Kudos to the Florida Department of Health, the Department of Children and Families, and Healthy Start, which joined to recognize SBS Awareness Week 2008

Shaken Baby Syndrome Posted: 12:22 PM Apr 16, 2008 Reporter: Luciana Da Silva Email Address: luciana.dasilva@wjhg.com A crying baby can be stressful for many parents and caregivers, but there are proper and safe ways to calm your baby's tears. The Florida Department of Health, the Department of Children and Families, and Bay County's Healthy Start program is recognizing this week as Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week. The goal is to educate parents and caregivers about the effects of shaking a baby. Shaken Baby Syndrome is one of the most common causes of death by physical abuse to children in Florida. About 80 percent of Shaken Baby Syndrome cases are caused by young men and caregivers. Shaken Baby Syndrome sometimes happens when a frustrated caregiver loses control and violently shakes a young child. The shaking can cause permanent brain damage or death, but it can also happen anytime your baby's head is not properly supported. Sharon Owens, Executive Director of Healthy Start, said, "If you're going to leave your baby with someone just make sure they know how to best get your baby to stop crying and know what to do. Put down the baby safely, make sure its basic needs are being taken care of, and walk away from the situation for just a few minutes and make sure the baby is safe." The death of a child can be something very difficult to deal with, which is why healthy start is trying to put together a grief support group for families in this situation. If you would like to help start this program or if you have experienced a loss of a child and need support, contact Healthy Start at 1-800-895-9506.

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