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Gwen Edelstein
California SIDS Program Director

The California SIDS Program was developed to help the many individuals affected by a SIDS death. Its mission is to: help reduce the emotional suffering of SIDS families/caregivers; improve the knowledge/skills of people who interact with SIDS families; increase public awareness about SIDS and ways to lower the risk of SIDS; and encourage medical research.

Favorites

Web site:	www.nordstrom.com (It’s great to shop without leaving the house.)
Software:	Word Perfect
Technogadget:	Cellular phone (What a lifesaver.)
Movie:	Gone With the Wind
Book:	Don’t sweat the small stuff…and it’s all small stuff. (Great when I need an attitude adjustment.)
Cd:	Kenny G, The Moment

What do you like best about your job?

The nurse in me enjoys knowing I’ve made a difference to those affected by the tragedy of SIDS. The administrator part of me loves the challenge of program design/development and collaboration.

What is the single most important thing anyone can do to prevent a SIDS death?

Although SIDS cannot be prevented or predicted, the best way to lower an infant’s risk of dying from SIDS is to place a baby to sleep on his/her back.

What does the latest research show related to SIDS?

Current research has identified “risk factors” that place infants in a vulnerable situation. They include maternal factors such as cigarette smoking, substance abuse, late or no prenatal care, lower socioeconomic status, and teenaged and older mothers. Infant risk factors include pre-term, low birth weight, multiple gestations, and prone sleeping.

Some researchers believe that SIDS victims were not normal but that they had a pre-existing abnormality, which predisposed them to die (i.e.: possibly related to the brain stem). Other researchers believe that SIDS can happen to any infant and is the result of interaction between development, infant physiology and environmental factors.

Just by modifying the environment such as placing an infant to sleep on his/her back on a flat firm surface, in a smoke-free environment, at a comfortable room temperature with light clothing, we can substantially reduce a baby’s chance of dying of SIDS.

More research is needed however regarding “modifiable” risk factors to provide a better understanding of SIDS and the clues to its cause(s).

How are you using technology to help educate the public about SIDS?

We are working towards the design and development of a California SIDS Program web site. (It’s been a slow process.) In a collaborative partnership with the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division, we have placed California SIDS Program educational materials on their web site for access by childcare providers. We often refer requests to other national, state and local SIDS web sites. Requests for information from individuals or agencies are also received and responded to via email.

How do you stay current in technology?

I rely on the expertise/knowledge of other California SIDS Program staff to make recommendations regarding technology needs and provide updates on current technological advances. I also use the Internet, subscribe to trade journals, rely on the expertise of subcontractors and staff, and attend workshops/training programs.

How do you unwind and relax?

I like to read “whodunits” (mystery) books and also enjoy walks along the American River. Quiet solitude is great for reflection and rejuvenation.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I’d like to say I’ll be out of a job within five years because researchers have discovered how to prevent SIDS. But, if that wish doesn’t happen, more than likely you’ll find me still directing the California SIDS Program but I’ll be five years closer to retirement.

What is your personal philosophy?

My philosophy regarding work is that anything worth doing is worth doing well. My personal philosophy regarding life is summed up by a favorite Emerson quote, “we find in life exactly what we put into it.”