ts - -- -- -- -- -- -- ---- -------- I tr A. ec. So. "Sent I. . 16 - PORT PERRY "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2000 Region ofters info on SIDS through toll-free line Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) refers to the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant under a year old. No one knows how to prevent SIDS, but according to Durham Region Health Department, the latest research shows that there are a number of suggestions to help make your baby safer dur- ing sleep. "SIDS is a devastating experience," said Durham Region Health Department Public Health Nurse Joanna Lau. "According to Health Canada, each week three babies in Canada die of SIDS. Following simple measures can help families reduce this risk." Health Canada's publication "Back to Sleep" explains that parents should avoid having soft mattresses, fluffy pillows, comforters, stuffed toys, plastic mattress wrap- ping and bumper pads in a baby's crib. Such items could VE'VE ADDED A NEW EDGE THE NEW 2000 FORD TAURUS SE "Tis: prevent proper air circulation around a baby's face. "While infants need warmth and protection, babies should not become too hot as this can affect breathing," explained Ms Lau. To help prevent overheating of infants, the Health Department recommends that babies should be dressed and covered with a lightweight blanket, even if the baby is sick. New research indicates that a healthy baby should be placed on their back, on a firm flat surface for good air and heat flow. In the past, it was recommended that a baby be placed on their side or stomach while sleeping. "Although some parents are concerned about their baby choking if they sleep on their back," explains Ms Lau, "current research shows that a baby is not at increased risk of chok- ing when sleeping on their back." In addition to these recommendations, Health Taurus 2000 has earned five stars -- the highest possible U.S. Government crash test rating - for both driver and front passenger - two years in a row.! LEASE FOR (O13 V1 {@ a VARY SO] 4 Performance Features: ° 16" Aluminum ~ 5-Spoke Wheels ¢ Increased Horsepower and * 0. hdd Torque * Improved Steering & Handling |) 0 Comfort Features: * Power Drivers' Seat : - : * Heated Mirrors ¢ Light Group * 5-Passenger "= & ; 33 : Seating with Floor Shift Peace-of-Mind id ; - Features: * Power Adjustable Pedals Anti- Lock Brakes e Advanced Restraint System J PER MONTH/36 MONTH LEASE 48 MONTH * SecuriLock™ Anti-Theft Dual'stage 'Smart' 3 Down Paymen' Freight 3.993 nd 1350 Security Deposit FINANCING Airbags * Child Friendly Trunk Release System Feb. 1st - March 18th, 2000 and get your choice of:} - Payment Required. $0.08/km charge over 60,000 km for 36 months. $11,776.60 Optional Buyback. Applicable Taxes, Ucence, insurance and Administration Fees Extra. Ford Taurus WWW. com wise "Lease an in-stock new 2000 Taurus SE Sedan from Ford Credit to qualified retail lessees. on approved credit. Total lease obligation is $14.399/514.487/$14580. **2 9% purchase financing Jvailable on new 2000 Taurus for a maximum of 48 months on approved credit. £9 $25,000 financed at 2 9% annual percentage rate for 48 months, monthly payment is $552 20, cost of borrowing i $1,505 60, and total to be repaid is $26,505 60. Down payment of equivalent trade may be = jrequired. Financing offer does At apply to licence and insurance fees Dealer may sell or lease for less Some conditions apply Offers may change without notice Limited time offers Offers are exclusive. Offers cannot be combined with any other offers. See dealers for detail. Ski/Snowboard Snowshoe offer only avaiable on in-stock new 2000 Taurus that are delivered 10 and received by the purchaser/lessor on or before March 18th. 2000 Offer available at participating dealers only Bindings not included ' The highest frontal impact rating for both the driver and front passenger in US. government National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www nhtsa com) testing Ontano FDA PO Box 2000, Oakville. Ontario 16) SE4 Department officials also stress the importance of provid- ing a smoke and drug free environment for a baby. "Maintaining a smoke and drug free home may also help reduce the risk of SIDS," help Ms Lau. "The use of these substances should also be avoided by mothers while breastfeeding." Durham Region Health Department public health nurs- es are available to answer questions and concerns from parents regarding SIDS and often speak with parents dur- ing home visits, telephone calls or at parenting support groups offered by the Health Department, such as Information Babyville. If you have any questions or con- cerns about your baby and SIDS, contact the Durham Region Health Connection Line at (905) 723-8521 or 1-800- 841-2729, ext. 2158. Parents can also call 1-800-END-SIDS or go online at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/childhood-youth. New program here will address fatherhood issues A new program, called Re:Membering Fatherhood, funded as a demonstration project by the Counselling Foundation of Canada, has arrived in Durham Region. This eight-session group program, that was developed under the auspices of The Research Institate "at Lakeridge Health Corporation, is designed to assist men in becoming the kind of father they always want- ed to be. The starting point for this innovative program, created for men by men, is the idea that fathers have a valuable, nurtur- ing role to play in the lives of their children. Acceptance of this pow- erful idea is a relatively recent event and many men find themselves fac- ing the role of fatherhood with little understanding, background or support for how to approach this most important of life tasks for a man. It is precisely to fill this gap in knowledge and social support for all fathers that the program was developed. The program seeks to reach out and actively support men who are fac- ing two conditions that pose major challenges for fathers wishing to maintain a positive rela- tionship with their chil- dren - separation/divorce and substance abuse. Over the eight, two- hour sessions partici- pants will explore a range of issues that affect their ability to father. Topics include the impact of var- ious external influences (work, family, media, society), the expecta- tions of our partners, how we were fathered, stereo- types, education, legal system, and our own beliefs. It is expected that by the end of the program, participants will have greater confidence in their abilities as fathers, and will possess a greater personal under- standing of what father- hood means to them." Twelve groups will be run across Durham Region, beginning late spring 2000. Four groups will be offered to fathers in the community who want to enhance their fathering experience. Four groups will be offered to fathers seeking to renew their relation- ship with their children following separation or divorce. Another four groups will be offered to fathers seeking to rebuild their relationship with their children that may have been affected by their substance abuse. The program will occur on consecutive weekday evenings, i.e. every Tuesday night for eight weeks. While there is no cost for participants, the pro- gram has been funded to evaluate its effective- ness. This means that participants will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires at three different times over the course of the program. ) All information is con- fidential. For more information contact Robin Gearing, M.S.W, C.S.W. or Geordie Colvin in Oshawa: Tel: (905) 721-9989; Fax: 905- 436-1569 or email: father- hood@on.aibn.com.