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une heralds the time of year red noses and various red-nose-inspired
paraphernalia emerge on cars, buildings, parents and children all around Australia. There is a lot of meaning behind the iconic red nose, which has come to
symbolise sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
SIDS is the most common cause of death in infants from one month to one year
of age. This is as concerning as it is problematic, as there is no
conclusive explanation as to why a baby dies for no apparent reason, usually
when they are asleep. The exact cause remains an enigma.
A baby who has died from SIDS is usually discovered after having gone to
sleep, and exhibits no signs of having suffered. If the cause of death
remains unexplained after an autopsy, an examination of the scene in which
the baby was found, and a thorough exploration of the baby’s and its
family’s medical history, the baby is then thought to have died from SIDS.
‘Red Nose Day started 18 years ago as a fun, comical way to raise awareness
of this serious and tragic issue,’ explains Phil Weir, national Red Nose Day
manager. ‘It is very important because the money raised ensures that the
SIDS and Kids organisation can continue to assist in researching, educating,
providing bereavement services and preventing the unexplained deaths of
young children,’ he says.
The funds raised from Red Nose Day have had a profound effect on SIDS rates.
Since SIDS and Kids began its Safe Sleeping Program in 1990, there has been
a drop of 84 percent in SIDS deaths, which has saved an estimated 4,084
babies. In 1989, 513 babies died of SIDS, and by 2003 this number had
dropped to 73, making the outlook for SIDS much brighter.
Denise Thomas, National Health Promotions manager from SIDS and Kids, says
although this is a great result we still have a long way to go as there are
many more deaths, not labelled as SIDS, but with the same risk factors, that
can be attributed to unsafe sleeping environments. ‘In a study recently
released by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People, there were 186
sudden and unexpected deaths between 2000 and 2002,’ says Thomas. Risk
factors were present in 90 percent of these deaths, meaning they could
possibly have been avoided if parents had followed the safe-sleeping
guidelines.
‘Parents needn’t fear SIDS, they merely need to provide their child with a
safe sleeping environment. If all the risk factors are removed it is very
unlikely a death will occur,’ she says.
Thomas explains it is important for babies to always sleep on their back,
never on their tummy or side. The baby’s head must remain uncovered, he
should not be exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and/or after birth,
and he needs to sleep in a safe environment, which means avoiding soft
mattresses, cot bumpers, doonas, pillows, lamb’s wool and soft toys.
There needs to be more available safe-sleeping education for health
professionals and childcare workers, according to Thomas, as studies show
these groups are not always practising and promoting safe-sleeping
recommendations. ‘In the US, up to 20 percent of SIDS deaths occur in
childcare settings, which highlights the fact that all people
caring for your child should also be aware of these important
safe-sleeping guidelines,’ she says. ‘With more government
assistance, more health policies, and increased exposure of the
safe-sleeping message to parents, more infant lives will be
saved.
’One effective way you can help with the prevention of SIDS is by supporting
Red Nose Day. Now in its 19th year, the once exclusive red nose has been
diversified, with a number of new and interesting products being added to
the range. Not only can you buy a red nose for your face, car, truck or
business, you can also purchase a superhero bear, lapel pin, pen, an
awareness wristband and even a fun bubble clock. All these products are
available in large supermarkets, variety stores and childcare centres.
‘We are really looking forward to Red Nose Day this year,’ says Weir. ‘It is
one of the most recognised days in Australia, but SIDS resources are
constantly in demand and the success of this day is vital for us to maintain
our resources. SIDS and Kids has been funding research nationally since
1988, and in this period millions of dollars has been devoted to researching
the possible causes of SIDS, unexplained infant death and the methodology of
the prevention of SIDS.’ |
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