Your health: Kangaroo-style care good for infants

Kangaroo-style care good for infants

A study published in the January issue of Pediatrics suggests a simple, effective, but underutilized, intervention known as Kangaroo Mother Care can reduce infant deaths.

Kangaroo care involves early, continuous and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between newborn and mother, which is believed to help regulate the infant's temperature and breathing rate.

The study, "Kangaroo Mother Care and Neonatal Outcomes: a Meta-analysis," analyzed 124 studies published between 2000 and 2014. It found that among newborns weighing less than 2000 grams (4.4 pounds) who survived to receive kangaroo care, there was a 36 percent reduction in mortality and 47 percent lower risk of sepsis or major infection.

Newborns who received kangaroo care also had higher oxygen levels and head circumference growth, as well as lower pain measures.

In addition, kangaroo care increased the likelihood of exclusive breast-feeding at hospital discharge by 50 percent, which the study's authors said provides additional protective health benefits for the infants.

The researchers said that while kangaroo or skin-to-skin infant care is particularly useful for low-birth weight babies born where medical equipment such as incubators are scarce, the practice is beneficial for all newborns and mothers.

Monitoring seniors in nursing homes

A new law took effect Jan. 1 in Illinois that will allow residents of long-term care facilities and their families to use electronic recording devices to monitor their safety and welfare, reports AARP.

Residents or their families must purchase the camera and pay for installing it. In addition, the resident or resident's guardian and any roommates must consent to its use.

The law prohibits nursing home staff from discriminating against residents who use such equipment and from tampering with it.

The recordings can be used only for civil, criminal or administrative proceedings related to a resident's health, safety or welfare, AARP reports.

"This could help reduce the number of cases of elder abuse and exploitation reported each year in Illinois," said Lori Hendren, AARP associate state director for advocacy and outreach.

To learn more about the law, call (866) 448-3613 toll-free.