KNOXVILLE, IA – All infants who are seen for well child exams at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics will now be receiving a free “This Side Up” onesie as an educational effort to raise awareness of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and SIDS prevention. Approximately 2,000 infants die from SIDS per year; three to four infant deaths due to SIDS occur in Marion County per year.
Unsafe sleeping environments attribute to most infant SID deaths. The “This Side Up” onesie is one way to educate parents that the safest way for their infant to sleep is on their back.
This idea began in the fall when KHC primary care physician, Dr. Marty Errthum was attending the State Medical Examiner Conference where one of the presentations dealt with infant deaths due to SIDS. State Medical Examiner, Dr. Dennis Klein remarked that if he had a grandchild, he’d have them wear a onesie that says “this side up” on the front to remind parents that infants should always be sleeping on their backs. The lightbulb went on for Errthum. Back at work, she contacted the KHC Auxiliary to see if they’d be interested in purchasing the first 100 “This Side Up” onesies that have begun to be passed out at all KHC well child exams for infants up to 1 year old.
“As a medical examiner and a mom, I can’t imagine how horrible it would be to lose a young child. I would like to do everything I can to prevent such a tragedy from happening,” said Errthum.
If you would like to purchase a “This Side Up” onesie, they are available for sale in the Flutterbye Gift Shop at KHC for $10.
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics is a non-profit community hospital serving Marion County and the surrounding area. Voted as Red Rock’s Best Place to Work, KHC’s highly skilled medical staff and specialists provide personal, compassionate and innovative quality health care to patients. For more information regarding this release and other happenings at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics, call the Public Relations office at (641) 842-1485.