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More newborns are suffocating while sleeping unsafely, Pittsburgh nonprofit says

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More newborns are suffocating while sleeping unsafely, Pittsburgh nonprofit says


Having a baby is a life-changing experience and can come with parenting advice from just about everyone, even on how to best get your baby to sleep. There’s one subject few should be talking about but should. 

“Truly, the most dangerous thing your baby does during its first year of life is sleep,” said Devon George, the program officer for Cribs for Kids, a nonprofit that educates about the dangers of unsafe sleep environments for babies.   

If your baby is not sleeping in a safe space, you could be putting them at risk.

“It is a death that we don’t talk about, so people don’t think it’s gonna happen, but it is happening,” George said. 

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UPMC Magee has been a part of the program for about 10 years, and over that time has helped parents learn the ABCDs of safe sleep: Baby is “alone,” on its “back,” in a “clean” crib, away from “danger.”

“Parents need to know that an adult bed is always too soft and a baby should never be placed on an adult bed,” said Vivian Petticord, the director of Women’s Health Service Line at UPMC. 

The thing is, despite the guidelines, George says we’re seeing an increase of newborns suffocating while sleeping nationally and locally.

“Our numbers in Allegheny County are looking like they did like 20 years ago,” George said. 

Those numbers, according to the Allegheny County Health Department in 2008, were around 13 deaths a year. Social media, George says, is one reason why we’re seeing the numbers go up.

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“Images that show unsafe sleep and encourage that behavior, right? Like if you find your right page and group to follow, then it gives you permission to do that,” he says. 

“And I think it’s really important to have that conversation with your pediatrician. You know, they can be helpful,” Petticord said. 

Because nothing is more important than the health and safety of your baby.

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Obituary for Marilyn Sue Heitz

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Obituary for Marilyn Sue Heitz


Marilyn Sue Heitz, 69, a resident of Celebration Villa Assisted Living in Topeka, Kansas, passed away December 23, 2025 at the KU Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas.

Marilyn was born April 10, 1956 to Joe and Hazel (Waggoner) Heitz in Pittsburg, Kansas. She attended public school in Pittsburg and graduated from Pittsburg High School and then from Pittsburg State University with a degree in Education. Marilyn worked for K.W. Brock Directories for many years in Pittsburg and then moved to Topeka, Kansas as an Education and Training Specialist for Valeo Behavioral Health Care and then at the Topeka Correctional Facility.

Marilyn is survived by her brother, Mark Heitz (Lisa) of Topeka, Kansas; her sister Carol Murphy of Leavenworth, Kansas; Nephews, Kyle Murphy (Bridget) of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Kristopher Murphy (Barb) of Topeka, Kansas; Nieces, Kara Heitz (David Sylvester) of Mission Hills, Kansas; Dr. Kim Murphy of Moline, Illinois and Kristina Murphy of West Liberty, Iowa; Great Nephews and Nieces; Joe and Kendall Murphy; Cabot and Claudia Sylvester; and Hazel and Thomas Murphy. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation and burial have taken place and a Graveside Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Pittsburg, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests memorials be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, Inc., 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, Kansas 66604 and can also be left in care of Brenner Mortuary. Friends and family may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com .” target=”_blank”>http://www.brennermortuary.com/>. Services are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. Fourth Street, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762

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Pittsburgh Presbytery fundraiser will eliminate medical debt for thousands across Allegheny County

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Pittsburgh Presbytery fundraiser will eliminate medical debt for thousands across Allegheny County






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Pittsburgh Steelers get injury updates on five players, including ascending pass rusher

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Pittsburgh Steelers get injury updates on five players, including ascending pass rusher


The Pittsburgh Steelers got some injury updates on Tuesday courtesy of head coach Mike Tomlin, with the most promising one being that pass rusher Nick Herbig should return this week against the Cleveland Browns.

Herbig suffered a hamstring injury against the Miami Dolphins and practiced late last week but could not make the final push to suit up against the Lions.

Meanwhile, four other players are working through soft tissue injuries as well. Cornerback James Pierre has a calf issue that has kept him out of the last two games, but he went through a workout on Tuesday and that could get him back on the practice field.

Tomlin seemed optimistic that Pierre would return to practice this week. He did not give the same level of optimism to guard Isaac Seumalo, who is still battling through a triceps injury.

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Seumalo missed last week after not practicing, and could be out for another game if he can not practice. Spencer Anderson, his backup, will be limited after getting banged-up against the Lions.

Wide receiver Calvin Austin III has a hamstring strain that Tomlin said will leave as questionable this week, and will likely limit him early in the practice week. The same can be said for slot cornerback Brandin Echols, who is battling a groin injury.



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