Our Lives Computer Creates MaskFor Facial Burns (NAPSA)—Military technology is now being used to help children. At Shriners Hospital in Boston, it helps make models of the faces of children with facial burns. These “pressure” facemasks are used to help reduce the height of scars and makethe scars supple. This is important for functions such as eating and oral hygiene, and for cosmetic reasons. A laser safely scans the contours of a burned child’s face. The process used to take about 30 minutes, during which the patient had to remain still. According to Mary Jo Baryza, director of Therapeutic Services, young children and infants often needed to be anesthetized to keep them still while the mold materials set, usually requiring a trip to the operating room. “The new computerized system requires about 15 seconds, is totally non-invasive and does not require anesthesia,” she said. Masks, which can be ready in as little as two days, fit better and are more comfortable, making patients much more likely to wear them as prescribed. For more information on Shriners’ network of 22 hospitals that provide free treatmentto children with orthopaedic problems, burns and spinal cord injuries, write to: Shriners International Headquarters, Public Relations Dept., 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607, or visit the Web site at www.shrinershq.org. If you know a child Shriners can help, call 1-800-237-5055 in the United States or 1-800-3617256 in Canada. Shriners Hospitals provide free treatment to children under age 18 without regard to race, religion or relationship to a Shriner.
