Patient Education
2. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
3. Insect Sting Avoidance
4. Child Safety in the Car
5. School Forms: Asthma and Food Allergy
St. Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS) offers many classes that can help.
Click here for: the full listing of classes and events at St. Joseph Mercy Health System
Newsletter
Click here to sign up for the: SJMHS Newsletter for Expectant and New Parents
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), sudden infant death syndrome is a leading cause of fatality in babies between 1 month and 12 months of age. The following are recommendations from the AAP:
Insect Sting Avoidance
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that parents/caregivers use a seat belt on every trip, no matter how short. This sets a good example. Make sure children are properly buckled up in a seat belt, booster seat, or car seat, whichever is appropriate for their age, height and weight:
Rear-facing car seats. Infants should stay in rear-facing car seats as long as possible.
Front-facing car seats. When infants move into front-facing car seats, they should remain in those seats until they are at least 4 years old and weigh 40 pounds. However, it is safest to stay in a front-facing car seat until the height and weight limit of the seat is reached or the seat no longer fits.
*All children age 12 or under should sit in the back seat.
*Never seat a child in front of an air bag.
Thank you!
Thorrez Medical Practice,
2900 Packard Rd, Suite 1
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
Phone: 734-572-8686
Office Hours:
9am – 5pm: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
9am – 6pm: Tuesday
10am – 12noon: Saturday (for sick visits only)
Monday – Friday the office is closed between 12:30pm and 2pm. Our answering service takes calls during the lunch period. During "off hours" patients may call the office and are instructed on how to call the answering service if needed.
Classes at St. Joseph Mercy Health System
Whether you are preparing for childbirth or experiencing the joys and new experiences of parenthood,
Class Topics Include:
Boot Camp for New Dads: Includes a male facilitator and a new dad.
Breastfeeding Preparation: All breastfeeding moms are encouraged to attend this class.
Childbirth Education
Infant Care
Boot Camp for New Dads: Includes a male facilitator and a new dad.
Breastfeeding Preparation: All breastfeeding moms are encouraged to attend this class.
Childbirth Education
Infant Care
Click here for: the full listing of classes and events at St. Joseph Mercy Health System
Newsletter
Click here to sign up for the: SJMHS Newsletter for Expectant and New Parents
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), sudden infant death syndrome is a leading cause of fatality in babies between 1 month and 12 months of age. The following are recommendations from the AAP:
Reduce the Risk of SIDS While Pregnant
*Do not smoke.
*Do not expose yourself to others who are smoking.
*Get regular prenatal checkups to reduce the risk of a low birth weight or premature infant.
Supervised Tummy Time When Awake
Supervised tummy time when your baby is awake can help your infant build strong neck and shoulder muscles, promote normal development and reduce the risk of positional flat head.
Reduce the Risk of SIDS During Infancy
*Do not expose your baby to anyone who is smoking.
*Position your baby on its back during every sleep time.
*If possible, breast feed baby throughout the first year of life.
*Do not cover baby’s head, over bundle, or make the room environment too hot.
*Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib (e.g. stuffed animals, bumper pads).
*Use a safety approved crib with a firm mattress and well fitted sheets.
*Avoid car seats, adult beds, water beds, sofas, cushions and other sitting devices for routine sleep.
To learn more about Sleep Safety and SIDS, click on the following links:
AAP Expands Guidelines for Infant Sleep Safety and SIDS Risk Reduction
AAP: New Crib Standards as of June 2011
Click here for information on: SIDS prevention in Spanish.
Insect Sting Avoidance
For sensitized individuals, insects stings may lead to an allergic reaction. If your child has a localized reaction to an insect sting, be sure to inform the health care team. It is difficult to predict if the next sting could lead to a more serious reaction. A referral to a board certified allergist may be needed for allergy testing and further co-management.
Severe Allergic Reaction
If after an insect sting, your child has any signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling, chest tightness, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, generalized hives, dizziness, wheezing, pale, lethargic - call 911. This is a medical emergency and requires ambulance transport to the nearest Emergency Department.
If your child has a history of a serious allergic reaction to insect stings, and you have been prescribed injectable epinephrine, administer this injection immediately. You still need to call 911 to have the child transported to an Emergency Room for subsequent evaluation and management. Click here to watch a video on using the EpiPen.
Tips to Avoid Insect Stings
*When outdoors wear shoes, socks, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Avoid wearing dark colored clothes or those with flowery prints.
*Insects find the scents of perspiration, deodorants, perfumes, lotions and other chemical fragrances appealing. Use unscented lotions and deodorants. Avoid perfumes. Shower, bathe or rinse off sweat.
*Insects find the smell of food appealing. Be sure to cover garbage containers, food and beverages when outdoors.
Click here for more tips on insect sting avoidance from National Jewish Health Center.
Click here for more information on injectable epinephrine and severe allergic reactions.
Severe Allergic Reaction
If after an insect sting, your child has any signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling, chest tightness, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, generalized hives, dizziness, wheezing, pale, lethargic - call 911. This is a medical emergency and requires ambulance transport to the nearest Emergency Department.
If your child has a history of a serious allergic reaction to insect stings, and you have been prescribed injectable epinephrine, administer this injection immediately. You still need to call 911 to have the child transported to an Emergency Room for subsequent evaluation and management. Click here to watch a video on using the EpiPen.
Tips to Avoid Insect Stings
*When outdoors wear shoes, socks, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Avoid wearing dark colored clothes or those with flowery prints.
*Insects find the scents of perspiration, deodorants, perfumes, lotions and other chemical fragrances appealing. Use unscented lotions and deodorants. Avoid perfumes. Shower, bathe or rinse off sweat.
*Insects find the smell of food appealing. Be sure to cover garbage containers, food and beverages when outdoors.
Click here for more tips on insect sting avoidance from National Jewish Health Center.
Click here for more information on injectable epinephrine and severe allergic reactions.
In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) determined that motor vehicle injuries was the leading cause of death among children in the United States. How can you help prevent serious injuries or fatalities?
In March 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the same statement: "All infants should ride rear-facing starting with their first ride home from the hospital. All infants and toddlers should ride in a Rear-Facing Car Safety Seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer."
In March 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the same statement: "All infants should ride rear-facing starting with their first ride home from the hospital. All infants and toddlers should ride in a Rear-Facing Car Safety Seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that parents/caregivers use a seat belt on every trip, no matter how short. This sets a good example. Make sure children are properly buckled up in a seat belt, booster seat, or car seat, whichever is appropriate for their age, height and weight:
Rear-facing car seats. Infants should stay in rear-facing car seats as long as possible.
Front-facing car seats. When infants move into front-facing car seats, they should remain in those seats until they are at least 4 years old and weigh 40 pounds. However, it is safest to stay in a front-facing car seat until the height and weight limit of the seat is reached or the seat no longer fits.
Booster seats. Once children outgrow a front-facing car seat, they should use a booster seat until they are big enough for the seat belt to fit right. Children can stop using a booster seat when they can sit with their back against the seat back while their legs bend over the end of the seat.
Seat belts: fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the middle of the child’s shoulder and chest. This typically occurs when the child is 4’9” tall and between 8 and 12 years of age.
Seat belts: fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the middle of the child’s shoulder and chest. This typically occurs when the child is 4’9” tall and between 8 and 12 years of age.
*All children age 12 or under should sit in the back seat.
*Never seat a child in front of an air bag.
Resources on Car Safety:
Car Safety Seats: Information for Families for 2012
Car Safety Seats: Information for Families for 2012
Call your school, or visit their website, for any necessary forms that we need to complete which allow for medications in the school. Before giving us the form, please complete any sections about your child that are required by parents/caregivers.
Updated asthma action plans and food allergy action plans (also available in Spanish) are required annually by schools. If we have not seen your child for an exam within the last year, we cannot provide you an updated action plan. Please do not wait until the last minute to contact our office for school related appointments. Many schools will not allow your child to begin classes without necessary medication forms and up-to-date action plans on file.
Be sure you request any prescriptions needed for medications that are necessary to have available at school for your child.
Thank you!
Thorrez Medical Practice,
2900 Packard Rd, Suite 1
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
Phone: 734-572-8686
Office Hours:
9am – 5pm: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
9am – 6pm: Tuesday
10am – 12noon: Saturday (for sick visits only)
Monday – Friday the office is closed between 12:30pm and 2pm. Our answering service takes calls during the lunch period. During "off hours" patients may call the office and are instructed on how to call the answering service if needed.
Updated March 2012
