As 2011 draws to a close, we would like to wish everyone a joyous Holiday Season and Happy New Year!
It is a privilege serving our local community and to know you. We want to express our gratitude and recognize the hard work and dedication of all our volunteers as well as those continuously and selflessly supporting the Foundation.
Since 2007, we have continued to enhance the lives of those touched by prematurity with our grant giving program, special event fundraisers and Helping Hands for Preemies Campaign.
Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those born too early and too small. We look forward to great things in 2012.
Every year, 543,000 babies - one out of eight - are born prematurely. Making prematurity the leading cause of death among newborns.
As part of the Foundation's Prematurity Awareness Month initiatives, the Foundation is hosting a "Helping Hands for Preemies" campaign throughout the month of November and accepting applications for its "grant giving program" to anh person or family throughout Northwest Indiana (Lake and Porter County) and Cook Counthy of Illinois facing a burden resulting from a premature birth (14 weeks gestation to 36 weeks gestation). Applications and eligibility information is available on-line at http://www.ncsplantfoundation.org/grants.html
The local business community (Advanced Dental - Dyer, Avon, Bottom's Up, Classy Cuts - Lowell, Culver's - Schererville, Engine Room, Providence Bank - Dyer, Spanky's Bar & Grill and White Rhino) is also participating. Participating businesses will offer a handprint cut-out in recognition to individuals who make a donation.
The Foundation is also very excited to have partnered with Culver's in Schererville to support this program and raise prematurity awareness. Culver's in Schererville will include a "Family Day" on November 17th, which 10% of the proceeds (with a meal purchase and submission of a coupon - Family Day coupon link) benefitting the Foundation and enhance this program.
Proceeds from the Helping Hands for Preemies program will enhance our Preemie Care Packages designed to meet the physical and emotional needs of parents of micro-preemie babies in the neo-natal intenstive care units of local hospitals.
Please consider making a donation today and join us to make a difference to those born too early and too small.
Low-birth weight babies are at risk for all sorts of motor and cognitive delays, and researchers have just added autism to the list. A new study from the University of Pennsylvania finds that premature babies weighing less than 4.5 lbs. at birth are five times more likely than babies born at a normal weight to have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Routine screening for ASD is especially critical in light of medical advances that regularly save babies as little as 1 lb. "It's a public health red flag," says Jennifer Pinto-Martin, director of the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and the study's lead author. "We have a wave of these children coming down the pike because neonatal care has improved so dramatically. We are saving more and more babies, and the consequences for their health are going to be profound."
The conclusions, which are published Monday in the journal Pediatrics, are the results of a study that began more than two decades ago. Researchers initially followed 1,105 children who were born in three New Jersey counties between 1984 and 1987, some of whom weighed just a pound at birth.
Researchers evaluated the children at ages 2, 6, 9, 16 and 21, looking each time at different outcomes — behavioral, academic and psychiatric, to name a few. At age 16, they screened the children for autism. What they found was surprising: 117 of the 623 children screened positive, while 506 screened negative.
"It was very high, and we thought we had a great opportunity to really evaluate them for autism with a diagnostic test," says Pinto-Martin, who is also a professor in the School of Nursing at Penn.
That's exactly what Martin did when the preemies turned 21. She was able to catch up with 70 of the 117 who had screened positive and 119 of the 506 who had been negative. It was important to evaluate both groups thoroughly using diagnostic tests because screening tools are not 100% accurate.
They wound up with a total of 14 cases of ASD, which equates to five times the rate of autism reported in the general population. "CDC data says it's about 1% in 8-year-olds, and we found it to be 5% in 21-year-olds," says Pinto-Martin.
Alycia Halladay, director of environmental research for Autism Speaks, said the study was particularly interesting because it focused on older children as opposed to most autism research, which looks at younger kids. "What's interesting is the 16-year-olds showed a very different profile than other children," says Halladay. "These kids, on average, tended to have a higher IQ than a different study that tracked all kids with autism. So maybe low-birthweight children have a different developmental course."
It's possible that children born at low birthweights have a variety of additional disabilities — language disorders, for example, or mental retardation — that have may have masked an ASD diagnosis in the years before autism awareness increased. To make sure cases of autism aren't overlooked, Pinto-Martin advises routine screening for ASD be institutionalized as part of pediatric primary care. At Penn, researchers are working on using trained pediatric nurses in this role.
"There's so much that needs to fit into a pediatric visit that developmental concerns may not get brought up," she says. "The same way we make sure every kid gets screened for hearing, we need to make sure that every kid gets screened for autism spectrum disorders."
Parents, for their part, shouldn't be overly alarmed, but they should be certain to have their child evaluated as they develop. "Five percent is not 50% but if you a suspicion as a parent, you are probably right. Don't take wait-and-see as an answer," says Pinto-Martin.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Kindergartners who were born extremely prematurely are much more likely to have learning problems than their peers who were born at term, even if they do not have overall intellectual impairment, new research shows.
Yet more than a third of children in the study with learning problems were not enrolled in special education programs, Dr. H. Gerry Taylor of the University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland and his colleagues found.
The results underscore the importance of continuing to track these children as they reach preschool and school age, to monitor them for learning difficulties and provide interventions as needed, Dr. Taylor told Reuters Health.
Children born before 28 weeks of pregnancy or weighing less than 1,000 grams now routinely survive, but with a high risk of developmental problems, the researchers write in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
Their study focused on 148 extremely preterm children born at their center from 2001 to 2003 and a comparison group of 111 classmates who were born at term and at normal birth weight.
The preemies had lower average scores on spelling and math tests, the researchers found.
Just over half of them weren't testable or did not reach basic levels in arithmetic, compared to 21 percent of the kindergartners in the comparison group. And teachers were four times as likely to rate the preterm kids as having substandard learning progress in written languages, and seven times as likely to give them substandard learning progress reports in math.
Among the 70 preemies who scored below 85 -- with 85 to 115 considered the "normal" range -- on one or more achievement tests, 26 did not have an individual education plan.
In the extremely preterm kids, delayed development at 20 months was a risk factor for learning problems in kindergarten, Taylor noted. Other risk factors for learning problems in these children included a poorer family and being born before 25 weeks of pregnancy.
"The study was designed to really focus on kindergarten because of the importance of identifying problems early and hopefully intervening to stave off problems that might develop," Taylor said.
He added that performance in kindergarten is the best way to predict future academic success. "I'd prefer that we go back even further and start working with these kids on their developmental skills as preschoolers."
Frequently, Taylor said, health providers stop following preemies by the time they are two or three years old.
"There can occur a kind of disconnect at that point," he added. "Families may not always be aware of the need for continued follow-up as the kids approach school age."
Taylor said one way to ensure continued monitoring for these children is to make sure they have a "medical home." And keeping track of them at school would not be difficult.
"Teachers are actually quite aware of children's learning problems," he explained. "A very effective way to screen would be simply to ask how children are progressing in the curriculum."
SOURCE: http://bit.ly/pk58K8 Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, September, 2011.
HAMMOND IN - SEPT 24 - The Latino Resource Fair is this weekend, Saturday, September 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Washington, Irving Elementary School in Hammond, Indiana.
The Foundaiton will be attending including 40 additional vendors to share their resource information with the community.
For additional information call 219.932.4800 ext. 107 or go to www.hammondhhcc.org.
The longest-running U.S. study of the effects of being born premature is a mixed bag of bad and good news: while the effects of prematurity can persist into adulthood, babies born too early are largely evolving into children and adults who are remarkably resilient.
On the one hand, premature babies struggle more in school and social situations, are less healthy and stand a greater chance of having heart-related problems as adults. But despite that, premature babies are also driven to succeed, a characteristic that can be encouraged by nurturing parents and supportive school environments.
Some of the preliminary findings from the latest phase of research include:
Babies who suffered medical and neurological effects of pre-term birth had up to a 32% increased risk of asthma, vision problems and trouble with fine motor and hand-eye coordination.
Babies born weighing less than 2.2 pounds had worse pulmonary outcomes and higher resting blood pressure than those who were heavier.
Data from children who were age 17 suggests that the pre-term group has poorer health, growth and neurological outcomes than those who were born full term.
Being a boy and a of low birth weight affects breathing when they reach early adulthood.
Even pre-term babies who don't have significant medical or neurological conditions are unlikely to escape some impact of prematurity. They don't seem to have as many friends as healthy, full-term babies. Boys, in particular, struggle more in school.
Learning disabilities, for example, may not manifest themselves until at least second grade. At least 30% of premature infants needed special academic accommodations at some point during their time in school.
Pre-term babies with parents who advocated for them in school also did better academically, socially and physically. Parents who are observant, but not overprotective, are the most effective advocates for their children when it comes to negotiating the health-care and school systems in order to help their child get the services they need.
Being born premature may put kids at a slight disadvantage when it comes to certain developmental milestones, but that doesn't mean they can't make up for them with the proper support.
INDIANAPOLIS - The five-year Indiana State Health Improvement Plan focuses on several health priorities, as well as key improvements that, when achieved, will significantly impact the health in Indiana. Goals and objectives relating to these priorities, as well as suggested strategies comprise the health improvement plan.
The six health priorities are - assuring food safety, reducing healthcare associated infections, and reducing the burden of HIV, sexually transmitted disease's, and Viral Hepatitis, as well as infant mortality, obesity and tobacco. use.
Infant mortality represents what is determined to have significant influence on health and illness in Indiana and align with selected Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) health priorities as identified by Dr. Thomas Frieden. In addition, each is influenced by associated behavioral, environmental, and social contextual factors.
Reduce Infant Mortality by decreasing the percentage of preterm births in Indiana
INFANT MORTALITY RATES IN INDIANA
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Total
7.5
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.6
7.4
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.5
White
6.3
6.8
6.7
6.8
6.5
6.4
6.9
6.9
6.4
6.5
Black
17.1
17.0
15.9
13.6
15.6
15.9
17.1
16.9
18.1
15.7
Rates per 1,000 live births
Source: Indiana State Department of Health, Epiemiology Resource Center,
Data Analysis Team
Infant mortality rates in Indiana are some of the highest in the nation. An increase in overall infant mortality rates in Indiana occurred from 1998 to 2004, with a steady decline more recently from 2004 to 2007. White infant mortality rates demonstrate a similar trend, peaking at a rate of 6.9 infants per 1,000 in 2004 and 2005, with a decline to 6.5 in 2007. Black infant mortality rates, however, continue to reveal significant disparities. While overall black infant mortality rates have decreased from 17.1 to 15.7 over the past decade, the nearly triple rate when compared to white is a significant concern in Indiana. The neonatal period remains paramount with regard to efforts to reduce infant mortality in the state, as a significant number of infant deaths during this period may be prevented with preconception and prenatal care.
In addition, Indiana has one of the highest smoking rates during pregnancy of all states. Likewise, almost 11% of births in Indiana are preterm and nearly 9% of infants born in Indiana are of low birth weight.
When it comes to good, everyone wins. Citgo is giving away $120,000 in Gas Gift Cards in 2011 for their Fueling Good Program.
They'll award 24 charities throughout the year with a gift of a $5,000 Gas Card, and we are registered with the hope of being one of them. But we need your help to win, so please VOTE TODAY! Voting will take place thru August 14th - VOTE ONCE A DAY - to help us give back.
Schererville, IN -June 25, 2011) - Despite the chance for rain, the Racing for Babies fundraiser was a great success! On behalf of the Nathan C. Splant Foundation and the #52 Late Model, we would like to say "THANKYOU"!
A special thanks to Mike Mikuly, Rhonda and Illiana Motor Speedway for hosting the event. In addition, we would also like to extend our appreciation to Karen Miller, Jeremy (track announcer), family, friends, the volunteers, the "Crew", Sponsor a Lap Donations, Hooters of Schererville, Texas Roadhouse (food donation), U-Haul/Chicago Assembly (truck donation) and Five Star Race Car Bodies (race car hood donation).
We would also like to acknowledge and thank the event T-Shirt Sponsors:
Chicago's Finest Ironworks
CommunityHospital
Continental Languages, LLC
In Memory of JImmy Miller
Midwest Orthopedics
Milne Supply
QSC Design
Pick-ups Bar & Grill
Schepel Buick GMC
White Rhino Bar & Grill
We would also like to thank the following businesses for their event donations:
Avon - Sandy Justice Rep, Build-A-Bear, Bulls/White Sox Training Academy, Butterfingers, Cabella's, Casey's General Store, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Wolves, Coldstone Creamery, Culver's of Schererville, Deep River Waterpark, Disney Parks, Easy Clean Car Wash, Express Care, Family Flyer, Fathead, Hands On Car Wash, Holiday World, Hoosier Racing Tires, Indianapolis Colts, Lisa Thomas Salon, Museum of Science & Industry, Park Lane Hobbies, Penske Racing, RaceDriverCards.com, Railcats, Shedd Aquarium, Starbuck's, Strack & Van Til, The Times - Marlene Zloza, Talladega Speedway and Walt’s Food Center.
Join us and find the magic of giving back, as Macy's celebrates a national day of support for the community. The Nathan C. Splant Foundation has been invited to participate in Macy's Shop For A Cause on Saturday, August 27th with a special guest appearance of the Late Model #52 Race Car and Driver at River Oaks Mall located in Calumet City, Illinois.
Shop For A Cause gives you the opportunity to give back to your community and to help the Nathan C. Splant Foundation by purchasing a $5 Shopping Pass for exclusive savings (25% off All Day) in every Macy's store throughout the country and online at www.macys.com on Saturday, August 27th. 100% of the proceeds will benefit premature children and their families through the Foundations grant giving program. Plus, you can enter to win a $500 Macy's Gift Card.
Since 2006, Macy's Shop For A Cause event has partnered with non-profit organization nationwide to raise more than $38 million for their ongoing charitable efforts. This is your chance to be part of this monumental event taking place on Saturday, August 27th.
The 2nd Annual Spanky's Bar & Grill "Ride for Charity" will be held on Sunday, July 24, 2011 through the country roads of Illinois and Indiana. Registration is schedules from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Spanky's, 15213 West 101st Avenue, Dyer, Indiana. All are welcome!
Registration is $25/ person and $10/ passenger and will include meal ticket, commemorative t-shirt and prizes. If you are unable to make the ride, but would like to join us for dinner, a meal ticket can be purchase for $5/ ticket.
T-shirts will be available for additional purchase including a silent auction and a special guest appearance - to be announced.
Proceeds from this event will benefit premature children and their families through the assistance and grant giving program of the Nathan C. Splant Foundation.
If you would like to sponsor or volunteer for this event, please contact Kim at 219.365.5800 or e-mail ksplant@ncsplantfoundation.org.
Please consider a year end gift to the Nathan C. Splant Foundation. Charitable gifts to the Foundation can provide financial support through our grant giving program and a gift of $5 can provide a "halo" sleeper to a premature baby in the NICU of local hospitals.
Schedule of Events
About Speical Kids (ASK) is the place for families and professionals in Indiana to go to "ASK" questions about children with special needs and to access information and resources about a variety of topics such as health insurance, special education, community resources and medical homes. ASK is the connection to family support in the state of Indiana and are committed to helping families access the resources and support they need to ensure the success of their children. For additional information, visit www.aboutspecialkids.org.
This complimentary eBook was created to reassure, encourage and support the Parents and their Families who hold the littlest hands of the nearly 400,000 newborn babies admitted each year to intensive care nurseries or neonatal intensive care units. Follow the links to get your copy of this Free eBook.
CaringBridge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free websites that connect family and friends during a serious health event, care and recovery (i.e. premtaure birth and other neonatal-related conditions).
A CaringBridge website is personal, private and available 24/7. It keeps family and friends informed by adding health updates and photos to share their story while visitors leave messages of love and support in their guestbook.
The local business community (Advanced Dental - Dyer, Avon, Bottom's Up, Classy Cuts - Lowell, Culver's - Schererville, Engine Room, Providence Bank - Dyer, Spanky's Bar & Grill and White Rhino) is also participating. Participating businesses will offer a handprint cut-out in recognition to individuals who make a donation.
Culver's in Schererville will include a "Family Day" on November 17th, which 10% of the proceeds (with a meal purchase and submission of a coupon - Family Day coupon link) benefitting the Foundation and enhance this program. 
HAMMOND IN - SEPT 24 - The Latino Resource Fair is this weekend, Saturday, September 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Washington, Irving Elementary School in Hammond, Indiana.
having heart-related problems as adults. But despite that, premature babies are also driven to succeed, a characteristic that can be encouraged by nurturing parents and supportive school environments.
Join us and find the magic of giving back, as Macy's celebrates a national day of support for the community. The Nathan C. Splant Foundation has been invited to participate in Macy's Shop For A Cause on Saturday, August 27th with a special guest appearance of the Late Model #52 Race Car and Driver at River Oaks Mall located in Calumet City, Illinois.
