first test that makes it both practical and economical to screen for so many genetic diseases. Couples can now protect their baby from developing any one of over a hundred debilitating and lethal genetic diseases with just a saliva sample. This test is the future of genetic screening."

Dr. Ian Hardy, Medical Director of Fertility Centers of New England: "We have been offering the Counsyl test to our incoming patients as part of their standard evaluation with exceptional results. It is an easy-to-use saliva test which is covered by most insurance plans and allows couples to be screened for both common genetic diseases (like CF, SMA, PKU, and beta thalassemia) as well as dozens of rare conditions."

Dr. Kaylen Silverberg, Medical Director of Texas Fertility: "The Counsyl test replaces a battery of more expensive blood tests. It provides a couple and their physician with much more information for a fraction of the cost. Counsyl testing represents a quantum leap forward in pre-pregnancy planning for couples — especially those concerned about having a child with a genetic disease — as it is safe, affordable, and easy to use."

Dr. Michael Soules, Medical Director of Seattle Reproductive Medicine: "The new Counsyl test is the simplest and most cost-effective way to do genetic screening as it checks for over 100 significant disorders with a single saliva sample. Enlightened insurance carriers are paying for this test as it saves them the major future expenses of covering a chronically sick child." An Advance for Women, Minorities, and Families with Genetic Disease Professor Henry Louis Gates of Harvard University: "As the first genetic test for all ethnic groups, the Counsyl test represents a genuine breakthrough for minority health. With one test for diverse communities, African Americans and Hispanics can benefit from a new technology that actually reduces health care disparities."

Elena Ashkinadze, Program Supervisor in Genetics, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School: "Because Counsyl's test simultaneously covers diseases from many ethnic groups at a considerably lower cost than standard blood tests, it promises to make carrier testing affordable for previously underserved patient populations, including African Americans and Hispanics. The current practice is mostly to screen once a woman gets pregnant. With Counsyl's test, we can change the emphasis to pre-pregnancy screening when more options, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis, are available. Ideally, women should understand that having carrier testing before pregnancy is as important as refraining from alcohol during pregnancy."

 David Brenner, Director of the Dysautonomia Foundation: "As a parent of a child with a genetic disease, I wouldn't want another child to suffer from what my son has endured. Nothing is more important than safeguarding the health of our children, and this test is such a simple and powerful way to prevent terrible suffering." Rabbi David Wolpe of the Sinai Temple in Los Angeles: "Several years ago, a mother whose son was born with Tay-Sachs said to me sadly ‘The Rabbi made sure to tell us not to play Wagner's march at our wedding, but said nothing about being genetically tested.’ Ensuring that Jewish couples — and others — are offered genetic testing is a critical task."

Professor Steven Pinker of Harvard University: "Universal genetic testing can drastically reduce the incidence of genetic diseases, and may very well eliminate many of them." Last year, Professor Pinker took the test with his wife, the novelist Rebecca Goldstein. To raise awareness of preventable genetic disease, they are now publicly announcing for the first time that both of them tested positive as carriers for familial dysautonomia. While they themselves are healthy, their children would have been at risk for this life-threatening genetic disease — underscoring that the value of genetic testing is far from hypothetical.

SOURCE Counsyl

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100122/Simple-five-minute-saliva-test-to-determine-babys-risk-for-more-than-100-life-threatening-genetic-diseases.aspx

A Guide to Your Baby's Sleep and Napping

A Guide to Your Baby's Sleep and Napping Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also called crib death, is puzzling. It has no symptoms or warning signs. Experts don't know exactly what causes it, or why it can strike healthy infants between one and 12 months of age.

What experts do know is that there's a lot you can do to prevent SIDS. We also know that since parents widely began following the steps below, the SIDS rate in the United States has dropped more than 50%. 10 Steps for SIDS Prevention Always put baby to sleep on his or her back, every single time. When babies sleep on their sides or stomachs, their risk for SIDS is very high. So, every time you put baby to sleep -- for naps, at night, or any time -- put your child to sleep on his or her back. Then make sure everyone who takes care of your baby, like grandparents, babysitters, and others, know to use the back sleep position every time. When babies who usually sleep on their backs are suddenly put to sleep on their stomachs, they have a very high risk for SIDS.

If you’re worried your baby might choke while sleeping on his or her back, don't be. Choking is very rare and healthy babies tend to swallow or cough up fluids automatically. Additionally, you can discuss elevating the head of your baby's bed with your pediatrician. Use a firm sleep surface, and keep soft toys and bedding away from baby.

To prevent smothering or suffocation, always put baby to sleep on a firm surface, like a safety-approved mattress with a fitted sheet. Don't include blankets, quilts, pillows, sheepskin, or crib bumpers in baby's crib. Not sure about the safety of your baby's mattress, crib, or bumpers?

Contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 800-638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov.

Don't smoke around your baby. Smoking when you're pregnant is a major risk factor for SIDS, and second-hand smoke around your infant also increases the chances of SIDS. Don't let anyone smoke around your baby.

Have your baby sleep nearby, but not in your bed. When baby sleeps in the same room as mom, studies show it lowers the risk of SIDS. But it's dangerous for a baby to sleep with an adult in the same bed, on an armchair, or on a couch. If you bring baby into your bed for comforting or breastfeeding, be sure to put baby back in his own cradle, bassinet, crib, or co-sleeper (a crib-like bed that attaches to an adult bed) when you're ready to sleep. And never bring the baby to bed with you when you're very tired or using medications that affect your alertness.

Consider breastfeeding. Breastfeeding your baby can lower the risk of SIDS by as much as half, though experts aren't sure why. Some think breast milk may protect babies from infections that increase their SIDS risk.

 Putting baby to sleep with a pacifier may also help prevent SIDS, though researchers aren't sure why. There are a few tips to follow when using a pacifier: If you're breastfeeding, wait until your baby is at least one month before starting to use a pacifier. Introducing a pacifier too soon can lead to nipple confusion, and cause baby to prefer the pacifier's nipple over your own.

Don't force baby to take the pacifier if he or she doesn't want it. Put the pacifier in baby's mouth when you put them down to sleep, but don't put it back in baby's mouth after they fall asleep.

Keep the pacifier clean, and buy a new one if the nipple is damaged. Don't coat the pacifier with honey, alcohol, or any other substance.

Keep baby from overheating. Because overheating may increase a baby's risk of SIDS, dress your infant in light, comfortable clothes for sleeping, and keep the temperature in their room at a level that's comfortable for an adult. If you're worried about baby staying warm, dress them in a "onesie," pajamas that cover arms, legs, hands, and feet. Remember, don't use a blanket, as baby can get tangled in it or pull the blanket over his or her face. Steer clear of products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS. It's best to avoid any product that says it can reduce your baby's risk of SIDS because most aren't proven safe or effective.

 Cardiac monitors and electronic respirators also haven't been proven to reduce SIDS risk, so avoid these, too. Don't give honey to an infant under one year old. Because honey can lead to botulism in very young children, never give honey to a child under one year old. Botulism and the bacteria that cause it may be associated with SIDS.

Remember, your baby's health care provider is always available to answer any questions you have about SIDS, SIDS prevention, and keeping your baby warm, happy, and safe. Immunize your baby. Evidence shows babies who’ve been immunized in accordance with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC have half the risk of SIDS as babies who aren’t fully immunized.

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/sleep-10/sids-prevention?page=2