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by Kristie Hayes

On May 6th Mrs. Schweers' Child Development class had the privilege of hearing a presentation given by Kim Neemeyer from the Northeast Nebraska Child Advocacy Center.  Kim is a Prevention Specialist and presented to the class on Shaken Baby Syndrome.  The students were educated on what SBS is and is not.  Kim shared alarming statistics such as it's estimated that somewhere between 1,400 and 10,000 cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome occur each year in the United States alone and that 25 percent of all shaken babies die from their injuries.  The remaining 75% can suffer severe brain damage.  Kim brought a Shaken Baby Syndrome Simulator to demonstrate the harm that can be done by shaking a baby.  The simulation begins with the cries of an inconsolable infant.  Accelerometers inside the head measure the force on the brain when shaken.  Corresponding LED lights show the damage to specific areas of the brain in real time.  The simulator's cries stop abruptly, for all the wrong reasons.  Nolan Block demonstrated by "shaking" the simulator and within a few seconds the LED lights were flashing indicating damage had been done.  Kim's most important message is that Shaken Baby Syndrom (SBS) is Preventable!  It's important to educate everyone who cares for your child about SBS, the injuries, and how to manage their frustration, stress, and anger.  Remember, just one thoughtless shake can cause permanent brain damage or death.

The students in Mrs. Schweers' Child Development class are as follows:

Standing back row:  Kelsey Beacom, Zach Brewer, Hannah Hohenstein, Jake Carlson, Andrew Curry, Telisha Mari (holding the simulator), Nolan Block, Chris Dohma, Heather Husen, Jeni Olsen, Gary Markworth

Sitting: Kim Neemeyer, Prevention Specialist and her assistant from the Northeast Nebraska Child Advocacy Center