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The WIC and Case Management staff of the Henry and Stark County Health
Departments in conjunction with the March of Dimes and the National Birth
Defects Prevention Network announce that January has been designated as
National Birth Defects Prevention Month. In accordance with this important
health observance, the WIC and Case Management staff is alerting the general
public to take positive steps to reduce the risk of congenital heart
defects. Congenital health defects are one of the most common types of
birth defects and some forms may be preventable though healthy life style
choices and medical interventions before and during pregnancy.
"Congenital heart defects include abnormalities of the heart that are
present at birth. Some have only a minor and brief effect on a baby's
health and some have very serious and life-long effects. Nearly 40,000
cases (approximately 1 in 110 live births) are reported annually in the US,"
says Heather Aldred, RN Health Department WIC/Case Management nurse.
"Public awareness, accurate diagnosis, and expert and early medical care are
all essential for adequate prevention and management of these all too common
and deadly conditions."
The heart forms in the early weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman
realizes she is pregnant. Diet, life-style choices, factors in environment,
heart conditions and medications all can play a role in preventing or
causing congenital heart defects.
Aldred adds, "Small steps like visiting a health care provider before
pregnancy and taking a multivitamin everyday can make a big difference.
Also, women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant can take control of
their health to improve their chance of a healthy pregnancy. Good habits
include regular physical activity, about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, or
more. Healthy eating means having a balanced diet, low in fats, with at
least 5 or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables. A woman should
talk to her healthcare provider about making healthy changes for a
successful pregnancy."
For more information on the Health Department WIC and Case Management
services call the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 (Henry) or (309)
852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us
on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments
