News Room - Press Releases

News Release
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
Lynne Zultanky,
Director Corporate Communications and Public Relations
Office:  757-889-5413
Pager: 757-680-3296
lynn_zultanky@bshsi.com

(Newport News, Va. – June 12, 2006) – Mary Immaculate Hospital will offer a free mini safety school designed for expectant parents beginning in August.  The school will consist of four different sessions focusing on safety/security of babies.  Classes are free but registration is required, call 886-6700 for dates and times.

“This seminar format allows pregnant women and their partners multiple opportunities throughout their pregnancy to participate in the series,” said Karen Thomas, RN, director of Women’s Services at Mary Immaculate Hospital.  “As a new parent your primary focus is to protect your little miracle.  These classes have been carefully designed to address the needs’ of new parents.  The goal of this mini safety school is to help make your baby’s homecoming a smooth transition for everyone.”

Participants can attend a single class in the series or the entire four-week session.  The mini safety school will be held on consecutive Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

      The summer mini safety school begins at Mary Immaculate Hospital on Thursday, August 10, 2006, with a class on pets called, “Introducing your Baby to your Furry Baby.”  An experienced veterinarian and mother of two boys, ages three and one, will address important topics such as how to introduce your pet to the new baby; identifying aggressive vs. protective behaviors in animals; protecting your animal from the toddler; and more.

            The following week, Thursday, August 17, 2006, finances will be the topic of discussion with, “Show Me the Money! Preparing Financially for your New Baby.” During this workshop, at Mary Immaculate Hospital, expectant parents will learn how having a baby can affect your income and expenses; maternity/paternity leave; health insurance – coverage for your new little one; the importance of savings and how-to; and long-term disability of life insurance coverage.

            The third session, Thursday, August 24, 2006, is called “Choosing Your Baby’s Care Team – Selecting Quality Childcare.” The workshop will also take place at Mary Immaculate Hospital and will help parents become educated consumers by addressing topics such as: how to choose quality day care, identifying different types of child care settings (licensed and unlicensed home settings, centers), what to observe during your visit (safe, clean adequate space, age appropriate equipment and toys), questions to ask the provider, teacher/workers’ qualifications, emergency protocol, and much more.

            The final session, Thursday, August 31, 2006, “Safety First: Car Seats and Outlets and Bumpers … Oh, My!,” will be held at Babies R Us at 12153 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News.  This workshop will include car seat safety, baby proofing your home, identifying age appropriate toys, SIDS awareness and much more.  Expectant parents will learn the features of a variety of safety items and go over a list of developmentally, age-appropriate toys and provide suggestions for your in-home emergency kit. 

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Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System is a leading health care organization known for providing care for the whole person with grace and clinical distinction. Bon Secours brings together a network of hospitals, primary care practices, ambulatory care sites and continuing care facilities to provide quality health care services to the residents of Hampton Roads. Bon Secours, which employs more than 4,500, includes: Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Mary Immaculate Hospital, Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View, Bon Secours Maryview Nursing Care Center and St. Francis Nursing Center.