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NASHVILLE, Tenn. --** The Tennessee Titans are supporting Saint Thomas Health's efforts to promote safe sleep to new parents during SIDS Awareness Month in October.  

Defensive linemen Karl Klug, DaQuan Jones and Kamerion Wimbley joined Gayle Webster, wife of Titans executive vice president and GM Ruston Webster at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital, visiting patients and welcoming new babies to their families.

More than 4,500 infant deaths occur each year due to numerous factors, including accidental suffocation and heart malfunctions, and are broadly categorized as Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths, or SUIDS.  Some deaths can't be explained after investigation and are classified as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.   

It is recommended to avoid overstuffed bedding, loose bedding, bumper pads and soft toys in cribs, which are linked to SUIDS. Some studies have shown than sharing a bed with an infant increased the risk of SIDS or suffocation, so instead parents should share a room which has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 percent.  Remember the ABC's of safe sleep.  Infants should sleep Alone, on their Backs and in a Crib.

"The Tennessee Titans organization has been a great partner to Saint Thomas Health during the SIDS Awareness Month and the players bring so much excitement to proud new parents when they present them with a hospital approved swaddle for their newborns during their visit," said Jeff Cook, Director of Legal and Contracts of Saint Thomas Health.

 "Our organization has been a long time financial supporter to Saint Thomas Hospital's Birthing Center through the Titans Foundation," said Thomas S. Smith, Titans president and chief executive officer.

Saint Thomas Health delivers approximately 10,000 newborns each year and educates new parents about safe sleep practices for babies. Their mission is focused on improving the overall health in communities.

For more information, visit the Saint Thomas website at www.sths.com or call (615) 284-BABY.