OCTOBER 26 • 2023 | 41 J N SIDS deaths occur between midnight and 6 a.m. Ironically, while sleeping in the same room often results in less sleep for both parents and babies, the ability for babies to wake easily can fur- ther reduce risk. In addition, research shows that breastfeeding can decrease SIDS risk by as much as 50%. While the reasons aren’t entirely clear, babies who are breastfed or fed expressed breast milk have a lower risk than babies never fed breast milk. Yet one of the most surpris- ing benefits that new studies are discovering stems from pacifier use after breastfeed- ing, which further reduces SIDS risk. Maintaining a cool sleep environment and preventing babies from overheating (such as by dressing them in the appropriate amount of layers) significantly drops SIDS risk. A safe rule of thumb is to dress an infant in one more layer than you would be com- fortable in. Gendelman says babies also shouldn’t be swaddled after they begin rolling over, which generally occurs between two-to-three months of age. If swaddled, they may roll over and be unable to roll over again onto their back, which can cause SIDS. SIDS RISKS While SIDS can occur at any time during the first year of a baby’s life, most SIDS deaths occur in babies who are between one and four months of age. Co-sleeping can greatly increase SIDS risk, as can smoking or using drugs or alcohol (both in the mother and father). While genetic factors don’t play a major role in SIDS risk, Gendelman says a prior history of SIDS in the family may lead to an increased risk. Premature birth can also lead to a higher risk level. Although SIDS risk still exists, Gendelman, a lifelong Temple Israel member and Tamarack Camps supporter, says the U.S. has come a long way in reducing SIDS deaths since the initial 1994 “Back to Sleep” campaign — and there’s only more progress to be made. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month is a great time to review sleep guidelines, but it’s even more important to brush up on guidelines year-round, as more and more research discovers new SIDS preven- tion strategies. For more information on SIDS and safe sleep practices, visit www.cdc. gov/sids/index.htm. DANIEL SHERBERT, M.D. F.A.C.S. Certifi ed by The American Board of Surgery, The American Board of Plastic Surgery & Fellowship Trained in Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery Specializing in Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery W est Maple Plastic Surgery (248) 865-6400 5807 W. Maple • Suite 177 • West Bloomfi eld Awaken the Beauty Within... 5829 Maple Rd. Ste. 129 West Bloomf eld, MI 48322 248.757.2503 www.maplepharmacyrx.com FREE DELIVERY MAKE MAPLE PHARMACY… YOUR PHARMACY! MAKE MAPLE PHARMACY… YOUR PHARMACY! OUR MISSION IS TO BRING SERVICE BACK TO PHARMACY FOR A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER YOU!! 10% SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT Not Valid on Prescriptions Maple Pharmacy offers: • Low Price Medications • 90 Day Supplies • Durable Medical Equipment • Diabetic Supplies • Natural Supplements, Vitamins and Nutraceuticals • Compounding bio-identical hormones, pain creams & other medications • Blister Packaging Available MAPLE MAPLE PHARMACY PHARMACY IMMUNIZATIONS AND SHINGLES SHOTS AVAILABLE www.maplepharmacyrx.com Now offering the COVID Vaccine!