Meeting discusses cot-deaths and child abuse

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 23, 4 November 1986, Page 14

Meeting discusses cot-deaths and child abuse

Cot deaths, or sudden infant death syndrome as it is known, is more openly discussed these days but also seems to be occurring terrifyingly close to home. What is most terrifying for parents with new babies and young infants is the fact that cot deaths have no known cause and strikes apparently healthy babies. Medical officer with the environmental health division of the Wanganui Area Health Board, Doctor Barbara Stone, addressed members of the area health watch committee and concerned public at the Ohakune Primary School last Tuesday evening. Dr Stone spoke at length on the topic of cot deaths and the number of incidents in the area served by the Wanganui Area Health Board, which has a slightly higher infant mortality rate than some other areas. She told the group that the Board can make suggestions to parents as to the causes of cot deaths and what they can do to try and prevent it happening, but also said that there is no pinpointed cause or fool-proof solution. "We can suggest to parents that they keep their baby warm when they go outside and suggest that they keep the window in the baby's room closed at night as well as keeping the room smoke-free and lots of other suggestions," she said.

"The sad fact is, we can't tell people exactly what to do because no-one is certain." Dr Stone illustrated this fact by relating a survey carried out in the Wanganui region in 1984/85, when eight cot deaths were recorded. The survey showed that five of the babies were Maori, seven of the mothers smoked, and four babies had young mothers. Dr Stone said that weight and height of babies under the age of one year are a good indicator of a child's health. Plunket nurses carefully chart the progress of a child's first year and a fall off in weight is one of the first signs of ill health. Another topic that was discussed with some sensitivity was child abuse, with many people at the meeting left feeling shocked and repulsed by the reality of child abuse. Dr Stone quoted a saying "There was no golden age for children" and stated that there is nothing new about abuse. "Always be aware of child abuse. Keep it in mind constantly because it isn't happening to the stranger down the road - it may be very close to home," she said. She urged the group, consisting of teachers, health nurses and other concerned individuals to look for signs of child abuse — such things as scalds from hot water.

burns recognisable as caused by cigarettes — and recognise the lingering physical and mental trauma of sexual abuse. "Physical and mental abuse of children is shocking and it is right that they are protected because they are not capable of protecting themselves," she said. "You must believe what a child says to you because sexual abuse often comes from close friends and frequently, relations or members of the family." Dr Stone covered the various causes of stress which can exist within a family, including tinemployment, bereavement, illness, financial difficulties and marital difficulties that may lead to violent abuse of the child. "If the parents can't look after the child then the community must," she said. "That does not necessarily mean removing the child from the family but instead relieving the stress." Grand-parents and close relatives are often able to assist by removing the child from the immediate family environment for short periods which enables parents to cope. In some areas a "time out" facility is available, where volunteers take on domestic duties creating some spare time for parents. People concerned about suspected cases of child abuse can contact their local Police station, social wel-

fare, or even the child's teacher in some cases. Children and accidents were discussed and how accidents in the home can be prevented. Serious burn injuries to young infants can result from hot baths, boiling jugs, stoves, and even hot drinks. The Education Department is taking steps to improve play-ground facilities in schools and there have even been instances where jungle-gyms have been banned because of concrete surfaces beneath them. 'Let's Play it Safe' and 'Pleasurable Parenting'courses are run through playcentres and kindergartens to teach safety sense to children and adults. People are becoming more aware of the need for child restraints in vehicles and most Plunket centres hire seats and infant restraints to the public. Child health is also undertaken at primary school level with immunisation programmes and hearing and sight tests conducted on a regular basis. A cause of deafness in adults is often what is known as 'gluey ear' infection, which occurs in youngsters and can lead to permanent damage of the ear drum if untreated.