Transcript Document

Mission
The Junior League of Erie is an organization of
women committed to promoting voluntarism
and to improving the community through the
effective action and leadership of trained
volunteers. Our purpose is exclusively
educational and charitable.
The Problem:
(1) Plagiocephaly
(2) Brachycephaly
(3) Torticollis
Incidence
• Incidence has increased dramatically since AAP “Back
to Sleep” Campaign
– Incidence rates prior to campaign 0.33% (1 in 300)
• No consensus has been reached on current incidence
rates, as results of studies vary depending on sensitivity
of criteria used
– At least 1.6% (1 in 60)
– Up to 48% of otherwise healthy infants
– 56% of twins
Associated Problems
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High risk for learning delays and developmental delays
Increased need for special services when reach school age
Orthodontic and TMJ
Scoliosis
Visual disturbances
Auditory problems
Psychological/social issues
Risk Factors
Risk Factors at Birth
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Male gender
First born birth rank
Brachycephalic (naturally wider head than deeper head shape at birth)
Multiple births
Prevention
• Need for additional education
• Key Educational Points
– Alternate side of head when sleeping (stress AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines)
– Supervised tummy time (at least 3 times per day, best practice is 50% of
awake time)
– Use car seats only as vehicle safety seats
– Avoid extended use of swings and other equipment
– Alternate feeding position
Treatment
• Newborns (2 weeks to 2 months)
– Prevention and education
• Infants (2 months to 6 months)
– Screening at 2 or 3 month well-visit
– Repositioning and stretching treatments
• Infants (6 months to 1 year)
– Repositioning, stretching, movement patterns
– Helmet treatment if severe
• Older Infants (over 1 year)
– Window for treatment rapidly closes
Campaign Goals
• Increase parent and caretaker awareness
• Increase medical acceptance within Erie county
• Increase, during the first year, the overall number of infants ages
0-12 months being diagnosed and treated for the condition
• Decrease, during the second year, the overall number of infants
being diagnosed with and treated for the condition
• Decrease, during the second year, age at which infants with the
condition are referred to Early Intervention
Target Audience
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Parents
Daycare workers
Other caretakers
Medical community
Campaign
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Poster
Fact Cards
Video
Website
Screening Clinic
Play and Learn Day
Educational seminars to
daycares and medical professionals
www.flatheadprevention.org
Outcomes
• 30% increase in number of infants with visible head
flattening treated by Early Intervention Services in Erie
County from 1st quarter 2008 (pre-campaign) to 2nd
quarter of 2008 (first three months of campaign).
• One local company providing helmets reports they
provided 37 helmets for infants in 2007, but year-todate 2008 they are at over 90 helmets for Erie County
infants.