How to install a car seat properly
July 19, 2010
Sioux Center Medical Clinic employee, Jessica Sneller, helps to properly install a car seat
As an OB nurse with the Sioux Center Community Hospital & Health Center Avera, I take great pride in helping educate parents about their new baby. In my years of experience, I have seen many new and even experienced parents struggle to understand how to correctly install their car seats. In fact in this year’s car seat safety check, we found an 84 percent misuse rate. Here are a few tips to keep in mind that will help keep your little miracle safe on the road:
• Make sure your car seat is the right size for your child.
• Do not buy a secondhand car seat because you don’t know if it has been in an accident.
• Infant seats should always face backward.
• Most Car Seats only have a six-year life span unless otherwise printed on the car seat. Some of the seats that can go from forward facing with harness to belt positioning booster to backless boosters have a 9-year life span.
• Your car seat should have a five point harness that fits snugly.
• A properly installed car seat base will not move more than an inch in either direction.
• The carrier handle should always be lowered during drives unless stated differently in the car seat manual. Toys should not dangle from the carrier handle because the toys have not been crash tested.
Marcia Van Voorst, LPN, Certified Car Seat Technician
Encourage healthy habits early to prevent childhood obesity
June 4, 2010
First, the bad news: Childhood obesity is a growing health threat for today’s kids. The good news? Parents have more influence than anyone in preventing or addressing this problem.
Over the past 25 years, incidence of childhood obesity among children ages 6 to 19 has grown from around 5% to 17%, according to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even among preschoolers, obesity has increased from 5% to around 12%.
Dr. M. Yvonne Rayborn, family practitioner with Sioux Center Medical Clinic said several factors are to blame, including bigger portions of high-fat, high-sugar foods coupled with less outdoor play and more time in front of the TV or computer screen. (more…)
Body Positions during Feeding Time
May 19, 2010
As a physical therapist with the Sioux Center Community Hospital & Health Center Avera, and as a mother, myself, I know there are many things to think about with a new baby. Here are some important body positioning tips to remember to help promote the normal development of your little miracle. (more…)
Wee Care ~ Baby Fair
April 8, 2010
The Sioux Center Community Hospital & Health Center Avera will be hosting the second annual Baby Fair on Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Center Mall, Sioux Center. This FREE event is open to anyone – parents, grandparents, and anyone looking for a fun Saturday activity.
- Register to win prizes, including an electric breast pump, a car seat, and a baby stroller
- Meet our family care physicians, nurse midwife, practitioners and nurses
- Visit booths offering baby products and information
- Free refreshments will be provided
We Deliver Miracles (Video)
March 20, 2010
Top Ten Reasons to Have Your Baby in Sioux Center
February 20, 2010
We know there are many important decisions to make when you’re expecting a baby. But one of the most important decisions is where your baby will be born. We’ve put together a list of what we think are the top ten reasons why you should have your baby at Sioux Center Community Hospital & Health Center Avera.
- Professional OB Staff of doctors, nurse midwife, nurse educators, and lactation educators.
- 39 nurses with over 570 years of OB experience.
- One to one nursing care for each laboring mother.
- Infant security system for your baby’s safety.
- Sleepers and hand knit caps to keep your baby warm and comfortable.
- Latest in medical technology and imaging.
- Free meals and overnight accommodations for spouse or significant other.
- Newly decorated rooms with home-like amenities including whirlpool tubs, flat screen cable TV with VCR/DVD, Wireless internet service, laptop computers, and in-room refrigerator with snacks.
- Certified car seat technicians on staff.
- Convenient, caring service close to home.
What reasons are most important to you when choosing your hospital?
Moving Symmetrically
February 19, 2010
As a Physical Therapist with the Sioux Center Community Hospital & Health Center Avera, I work on many women who experience back pain during pregnancy. It is important to keep your left and right sides of your back and pelvis moving together. As your baby grows, give your back a little extra attention.
