from both. Other efforts attempt to address issues
of ADDICTIONthrough treatment programs.
KEY MEASURES FOR PREVENTING SUBSTANCE ABUSE- education through schools and community outreach regard-
ing the health risks of substance abuse - effective and appropriate modeling by adults
- access to treatment programs
- take medications, over-the-counter or prescription, only as
needed and directed - restrict underage access to TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, and medica-
tions of abuse
See also ALCOHOLISM; OVERDOSE; SMOKING CESSA-
TION; TOLERANCE.
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) The
unexpected and unexplainable death of an infant
under age one year, most commonly between the
ages of two and four months. Researchers do not
know what causes SIDS, though believe a mal-
function occurs in the infant’s basic metabolic reg-
ulatory mechanisms that allows BLOOD PRESSURE,
BREATHING, and body temperature to fluctuate.
Also for reasons researchers do not understand,
SIDS is three times more frequent among African
American and Native American infants. SIDS is
also more likely to occur among infants whose
mothers are under age 20 years, smoke, gain inad-
equate weight during PREGNANCY, or have pregnan-
cies less than a year apart.
Infants who sleep on their backs have a signifi-
cantly lower rate of SIDS than infants who sleep on
their sides or stomachs, prompting the national
“Back to Sleep” campaign in 1994 to lower the risk
for SIDS. Deaths due to SIDS dropped almost in half
in subsequent years. Because researchers do not
know why SIDS occurs, however, they are not cer-
tain how, or whether it is possible, to prevent it.
Because the infant’s death is sudden and unex-
plained, local authorities must investigate. This
adds to the emotional trauma for families because it
is a difficult experience to undergo and even when
SIDS is the conclusion, the question of why often
remains unanswered. Inasmuch as the causes of
SIDS remain unclear, health and law-enforcement
experts do know that SIDS is notthe result of
parental neglect or CHILD ABUSE. Infants born pre-
maturely and those whose mothers smoked during
pregnancy appear to have higher risk for SIDS.
Pediatricians may recommend special monitors for
especially vulnerable infants that sound an alarm
when the infant’s breathing rate or body tempera-
ture becomes higher or lower than normal.KEY MEASURES FOR PREVENTING SIDS- Place infant on his or her back to sleep, not on the side or
STOMACH. - Place infant to sleep in his or her own crib.
- Maintain the infant’s room at a temperature warm enough to
allow sleeping without blankets but not hot. - Keep heavy blankets, quilts, and stuffed animals out of the
infant’s crib. - Maintain a smoke-free living environment and prevent
exposure to cigarette smoke in general.
See also NERVOUS SYSTEM; PRENATAL CARE.trauma prevention Firearms, MOTOR VEHICLE
ACCIDENTS, SEXUAL ASSAULT, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CHILD
ABUSE, workplace and school VIOLENCE, animal
bites, and major falls account for the majority of
traumatic injuries. As is the case with other kinds
of ACCIDENTAL INJURIES, most traumatic injuries are
preventable. Traumatic injuries have a high likeli-
hood of death within the first several hours after
the events responsible for them, and require
emergency medical treatment. Traumatic injuriesKEY MEASURES FOR PREVENTING TRAUMA- Use trigger locks and gun safes to store guns, and separate
guns from ammunition. - Take firearms safety classes before hunting or target shoot-
ing, and always handle a gun as though it were loaded. - Wear seat belts at all times when traveling in a motor vehi-
cle and helmets when riding on a motorcycle, whether the
driver or a passenger. - Wear or use appropriate safety gear when using power tools
and performing home repairs, and for recreational activities
such as rock climbing. - Stabilize ladders and do not step higher than recommended
onto a stepladder or ladder. - Keep dogs leashed or fenced, and do not approach wild
animals. - Seek professional help for anger management and DOMESTIC
VIOLENCEissues
48 Preventive Medicine